News · Effective January 1, 2027
Two detached ADUs: what changes in 2027
California is opening another option for homeowners who want more than one backyard home.
Read article : Two detached ADUs: what changes in 2027 →PrepareToBuild.com · Blog
News & real project stories
Follow the rules that affect your project. Learn from construction cases before choosing who to hire.
News · Effective January 1, 2026
Building in 2026? Start with the current California codes
An older design or estimate may need another look before you submit it for approval.
Read article : Building in 2026? Start with the current California codes →
News · Permit applications from January 1, 2026
New energy standards affect homes and restaurant projects
Heating, ventilation, and equipment choices belong in the design conversation early.
Read article : New energy standards affect homes and restaurant projects →
News · Effective January 1, 2026
Restaurant patios get more time under AB 592
Some temporary outdoor alcohol-service approvals can continue longer, but a new patio still needs its own approval path.
Read article : Restaurant patios get more time under AB 592 →News · Effective January 1, 2025
The $1,000 minor-work rule has important limits
A small price does not automatically mean a contractor can work without a California license.
Read article : The $1,000 minor-work rule has important limits →Cases · CSLB report: Spring 2025
A Santa Rosa ADU stopped after $253,500 in payments
The project shows why an owner needs to track completed work as carefully as money paid.
Read article : A Santa Rosa ADU stopped after $253,500 in payments →Cases · CSLB report: June 2025
Five loans, released funds, and an ADU that never started
A San Diego County case highlights the gap between financing approval and construction progress.
Read article : Five loans, released funds, and an ADU that never started →Cases · CSLB report: 2025 activities
The license number did not belong to the contractor
A $220,000 remodeling contract illustrates why checking a number alone is not enough.
Read article : The license number did not belong to the contractor →Cases · CSLB report: March 2026
Landscaping payments collected, projects abandoned
A repeat-offender case shows why recent checks matter, even when someone has worked locally before.
Read article : Landscaping payments collected, projects abandoned →Cases · District Attorney update: February 19, 2026
An urgent roof repair became a costly scam
A convincing website and an alarming doorstep pitch were part of a fraud targeting older homeowners.
Read article : An urgent roof repair became a costly scam →