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(1 votes) 6:59 pm
January 25, 2010
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Been lurking here long enough…I live in a small bungalow with a detached garage (that's been converted into a studio) that needs some remodeling/renovation. I'm at a loss for how/where to even begin. Any pointers, suggestions, recommendations appreciated.
7:52 pm
October 15, 2009
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Do you own or do you rent said space?
I'm salty and that's what keeps me spicy ©
10:22 pm
December 17, 2010
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ctrl-freak said:
I'm at a loss for how/where to even begin.
You need to do some research. What exactly do you want to achieve?
Maybe you should flick through this for inspiration.
Without knowing what you want, your initial question feels a bit redundant. Research, research, research before committing $$ or listening to some of the wInkers (sic) on this forum.
Now for some random thoughts.
I own 16 of these:
I love 'em but am seriously considering selling all of them. It' s a tough economy.
$ 700 excluding options*
* I.e retractable steps, land ( obviously ), ability to fly and ……. the interior :
which is the selling point for most people.
$ 924,000 out the door, w/ all options included. No substitutions / changes allowed.
Located in the beautiful Baldwin Hills. Remember, sea levels are rising.
I have over 3 Squillion dollars in Ocean Front Walk tax base. I think ? I only own 2 properties but they're farking big. So trust what I say. Seriously.
I refer to 11th District Reps by their surnames only. I'm filthy rich ( born into property ). Just accept that I have clout.
I adore Monopoly, so I'm planning to buy both of these parcels from the lovely Tim Doyle & plonking down 2,3, maybe 8 of these prefab Finnish beauties just because I can.
Exterior:
Interior:
This is MY feifdom. Enjoy.
1:44 pm
January 25, 2010
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SaltWater said:
Do you own or do you rent said space?
I could have been clearer – I own the place. To elaborate – I don't know if I need an architect, or rather an interior designer, or just to find a skilled contractor or craftsman. I have some ideas how I'd like the space to function, and further how I'd like it to look, but I'm also open to hearing what a professional thinks could be done.
[And moomat, not sure how my inquiry is "redundant" but I'm trying to do my research. It's not as fruitful as I'd hoped is all. Nice retro lounge saucers though..]
1:56 pm
February 18, 2010
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We just redid a studio with new kitchen cabinets, tile, sinks. I am very happy with the work and the contractor. His name is Gabriel Frig and his number is (310) 775-3633. It was the first time renovating and he was reasonably priced and was on time. He did not help us with design but we had a pretty good idea of where we wanted things to be. He just filled in the blanks.
2:40 pm
October 15, 2009
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The answer depends on several factors like are you adding on or just changing the interior to something more contemporary and livable. If you're adding on that would require permits and you will need to submit plans. You said it's a garage so I'm guessing if it's a single car garage your talking about a minimum of 200 sq ft or so? You need a contractor…
I'm salty and that's what keeps me spicy ©
8:03 pm
May 28, 2009
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screw the city.. if you cant see it from the street do whatever you want without the permit….thats the venice way.. but
since you dont know where to start..
hire an architect to make the plans…he will hire the engineer..
then find a contractor
.. prepare yourself to find out that its going to cost a lot more than you think…good luck
10:11 pm
July 8, 2010
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Just remember if you don't get permits, eventually it gets rented out (not necessarily by you), it burns, and someone is injured or dies you'll be someone's girlfriend downtown after the DA comes a knockin'
Don't think I'm telling the truth?
What happened to the idiot who constructed a 'unpermitted' drop ceiling up in the Hollywood Hills that fell down and killed a firefighter last year?????
Or the fool who built the little deck without a permit in San Pedro this year that collapsed killing the six year old??
The problem is, unless you're real good at building, you run a huge risk. Of course if you can find an architect who will do it without permits, they'll fry his/her ass instead of yours. That would be a good thing.
FWIW: If you ever rent out an unpermitted unit and you get a flake or crustie whom you want to evict-you can not even bring an "Unlawful Detainer" into court until you register the unit with the LAHD, which will require you to get permits. Then nine months later you can finally try to evict the loser from your property, which you'll probably lose because you can't evict for non payment of rent (as well as other reasons) when your unit wasn't registered as the LAMC prohibit collecting rents on unregistered units. See where I'm going—- All this to save a few hundred bucks.
Just my two cents worth
SI
1:06 am
January 16, 2011
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One more thing. the building inspector will red tag your illegal unit and fine you till you comply with the city. Good luck. I guess it's the "Venice way."
7:13 am
November 29, 2008
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or when you go to sell it will certainly come up (if you don't have permits) and that can result in you having to return it to it's original use. Plenty of people say screw the permit process, but know the risks.
12:12 pm
September 19, 2011
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ctrl-freak:
I know a great local architect who thoroughly understands the lifecycle of a project such as yours, including, discovery, design, engineering, etc. In the long run, an architect will save you money and time. Private message me for more information.
Thanks.
5:30 pm
July 8, 2010
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What ever you do-don't let the architect run the job. You be the boss and keep your eye on your budget. I've built dozens of custom homes and NEVER did an architect save me one thin dime.
Their ideas are indispensable, just categorize them as consultants. Finally make sure you have a face meeting with the engineer after he's received the preliminary drawings from the architect to go over his concerns. I've seen many an engineer shake his head when he gets some drawings.
Architects have the habit of making your job into their wet dream, which you pay for!
SI
