The Build Up

Los Angeles County outlines a streamlined rebuilding process for residents affected by wildfires, establishing one-stop permit centers to assist with navigation. Construction cannot commence until debris removal is complete, but residents are encouraged to apply for necessary permits as soon as they are ready. A guide titled "The Road to Rebuilding" helps residents understand the steps involved in the complex rebuilding process after a wildfire, including an animated video overview. Key rebuilding highlights include scheduling appointments at one-stop permit centers, applying for building or fire debris removal permits, learning about like-for-like rebuild options, obtaining temporary housing permits, and utilizing mapping resources. Information is also available for navigating manufactured and factory-built homes. The article addresses frequently asked questions related to fire rebuilds, covering topics such as what to expect, permitting timelines, and fees. A "like-for-like" rebuild, as defined by the Zoning Code, involves a replacement structure that is the same size, in the same location, and for the same use as the previous one. In the Palisades Fire affected area, modifications that do not increase floor area, size, height, or building footprint by more than 10% are allowed. In the Eaton Fire affected area, modifications can increase these aspects by up to 10% or 200 square feet, whichever is greater. These structures can have different internal floor plans or be smaller and do not need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements but must adhere to current Building, Fire, and Health and Safety Codes. The timeline for rebuilding is not definitive, with applications for temporary housing and like-for-like rebuilds generally required within two years of an emergency declaration. Extensions may be granted, but building permits expire if construction doesn't begin within 12 months. The duration of the permitting process varies based on project complexity, with expedited services for like-for-like rebuilds and pre-approved plans. More complex projects will still be expedited, with initial reviews within 10 business days and rechecks within 5 business days for Regional Planning. Additional agency approvals, such as a water agency "Will-Serve" letter, are usually required before a building permit can be issued. Minimum submittal requirements include one application with architectural plans and property ownership information to initiate review, with additional materials like structural and energy plans requested later. A debris removal permit is only necessary if homeowners opt out of the government-assisted program. Reusing existing foundations requires evaluation by an engineering consultant, ensuring the foundation meets current building code requirements after thorough testing and forensic analysis. Demolition permits are not required for those in the government's debris removal program if the foundation remains. The article also addresses specific code requirements, including exemptions and waivers for certain like-for-like rebuild projects in the Eaton Fire area, such as electric vehicle-ready infrastructure, cool roof requirements, graywater-ready plumbing systems, and low impact development (LID) requirements for buildings constructed before 2009. LID requirements are not waived in the Palisades area. Guidance is provided on cross-lot drainage and the process for determining previous square footage and available construction plans. Pre-approved building plans are available for homeowners, and solar panels are no longer mandatory but homes must be solar-ready. Fire sprinklers are required by current codes, and while new buildings must be electric-ready, gas appliances are still permitted. Wood-burning chimneys are now allowed for fire rebuild projects. Information on property tagging ("Yellow" or "Red" tags) provides details on access restrictions and safety concerns, with contact information for local Building and Safety District Offices and One-Stop Permit Centers. Temporary housing, including RVs, manufactured homes, or mobilehomes, is allowed with proper connections, and approvals expire two years after the emergency declaration, with possible extensions. Manufactured and factory-built homes can serve as permanent replacement structures if they meet fire-resistant construction requirements and are installed on a continuous concrete footing. Building new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) is permitted as temporary housing while the primary dwelling is rebuilt, with expedited permitting and compliance with current codes. Utility-related questions cover septic systems, sewer connections, and undergrounding utilities. Existing septic systems can be reused if in good working order for like-for-like rebuilds, but upgrades are required if wastewater flow increases. Connection to county sewer lines is mandated if a property is within 200 linear feet of a sewer main and repair of a septic system is needed. Homeowners are responsible for the cost of lateral connections to underground utilities. The County supports the creation of community-driven sewer districts and clarifies that Public Health Department management keeps all inspectors informed of changes regarding septic, cesspool, and sewer systems. Incorporating greywater systems is encouraged for environmental benefits, though specific policies for new ADUs are still developing. Regarding swimming pools and spas, temporary fencing is required if existing barriers are damaged, and debris removal from pools is covered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers if within the ash footprint. Draining pools to the sewer requires a permit and specific conditions, otherwise, private water haulers must be hired. The rights of new buyers are also addressed, clarifying that while temporary housing eligibility is tied to prior residency, expedited permitting is available to all within two years of the emergency declaration, regardless of property ownership changes. Lastly, contact information for one-stop locations and various rebuilding resources for different cities within Los Angeles County are provided, including links for FEMA assistance, disaster loans, tax relief, and insurance claims. #WildfireRecovery #RebuildingProcess #LAcountyPermits #TemporaryHousing #LikeForLikeRebuilds #BuildingCodes #SepticSystems #SewerConnections #DisasterAssistance

The article features an interview with Stephen Parry of VELUX, discussing the company's long-standing association with the Australian reality renovation show, 'The Block.' VELUX has been involved in several series of the show, with their skylight products frequently integrated into the renovated properties. A notable highlight from a previous season was the entrance hallway designed by contestants Jason and Sarah, which incorporated VELUX solar-powered skylights. This installation was praised by judge Neale Whitaker for its magnificent structure and the character added by exposed beams, creating a significant impact upon entry. For the current series, VELUX's involvement was concentrated on the two penthouses, where skylights were installed quickly following the construction of the roofs. Contestants Bianca and Carla's main bathroom utilized VELUX skylights to enhance natural light, as did Norm and Jess's penthouse bathroom, underscoring the product's role in maximizing natural illumination in high-end renovations. Stephen Parry provides advice for homeowners considering skylight installations, emphasizing that a variety of products are available to suit different needs and budgets. The range includes cost-effective fixed models designed solely for light entry. For those seeking ventilation, manual options operated by an extension pole are available. More advanced options include electric and solar-powered skylights, which come equipped with rain sensors and can be programmed for automated opening and closing via a touch screen remote control. Parry also highlights common mistakes homeowners make, particularly regarding skylight sizing. He advises against choosing overly modest sizes, as this can result in a suboptimal lighting effect that resembles mere spotlighting rather than a significant architectural feature. His primary recommendation is to use multiple skylights grouped together. This approach creates a more impactful and aesthetically pleasing 'architectural feature,' delivering a 'wow' factor that single, smaller skylights often fail to achieve. The article mentions Kyal and Kara, contestants from a 2014 season of 'The Block,' who successfully implemented this strategy in their Long Jetty renovation by installing VELUX skylights side by side to achieve a transformative effect. #Skylights #HomeRenovation #TheBlock #VELUX #InteriorDesign #NaturalLight #ArchitecturalFeatures #HomeImprovement #RenovationTips

The construction industry is experiencing a decline in craftsmanship and pride, largely due to demanding schedules, tight budgets, and increased pressure on workers to produce more in less time. This has led to a focus on quantity over quality, with disputes over quality often arising post-construction, rooted in contractual specifications rather than intrinsic commitment. This blog post explores how tilt-up concrete construction presents a unique opportunity to revitalize craftsmanship and worker pride within the industry. Tilt-up concrete construction offers inherent advantages that foster craftsmanship. While buildings are often assembled from pre-manufactured components, tilt-up concrete is a form of precast concrete construction where panels are cast on-site, combining elements of both precast and cast-in-place methods. This approach facilitates a renewed emphasis on quality, leading to increased client satisfaction and enhanced crew morale. One significant benefit of tilt-up construction is its speed, which paradoxically allows more time to focus on quality. Unlike other construction methods that involve coordinating numerous products, tilt-up requires minimal product coordination and virtually no on-site storage. The process demands meticulous planning, including detailed panel layout diagrams, to ensure precise execution and efficient crane movement during erection. This extensive upfront planning minimizes mistakes and creates an environment of accountability and confidence on the job site. The precision required for maintaining consistent vertical joints, often as narrow as ½ to ¾ inch over significant heights, highlights the advanced skill and attention to detail involved. The fluidity and versatility of concrete as a building material also contribute to craftsmanship in tilt-up construction. Concrete can be molded into virtually any shape, allowing for infinite project solutions and unique design elements such as cast-in features and relief textures. The ability to work horizontally during the casting process provides endless possibilities for innovative forms and textures. Examples of this creativity are showcased in programs like the Tilt-Up Concrete Association’s (TCA) Tilt-Up Achievement Awards, which recognize exceptional projects. The manipulation of panel form in plan, elevation, or both, including curved, angled, and shaped panels, offers designers unparalleled flexibility that is often not economically viable with other construction methods. Furthermore, the accessibility of both the casting surface and the exposed face of the panels allows for a wide range of unique finishes, from exposed aggregate and polished surfaces to tabby stucco and natural earthen textures. These diverse finishing options are not only possible but also practical, even on complex projects. This inherent capacity for innovative design and execution challenges designers and contractors to continuously exceed expectations, thereby cultivating a strong sense of pride among the workforce. The industry is witnessing a remarkable improvement in the quality of design and construction of tilt-up buildings, with new projects consistently pushing boundaries in terms of finishes, forms, size, speed, and application. This continuous innovation positions tilt-up concrete construction as a vital method for fostering craftsmanship and pride in the modern construction landscape. #TiltUpConcrete #ConstructionCraftsmanship #ConcreteConstruction #BuildingTechnology #ArchitecturalDesign #ConstructionQuality #ProjectManagement

The article details the transformation of an unfinished basement into a functional and aesthetically pleasing family space. The homeowners, Hazel and Jude, a busy couple with 10-year-old twins, had a history of starting home renovation projects without fully completing them. Hazel, a professional powerhouse, and Jude, a stay-at-home dad and skilled handyman, had tackled most of their large, old house. However, with many rooms left "almost done," Hazel decided to delegate the basement design to interior decorator Candice Olson, the host of HGTV's "Divine Design," to ensure its completion while Jude focused on finishing other existing projects. The unfinished basement, characterized by exposed concrete and insulation, required a complete overhaul. The initial steps involved fundamental construction: erecting walls, laying down wood flooring, installing crown moldings, and incorporating ceiling lights. To align with the traditional design aesthetic of the rest of the house, the walls were painted a light blue, cherry-toned wood flooring was selected, and custom creamy cabinetry with an antique wash was installed throughout the space. The designer strategically divided the expansive basement into two distinct, practical zones: a family lounge and a crafts/sewing area. In the family lounge, a prominent feature wall was created to house a large-screen television and a new, raised gas fireplace, flanked by custom cabinetry both above and below. A substantial sectional sofa, upholstered in warm wheat chenille, was positioned to offer optimal viewing of the entertainment wall. The neutral tone of the sofa provided an ideal backdrop for a curated collection of accent pillows, which introduced varied textures, colors (blue, caramel), and patterns (decorative paisley), thereby enhancing visual interest. Complementing the sofa, a rich wood coffee table, a dark-leather lounge chair, and a light-colored area rug completed the seating arrangement. To one side of this feature wall, a gallery was established, showcasing fourteen of Hazel’s favorite botanical prints, illuminated by strategically placed wall sconces. The second zone, designated for crafts and sewing, was designed in a large, U-shaped configuration. This area incorporated numerous creamy storage cabinets along the perimeter, paired with floating dark-wood shelves installed above sand-speckled quartz countertops. A rustic wood table was centrally placed in this zone, with three bronze pendant fixtures suspended above it to provide ample lighting. A dedicated sewing station was also created, featuring a modern sewing machine at desk level and a special nook above it to honor Hazel's antique sewing machine, giving it a place of pride. Additionally, a homework area was thoughtfully included for the children, comprising a workstation and chair, equipped with under-cabinet lighting to ensure sufficient illumination for their studies. Through the careful integration of warm colors, comfortable furnishings, traditional design elements, and optimized lighting, the basement was transformed into a fully functional and inviting space for various family activities, marking it as a 100 percent complete project. #HomeRenovation #BasementDesign #InteriorDesign #FamilyRoom #CraftsArea #HomeDecor #CandiceOlson #DivineDesign #HomeImprovement

This article highlights the latest LEGO architectural creation by Pan Noda, titled "Shrine of the Underworld." Pan Noda is known for their distinctive LEGO houses, which often emphasize vertical design and unique character. The featured model continues this trend, presenting a structure that evokes imagery of high-rise living in Eastern Asia before the prevalence of modern skyscrapers. The build is praised for its innovative use of vertical space and its overall distinctiveness. A key aspect of this particular LEGO creation is its eye-catching wall technique. The builder has ingeniously utilized the slight difference in width between two LEGO plates and one LEGO brick. This subtle variance allows for the creation of a textured, weathered effect on the walls, successfully replicating the appearance of authentic wooden planks. This technique contributes significantly to the model's unique character and its ability to convey a sense of age and realism within the LEGO medium. Pan Noda's work, including this "Shrine of the Underworld," consistently captures attention for its architectural ingenuity and aesthetic appeal. The builder's ability to imbue each model with a unique personality and to employ clever building techniques, such as the wall weathering described, sets their creations apart. The article positions this latest build as another example of Pan Noda's consistent production of captivating and visually interesting LEGO architecture. #LEGOArchitecture #PanNoda #LEGOModels #ArchitecturalMarvel #VerticalDesign #CreativeBuilding #ModelHouses