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How to interview a Contractor
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The basic idea and strategy I use in the interview process is intro, small talk to get them talking, and pepper in a few tough questions, ask follow up questions, conclude with a few easy ones. Remember that this is not an interrogation, so just use a few of these- It’s an interview for the […]

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Force Majeure and Covid
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Force majeure translates literally from French as superior force. In English, the term is often used in line with its literal French meaning, but it has other uses as well, including one that has roots in a principle of French law. In business circles, “force majeure” describes those uncontrollable events (such as war, labor stoppages, or extreme […]

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Renovation 101 …we get it.

For many people dealing with their First time Renovation and the design process, it can be a little overwhelming.  Even for those who have been through it before-this Renovation 101 primer post can serve as a refresher course. Who do you turn to?  What resources are out there? Why should you believe us? or Aunt Ethel?  How about some advice for first time renovation-Call me @ 914 674 2950, let’s discuss your situation.

tugofwar

We listen well. We ask a lot of questions. We pull on the same end of the rope with you. This saves time, reduces fees and results in happier clients.

Choices
Hell yes, going through a construction project is a big commitment. Indecision and cold feet are perfectly normal in this situation. The amount of time and money, energy & decisions is considerable.  Thinking about the inconvenience and apprehensions about possibly living out of your house or having your office compromised for a few months can be daunting.
Especially if you have not been through it before.  But we have, over 400 times….You’ve heard the horror stories and don’t want any part of that.  Delays, cost overruns, …We have plans and tactics to get you through it, with little drama and actual fun.  Battle-tested checklists, schedules, templates and ways of monitoring that are sensible and enforceable.
 

https://youtu.be/a1EGNrkZp4Y

But the doubters and their second thoughts linger- how will I know?..  The more you know, the less you fear.  The more you prepare and remove the possibility of failure- the fear subsides when you start.  All the planning, research, and due diligence are what largely is your protection and comfort for your first time renovation.  Managing expectations is critical-which happens through knowledge.  https://seconarchitect.com/7-rookie-mistakes-before-you-start-construction/

Here’s how:

1. Ask neighbors, friends, colleagues, family about their project- what did they do? Any issues? Educate yourself. If they did go off the rails, what were the clues that lead to the issues? Develop and stick to a construction budget…Research, Vet, Interview, check references https://seconarchitect.com/your-guys-my-guys-those-guys-who-is-going-to-build-your-project/
2. Get the right people: experienced builders, seasoned architects or engineers, insightful lenders.  https://seconarchitect.com/bidding-mistakes-for-the-hayseed/
   Understand when you need a permit     https://youtu.be/jW5Tespo5co
4. Obtain construction schedules. Anticipate, question, ask to follow up questions until it makes sense.
5. Monitor, notice, observe, question- require accountability from all parties. Ask, Question, Delve deeper.
6. Pay promptly, answer quickly, be present
7. Deliver materials that you buy when needed.
Don't worry!
It can also be awesome!
The construction process can also be a lot of fun since the project’s transformation is often so radical that clients cannot quite believe the extents of the changes. It can also be transformative for kids to watch the changes occur and nice relationships that are built with the contractors are very common.
Really, in 20 years, that’s over 400 projects, we only had to replace one contractor- since he went bankrupt, https://seconarchitect.com/contractor-bankruptcy/ and had so many other issues well-concealed.  But we quickly resurrected the project and got it done.

Since the result is what it’s all about, clients have a universal reaction…Which is “Why didn’t we do this earlier?”

How many investments can you actually live in and appreciate- if you build it in a sensible Renovation 101 manner?
Call Steve 914 980 5532. Let’s talk. Ohmm…
Get your ducks in a row, BEFORE the project.
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How to Interview Architects
Architects-clients

How to Interview Architects? With over 400 projects under our belt, we’ve been through the interview process more than 800 times. Yes, sometimes the interview occurs at the end of a tough day and the potential customer (or me)  is tired and not on their game, but sometimes it seems like there’s no planning or […]

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Top 12 Design Trends for 2022

Top 12 trends (and their causes) we are expecting for the next year, some aesthetic and some on the technical spectrum : Steven Secon Architect’s top 12 design trend predictions for 2022 As the new year begins, you might be making new resolutions. If you’ve been semi-stuck inside your house for nearly two years, you […]

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The Design and Construction Process 101.
ducks in a row

Designing and building a house or building takes a while. Figure a year often more. For an addition deduct about 30%. Why does it take so long? Because there is a lot that goes into it. For simplicity we organize this in 3 basic parts, with sub-headings. In summary: a. 2-6 months to design and […]