ZULUETA ARCHITECTURE

I went for a  site review for a Building improvement project to check on its compliance and completion. The story behind this project was the  client went ahead on improvements without having the proper permits. At the end of the day, all the improvements that were done to this building were removed. It was too costly to bring the building up to Code to justify and  retain those improvements. Needless to say, it was a long and difficult process for everyone.  My advice to anyone who is thinking of constructing without permits-   Do not even think about it . It is a very painful journey that is not going to be worth it in the end. ******************************************************************************* www.zuluetaarchitecture.com

I have a number of clients, smaller businesses or start-ups, that work with very limited budgets in improving their leasable space. Majority of them do not have a clue of what it entails to take on a renovation project. They only look at the dollar figure as the bottom line and get a bolt of shock when underlying costs begin to show up. My advise is really to do proper research. Look at very realistically what the construction costs are going to be and that is including: professional fees and permit fees. Prepare in advance. For smaller projects, it is more often than not difficult to get professionals and contractors to get interested.  Set timelines that can be met and works for your operations. Do not ask for impossible schedules, you do not want people walking out on you.  Be aware of City requirements and timelines. The City is busier this time of the year, processing permits ta...

Cheers to the release of the much awaited building permit for the medical clinic project at NW Calgary. I even said to the owner, once we have the building permit, we should throw a party complete with cake and balloons. The story of the permitting process for this project is close to a thriller movie, complete with the unexpected twists and turns and fall-off-my seat scenarios. Truly, although small, this project is a good exercise in building code and City of Calgary coordination. This building was upgraded from residential to commercial classification.  The application of building code was revisited in terms of exits, fire ratings, window calculations.  In any case, this permitting chapter is over and all parties concerned for sure, are looking forward to moving ahead.   http://architectblog.zuluetaarchitecture.com/2012/04/27/thriller-building-permit-in-calgary/ PermitGo is a division of Zulueta Architecture that spe...