I now had someone to give me guidance in all of these new and delicate situations I was finding myself in.

You may want to lay out your qualifications in the advertisement.  

I have a financial goal but I like that layout of a plan a lot better thanks for the feedback.  

Excellent work utilizing the existing layout, especially in the kitchen.

Maybe the major road, maybe the layout, maybe the garage bring it down in comparison.  

So far only demo has been done which includes the installation of 3 lvl beams to completely open up the 1st floor layout.

I appreciate you taking the time to lay out all these great points!

I have all my approvals on ZIMAS, even the new addresses, but my plans have been "awaiting approval by a Supervisor" for well over a month.Other reasons it is not popular are that with the amount of restrictions in LA it severely limits who can and should use it, the layout of your lot and existing conditions are very important in deciding if it makes sense to build.

Send the engineer the site plan/sketch showing system layout (if existing) and ask for half-hour to discuss options.

I prefer this for a few reasons: It allows me to reconfigure interior layout and install all new plumbing and electrical with out jack-hammering a slab.