Use this “Rule of thumb” so you can plan ahead for your home construction project.
Read MoreThe most common issue homeowners encounter during a construction project is not agreeing with one another on things both large and small. It’s okay. You can get through it with a little pre-planning.
Read MoreA good rule of thumb is the 75/25 rule where the hard-costs are about 75 percent of the Total Project Costs, and the soft-costs are the remaining 25 percent. Learn what this means for your project.
Read MoreThe most important thing in reconciling your remodel dreams with your budget is a list of priorities, noted in order of importance
Read MoreYou, your architect, and your contractor should get together to discuss the project to determine if there is a good vibe and mutual respect before you make final decisions about your team.
Read MoreWrite your own answers first ensuring your needs and priorites are met. Then compare your answers with others who are also involved in the decision making process (spouse, children, parents, co-owners, etc.).
Read MoreEvery homeowner about to embark on a home project wants to know what the process looks like. Keep in mind that every architect does things a little differently, but it is important to know (more or less) what you are getting yourself into. I’ve broken out the 6 phases of the process, so you know what to expect from your architect and yourself within each.
Read MoreHow much of the contract sum should you withhold from your contractor until your project is complete?
How do you get the leverage you need to ensure your project is finished per your contract?
In the contract with your contractor, you want to include a pre-determined amount of money to withhold (retainage) from the final payment, and here are the things you need to know to do that successfully…
5 minute read time... but worth every second!
Read MoreSpeak now or forever hold your peace! This is REALLY EASY! Read this, follow my advice, and save money.
Read MoreMany homeowners believe that once they have their building permit that they are locked into exactly what is shown on the drawings, but that isn’t the case and here’s why….
Read MoreIf you don’t have a road map of ALL of the projects you hope to accomplish, you could be headed for major pitfalls. This road map is your Master Plan, and every home owner with home improvement projects on the brain should have one.
Read MoreJoin the Small Practice and Residential Committee (SPARC) for an information packed overview of the design and construction process including budget and schedule, tips for hiring the right team, and how you and your architect can work together to make the most of any project.
https://www.aiaseattle.org/askanarchitect/
Read MoreInterested in your garage doubling as a shop, rental, or man cave? MANY people have gotten really excited about DETACHED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (DADUs). However, unless you are Daddy Warbucks, you should know this before you begin.
Read MoreEveryone has heard a horror story (or seven) about some poor homeowner who got screwed over by a contractor in varying degrees of severity. First, let me say that most contractors are not bad apples. However, as a homeowner you need to step up to the plate, do your homework, and trust your gut. While I am not equipped to help you with your gut, I can give you a list of required homework assignments......
Read MoreContractors typically charge homeowners a 10-20% markup on their subcontractor’s (“subs” for short) work. If you think you might want to pay your contractor’s subs directly (like the plumber or electrician for example) to avoid your contractor’s markup, I want you to understand what you are getting and giving up by going that route.
Read MoreI decided to stray from my typical blog post topics to have photographer Ed Sozinho with Sozhinho Imagery out for an interview and find out what goes on behind the scenes. He shared his geeky/techy side with me, and if you have any interest in knowing the painstaking details that make up those fancy photos you love so much on Houzz, Pinterest, etc., NOW’S YOUR CHANCE TO LEARN!
Read MoreBelow are books that I recommend for various reasons. Some are useful, some are entertaining, some are both, and one isn’t even about architecture! Check back periodically, as I will try to update this list as I find books I think you will find useful and enjoy.
Read MoreI’m not claiming your architect is inevitably flawed, that she doesn’t have great ideas and that each design move isn’t intricately and brilliantly tied to the one before. What I am saying is, if you don’t have questions and comments (indicated by only saying things like, “I love it!” or, “That’s perfect!” after each meeting without follow-up questions and comments) then frankly, you may not be picking up on what they’re putting down....
Read MoreThis instrumental piece of fabric was in a shop window. I was a young lass and a trifle under dressed for this establishment, but I had to go in! This is my story. Your experiences will unveil the story of your new home. Have confidence in your ability to help shape that story.
Read More