We are getting ready to do a major remodel of our home in San Diego (Point Loma). The scope of our project is quite different from yours so I can't help you with most of your questions, but we LOVE our architect. Her name is Julie Urbon and I have no reservations about recommending her. Good luck!

Thanks aj. I looked her up... looks to have a great reputation. Since I posted this, I've been on a reading of reviews tear. I think we're settling on choosing a design/build firm to keep things simple (hopefully). Right now, I have meetings set up with Murray Lampert, Charco, and Jackson Design & Remodeling. I've also spoken with San Diego Construction & Design as well as Dream Design Builders. The latter 2 didn't impress me very much over the phone.

Has anyone out there worked w/ any of these? Results??

Be sure to check your neighbors' sightlines. In some areas, particularly on the coast, blocking your neighbor's view can turn into a nightmare.

Thanks Suzanne. Ya, I'm a little worried about that. From the naked eye, I don't think we'll be getting in anyones way. While many in the neighborhood have built up to get views, the ones around us are all 1 stories that don't have views. Its kinda a catch 22 situation. We could ask around to make sure, but we're going to build it anyway so then whats the point in asking? Either way, I think we're in the clear unless we simply beat someone to the punch in adding a 2nd story.

Better make a long stop in at your local permits office before getting too far along in the planning process. 100-150K would be the starting point for such a project, and it has no place to go but up in costs depending on local requirements and your wants.

TheFranLover, good luck with your project!

Did you have to go thru the Coastal Commission for your remodel? How long did it take and how painful?

We're also thinking of remodeling a very old home (1950), not yet purchased. It's still in an exploratory phase to see how feasible and expensive it's going to be. The house hasn't been remodeled in 60 years, and not liveable. We're thinking of doing it in 2 phases.
1) Keep same footprint and remodel interior walls. Exterior walls are also badly damaged, so to remodel that, do we need a permit? Redo electrical, plumbing, gas lines. We want to do enough to be able to live in it, while applying for a permit to build it up or out.
2) Add another story up, but hear the coastal commision may take a long time to approve anything.

All, please share your experiences and advice. Thanks!