Architect

[Howard Zolla]

We are considering a home purchase and would want to add on to the house. We need an architect to visit the house with us in the next couple of days and tell us whether our plans are merely feasible. Any recommendations?

[Lehman Family, Michael & Ann Marie]

Hello Howard,

I am not sure what part of Willow Glen you are considering your purchase for? As you are probably aware of, WG has a variety of architectural styles depending on the location in zone 10 (Willow Glen). This would most likely be the determining factor for which contractor and architect you would employ services from. Of course, this is your decision, and I am not saying that this is the best and only way to tackle your quest, it is just my own opinion from experience.

There are several good contractors who build in WG, and I believe if you start with one of them they may be able to walk and talk with you on the property of interest and give you some insight on the feasibility of the project. The contractor could then recommend the appropriate architect for the job and style, and if you feel comfortable with them, you can move to phase two of your adventure. Phase one is the most important phase I have found. If contractors and their team of technical and skilled partners know each other and have worked together on successful projects in the past, this will really show throughout the build. Team work and effective communication is critical to the success of the project. Your efforts Howard are very important also, for this is your project, your family's home, and a reflection on you. Sometimes, people taking on such an activity think their job is over once they have employed a general contractor. The fact is; it's just beginning!

Don't get me wrong Howard, I am not saying to get in your contractors business, but your piece of the puzzle can make a big difference, which will make things easier for the General, who will make things easier for you.

The other part of this two-hundred thousand dollar question ( or however much your budget is for this project) is; are you investing in the right area of Willow Glen? Are you doing the right type of addition to the property to realize a return? and is your timing right considering the economic conditions nowithstanding, in order to protect yourself along with any equity you may have earned in the property? Not trying to be a father, just giving a bit of insight.

Historically WG has produced favorable ROI's from building. Some areas of Willow Glen are better to build on than others at certain times of the year. A good real estate broker who has been in Willow Glen for the past 25 years and has dug some real estate trenches throughout the area may be able to give you some insight on the above mentioned areas to target. Like myself.

I do not want to conflict with any current representation you may have, but I am here to help as a neighbor, friend, and or professional. However I can help, please let me know.

If your agent is OK with me giving you some contractor names and recommendations, along with my personal opinion on investment areas in WG, just call me or email me back, and I will share them with you.

Good luck in your great adventure, and it's nice to see that you are purchasing in Willow Glen!

Also, I think the Trust fund of Santa Clara County may have a good buyer credit program, which we have taken advantage in past years- a no brainer usually.

See you at the playground sometime, I have two boys 10 and 5, and one wife-forgot how old she is!

Take care,

Michael Lehman
[e-mail]
408-993-8187

[Joe Vela]

Hi Howard. Having just finished remodeling my house, and being an Architect myself, I would suggest you talk to an architect first to help you with the initial concepts of your project. As Mr. Lehman points out, there are lots of qualified, and very good contractors, in the neighborhood who can help you out (and I am sure he is probably one of them). An architect is trained to look at the big picture, not only help you with the intitial concept, but help you understand all that factors (or outside influences) that may have interest with your remodel, i.e. city planning/building departments, county assessors, local school districts, etc. We are also trained to take your vision and help you create a real concept that works for your family lifestyle. In addition, an architect can bring up issues that you may not of thought about; ideas that might not have occured to you, or solutions for an idea that you thought was too far out of your ballpark to follow through with. This is not a self serving email, being that my firm does not do residentual architecture. I would be more than willing to talk to you, as a neighbor, and let you pick my brain a little on some of the questions you may have, or share with you what I learned about remodeling our home here in WG. If you don't get a referenced for a good architect, you may consider calling the local chapter of the AIA at 408.298-0611 and talk to Gail. I know she can send you in the right direction. You may also want to check out the following website - 20 questions to ask your Architect: http://www.aia.org/ask_20_questions
Regards,

Joe A. Vela, AIA
[e-mail]
408.687.7005

[Rosemary]

We just finished a 14 month fabulous redo of our 1928 Willow Glen house on Glenn Avenue. We are thrilled with the architect - Carol Riewe of Santa Cruz. She really understood how important it was to maintain and improve the feel of a house in this very special area. Also, the general contractor, Mark McDowell was fabulous. A Willow Glen guy...

Rosemary

[Justin McCarthy]

HI Howard, I know your post is pretty old, but I was curious if you were still looking for an architect? We live in Willow Glen and my wife is a licensed architect and does residential, new construction and remodels as well as interiors. I am sure she could help you with all the intricacies of local building codes and what is and is-not possible. www.ram-archstudio.com