(914) 674-2950
Steven Secon Architect
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • PORTFOLIO
  • BLOG
  • RESOURCES
    • SERVICES
    • FAQs and SAQs, and Feasibility Studies
    • REVIEWS
  • CONTACT
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • PORTFOLIO
  • BLOG
  • RESOURCES
    • SERVICES
    • FAQs and SAQs, and Feasibility Studies
    • REVIEWS
  • CONTACT

Blog & How-To

By Steven Secon  |  In Blog & How-to, Uncategorized
Force Majeure and the Corona Virus
images

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 […]

READ MORE
Image
By Steven Secon  |  In Design Advice, Projects, Uncategorized
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
3. Use thorough written contracts.  https://seconarchitect.com/do-we-need-a-construction-contract/
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…
READ MORE
By Steven Secon  |  In Blog & How-to, Design Advice
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 […]

READ MORE
By Steven Secon  |  In Uncategorized
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: The 1st phase (Due diligence and […]

READ MORE
By Steven Secon  |  In Projects, Uncategorized
Recent Project Cost Increases

We’ve been getting back bids in the past few months (summer/fall 2020) that were higher than expected. Why? -Post pandemic factors include: – material costs have risen dramatically (see lumber costs in the chart below) -Supply chain factors (i.e lumber mill closures due to covid) -Pent up demand (due to construction restrictions during covid moratoriums) […]

READ MORE
By Steven Secon  |  In Projects, Uncategorized
Dos and don’ts of Project Closeout

Getting through the finish line of a construction project can be difficult. Transgressions may have happened during the project , and the window to “settle the score” may seem to be vanishing. Owners, builders, subcontractors and architects may double-down and gird for confrontation. This is usually a poor strategy for project completion. Construction projects have […]

READ MORE
By Steven Secon  |  In Uncategorized
Architects and Engineers vs Covid
download

You have been subjected to months worth of social distancing, hand washing, masking and related hygiene precautions. But you should also be reminded that since the virus is primarily spread as airborne particles there are simple environmental features you can control to minimize its potential harm . While the scientists are still determining what level […]

READ MORE
By Steven Secon  |  In Uncategorized
Why do Our Projects Run Smoothly?
20140301_154953

Because we make sure our clients, builders and approving agencies understand what’s happening in the process..so they get it. No surprises-just clear communication and thoughtful decisions executed in a timely manner. That’s the key to projects that run smoothly. Who gets it and how? Those many clients that listen and seek the counsel of friends, […]

READ MORE
Newer
12…37
Older

Categories

  • Blog & How-to
  • Design Advice
  • Projects
  • Technical
  • Uncategorized

Recent Posts

  • The Design and Construction Process 101.
  • Recent Project Cost Increases
  • Dos and don’ts of Project Closeout
  • Architects and Engineers vs Covid
  • Why do Our Projects Run Smoothly?

About Our Company

We are architects that specialize in calmly navigating busy clients through the residential and commercial designs to construction process in Westchester County, NY. Our goal is to improve the value, utility, and appearance of each property or building we design.

Menu

  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • OUR PROJECTS
  • RESOURCES
    • SERVICES
    • FAQs & SAQs
    • REVIEWS
  • BLOG & HOW-TO
  • CONTACT

Contact Us

145 Palisade Street, Suite 403
Dobbs Ferry, New York 10522

T: (914) 674-2950
F: (914) 693-1537

E: info@SeconArchitect.com

Online Payment

Newsletter

Sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter, latest projects & design innovations.
Copyright ©. All rights reserved. Terms Of Use - WebSupport by OWD
Close