The work before the work

Before the First Hammer Swing.

Most people think a renovation begins when demolition starts.

In Berkeley, it often starts months before that.

This week, after already paying over $20,000 in permit fees, my clients received another notice: a required payment of $2,652.21 to Berkeley Unified School District for school impact fees.

Just when we thought we were done…

This is the part of real estate and construction that no one sees—the work behind the work.

Before a single hammer swings, there are countless hours spent reviewing plans, responding to city comments, coordinating with architects and contractors, navigating permit requirements, and helping clients understand unexpected costs and delays.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s one of the most important parts of bringing a project to life.

Every permit, every revision, every unexpected letter from the city is another step toward creating something great.

Thank you to my clients for trusting me through every stage of the process. We’ll keep moving forward—one step at a time. 🏡✨