Recent content by uciguy

The builder wouldn't let me delete the master tub when I bought in 2012.  I would much rather that space have gone towards a built-in vanity for all of my wife's hair products, makeup, etc.  Instead I have a big ugly tub that I have to walk all the way around to get to my sink.  They also...

I used Savannascapes, and they actually just finished my backyard recently.  The owner Sean is a nice guy, and I felt like the quality of the work is good for the price.  It wasn't completely without hassles, but I get the impression that my issues are pretty common to any landscaper; everything...

I have left two IC apartments: one when I went from one IC apt to another bigger one, and recently when we purchased a house.  No matter what, they will charge you for the professional cleaning.  They also charged me about 35 bucks per accent wall that I didn't bother painting back, plus a steam...

Ah, I see.  So the plan is for the trolls on the board to yap on and on about "the smell" in Portola Springs until enough people point out that there isn't one.  Then, the backup plan is to yap on about the "oderless gas particles."  Give me a break.  Also, nobody seems to mention that the...

You mention a price range but not what size house you need.

Hey, the first really interesting thread on here in a while.  I spend a good deal of time walking my dogs around neighborhoods and trails in Irvine, and I usually try to interact, or at least smile and acknowledge, the people I come across.  I have meet a handful of recently immigrated Asians...

Many things can be done after closing, but I would seriously consider doing your shower/plumbing through iPac.  The cost of demolition for tile is much higher than ripping out carpet, and the possibility that something goes wrong is not trivial.  Plus, you are going to void your warranty for...

Is that with 20% down?

Seems comparable in many ways to the Las Ventanas stuff you are considering.  Love the lot size, and seems nice inside from what few pictures they have.  The noise is something you need to hear firsthand to make a decision.  Go park in the cul de sac during rush hour and just listen.  If all you...

I do, actually, although the amount is pretty trivial.  It seems most of the few places I order things online from have locations in CA and collect sales tax.  I realize the tax code is a mess that needs to be reformed, and I'm sure many people just make mistakes, but knowingly cheating on your...

Well they should, because you are evading taxes if you are doing this.  I don't know why so many people seem to feel that deducting things you shouldn't is a victimless crime.  You are stealing from everyone.

My experience exactly.

That's just silly.  The highest lot premium they have had was the phase 1 house with a driveway and giant yard that backs to the park, and that was only 50k.  The plan 1 in that set was around 30k.  A reasonable lot premium given other stuff that has sold is probably 25-30k.  They have no idea...

Sure, and there will also be hefty premiums on the LV lots with yards.  I don't see where $40K is a reasonable cost for a SFR designation that makes no difference in your daily life.  It's also so arbitrary at times.  Montecito in Woodbury is designated SFR, even though they are on motorcourts...

I really like both, but for those prime lots, I think Sevilla is a better value.  People keep bringing up the second HOA as some huge dealbreaker, but the cost to landscape the front of a LV home will cover years worth of second HOA payments.  The same goes for SFR vs condo zoning, I feel like...