Frequently Asked Questions

38 questions about YOR Construction & Investments, Inc..

How to size an AC unit?

Manual J calculation required by CA law. Oversizing by >15% voids warranties and increases humidity.

Do I need to live on-site with an ADU?

Not in CA since 2020 (SB-13). ADUs can be rented separately.

What's the first step in remodeling?

Measure space and check CA plumbing codes. We provide free 3D designs.

How long until concrete is walkable?

24 hours for foot traffic, 7 days for vehicles. CA weather may accelerate curing by 20%.

What permits are needed?

Depends on scope: Always need 1) Building permit, 2) ADA compliance review, 3) Fire department approval in CA.

Are permits required for decks?

Yes in CA for decks >30" high. We handle permits in LA/Ventura/Orange counties.

What fails a deck inspection?

1) Loose ledger board, 2) Corroded fasteners, 3) <36" railings, 4) Rot at post bases. CA requires 40lb/ft² live load rating.

Cost of concrete vs. asphalt driveway?

Concrete: $8-$12/sqft (lasts 30+ yrs), Asphalt: $3-$5/sqft (lasts 15 yrs). Concrete recommended for CA heat.

License verification?

Always check CSLB # and verify C-10 classification. CA requires 4,000+ apprenticeship hours.

What constitutes a construction emergency?

1) Gas leaks, 2) Structural collapses, 3) Severe flooding, 4) Electrical fires. We respond within 2 hours in SoCal.

Best paint for coastal homes?

100% acrylic elastomeric (stretches with temperature swings) with mildewcide for CA marine layer areas.

Best fence for security?

6' wrought iron with anti-climb spikes (CA compliant) or redwood privacy fence with reinforced posts.

Best floors for pets/kids?

Luxury vinyl plank (scratch/waterproof) or engineered hardwood with aluminum oxide finish.

Signs of foundation issues?

Sticking doors, zigzag cracks >1/4", uneven floors. CA clay soils worsen seasonal movement.

Signs of foundation problems?

Doors sticking, diagonal wall cracks >1/4", sloping floors (test with a marble).

Risks of unlicensed framers?

No workers' comp (you're liable), structural failures, and city inspection rejections costing 2-3x to fix.

How to budget for a full remodel?

Allocate: 25% kitchen, 20% baths, 15% flooring, 10% electrical, 10% contingency. CA permits add 8-12%.

Why did my garage door spring break?

Springs fail due to metal fatigue after 10,000+ cycles. Professional replacement recommended (CSLB #978430).

Can I repair it myself?

Not advised. Springs store 200+ lbs of tension - requires specialized tools.

What type of garage door should I choose?

Steel for durability, wood for aesthetics, or insulated composite for energy efficiency.

Best ROI projects in CA?

1) ADUs (+20% value), 2) Kitchen remodel (75-85% ROI), 3) Energy-efficient windows (30% tax credit).

How often to repaint interiors?

3-5 years for high-traffic areas, 7-10 years for bedrooms. Use CA-compliant low-VOC paints.

How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

$25k-$75k in Southern CA depending on materials (quartz counters, custom cabinets, appliance tier).

How to avoid locksmith scams?

Verify CSLB license, check BBB rating, and request written estimates before work begins.

What questions to ask patio contractors?

1) CA contractor license#, 2) Material warranties, 3) Drainage plan, 4) HOA compliance experience.

Recommended materials for patio covers?

Aluminum (lightweight, powder-coated) or redwood (natural, requires sealing). Avoid vinyl in high-heat areas.

Best materials for Southern CA climates?

Composite decking (Trex, Azek) for low maintenance or natural cedar for aesthetics. Concrete patios with cool-surface coatings for heat reduction.

Benefits of enclosures vs. covers?

Enclosures provide year-round use (insulated glass/screens), while covers offer shade only. Enclosures add ~15% to home value in CA.

How to verify paving contractor licenses?

Check CSLB #978430 status and request proof of general liability insurance (>$1M coverage).

Emergency service availability?

24/7 for leaks/floods. CA law requires licensed plumber for any pipe/water heater work.

Permits needed for retaining walls?

CA requires permits for walls >4' tall. We engineer walls to meet seismic Zone 4 requirements.

How long does a roof last?

Asphalt: 15-25 yrs, Tile: 50+ yrs, Metal: 40-70 yrs in CA climates.

Converting garage to living space?

CA requires: 1) Insulation upgrade, 2) Egress window, 3) Separate HVAC. Permit costs ~$2k in LA County.

Do I need seismic retrofitting?

Recommended for pre-1980 LA homes. We check: 1) Cripple wall bracing, 2) Foundation bolting, 3) Soft-story issues.

How to evaluate my roof for solar?

We check: 1) Orientation (south-facing ideal), 2) Shading, 3) Structural integrity, and 4) CA Title 24 compliance.

Traditional vs. synthetic stucco?

Traditional (cement-based) lasts 50+ years but cracks; synthetic (acrylic) flexes but fades. We recommend traditional for CA seismic activity.

What chemicals shouldn't go in the skimmer?

Avoid chlorine tablets (causes corrosion) and algaecides (ineffective dispersion).

How long does window installation take?

1-2 days for standard homes. CA energy codes require dual-pane Low-E glass.