To Permit or Not to Permit?

To Permit or Not to Permit? Most homeowners do not wake up one morning intending to violate the building code. What actually happens is this: A contractor says, “We can do this without triggering permits.” A neighbor did something similar years ago. The work feels modest (almost invisible). A bathro

When Remodels Trigger Reassessment

Most homeowners assume that any meaningful improvement invites the assessor’s attention. New kitchen, new bath, expanded footprint? "Here comes reassessment," they think. In practice, most remodels do not trigger a full reassessment. Some trigger none at all. Others create a second, parallel tax his

What Triggers Reassessment in California (And What Surprisingly Does Not)

Most homeowners believe reassessment is tied to "big" moments: sales, rebuilds, major life events. In reality, reassessment in California is triggered by a much narrower set of actions. And sometimes, changes that feel consequential actually do not lead to reassessment. The narrow definition of a “c