Welcome home! Fall has arrived in Southern California, with heavy rains heralding the change of seasons.  

Today’s first caller is wondering why he needs to get a building permit for his garage on his house, which is more than 60 years old. He makes a valid point: His garage is older than the city, so why is the city council being so obstructive?! 

The next caller has a concrete conundrum: Should he grind and smooth out the cracks of his patio, or have it fully replaced? 

To reroof, or not to reroof? Following a roof revision more than 30 years ago, a caller’s cave cover is now leaking, and she wants Dean to talk to her about layering asphalt shingles or any other cost-effective repair options she may have.