Planning Your Next Commercial or Residential Project? 6 Ways an Architect Can Help

by

08 January 2020

Real Estate

architect

Whether you’re interested in designing a new commercial building for your business, a new home to live in, or an addition for a home or business, the right help can be crucial. An architect is essential for these and related projects and can provide a number of benefits that will make a huge difference in the long run.

Make Sure Everything is Practical

Depending on what the plan is, there may be a need to check and make sure everything is actually practical. Is the land appropriately set up for the building or addition? Is there anything that doesn’t make sense about the overall plan? An architect will look through to make sure everything looks good before getting into the details of the design. Cochran has more information if you’d like to learn more.

Determine if There are Restrictions

There may be a local, county, or state restrictions that can be applicable to the building or addition. These need to be discovered at the beginning of the design process so workarounds can be found. Restrictions may include zoning restrictions like how tall the building can be, how far the addition must be from the property line, or even whether the entire project is allowed.

Add to Design for the Future

Architects aren’t just going to think of what’s happening right now. They’ll also consider the future for the business or home and help you come up with ideas that may future-proof the building or addition. This helps ensure the building is going to continue to be relevant and useful long into the future.

Reduce Overall Costs

Any construction is going to be expensive. While there are many ways to cut costs, some just aren’t worth the savings. An architect can help find ways to save money without sacrificing anything that’s needed or the overall quality of the project. If you’re on a budget, hiring an architect can help reduce overall costs so the project stays on budget.

Help Create a Green Building

Energy efficiency can make a huge difference in energy bills and impact on the environment. If an energy-efficient building is needed or desired, an architect is a right person to ask for help. They can use various design elements to create a building or addition that’s energy-efficient, or green, to help reduce the impact on the environment and help you save money.

Visualize the Design

What will the design actually look like when everything is done? Is it going to be what you’re imagining? An architect can draft visual designs and stake out the property so it’s easier to see exactly how big everything is, where everything will go, and what the project will look like when everything is done. That helps provide a better idea of what the final project looks like so you can ensure it will be exactly what’s needed for your home or business.

If you’re planning any construction, whether it’s commercial or residential, an architect can provide a lot of help and allow you to meet all of the goals. Take the time to speak with an architect today to learn more about what they can do to help with the project and what’s going to be improved by having the right help from the beginning. You won’t want to handle the project without them.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

how to sell your own home

6 Expert Tips on How to Sell Your Own Home Fast

If you're thinking about selling a property so you can move, for profit, or any other reason, it's important that you learn how to sell it quickly. There are lots of strategies you can use to make this happen. How to sell your own home will not be a problem if you follow some tricks of home selling. This is an art and a science and you will find useful once you put the proper points into place. If you are trying to learn more about how to sell your own home on your terms, follow these strategies to get a head start. How to Sell your own home. Learn How to Sell Your Own Home Fast When you figure out how to sell your home fast, it takes a lot of the stress out of the situation. But, it doesn’t have to be a complete mystery because there are plenty of strategies proven to work. Most sellers use aerial photography as a beautiful way to showcase their home and attract buyers, and there are other tips that work as well, which we will discuss. Use these tips below so that you're making the right choice. 1. Fix the Major Problems so There Are no Unnecessary Snags The Achilles heel for any home sale process is having major complications and systems which don't work. For instance, plumbing problems in a house can drastically reduce your ability to sell it quickly. Electrical problems, foundation issues, and pests will also put an end to your home sale before it even gets started. To fix this, you will need to find the help of some pros who can assist you with the work you are looking for. Taking the time to hire some handy professionals can be the biggest and best investment you make. You'll be able to get the full potential from the property and will prompt buyers to want to make an offer once they see how cared for the home is. Be sure that you contact repair professionals in advance so they can give your home inspection and make changes as needed. 2. Find Someone Who Buys Houses Quickly If you have a need for speed, your home strategy should revolve around finding a buyer as quickly as possible. When speediness is your top priority, you need to do your best to find companies that make this happen. For example, we buy houses either help you unload a property or stay in a property that is about to get foreclosed on. The more you tackle this hire and match up with professionals that can help you, the easier it'll be for you to unload the house quickly. 3. Spread the Word About the House Visibility is king when you are trying to sell your home. Thankfully, you live in the social media age where you can show it off to people effortlessly. Posting your home on Instagram is a great bet because this platform has more than 1 billion users. Facebook is also a great site for selling homes because it appeals to a demographic of people who are of the age and means to buy homes. Plus, Facebook has Facebook Marketplace, which automatically allows you to post listings, rather than just ads. Be sure that you use some multimedia to sell your home because it will allow you to truly present it to the public in a way that makes it attractive. 4. Look For a Stellar Real Estate Agent It's important for you to match up with a realtor who can help you sell the home in a way that is productive and in a timely manner. As you hunt for a realtor, make sure they have the same goals as you do, and the capability to assist you. This way, you are better able to make this happen. Look into the background of the realtor and be sure that you speak to several before making a decision. 5. Spread the Word Organically Speak to a lot of people in person as well, and it'll help you sell your home. Word-of-mouth is key, especially when it comes to real estate. For instance, reach out to the people in your inner circle and let them know you have a home you are trying to sell. By telling people you're in the market to sell your home, you'll be surprised to see just how many people are willing to help you out. Also, never overlook the magic of simply posting a for sale sign. People want to buy your home as bad as you want to sell it, so never overlook an opportunity to get exposure to it. 6. Know the Price Point and Use it Wisely It's easy to price yourself out of the market. When you are trying to sell your home quickly, starting with an affordable price point is particularly crucial. The more you know about the price other homes are selling for, the easier it'll be to price your house accordingly. Technology is your friend in this regard, so research the market to get the lay of the land. From here, price your home so you make a nice profit, but so it doesn't sit on the market forever with people haggling and trying to knock the price down. When you price it so that both parties leave happy, the home will sell quicker. Take the Steps You Need When you treat your selling your home with the seriousness it deserves, you'll be better able to find a buyer. Now that you know how to sell your own home quickly, use these tips to guide you. In the meantime, visit our blog and contact us to learn more about the lifestyle, entertainment, business, and more. Read Also: Benefits Of Working With A Realtor When Selling A Property How To Sell Your House Fast?! Five Must-Know Tips To Move Your Property!

READ MOREDetails
Tiger Containers

How To Use A Shipping Container As A Home Office

Shipping container offices have given many a quick, long-term, and Eco-friendly approach to making an office space. Today, a lot of people are looking to used containers for their small office needs because they are very affordable, convenient, and already an established setting that can be easily constructed from within. Its popularity comes from their simplistic making of ordering, being delivered to the location, and building right on site. Plus, it doesn’t take long to construct the interior of a container. These steel shipping containers are made to be standard, durable in all settings, and easy to move around. Buyers have to prepare for everything and you want to set it up by the time the shipping container arrives. This involves preparing the doors and windows, insulation, utilities, and flooring. Get a ballpark amount of how much it would cost per square foot;  the floor plan and where every little thing should be drawn up, plus plumbing and electrical areas. Making a shipping container into an office requires you to be detailed in your small room because you are making it simple. There are major considerations in this small space; think of the phrase, “Less is more.” You don’t have a lot of room, so don’t get fancy with the furniture and computers. For any office to be workable, you need proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Installing that is a major difference from what the shipping container has because it is built to be airtight in moving goods around. Now, you need to install a perfect unit that can control the temperature inside. For a large container, air ducts can be installed if the container is split up.Air ducts let the air go from one end to the other. Rooftop turbine vents and ceiling exhaust fans can also be installed. These are inexpensive and don’t require a lot of power to keep on running. Then, there is the presentation of your office from the outside where it should not come off as run down and cheap just because you are in a container. The paint job all over prevents the rust from showing. The container needs to be washed to rid of any markings and the more visible rust smoothed out before painting. It has to be as if the container was built as new. The aesthetics are important because it is en vogue for an appealing, younger sector of people who are trying their own business. You have to use your shipper container office like any other room. Home office building can provide the most money and time being saved. There is a lot to think of in creating your new home office. This is still a new trend and there will be skeptics, but the total cost of the entire project is quite easily comparable to a traditional construction in that the shipping container is the way to go. Source: Tiger Containers

READ MOREDetails
Tenant Screening And Selection

Tenant Screening And Selection: A Crucial Aspect Of Property Management

Finding and selecting quality tenants is crucial for property managers. The success of your investment relies heavily on who you have living in your units. Proper tenant screening and selection help minimize risks and maximize returns. In this article, we’ll explore key elements of the tenant selection process. We’ll go over how to screen applicants, spot red flags, check references, evaluate credit, and choose ideal tenants. Let’s get started! Overview Of Tenant Screening Goals Thorough tenant screening serves several important goals: Identify responsible tenants who pay rent on time Avoid problem tenants who could disturb others or damage property Verify applicants are who they claim to be Evaluate the ability to afford rent based on income and debts Check backgrounds for any reasons of concern Select tenants who will follow rules and fulfill lease terms Screening is your chance to assess applicants’ qualifications and compatibility before approving them. Use it to gain a 360-degree view informing your leasing decision. The Role Of Property Management Companies In Los Angeles Real Estate Finding and retaining good tenants is crucial for property owners and managers everywhere, but tactics can vary by location. For instance, property management companies in Los Angeles have insight into tenant preferences and screening practices effective for the area. Factors like rental price averages, employment demographics, and housing regulations specific to LA impact local tenant selection approaches there versus other cities. While core principles remain constant, optimizing your tenant vetting process may involve fine-tuning your metro area. Components Of The Tenant Screening Process Comprehensive screening includes several key steps: Detailed Rental Application Have applicants complete a comprehensive rental application covering things like: Full legal name and contact details Social Security Number for credit/background checks Current and past home addresses Employer name, income, position, time employed Personal/professional references with contact info Bank account details for payment processing Vehicle information like make, model, year Emergency contact person details Any relevant remarks about qualifications, special requests, etc. Thorough applications provide a foundation of info to verify and evaluate applicants. Identity Verification Check IDs like driver’s licenses to confirm applicants are who they claim to be. Comparing names, photos, and addresses helps avoid fraud. Income Verification Verify income levels match what’s stated on the application. Request recent paystubs, tax returns, and bank statements as evidence. Income should adequately cover rent and other costs. Employment Verification Speak with the stated employer's HR department to confirm the position, dates employed, and salary. Beware if details seem shaky. Rental History Checks Contact previous landlords to check payment history, lease violations, damages, complaints, evictions, etc. Look for consistent on-time payments. Beware of frequent moves, evictions, or unpaid rent. Credit Checks Run a thorough credit check to verify your credit score, current debts, and any negative marks. Watch for unmanageable debts, court judgments, and bankruptcies. Background Screening Perform criminal and eviction record screening through approved channels to uncover any serious offenses or causes for concern. Personal Reference Checks Contact 1-2 references provided to assess the applicant’s reliability and character from people who know them. Pet Screening If applicants have pets, request veterinary records to confirm they are licensed and vaccinated. Also, verify breeds allowed per property rules. Be sure to follow fair housing laws throughout the screening process and avoid discrimination. Focus objectively on qualifications and ability to meet lease terms. Consulting Tenancy Databases Various rental industry databases help identify past tenancy issues reported by other landlords and property managers: Eviction Records Damage/Complaint Reports Rent Payment History Lease Violations Prior Evictions/Collections While costly, these databases provide an added layer of rental background insight from an impartial nationwide source. They can reveal serious red flags not evident elsewhere. Balancing Tenant Screening Elements Each screening component provides important pieces of the full picture. But avoid putting too much weight on any single factor. For instance, a low credit score doesn’t necessarily mean the person won’t pay rent reliably if other factors check out. And someone with an old petty misdemeanor isn’t necessarily high-risk if they have great landlord references. Consider the full scope - credit, background, income, rental history, interview impressions and references for a balanced decision. Don't let one element override others without due consideration. Strategies For Choosing The Best Tenant Picking the ideal tenant involves balancing several factors. The ability to afford rent is of course essential. Tenants need a stable income adequate to cover the rent plus other costs. However, also consider their income growth potential, not just current earnings. Look at their track record too. Do they have a solid history of paying on time, maintaining units well, following rules, and keeping good relationships with past landlords and neighbors? Consistency in meeting obligations predicts future behavior. Also assess their responsible character based on the full application, background checks, interview, and references. Do they seem conscientious, honest, and reasonable? Shared values matter for a good fit. While an imperfect credit score does not preclude someone, evaluate if they are actively managing income and debts responsibly regardless of past issues. Furthermore, consider lifestyle compatibility with the property and community. Will their habits mesh well? Similar priorities and standards make for an easier relationship. Avoid fixating on any single factor when choosing tenants. Seek those who balance financial ability, compatibility and character. This leads to positive partnerships that serve both parties' needs. Taking a big-picture view helps identify tenants who will be assets to your property and business. Setting New Tenants Up For Success Once selected, help tenants start strong by: Providing a detailed move-in checklist covering rules, contacts, procedures Clearly explaining policies before signing the lease to set expectations Assisting with utilities connections and community amenities access Offering a tenant portal or app for easy maintenance requests Following up after move-in to ensure satisfaction Proactive support fosters longer and happier tenancies benefitting all parties. Ongoing communication, responsiveness and periodic check-ins help too. Dealing With Rejection Decisions Carefully Rejecting applicants can be uncomfortable. But follows key principles: Be objective - based solely on qualifications, not personal factors Stick to facts - explain specifically how criteria were unmet Follow Fair Housing laws - no discrimination based on protected classes Maintain privacy - don’t discuss decisions publicly Respond promptly - let them know quickly so they can make other plans Rejection is just part of the screening process. Handling it properly avoids fair housing violations while preserving your business reputation. FAQs What Are The Standard Tenant Screening Fees? Typical screening fees range from $30-$75 per applicant to cover criminal/eviction checks, credit reports, reference checks and processing time. Some landlords charge slightly more for deeper screening. When Should I Require A Security Deposit? Requesting a security deposit equal to 1+ month's rent is common at lease signing to cover any damages and provide financial security. Make sure deposits comply with state laws. What Screening Practices Could Expose Me To Fair Housing Violations? Avoid discrimination based on protected characteristics like race, gender, religion, disabilities, national origin, or family status. Focus objectively on qualifications alone. If A Tenant Stops Paying Rent Suddenly, What Are My Options? You can issue pay or quit notices as a formal demand for payment. If they fail to pay after proper legal notice, you may proceed with formal eviction filings to reclaim possession. Key Takeaways Tenant selection has a huge impact on your investment's success. Screen diligently by: Reviewing detailed rental applications Running background checks Verifying incomes and employment Checking references thoroughly Interviewing thoughtfully Consulting industry databases Balancing all factors objectively This identifies responsible tenants who pay reliably, follow rules, and maintain properties well. Avoiding just a few problem tenancies through careful selection preserves your income and asset values in the long run. Finding ideal tenants is crucial, but takes diligence. A consistent screening process protects your investment and leads to longer, more positive tenancies for all. Invest time upfront to avoid major headaches later on. Your perfect tenant match is out there! The solid screening takes time but adds tremendous value. Your ideal tenant match is out there! Read Also: 10 Rights You Have As A Tenant That Your Landlord Won’t Tell You About Investing In Property Is Investing In Your Future

READ MOREDetails