All Forum Posts by: Josh Cuthbertson

Although discretionary, some people do this through the variance process. If you have a good argument to go against zoning, and a reasonable planning commission, you can sometimes get these.

Excellent write up Marcus! This is such valuable insight. One of my biggest pet peeves is that cities allow anyone with a pencil and some spare time to draw home plans. I know it works for people, but seriously, why!?

So I thought I'd reiterate this paragraph for anyone reading this thread....

"Don't even try to save money on plans. Having a great architect is absolutely key. There are many plans you can buy on the internet and save a couple grand. Saving money is always great, but this is not the place. I would not have made it through the HOA process without my architect. She is also familiar not only with Wisconsin building issues, but has drawn up many plans for the local municipality and understands what they want - for example they will not accept any stone feature to terminate on an outside corner (only inside corners) - details like this are important and can easily cost you a month delay with the city approval."

If the deal closes with no real estate agents maybe ask for a small commission on finding the deal? IDK... just thinking out loud here.

Hi Larry - Start here, https://www.aiaaustin.org/content/hire-architect with the American Institute of Architects chapter in Austin. They provide some good resources on what to look for and how to seek them out.

Just to be clear, that article is NOT about shipping container homes. They are pre-fabricated steel shells. Completely different.

It sounds like they are limiting their liability to their fee proposal and nothing else. You should call the Board for Professional Engineers and ask them about it. They would be a good resource to ask for the rules the P.E. are required to follow in terms of liability.

http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/about_us/contact.shtml

Christian - You may be able to negotiate a little site investigation before you actually purchase the property. The seller may want a geo-technical report anyway if your deal falls through. Speak to the contractor's in-house architect and ask them what they need to see in the geo tech report in order to feel confident designing the house there. Then, as a condition of closing escrow, put in a clause that the deal depends on the findings in the geo tech report. It sounds like you have everyone you may need to get going.

Asad - I'd be happy to share my experience and what we have seen out there in CA. I know it is not Florida, but I can give you a run down of some of the problems we ran into. Shoot me a PM and we'll discuss contact details. Best.

Levi - Walk into the building department and ask. Most likely they will have a form / packet of information for you on owner/builder requirements. I believe out here it is a simple as having workers comp insurance and a list of subs you intend to use. (That is simplifying but the point is the same.) The agency having jurisdiction over the build should have everything you need.

EPDM is usually more of a commercial product. I would look up the product they are providing and read the manufacturers installation instructions for yourself. Those informational sheets will provide more insight and might trigger some things you know about your house that the contractor does not.

For example, maybe the mod bit only works on slopes down to 1/2" : 12 pitches with the EPDM can go down to 1/4" : 12. Look for little clues there.

Otherwise, as stated earlier both products have pros and cons and its all about install and finish details.