Let's Build a Home

We just completed an ultra-modern home in Silver Lake in LA that, to say the least, was a labor of love, sweat and tears. The journey started before COVID and was completed in June of 2025. This is the 5th home we have built from the ground up and each time you get better at the process and face a new set of hurdles you never expected. Would I do it again? Of course!

This month I decided to write about the process to help those attempting this endeavor for the first time and to remind myself of the “gotcha’s” for the next time we build. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns with your own build. I’d love to help.

Selecting anArchitect

Not all architects are equal. The best combination is an architect that also builds. Architects are artists and often that does not translate into functional design. However, an architect that has actually built a home typically understands function and form.
8’ windows in a master bedroom may appear exceptional, but curtains or shades triple in price and might not be easy to open. Similarly, a curved hallway is very sexy, but it might be hard to bring furniture through and costs much more after framing & drywall.

A good architects first question should be, “How do you live?” A great design is only great if it fits your lifestyle. They might be an artistic genius, but maybe you just want a simple design. Make sure your styles are aligned and they can communicate the way you want to communicate. Below are practical questions in selecting an architect:

1. Experience & Specialization

• Residential focus: Do they specialize incustom homes or have significant experience with residential projects?
• Style alignment: Does their design aesthetic align with what you envision (modern, traditional, sustainable, etc.)?
• Local experience: Are they familiar with local codes, climate conditions, and per

2. Portfolio & References

• Recent work: Review past projects that are similar in size, complexity, or budget.
• Visit in person: If possible, tour completed homes or active sites.
• Client references: Ask to speak with recent clients about communication, timeline, responsiveness, and how issues were handled.

 3. Compatibility & Communication

• Personal connection: You’ll work closely over many months — do you feel heard, understood, and comfortable?
• Design process clarity: How do they incorporate your ideas and preferences? Do they use 3D modeling, hand sketches, or mood boards?
• Availability: Are they too busy, or will you be working mainly with a junior team?

 4. Budgeting and Fees

• Transparent fee structure: Is it hourly, fixed fee, or a percentage of construction costs? Are costs for drawings, permits, and consultants included?
• Cost consciousness: Do they design to your budget, or tend to exceed it?
• Cost estimation tools: Do they provide early estimatesand work with cost consultants or builders to stay on track?

 5. Project Management & Team

• Services offered: Do they just design, or also handle permitting, contractor coordination, and site visits?
• In-house vs. consultants: Do they have structural engineers, sustainability experts, or interior designers in-house or outsourced?
• Builder network: Can they recommend quality contractors or help with a bidding process?

 6. Sustainability & Innovation

• Green building expertise: Are they familiar with energy efficiency, passive house standards, or solar integration?
• Technology use: Do they use software like Revit/BIM for detailed visualization and efficiency?

 7. Licensing, Insurance, & Contracts

• Proper licensing: Confirm they’re licensed in your state or region.
• Professional liability insurance: This protects you in case of design errors.
• Detailed contract: Ensure the scope of work, deliverables, timelines, and terms for changes are clearly outlined.

BONUS: Red Flags to Watch For

• Vague proposals or pricing
• Poor communication or slow responses
• Unwillingness to provide references or show past work
• Pushing a design style you don’t want
• Promises that sound too good to be true (they usually are)

Selecting a Builder

So, you have your architect selected and now you need a builder. Choosing the right residential builder is just as critical as picking your architect — they’ll bring the design to life, manage subcontractors, navigate permits, and impact your timeline, budget, and overall peace of mind. I tend to stay away from the big guys due to price, but there is something to be said for the big builder.  They typically have their own subs that they have worked with for years and that relationship is invaluable. Waiting for subs can be very frustrating so in your due diligence verify their team of subs and timing. Sometimes you will pay more, but an on-time delivery due to competent, experienced subs could end up saving you tons of money. Another big issue for us on  this project was the builder’s bookkeeping and financials. If the builder is continually borrowing from Peter to pay Paul, you will somehow end up on the bad end of the deal. All jobs should have their own accounting system and the builder’s financial strength will keep the job going through rough patches. Ideally, having a builder and architect that have worked together in the past is the best. Obviously the more they have worked together, the better their understanding of each other’s nuances and approach will be. Below is a list of criteria for picking a builder:

 1. Relevant Experience

• Type of construction: Do they specialize in the kind of home you’re building (custom home, remodel, high-end, energy-efficient, etc.)?
• Project size: Have they built homes of a similar scale and complexity?
• Style match: Have they worked on homes with the architectural style you’re aiming for?

 2. Portfolio & References

• Past projects: Look at their recently completed homes — both in photos and, ideally, in person.
• Client reviews: Speak to past clients about timeline accuracy, budget handling, communication, and problem-solving.
• Longevity: How long have they been in business? Stability often reflects professionalism and quality.

 3. Licensing, Insurance & Certifications

• State license: Ensure they’re licensed for residential construction in your area.
• General liability and workers’ comp insurance: Crucial in case of job-site accidents or property damage.
• Bonded: Offers another layer of protection in case the builder defaults.
• Professional affiliations: Memberships in organizations like NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) can be a positive sign.

 4. Quality of Craftsmanship

• Attention to detail: Look closely at finishing work in completed homes (moldings, cabinetry, tiling, etc.).
• Subcontractor relationships: Ask how long they’ve worked with their key trades — long-term teams often mean better results.
• Material standards: Do they use high-quality materials, and will they explain your options clearly?

 5. Communication Style

• Clarity: Do they explain technical matters in an understandable way?
• Responsiveness: Do they return calls or emails quickly and thoroughly?
• Approachability: Are they open to collaboration with your architect or designer?

 6. Pricing & Transparency

• Detailed estimates: Are bids itemized with realistic allowances, or vague and subject to surprise markups?
• Change order process: How are design changes or scope additions handled and priced?
• Budget alignment: Do they have a history of delivering on-budget, or do past clients report cost overruns?
•  7. Scheduling & Project Management

• Project timeline: Do they provide a clear and realistic timeline for construction?
• Scheduling tools: Do they use project management software you can access (e.g., Buildertrend, CoConstruct)?
• Supervision: Who will be onsite managing the build day-to-day — the builder, a superintendent, or a project manager?

 8. Warranty & Post-Build Service

• Builder’s warranty: Is there a clear warranty policy for workmanship, structural elements, and systems?
• Responsiveness after move-in: Will they be available to fix issues post-construction?

 Red Flags to Watch For

• Incomplete bids or vague contracts
• No recent client references
• Pressuring you to sign quickly
• Poor communication or evasiveness
• Frequent litigation or complaints with the state licensing board

We will make the assumption that you have the money to build a home. There are certain banks that specialize in construction loans if you have not secured your financing. Again, ideally getting a construction loan that converts to a mortgage is the best. It allows you to close one time as opposed to once for the construction loan and again for the mortgage.

My advice now is to live each room of the drawing over and over and think of everything you could possibly afford and make sure it is cooked in at the signing of the contract with the builder. The way a builder makes money is on your change orders so do your homework and get these items in from the start. Obviously, you will think of some things or delete others along the way, but attempt to nail down your requirements as best you can. Builders will come back during the process and tell you sometimes that they cannot accomplish what you wanted based on ducting that had to be placed in an unexpected spot or a wall that had to be added or removed due to an unforeseen need, but of course, there is never a minus button for a builder. Two items that always get little attention are lighting and landscaping. Remember to give them significant attention in the budgeting process. Another gotcha is to look at the builder’s allotment for a line item like appliances, plumbing and flooring. Our idea of what’s  appropriate is not always the same as someone else’s. Let’s say the builder allows for $25K for appliances. Go out and price all the appliances you might want. Being a big cook, I want a Thermador 48” gas, duel-fuel range which costs $18-20K. Well, that’s over half my budget. Or maybe, you are a wine lover and you want 2 18” wine refrigerators. They cost about $7K and you want two so now I’m at $39K. If you want a washer and dryer and a coffee machine plus the other necessities, you probably need a $60K appliance budget. It is not that the Builder shortchanged you with the budget, he just has to have some budget to form his estimate. Builders are notorious for small lighting budgets, and I love lighting. Do the same exercise as before. So you get me point. The last thing I will mention is tile and countertops. Below is the piece of the countertop we saw at the tile company. We loved it. It was very expensive, it was subtle and had little movement which we wanted AND it was on sale. It was perfect               

When the Kitchen counters were installed, it definitely had more movement than we expected. Make sure you see large pieces of your selections. This is the kitchen finished. We loved it but it was busier than expected.

As mentioned, the project took 5 years and much of that was due to COVID. These are some architectural features we did not necessarily notice in the drawings that ended up amazing. Should we have known, maybe, but there were so many other things we were thinking about  at the time, that a couple items were overlooked. In the moment you think you are seeing  and hearing everything and then the home comes to life and this is what the architect was conveying about natural light and glass shower and toilet area, etc.     

And finally, the bridge to the backyard from the second floor. I really didn’t expect this level of bridge. Surprise! Bridges cost a lot of money!

Features to think about with an architect:

• Large scale nano-doors for indoor- outdoor living
• Electric outlet in the toilet area for bidet style toilet/seat
• Two dishwashers-so great for entertaining
• Second sink in the kitchen
• Heated floors in the bathrooms and family room
• 2 sets of washer/dryers in large homes or vacation homes
• Dog area, mud room
• Upgrade electrical panel for future plans like a heated swimming pool
• Dual zone everything