All Forum Posts by: Jared W Smith

Yes I would be reviewing the offerings very carefully. 

@Account Closed Not understanding the last part of your post? ..the sponsor of what? Please clarify. Thanks  

Thanks @Chris Seveney . I’m actually in your fund already! Got everything set up last month. 

Thanks for the link. I will check it out for sure.

As the post title says, I am interested in joining a fund which invest in commercial real estate, specifically self-storage facilities. I am not an accredited investor which I know limits options. bonus points if the fund you recommend is one you’re a part of. Thanks in advance 

What @Chris Seveney said exactly.
As an architect, I am tasked with that analysis in phase one before anything is designed. County takes no liability for their own errors. They can always just say, check the Building Codes where it will outline requirements precisely. I take the liability for my clients to know what is required and design within that compliance bubble. What you don’t know can hurt you. I hope it pans out but Residential Code is typically vastly different than the Building Code. Could have to retrofit some things for compliance. All the best 

Jared W. Smith, RA - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC 

Welcome @Jason Nacerino

I am located in Yonkers and do work throughout Westchester County with some project further north and south in NYC. 

Newburgh is an interested City. I have been up there a few times with a couple projects I have there. It's definitely transitional at the moment but who knows when it will be "great" as many are speculating. I would say go there and see for yourself. There are some rough areas so be careful. 

Jared W. Smith, RA - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC

As another Architect here, I agree with both post by @Alex Furini. 

FYI- I always complete a zoning & feasibility analysis before even starting design to assess the minimums, maximums and site parameters. It would not be prudent for me to do a complete set of construction documents before doing so, regardless if the Owner/Client request so. This is standard due diligence and part of my base fee.  

Jared W. Smith, RA Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC

I am glad others have chimed in on hiring an Architect. Yes, get and review local Architects familiar with this type of work and can be your eyes and ears for the project ensuring they have your best interest in mind to prevent Contractor mishaps and/or taking advantage of you. 

@Crystal Smith has a good point to engage a self-certifying Architect however realize this puts more liability on him/her and could be more costly, however typically when done here in NYC, it makes getting permits much much quicker. Weigh in on the odds for either approach. All the best @Account Closed

-Jared W. Smith, RA - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC  

UPDATE: Went ahead and opening Self-Directed solo 401k account with Titan Bank. Awaiting old 401k rollover funds to clear to start investing.

UPDATE: Went ahead and opening Self-Directed solo 401k account with Titan Bank. Awaiting old 401k rollover funds to clear to start investing. 

In future, best to lead with the uniqueness of your project when asking if a service is too costly. Everyone in the comments above that exclaimed that $45k is way too much is likely comparing that cost to a very basic scope of services. Architects quote costs based on the project location/locale, services needed and complexity (the expected time spent to resolve the problem/issues and get your project through completion). Definitely a reason for a higher cost.