Warning! Watch out for the sudden need for "consultants."

One day, your contractor tells you he needs a "beam sized." In other words, somebody needs to calculate the loads on that beam. He will tell you you need a structural engineer to size a beam. Why? The sad truth is architects have little or no training in structures, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or civil engineering. Why can't your architect calculate how many BTUs you need to cool the lower level? The guy at Home Depot can! Frankly, you're better off asking him. If an architect decides to use steel framing in your house, he will consult with a structural engineer whether he lets you know or not. (Most architects will tell you so you pay the guy, not him. Some will roll it into their price and pay the consultant on the side, so they don't appear ignorant. (Don't expect too much from architects. It ain't like it was in the old days).

Your Job as Owner: I constantly ask my friends simple questions about their building project, such as "let me see the drawings" or "the specs," and I often get a blank stare. Why? They're embarrassed. Either they're not sure what I mean, or they know down deep they have paid for inadequate drawings with little information on them, and are afraid to admit it. Or specs that are either useless, or yes, non-existent.

So they're guilty of letting some architects and contractors get away with murder. That is, they are not demanding professionalism form their pros.

Ever felt "held hostage" by the contractor? You're not alone.

That's exactly what happens.

You have little recourse once construction has started.

By the way: The term "architect" is thrown around a little loosely in some locales, and the State would like to know about it. Someone who uses the term "architect" who is in reality an interior designer, a decorator, or an unlicensed architect is committing fraud. Would you entrust your precious home to them to save a few dollars? But people do it every day. I guarantee it will cost you way more once the contractor has a field day with your lame contract documents. Just ask, "Are you a registered architect?"  You often hear, "Oh, yes, I'm an architectural designer." RED FLAG.

Permits and filings: Your contractor says, "I'll take care of it." Uh-oh. Sometimes, it can take forever, and you may need what's called an "expeditor," a guy who does that full time, someone who knows the ropes locally. It's often worth the fee.

Tea & Sympathy:  As an ex-architect, I know how my former brethren can seem a little remote, maybe even slightly pretentious. Ever catch one using big words you won't understand? It's classic--straight out of grad school. Buzz words to watch out for:

transparency, layering, axial, en filade, formal...

There's nothing wrong with them talking theory at the shop, but when they give you a dose of it, it means they're showing off. And why to kids show off? Usually when they don't got the goods. It makes them magical, so you remain in awe and continuing paying, or finally listen to their advice.

I am available for work in and around Los Angeles, CA, including Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Pacific Palisades, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Santa Monica, Burbank, Silverlake, Los Feliz, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Studio City, Echo Park, Brentwood, Westwood, West LA, Culver City, Reseda, Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills, Malibu, Venice, Marina del Rey.

Note: these services are also called Remodeling Coach, Renovation Coach, Construction Coach. There is a recent New York Times article about our profession and growing need for it.