There is some amazing history, culture, and architecture here.

Back in high school, I made a decision to attend a trade school called ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) for two years.

Every property was a lesson about roofing/landlording/architecture/plumbing..

An activity is a personal service activity if it involves the performance of personal services in the fields of health (including veterinary services), law, engineering, architecture, accounting, actuarial science, performing arts, consulting, or any other trade or business in which capital is not a material income-producing factor. 7.

I have always had a big passion for architecture and spent many years studying it.

When you guys buy a house to live in for a long period of time, do you buy as an investment hoping for appreciation or based simply on a budget and find something that meets your location, size, and architecture requirements?

First of all try to take advice of experienced contractor where he suggest you with design idea, installation, architecture style etc....

We are  pre -selling new construction off architectural drawing and pictures.

Hi Garrett,Just off the top of my head, here are some of the steps you might want to take.Seek a construction lender for the job as as well as a lender for when you are stabilized.Find out what the Lender Requirements are for YOU (and your Partners and Co-signers) and for the Project, and work to meet the requirements.Open your dialog with a Lender(s) early on, and keep an eye on interest rates if they flux up you may want to reconsider doing your build.Talk to an Architectural Firm (that has built recently in the area) apartments of the size and type you are wanting.Ask them for some rough (You Spend) figures with timelines on them and see if that matches your Vision for the project (be ready to take out your checkbook for this).If it's a GO, have them recommend a General Contractor for the job (that has built recently in the area) apartments of the size and type you are wanting.If there are tax incentives tied to the project for certain renter classes have your CPA figure that into your projections.Consider any "Dirtwork" (soil engineering for poor soil) or required "Drainage" costs on your chosen site (or shortlist of sites).If it's a GO, tie up legal control of your building site.Note: Big construction can Bite you in a Big way if you have little experience in it.

Soft costs is normally separated on bids, unless you ask for a turn key, but these calculations should be included in the plans, as it is part of the engineering/architectural scope.One thing that I don't understand is how people arrive at 20% as a GC profit.