
Architectural Design & Permitting: Make the Right Choices for Your Project | HTH006
02/26/19 • 43 min
This week, 'Ultimate Drafting Pro' Ricky Maciel joins Aaron and Tracy to talk all things design and permitting. We discuss how to pick the best professional for the job, why permits are often necessary and how to find out if you’ll need one for your home project!
LET’S CHAT!
You can always call and leave your questions and comments on our voicemail!
978-709-1040
TIPS FROM RICKY:
Visit your city’s website or call Building and Safety to find out if the project you want to do requires permitting. You can also pull records there.
Anything is doable structurally it just depends on your budget.
Once you submit plans to the city you can make changes, but they have to be approved. Tracy suggests having a clear vision and asking lots of questions before submitting plans to the city.
Talk with contractor about costs before submitting plans.
Open up walls or check in crawl space/attic to find out if your walls are load-bearing.
Your contractor will arrange the inspection and make sure it matches the plans. If you have something unrelated that’s unpermitted they may catch it in their walk through.
Cost range depends on the scope of the work. From 2k-18k
Homeowners need to be on the same page before starting the process.
Permits are created to protect you. Pulling permits is important for your family’s safety.
Not pulling a permit can affect your ability to sell your home.
As a buyer you can also pull records to find out if a potential home is up to code (usually real estate agents disclose this).
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ARCHITECT AND DESIGNER
Architects are state licensed.
Designers are usually more cost effective.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER: - Historical locations have restrictions.
How is the house is being supported- structure and foundation.
Will you fit within the parameters of the planning department.
SOFTWARE TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR SPACE:
Google SketchUp- https://www.sketchup.com
Home Designer Pro- https://www.homedesignersoftware.com
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER:
Experience
Past projects. Have they done something similar to what you want
Have they worked locally?
CONTACT RICARDO:
UltimateDraftingPro.com
FOLLOW US on social media:
Website | https://howtohome.com/
Instagram | http://bit.ly/2WqVfSp
Twitter | http://bit.ly/2RRyYij
Facebook | http://bit.ly/2MC3Hdc
Youtube | http://bit.ly/2SifqTH
SUBSCRIBE to the How to Home Podcast:
Itunes | https://apple.co/2DL0lSp
Android | http://bit.ly/2B9k7Fm
Stitcher | http://bit.ly/2DM0W6c
Spotify | https://spoti.fi/2GcRCKo
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR FILTERBUY.COM
This week, 'Ultimate Drafting Pro' Ricky Maciel joins Aaron and Tracy to talk all things design and permitting. We discuss how to pick the best professional for the job, why permits are often necessary and how to find out if you’ll need one for your home project!
LET’S CHAT!
You can always call and leave your questions and comments on our voicemail!
978-709-1040
TIPS FROM RICKY:
Visit your city’s website or call Building and Safety to find out if the project you want to do requires permitting. You can also pull records there.
Anything is doable structurally it just depends on your budget.
Once you submit plans to the city you can make changes, but they have to be approved. Tracy suggests having a clear vision and asking lots of questions before submitting plans to the city.
Talk with contractor about costs before submitting plans.
Open up walls or check in crawl space/attic to find out if your walls are load-bearing.
Your contractor will arrange the inspection and make sure it matches the plans. If you have something unrelated that’s unpermitted they may catch it in their walk through.
Cost range depends on the scope of the work. From 2k-18k
Homeowners need to be on the same page before starting the process.
Permits are created to protect you. Pulling permits is important for your family’s safety.
Not pulling a permit can affect your ability to sell your home.
As a buyer you can also pull records to find out if a potential home is up to code (usually real estate agents disclose this).
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ARCHITECT AND DESIGNER
Architects are state licensed.
Designers are usually more cost effective.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER: - Historical locations have restrictions.
How is the house is being supported- structure and foundation.
Will you fit within the parameters of the planning department.
SOFTWARE TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR SPACE:
Google SketchUp- https://www.sketchup.com
Home Designer Pro- https://www.homedesignersoftware.com
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER:
Experience
Past projects. Have they done something similar to what you want
Have they worked locally?
CONTACT RICARDO:
UltimateDraftingPro.com
FOLLOW US on social media:
Website | https://howtohome.com/
Instagram | http://bit.ly/2WqVfSp
Twitter | http://bit.ly/2RRyYij
Facebook | http://bit.ly/2MC3Hdc
Youtube | http://bit.ly/2SifqTH
SUBSCRIBE to the How to Home Podcast:
Itunes | https://apple.co/2DL0lSp
Android | http://bit.ly/2B9k7Fm
Stitcher | http://bit.ly/2DM0W6c
Spotify | https://spoti.fi/2GcRCKo
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR FILTERBUY.COM
Previous Episode

Home Security: Keep You and Your Property Safe - HTH 005
Ryan Kadoi joins Aaron and Tracy this week to share his top home security tips. We discuss the best cameras, sensors and smart home security systems - as well as simple & affordable DIY methods to keep your property safe from intruders!
LET'S CHAT! You can always call and leave your questions and comments on our voicemail!
978-709-1040
PREVENTION TIPS: - Know your neighbors. Be aware of surroundings. NextDoor is a great way to keep an eye on the happenings in your neighborhood.
Be aware of your social media presence. Are you checking in at places and posting pics of yourself away from your home? Are you showcasing entry points in your home? Avoid unboxing videos.
Watch what you’re throwing in the mail. Shred mail and breakdown boxes.
Cameras (fake ones are better than nothing!)
Purchase floodlights
Install camera doorbells
Signage that your house is monitored is great.
Dogs are a great deterrent!
Get locked mailboxes
Place security at all entry points including second level.
EXTRA TIPS: - Smart locks/technology can be hacked, it’s best to have a mix of smart technology and key locks.
Amazon has a great variety of security products.
Keep your homeowners insurance up to date.
Engrave ID numbers onto valuables.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO FORK OUT ON SECURITY: Although this is a wide range depending on your needs, typically you can get something from $99-$300.
AARON MENTIONED: Kuna Security- https://getkuna.com
TRACY MENTIONED: ADT- https://www.adt.com Ring- https://shop.ring.com/collections/security-cams Arlo- https://www.arlo.com/en-us/
RYAN MENTIONED: Samsung Smart Things - https://www.smartthings.com Z Wave - https://www.z-wave.com Window Sensors - https://amzn.to/2GNk8T9
RYAN’S TOP 5 DIY HOME SECURITY PRODUCTS (in his words): 1.Smart DoorBell - Ring is my current doorbell of choice but Nest's bell is good as wellhttps://amzn.to/2X7NKQUhttps://nest.com/doorbell/nest-hello/overview/ 2.Blink Cameras - Love these cameras. Battery operated, easy to set up, can purchase both exterior and interior camerashttps://amzn.to/2BF5Pg53.Aeotec Door/Window Sensors - a bit pricey but integrates well with a smart-hub such as Samsung's Smartthings which is listed belowhttps://amzn.to/2DMpXgA4.Wyze Cam - I wouldn't normally recommend two different types of cameras, but for those on a budget these $20.00 cams pack a ton of functionality...https://amzn.to/2X9QPA25.Smart Things - Not exactly a home security product, but it integrates well with security products and ties in home automation into one platform such as lights, locks, etc and is my current smarthub of choicehttps://www.smartthings.com/
AUDIENCE QUESTIONS
WIRED VS. WIRELESS? Wiring can be tricky but it’s more stable and recommended by Ryan. Wireless is dependant on charging, but easier to install. Tracy mentioned that her outdoor cameras also offer a solar option.
IS THERE A SMARTLOCK YOU RECOMMEND? Ryan isn’t a big fan, because there’s the possibility of it being hacked. He recommends a traditional lock and key, even though it doesn’t have the convenience factor.
FOLLOW US on social media: Website | https://howtohome.com/
Instagram | http://bit.ly/2WqVfSp
Twitter | http://bit.ly/2RRyYij
Facebook | http://bit.ly/2MC3Hdc
Youtube | http://bit.ly/2SifqTH
SUBSCRIBE to the How to Home Podcast: Itunes | https://apple.co/2DL0lSp
Android | http://bit.ly/2B9k7Fm
Stitcher | http://bit.ly/2DM0W6c
Spotify | https://spoti.fi/2GcRCKo
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR FILTERBUY.COM
Next Episode

Buying vs Renting: Is Buying Your Best Option? | HTH 007
This week, Thyda Sim from Keller Williams Realty joins Aaron and Tracy to discuss whether buying a home is still the best option in the current market. We find out whether you really need to save a 20% downpayment, if renting is just throwing your money away, and what additional costs you should consider before deciding to buy.
LET’S CHAT!
You can always call and leave your questions and comments on our voicemail!
978-709-1040
FAST Facts:
1. According to Realtor.com the average US Homeowner is 55 years old.
2. According to Zillow: In 1980, the median price of a home in the US was $47,200 and has risen to over $200,000 in 2018 while the median rental price for a home in the US is $1,650/month
3. According to Zillow the average home value in the US has risen over 7% in the past year.
4. According to Experian, the average mortgage debt in the US for 2016 was nearly $200,000
THYDA’S TIPS:
If you’re renting you’re paying someone else’s mortgage. Look at owning a home as your retirement plan.
Needing 20 percent down is a misconception. There are tons of programs that can get that way down, speak to a lender and/or agent.
It’s attractive to make a clean offer or offer to cover some closing costs.
Writing a personal letter to the seller is a great way to get noticed.
Best time of year to home shop is the Fall/Winter months.
TOP TIPS FOR BUYING A HOME:
Take a deep look at your finances
How long are you going to be there?
Find a really great agent
Location! You can change your home but you can’t change your location. Do your research.
THE PROCESS:
Speak to a lender to look at your finances and get a preapproval letter.
Find the right house and put in an offer.
Open escrow
Close escrow, sign loan paperwork, sign title and you’re set! (She makes it sound easy, huh?)
AARON MENTIONED:
Have your pre-approval letter adjusted to a price you feel comfortable (if too high).
TRACY MENTIONED:
She accidentally referred to this documentary as “Minimalist”, but it’s actually “Minimalism”- https://minimalismfilm.com
VOICEMAIL QUESTIONS:
Q: What are the first steps for financing your home?
A: Find an agent that can sit down and talk to you about the steps to buying your first home. Get your credit checked and get a pre-approval letter.
HEY, THYDA!
Website | http://simteamrealty.com
Email | [email protected]
FOLLOW US on social media:
Website | https://howtohome.com/
Instagram | http://bit.ly/2WqVfSp
Twitter | http://bit.ly/2RRyYij
Facebook | http://bit.ly/2MC3Hdc
Youtube | http://bit.ly/2SifqTH
SUBSCRIBE to the How to Home Podcast:
Itunes | https://apple.co/2DL0lSp
Android | http://bit.ly/2B9k7Fm
Stitcher | http://bit.ly/2DM0W6c
Spotify | https://spoti.fi/2GcRCKo
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR FILTERBUY.COM
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