Current Project: Mixed use spec building
One of our projects is a new construction ground up mixed use building.  It is the first of its kind on Imperial Ave.  The building is noteworthy as it will have 3 floors, with a restaurant and retail on the first floor, the 2nd floor will have offices and also share with the downstairs of the two residential units, and the 3rd floor will serve as loft style master bedrooms for the rental units.

Challenges:

• Permitting anything with the City of San Diego is an expensive and arduous task even for cookie cutter jobs.  This process had to get approval from the City Council and took over 6 years to design and permit.
• The other challenges involved building on a zero lot line, draining the site properly, and framing two separate buildings that connect.

Status:

• We are currently in rough framing, electrical, and plumbing.  Project scheduled for completion summer of 2011.

The following are the top four items home owners need to consider before starting a home remodel.


1)      Get good plans!
In this business, I have seen some head scratchers, but the biggest mistake is poor planning.  If you don’t have a good set of plans your project will be inefficient and often of poor quality.  Your plans should be detailed and include language about the quality of work and materials.  If you think good architects are expensive, try good lawyers, without the former you will need the latter.