Frequently Asked Questions

I can do the research with an appraiser about the current value of your lot and the prospects of selling it. I must admit an entusiasm for rebuilding, if it works for you and your family.

The lot prices that are available in October 2025 are not likely to be predictive of the future market. I presume that appraisers are going to need to research the markets of disaster sites. There are few communities in the world as desirable as Altadena.  

The value of a lot, the cost of construction, the added costs of fire-hardening, the growth of equity, the needs of your family are all figures that we can evaluate as we face the rebuilding decision.

I provide or gather the important information, a place to store it, and regular review of the material. You will have a “Dropbox” account and I will read it and reasonably keep it up.  

The account will have limited access and the architect and contractor will have to keep it updated.

I will know the state of construction, the timing of payments, the quality of the materials and workmanship all in a monthly fee. I can increase the level of involvement or reduce it, in consultation with you but the common level of Owner’s Representation is about 3%. 

Last year, I did my service on a $500,000 retaining wall for about 2.5% of the project cost, but I saved about 2% of the cost of the project even after some increased scope.  

I won’t be building your project, I will be representing you in the construction matters on the project.

I won’t be your legal advisor, but I will know when you need it.

Everything in construction occurs on paper, then in full scale. It is sudden sometimes. It is tedious sometimes. 

In rebuilding Altadena there will be a ferocious demand on the construction industry. Not to mention the Palisades next door. I would recommend assistance in going into the unprecedented construction marketplace. It is, of course, an unprecedented real estate marketplace, it always was. 

There are three variables that need to be constantly balanced in construction: Time, Cost and Quality. 

Now, I predict that the aspect of time is a huge question for the owner. My job will include the constant push to keep up with production, without compromising quality or having unreasonable costs… including my fees, so my work is constantly aimed at that 3% for my fees while avoiding unforeseen costs. 

This system has yet to be set up but the cost will be minimal, in the vicinity of $ 40 per month during the project, from project drawings through permits and construction, ending with close-out. I must reserve the right to alter this fee to fit the circumstances of your project. 

I will have a consulting rate for problem-solving when or if needed. Of course, the goal is to avoid or resolve problems as they arise without extra time being needed.