Budget Breakdown: After a Contractor Scam, an L.A. Couple Wrap Their Bungalow Remodel for $176K

When Mandy Palasik and her husband, Adam Vest, found out they were relocating from Philadelphia to Los Angeles for Adam’s new job, the couple were eager to trade cold winters for a home with a sunny backyard—understandable coming from the native Baltimoreans and long-time East Coasters, who had endured their share of harsh weather.