• Legal Obligations
  
  
• The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection’s comprehensive free booklet How to Obtain a Permit for 1 & 2 Family Dwellings is a must-read for information on the various permits you’ll need for a remodeling project. You’ll get an overview of the permit process including information on which types of work require a licensed professional and exactly which jobs are exempt from permits.
  
  
• Depending on the type of construction or modification proposed, your permit application will likely have to be reviewed by the San Francisco Planning Department — the City must assess whether or not your proposed new addition or converted garage complies with both the official Residential Design Guidelines and the Planning Code. Carefully read through the guidelines before planning a project. You’ll find explanations and examples of the importance of architectural harmony in neighborhoods with helpful illustrations to covey major points. If you plan to alter an older home, you should refer to the section on “Special Guidelines for Alterations to Buildings of Potential Historic or Architectural Merit” — and regardless of the age of your home, make sure to read over “Appendix A: Considerations Before Starting Your Project.”
  
  
• Costs
  
  
• Freddie Mac’s "Remodeling Steps" may offer some valuable tips and information.
  
  
• See About.com’s “Building Cost Estimator” for links to articles, Web sites and software you can use to estimate the expense of your building and remodeling projects.
  
  
• Should you remodel or sell? If you’re unsure if a renovation is worth the investment, take a minute to answer the online questionnaire from the Homeowner’s Information Center. Also check out their figures for rates of resale return on popular remodeling projects.