What is your fee?
We charge by square feet and degree of complexity. We are very competitive, as a matter of fact, many local builders with tight budgets use our service. For additions and remodeling our fee is minimum $5000 independently of the project size.
Are consultations free?
Yes, consultations are free. However, before any face to face meeting, we require all necessary documents for understanding the scope of work. Then we provide a quote and if we all agree, we will schedule a meeting.
Do you meet clients at their homes for remodeling projects?
Yes, there is a small charge, and it will be part of the total fee, however before any site visit, we require a picture of the existing house, a sketch or a description of the project, and a copy of the original drawings in PDF format (pdf files are available at the Building Dept.).
Can a new home or addition be designed without a face to face meeting?
Yes, just email us a sketch, a picture, a survey and the original prints of an existing home if it is an addition or remodeling project.
How long does it take to finish a project?
A small project takes about a month or less. A large project about two months.
What kind of service do you provide?
Architectural & structural engineering, everything needed to get the permit.
Is It worth Remodeling or building a new House?
One empiric rule of thumb to help making a choice between remodeling or a new house is the following: when the cost of remodeling exceeds about 40% of the house’s market value, it is better to build a new house.
When is a Building Permit Not Required in Florida?
If the changes are purely cosmetic, the permit is not required. This kind of work falls in the category of: ALTERATIONS LEVEL 1:
It Includes any kind of REPAIRS done throughout the house, such as replacing appliances, plumbing fixtures, carpet, painting etc.
How to build a second floor addition?
A second floor addition is the most expensive remodeling project.
Two methods can be used: a new post and beams system to bypass the existing foundation, or demolish the existing garage and build new foundations large enough to support two stories.
How to enclose a Patio?
An existing porch can be enclosed with wood or masonry walls. Both types of walls are fine.
It is easier to build wood walls around the patio and easier to anchor those new walls to the existing structure but it depends on the type of beams below the roof and the type of existing foundation that is below the new walls.
How to build a Hurricane resistant House?
Use stem wall foundation, min. 24″ below Finish Grade,
Masonry perimeter walls with filled cells at 48″ o.c. max.
Cast in place concrete tie beams & pre-engineered roof trusses.
5/8″ plywood cdx at roof and walls; never use particle board.
Hip roofs are the best. Avoid gable roofs.
Use impact resistant windows and doors certified & tested (NOA).