How do I develop/build an apartment building on a piece of land I own?
I would talk to an architect first. There are plenty of things that need to be considered prior to jumping into a project like this. Find a small firm that does multi-family work… ideally that specializes in it. I’d recommend NOT finding a local firm that “can do it”, but isn’t very (VERY) well versed in all the codes and ordinances. Multi-family has a somewhat unique set of federal laws that must be followed and there have been cases where good firms, with unskilled team members have made a fine mess of designing the apartment kitchens and bathrooms only to have the owner have to rebuild them to meet federal law.The architect can meet with the various city department, including the planning and development services. They’ll know what questions to ask…I hesitate to suggest you meeting with a contractor. Some contractors can smell a ‘novice’ client a mile away and will work to take control of the project and increase their profit margins while telling you how much money they are saving you. Let the architect (who is experienced in this type of work) guild you into setting up meetings with three (no more, no less) contractors that they feel is qualified to do the proejct. Meet with the architect prior to the interview and talk about what you’d like to hear form the contractors. The architect should guide you in forming the list of questions.Do NOT get into deep pricing conversations… without a full set of drawings and specifications, the contractors know they can’t be held to any promises on prices, but some contractors will low ball their opinion in an effort to win the work early.Talk to the architect about doing a negotiated agreement with the contractor, or a hard bid.Your project size is going to be small for a lot of contractors. Frankly, I really like the idea, but you’ll need a smaller contractor to get excited about the project.Invest in yourself, get a good design, build it right and make sure that you’ll get good rents for the next 30 years. Good luck!
Is Bucks County, PA a good place to live?
Yes Buck County, PA is a good place to live. If you planning to buy a home in Bucks County, PA there are many options and beautiful homes are available in Bluestone creek at the price of $249900Roomy 3 bedroom 2 Full Bath Townhouse backing to Woods (Preserved Game Land) in Blue Stone Creek, Large Living room opens to Dining room with slider to Court yard.Galley Kitchen with Oak Cabinetry, Gas range w/New overhead microwave& Built-in dishwasher. Professionally finished basement w/ new bath and Finished basement adds an additional 600 square ft of living space.2nd floor offers large Master bedroom w/Loft, which can be an office, reading room, or nursery, overlooking the Master Bedroom w/ Large Closet. Master Bath opens to hallway , 2 Additional bedrooms, both with large closets complete the 2nd floor. Just Professionally Painted. This homes front door faces open land owned by Bluestone and then preserved game land that will never be touched. Peaceful and bucolic with many species of wildlife to enjoy! Award Winning Central Bucks Schools including CB South.
What does a typical home in your country look like?
Ordinary, historical or traditional houses? In Indonesia where i live, when it comes to houses you need to differentiate according to time period. That's because in each period in the country's history saw deep changes on how architect approach house building and design. Each period provides different styles.(Prepare this is a long answer)During the old days before the Dutch rule was widespread, traditional design reigns supreme.Houses in Java looked like this. We called it the “Joglo".While the “Gadang" style house is common in West Sumatra.In Borneo, the Banjar people often build houses on stilt above rivers and waterways.In the Toraja highlands on the island of Sulawesi houses look like this. To this day they still in use.On Lombok island houses looks like a honeycomb.While on the island of Sumba, traditional houses have become a tourist magnet.On the eastern end of Indonesia in Papua the “Honai" house still provides shelter to many.After the Dutch cemented their rule, brick and elegant colonial houses began to be build in the thousands across the country.The city of Bandung where i live is home to many of these elegant dwellings.Large numbers of these old colonial houses have been converted to elegant businesses.Some ultimately became important buildings due to their grandeur.After the Dutch left, houses in Indonesia turn to “generic & practical".From simple slum houses in the city.To a minimalist houses in the suburbsIn villages accross the country good looking house could look like this.Fortunately nowadays Indonesian architecture is experiencing a revival.From combining tradition with modernity.To building using unique and sustainable materials.To a minimalist tropical design.Even out of the box approach is adopted.And this approach is also evident in mitigating disasters such as earthquake. These “Martian" like houses were build to withstand earthquakes that are common in the country.When it comes to design and architechture Indonesia is truly a heaven. With a young and creative population, the future of house design and architechture in general is really bright.All pics courtesy of Google.
I am visiting AZ for the first time and someone told me to go to Sedona. What is there to do there?
Sedona is wonderful!!! There is a pink Jeep tour company that takes you on a wonderful tour of the back country where they will actually climb the hills!! Its really interesting!!!!!!! Oak Creek Canyon is also wonderful to spend time at, next to the water and the beautiful trees. You can also Walk through town and enjoy all the artistry and its just a wonderful place to vacation. La Berge Hotel Cabins is a neat place to stay..but it is a little pricy. Also if you get time to go into Phoenix, I would go up to Apache Junction and then take the back roads up to Sedona...you can actually drive through the mountain communities almost all the way up to Sedona. Its a beautiful drive..but if you want to go direct...just go straight up 17 Freeway (Black Canyon Freeway). Its about 2-1/2 hour drive. Whatever you decide to do, have a great vacation and have fun!! Also if you get a chance to go through Phoenix, you can go up to Camelback Mountain and climb up to the top of the mountain and look all over the valley..its a beautiful view!!! Also there is the Phoenix Zoo, and all the museums downtown. Also if you get a chance to eat in Phoenix, I would definitely try these 3 restaurants. "Monti's" Steakhouse on Mill Ave In Tempe, American Bar & Grill in Mesa on Alma School Road and that is downstairs in the Bank of America Building. The most fun place to eat though is at Rustler's Rooste over in Phoenix off the 10 Freeway @ Baseline. Its located at the Point Resort up at the top of the hill. There is a bull in the pen outside the front door, and then you can take the slide into the dining room!! Make sure you tell them you want a window seat so you can look out at the valley. Well, I hope this information will help you..If you need more, dont hesitate to email me at:triggersrescue_2000@yahoo.com. My name is Yvonne
What is the difference between a penthouse and a duplex house?
Difference between a penthouse and a duplex house:Duplex:Duplex House is a residential building for an individual family constructed in two floors, with dining area and single kitchen. Its looks and configuration are much the same as that of a villa,however the size is little. More often than not, a duplex house is characterised by separate entry points to both floors. A duplex House is one of numerous property world’s peaceful achievers, frequently ready to make solid esteem development and sound rental yields at a lower cost than its neighborhood’s disconnected houses.Penthouse:Penthouse are might be or may not be higher expensive than a villa, as the price is determined by its location also. It is the highest floor of a multi-floor building. all the apartments in the top floor of a building are consolidated and changed over to a single flat is called Penthouse.