All Forum Posts by: Jared W Smith

A local architect is your friend in these circumstances and can fill in the gaps and details that the Building Dept will leave out. There can be numerous tips and best practices which can smooth out your process @Claudine Stering 

Contractor won't care much on which Code is being used but should be knowledgable on the actual construction and able to read a set of construction documents. And follow them!   

I work with a few HVAC companies in Westchester County on my projects. It really depends on the scope. Also many are just very busy therefore their follow up may be lacking. I can recommend to you several. Please email me 

Jared @ ArchitectOwl . com 

I’m not from your local area so I don’t have any recommendations. (I’m in NY) However as I mentioned above, google Atlanta structural engineers and start contacting some of them to find someone willing to take your project on, has similar experience and fits your budget. It may take a few to get someone you’re comfortable with and will take this small project on. Stick to smaller firms if possible. 

Word of the wise to others reading this- always always check with the AHJ/Building Dept. on requirements for Architect/Engineer to sign/seal documents. 

I’ve submitted many plans for changes like this to residential projects. Hopefully there are no issues and you’ve shown things correctly. Many often do not understand the structural loading concept and undersize beams and post/columns. A local engineer (or Architect if City allows) should be more than adequate for this.. Just google “(city) structural engineer”. Check for a small firm as this scope will be far to small for a large firm. Don’t expect it to be pennies as they’re taking the liability within City records for project and will want to ensure they see no problems with what you’ve drawn. 

You have to check with your local Building Department or AHJ (Authority having Jurisdiction). Certain project types, sizes and property changes require a design professional (Architect or Engineer) to sign and seal plans and may also need to sign-off at construction completion. 

And even if no license is necessary, you will want to make sure the person/company you select is able to accomplish your ADU as you want and get you through the whole process legally. My professional opinion would be to go with someone that is licensed and insured. If this apprentice is not licensed, then they're probably not insured also. What if things go south or they make a mistake? Who's liable? You could be stuck with a non-compliant ADU and paying extra to get help to complete it.

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

I see, yes. @Account Closed 

I know what a sponsor is and have a general idea of the ins and outs. You would definitely have more expertise than I. 
You are touching on investing as LP as opposed to joining a fund. I am not at the level where I’d feel comfortable investing as a LP without some assistance from someone to advise me. Hence my starting with some funds right now as a starting block. I hope to expand to grow into deals like that soon. 

Yes I would be reviewing the offerings very carefully. 

@Account Closed Not understanding the last part of your post? ..the sponsor of what? Please clarify. Thanks  

Thanks @Chris Seveney . I’m actually in your fund already! Got everything set up last month. 

Thanks for the link. I will check it out for sure.

As the post title says, I am interested in joining a fund which invest in commercial real estate, specifically self-storage facilities. I am not an accredited investor which I know limits options. bonus points if the fund you recommend is one you’re a part of. Thanks in advance