What are the Advantages of the Design-Bid-Build Delivery Method?
If you’re about to embark on a construction project, choosing the project delivery method is one of the most consequential decisions you will have to make. A delivery method is a system selected by the owner to organize and manage a project’s design, construction, and maintenance. It also outlines the contractual relationships between the owner, […]
Designing the First Draft of a House Plan
Whether you’re looking for a new place to live or an investment property, you may be tempted to build a home from scratch instead of buying one. If this is a route you’re exploring, you have several options: contract the entire project, or parts of it, to relevant professionals – architects, designers, engineers, and a […]
What is Required of an Architect When Submitting Plans to the City of San Francisco?
Are you a San Francisco architect acting as the owner’s agent? If you are, there are times when you may have to obtain construction permits for your client. The guide below consolidates the city’s elaborate permitting procedures and submittal requirements for your convenience. SITE PERMIT In San Francisco, the Planning Department is the first agency […]
Foundation Engineering and Foundation Report
Any structure consists of two parts, a sub-structure, and a super-structure. These two parts of a structure are separated by a line called the plinth of that structure. The plinth is typically the top of the foundation wall. The sub-structure is the part below the plinth and the superstructure is the part above the plinth […]
What is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)?
A green or eco-friendly house showing connection to energy efficient sources as part of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. California has long been a pioneer of green building and energy efficiency and is a well-known champion of robust energy codes. Yet, a non-mandatory program like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) […]
What are the Stages of a Construction Project?
All construction projects are unique. Each progresses from start to finish in a one-of-a-kind way. That said, there are 5 stages of construction that apply to every project, whether it’s a single family home or 50-story condo development. If you’re involved in construction, knowing these stages can help you see the big picture, yet also […]
How to Save Money on Your Utility Bills
Do you feel that your household pays too much for energy bills? By recent estimates, Californians spend roughly $380 on utilities every month. Annually, that adds up to $4,560 – the equivalent of average monthly rent in San Francisco’s Mission Bay. If you’re considering ways of driving this number down, you’re not alone. Like many […]
Why You May Need a Foundation Engineering Report
Have you noticed that lately the doors are sticking, or there’s an unusual amount of moisture in your crawl space or basement? Are you observing cracks in the foundation that weren’t there before? Do you feel that the entire house is leaning to one side? These scary symptoms may be pointing to a flaw in […]