All Forum Posts by: Jared W Smith

Hello @Gere W.

Your best bet is to reach out to Planning/Building Dept. in the Town/City you are looking to build in and obtain the Zoning Code/Resolution. As @Tim Johnson said, there's no one way to approach it since each municipality can have vastly different rules, requirements and parameters to abide by. However I will preface this by saying if you aren't familiar with what you're looking at/reading then it's somewhat moot. I work in NYC which has one of the most complex Zoning regulations in the country. I wouldn't expect the average person to be able to decipher it without training.  

If this is the case, I'd reach out to a local Architect familiar with and/or doing projects/developments similar to what you want to build. They are likely already knowledgeable on the basic rules to build. This is what we as Architect do. Working with your best interest in mind backed by our experience, we can work with you to flush out the best route for a lot/property. They can better answer your questions.

-Jared W. Smith, RA - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC (Licensed in NY & CT)

Quote from @Jerry Fung:

I have a duplex garage that has existing plumbing, HVAC and electrical system in place.  I am looking to convert the garage into a habitable unit.  Are there any recommendations on which local architect firm that I can hire?  Thanks.

Hello Jerry. As others mentioned, you may want to first check with the City if your property is zoned for a detached garage to house a separate unit. Being that this is a change of use, I am doubtful a drafter can take this on with the change of CO. City may require an Architect. 

I am current looking for investments in many areas of CT, however my firm typically sticks to Fairfield County, CT mostly. However if you get in a bind and are still in search, shoot me an email with the property address and we can talk. Jared @ ArchitectOwl.com

Jared W. Smith, RA - Principal Architect at Architect Owl PLLC

I wish it were that easy @Dave Meyers. Haven’t gotten the offer yet 

Quote from @Aron Aarhaus:

Quote from @Wesley Davis:

Quote from @Rafael Pinho:

@Account Closed, @Jared W Smith James Petty's book literally changed the course of my career! It should be mandatory in the curriculum of every Architecture school.

He talks a lot about using architecture as equity (deferring the design fees). Has anyone been able to use this strategy? 

I am not sure if you folks have run into this in the architecture world but with an investor mindset. I sometimes have clients come to me saying "I have this piece of property that I want to build on. Can you help me put some plans together?" You say, "sure here is my proposal for services." They quickly balk because "wow I was not expecting that cost."

Have you ever used your design fee as equity in the project for clients. Like a deferred payment but put an additional multiply on it?

P.s. James Petty's book is like Rich Dad Poor Dad for architects. 

I am just getting started with starting an architecture practice and have wondered about this model. As a designer, I would be interested in having some ownership in the project -- it would be rewarding to gain financially from its success. It feels like a winning scenario for both parties? 

 Yup, agree. Getting it all set up is the tricky part. 

FYI- A group of us architects/developers are discussing a similar topic here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/44/topics/1135087-archi...

Quote from @Wesley Davis:

Quote from @Rafael Pinho:

@Account Closed, @Jared W Smith James Petty's book literally changed the course of my career! It should be mandatory in the curriculum of every Architecture school.

He talks a lot about using architecture as equity (deferring the design fees). Has anyone been able to use this strategy? 

I am not sure if you folks have run into this in the architecture world but with an investor mindset. I sometimes have clients come to me saying "I have this piece of property that I want to build on. Can you help me put some plans together?" You say, "sure here is my proposal for services." They quickly balk because "wow I was not expecting that cost."

Have you ever used your design fee as equity in the project for clients. Like a deferred payment but put an additional multiply on it?

P.s. James Petty's book is like Rich Dad Poor Dad for architects. 

Yup, I have had that occur several times. I made an offer for equity once but it was with a flipper and he turned it down. It was early in our professional relationship. We’ve done two projects together thus far. 

The problem I see is most often they’re on the newbie/novice side and aren’t likely to release any control. I can’t have my equity (delayed payment) be fully affected by their control. The success of the project lays in their hands so they need to be well organized and experienced. 

Sadly, sometimes it is. 

No HOAs for me in my personal home and investments. 

Architect here and Developer! Trying to transition from developing for clients to raising capital and developing my own projects. Based in NYC Tri-State area.

@Account Closed. Love the James Petty book. 

My parents house had a similar issue many many years ago. Condo HOA was run poorly and all ways looking to cheap out on necessary problems. These were attached condo, townhouse style. My parents were having relentless problem with the roof. Consistently telling them of leaking problems and the need for a new roof. The HOA continually patched and patch roof never actually fixing the problem. They threatened with attorney to no avail. Welp.. it got so bad we had buckets in me and my brothers rooms.. THANK GOD when my brother went to get more buckets one night and THE WHOLE CEILNG COLLAPSED! Dry wall, wet insulation and rotted joist. He would be been seriously injured or killed. Our home owners insurance stepped in and moved us out to a hotel for months and had the whole top floor renovated and new roof put on. The insurance then went after the Condo/HOA for failure to maintain the exterior where it affected the safe occupancy within. And the HOA fought it! like it wasn't obvious negligence. It was a long fought battle before it was resolved. Then the Board gave my parents the cold shoulder for many years after the event.. AS IF we weren't allowed to have a safe, DRY home to live in. F'in ridiculous. Good luck with your issue. HOAs suck.. @Shawn Regnier

Quote from @Manuel D rodriguez mendez:

Hey I need some help finding reputable real estate lawyers and title companies who are wholesaling/investor friendly preferably in the Westchester country area , any recommendations??

thank you

As far as Real Estate Attorney, reach out to a colleague and very good friend Paul Torres, ESQ. he’s right outside of Queens. I will DM you contact info.