Like the Great Outdoors? You’ll Love this New Website for Eco Enthusiasts!

(Photo was taken on Tunnel Creek Trail – just above the new SR 28 Shared Use Path
a.k.a. “America’s Most Beautiful Bike Path – opening 2019)

Before I launch into my blogs, I like to poke around in the local Lake Tahoe news to see if there might be anything of interest to my clients and friends who love the lake as much as we do.

Professionally, we’re always keeping our eyes open for environmental issues, and with good reason.  As a Lake Tahoe architect firm, we honor and respect the delicate nature of our environment and vital rules and regulations that come with designing and building a home or commercial property in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee regions.

Personally, we are all very excited about the new website developed by  TakeCareTahoe.org.

Thanks to more than 20 environmental organizations in the Tahoe Region, there is an excellent selection of information about environmental-friendly festivals, beach clean-up events, wildflower hikes, and then some.  They also showcase over a dozen locations where people can learn more about the history, science, and environment of Lake Tahoe.

According to their website:

“Take Care is a group of organizations that love Lake Tahoe and strives to make it easier for people to find fun and interesting ways to learn more about Tahoe. Working together, the group launched the newly redesigned and easy-to-use Takecaretahoe.org – a single information source for all environmental education activities. The funding for the new site was made possible by a grant from AT&T.”

“Beach cleanups, wildflower hikes, insightful discussions, and environmentally-friendly festivals are just a few of the opportunities people can find on the new site.”

“Timely information on all the latest environmental events and volunteer opportunities around the lake is also available, with a search feature that allows people to find activities during specific timeframes. People can also discover information on more than a dozen centers where they can spend time learning more about the science, history, and environment of Tahoe.”

If you are thinking about building or remodeling a home in Truckee or North Lake Tahoe, we are always ready to share information about the Tahoe Basin’s Best Management Practices (BMP’s), Washoe County and Placer County Building Permits, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Feasibility Studies, and other important initiatives that must occur as part of the overall architectural design and building process.

For a full list of our Lake Tahoe and Truckee architectural services and environmental planning assistance, just visit our website now.

By the way, I took the picture above just last week on a great hike up Tunnel Creek Trail in Incline Village. It overlooks the new State Route 28 Shared Use Path that upon completion in 2019  will be “America’s Most Beautiful Bike Path.”  Want to know about other local projects underway?

 Contact me at any time!

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

LAKE TAHOE MORE THAN JUST A BEAUTIFUL LAKE, ADDS TO HOME VALUES

Although most of my blogs have been created to enlighten you about real estate trends and the intricacies of building or remodeling a home in the Truckee region and Lake Tahoe Basin, I’ve decided to step away from the norm to share a story that I recently read in Lake Tahoe This Week.   The article is titled “25 Amazing Aspects to Lake Tahoe.”

When I read the story, it reminded me as to why my wife, Kelly, and I have worked hard to make a good living in a land that is indeed one of the most spectacular treasures on Earth.  I’ll give credit right now to its author, Shanie Matthews, who started the article with accolades for this Gem that without a doubt, adds value to investing in land or property within the Lake Tahoe Basin…

“If you read through my blog posts, you know that one thing is absolutely clear: I truly believe Lake Tahoe is an amazing place.  With so many positive points, its exquisiteness can be overwhelming. The way that the mountains create a mesmerizing frame to an ever-changing face of a moody lake is reminiscent of Europe in many ways.”

Highlights of the 25 Amazing Aspects to Lake Tahoe

I suggest you read the whole story, yet in the meantime, Kelly and I selected a few of the highlights that were of personal interest to us:

  • Lake Tahoe is aging gracefully, clocking in at 2 million years old!
  • Lake Tahoe is unique in that it is endothermic basin. This means that it drains into the Truckee River and instead of flowing toward the ocean as most rivers do, it flows east into the mountains with a final destination in Pyramid Lake.
  • Lake Tahoe is one of the purest water lakes in the world, with the water coming in at 99.994% pure (this is close to distilled water that is 99.998% pure).
  • Our year-round, long-term population for the basin is 53,000 people. This number surges during the peak seasons and can hit 300,000 people.
  • Lake Tahoe is surrounded by five peaks that are over 9,000 feet, including Rubicon Peak (9,183’), Mt Tallac (9,735’), Pyramid Peak (9,985’), Mt Rose ((10,778’) and Freel Peak (10,881’).
  • The lighthouse located on Rubicon Trail was once considered the world’s highest working lighthouse.
  • Crystal Bay is the deepest part of Lake Tahoe, measuring in at a staggering1,645 feet below the surface (a depth that would swallow the Empire State Building).
  • Lake Tahoe tap water has been named the best tasting tap water in the United States.
  • There are 63 different tributaries that release water into Lake Tahoe, but only one release valve, being the Truckee River.
  • And a real favorite that we have yet to see ourselves … There is reported to be a Loch Ness-type monster that lives in Lake Tahoe. Her name is Tessie.

If you ever want to know more about the Lake Tahoe Basin, feel free to contact us at any time.  We have been running our architecture firm and interior design companies in Lake Tahoe, and the Truckee region, for over 30 years.

Best to you,

Jim& Kelly Borelli

JB

 

 

 

 

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

Kelly Borelli
Kelly Borelli Interiors
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
775.831.3060

 

 

 

June is Lake Tahoe’s Wildfire Awareness Month. How Prepared Are You?

June is Lake Tahoe’s Wildfire Awareness Month.  How Prepared Are You?

With the summer upon us, it’s the right time to plan and prepare your home and property with defensive space.   To help you get to it now, and not later, our team at Borelli Architecture in Incline Village, NV has done some research and is now providing you with some helpful contacts, websites, and events that are part of our annual Lake Tahoe Basin Wildfire Preparedness Month.

Why Prepare Now?

What began as a very dry winter in the Lake Tahoe Basin ended with Sierra snowpack approximately 85% of normal, thanks to heavy precipitation received during the month of March. However, both the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and the Reno National Weather Service (NWS) expect a warming trend to develop that will lead to drier than normal conditions by late spring.

As a result, the below average snow pack is expected to melt faster, grasses and other vegetation are expected to dry out earlier and wildland fire activity is likely to increase to above average by mid-summer.

Wildfire Preparedness Tips

Springtime in the Sierra is the perfect time to complete defensible space clean up around homes, review evacuation plans, sign-up for reverse 911 your county, contact local fire districts to schedule free defensible space evaluations, learn about free chipping services, and talk to neighbors about the importance of wildfire preparedness.

Permanent residents, second-home owners and vacation home owners/renters should familiarize themselves with and follow advice found at this link from Living With Fire.  It offers an extensive list of things you and your family can do to be as prepared as possible.

Free Seminars and Events About Lake Tahoe Basin Wildfire Awareness Month

If you want to get a jump-start to prepare you home and property, take time to attend one of the many events our local authorities have planned on your behalf.

 Date/Time Event
06/01/2018
All Day		 Lake Tahoe Basin Wildfire Awareness Month Begins!
,
06/09/2018
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm		 Wildfire Safety Expo
TJ Maxx Parking Lot, South Lake Tahoe CA
06/15/2018
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm		 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
Zephyr Cove Post Office, Zephyr Cove NV
06/16/2018
9:00 am – 3:00 pm		 Whispering Pines Shrub Crawl & Block Party
Whipering Pines, Incline Village NV
06/27/2018
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm		 Learn S’More About Fire Safety and Fire Safe
Zephyr Cove Beach, Zephyr Cove NV
06/30/2018
8:00 am – 10:00 am		 Community Pancake Breakfast – North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
North Lake Tahoe Fire Station, Incline Village NV

Remember it’s not a matter of “if” the next wildfire will occur, it’s a matter of “when”.

If you have any specific questions about preparing your home for wildfire, please feel free to directly contact our local North Lake Tahoe Protection District at 775 831 0351 or stop in their main headquarters at 866 Oriole Way, Incline Village, NV  89451.

Finally, as your neighbor who has lived on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore for over 30 years, I have learned quite a bit about defensible space.  Feel free to contact me at any time for tips that I have learned over the years...

Jim

 

 

 

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

TAX FRIENDLY NEVADA SEES BOOST IN HOME VALUE, REAL ESTATE SALES

(Image courtesy of WestallRealEstate.com)

With summer just around the corner, real estate offices throughout the Truckee and Lake Tahoe region are gearing up for what may be one of the busiest summer sales seasons in a long time.  And as an architect who designs and remodels homes in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee area, that’s good news for us as well.

 Home Values Soar on Tahoe’s North Shore/Nevada

Just this past month, we received a recap of the Q1 reports and the results were impressive.  No matter what side of the lake one seeks to buy or sell a home, the market continues show great promise for a good real estate sales year ahead.

Most impressive are the results noted about Lake Tahoe’s Nevada side where sales volume increased by 45%( year-to-year) and the median price increased by 25%.  Authorities in the business attribute the state’s tax-friendly offerings and note that a significant number of new residents are flocking from California to enjoy Nevada’s many benefits.

Key Highlights from Lake Tahoe Real Estate Q1 Report

  • Luxury home sales account for 33% of all sales in 2018
  • Sales of luxury homes are up 40% over last year
  • Total dollar volume is up 18% over 2017
  • Homes are selling 7% faster than in past years

Complete Q1 Report Available Right Here

To keep you posted on all the recent real estate trends, we’ve included this link to the Tahoe Sierra Board of REALTORS.

Remodeling or Designing a New Home in Tahoe Requires Local Insight

If you have any interest in knowing more about the market, especially if you are looking into investing in a property that needs a significant remodel (which are often the best values) feel free to reach out to our architecture firm in Incline Village, NV. 

We have been advising clients about the numerous Washoe County building regulations, TRPA permits, and the mandatory “Best Management Practices”  (BMP’s) that are all an integral part of designing and remodeling homes in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Got questions? Contact me anytime.

Jim

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

 

 

WANT TO BUILD A HOME IN TAHOE? START NOW. HERE’S WHY.

CHANGE IN TPRA RULES WILL AFFECT THE TIMELINE OF SECURING YOUR BUILDING PERMIT IN LAKE TAHOE. START PLANNING YOUR FUTURE HOME NOW.

For years the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) had an excellent arrangement for Lake Tahoe Architects that allowed us to work directly with Washoe County on all the permitting processes through one individual in their office in Reno, NV.

During that timeframe, Borelli Architecture offered its clients a streamlined process through one main contact at the County office that helped us to move forward with our permit plans and construction in a timely manner.

Not so anymore.

At the end of last year, our representative at the Washoe County Building Department retired – and there are no plans right now to replace him.  We all hope there will be a new representative soon.

In the meantime, we are now required to present all the elements involved in designing and securing permits for home building projects in Lake Tahoe to two separate organizations which happen to be hours from each other.

And, although Washoe County is expeditious in their review, TRPA takes longer to review and process the materials – due to the load of permits that they officially must handle before any building is approved in the Basin.

Long story short: What used to take me a month, now requires a wait time of up to three months.

If you are even thinking about building a home, or diving into an extensive remodel of your home in Tahoe, contact me sooner than later.

For over 30 years, I have hand carried hundreds of blueprints and all the necessary paperwork to the local constituents to secure a permit, and I am still ready to do so for you.

TRPA Permitting, Feasibility Studies, All Part of our Services at Borelli Architecture.

As a Lake Tahoe architect, we enjoy working with our clients on the design of their dream home. In addition to these creative services, we also offer a turn-key operation that provides many additional services that are necessary when building or remodeling a home in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The list includes yet is not limited to:

• Custom Interior Design
• Site Planning
• Space Planning
• Permit Processing Assistance
• TRPA Feasibility Studies
• Contractor Selection and Bidding Assistance
• Construction Administration Services

Don’t wait. Let my team at Borelli Architecture in Truckee and Lake Tahoe expedite the design and permitting process in Lake Tahoe so we can get started on construction sooner than later.

Got questions? Contact me anytime.

Jim

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

TOP REASONS WHY HOME REMODELS CAN BE A GOOD INVESTMENT

With the start of the spring season, it’s often a time to commence on the annual spring clean-up.  In my business, it’s also when the phone starts to ring from clients seeking my opinion as to whether remodeling a home can be a good investment. With that in mind, I thought I would use this blog to provide some of my personal insight, and few good reasons for you to ponder, about the subject at hand.

1) Remolding a home is an adventure that can be very rewarding. 

Be it big or small, investing in a remodel of your home in Truckee or Lake Tahoe, or just a few rooms, can not only improve the value of your residence yet can result in many benefits that you will enjoy for years to come.  Always wanted a bigger kitchen?  How about a great room?  Or maybe the kids have flown the coop, and it’s time for a real Master Bedroom – complete with spa and lots of closets.  These are the first things you will want to think about long before you start the remodeling process.

2) Creature comforts can add value – and security – especially to older homes.

Here in the Lake Tahoe region, there are many homes that were built over 30 years ago.  Many still have single pane windows, drafty sliding doors, small rooms and dark walls.  No matter what the size of the remodel, we always suggest installing windows and doors that are not only up to code, yet are energy efficient, sturdier, and larger to let in the light and open up to welcome in that fresh, crisp, High Sierra air.

3)  “Face Lifts” for the exterior are always suggested. And your neighbors will appreciate your efforts.

There’s no question that your home is a direct reflection of you and your family.  Certainly,a paint job could be in order, and a new roof is common in our mountain region…yet we advise our clients to look deeper into the future.  Does your home fit the neighborhood? Does it have a ‘welcoming’ appeal?  At some point you probably are going to sell your home so take the time to do your research as to the best options for an exterior home remodel.  With our architectural consultation services in Lake Tahoe and Truckee, we always suggest switching to low maintenance exterior products as part of the process.

 4) Make it fit YOUR lifestyle. 

An “ideal” home should fit your lifestyle – and if you have owned your home for a while, that may have changed.  Here in the High Sierra, some of the most popular items that we include in our architectural designs of mountain homes in Truckee and Lake Tahoe are mud rooms, great rooms, spa and fitness centers, expanded patios complete with outdoor kitchens, and expansive windows that open into the great outdoors.

5) Expand your home’s footprint, if you can.

Ah, the ol’ ‘impervious coverage’ question.  Development at Lake Tahoe includes a very sophisticated review by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.  Within their rules and regulations, there is always an evaluation of how much coverage your property is allowed – which is determined either through a TRPA Site Assessment or an Individual Parcel Evaluation System score (IPES).  Not sure about your coverage allowance?  Let us help you out.  Borelli Architecture offers a variety of other planning and permitting services outside of our design capabilities that include the following:

  • Site Planning
  • Space Planning
  • Permit Processing Assistance
  • TRPA Feasibility Studies
  • Contractor Selection
  • Bidding Assistance

BONUS POINT:  Act now, not later.

With all the important regulation that comes with building and remodeling homes in our environmentally-sensitive region, there is a tremendous amount of planning and permitting that needs to be addressed long before we embark on a remodel of your home.

Now is the time to take action.  And we’d be happy to help you sort out the best options for you and your family.  Want to see some examples of remodeled homes in Tahoe? Take a look at my website and then feel free to contact me sooner than later … as remodeling a home can be both enjoyable and fruitful when it’s all said and done.

Jim

James P. Borelli

Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
775 831 3060

 

Why Top Architects Use BIM “Building Information Modeling” Videos

It seems like every time I turn around I am learning about the latest technology – in almost every industry.  It certainly is no longer the “wave of the future,”  yet is indeed what one needs to pay attention to if they are going to succeed in today’s ever-changing world.

Today I am going to showcase a dynamic new tool and a tremendous asset to my architectural business in Lake Tahoe and Truckee.

In short, it’s called “BIM.”  The longer explanation is “Building Information Modeling” – or Video Models that is used not only in my world, yet it has become a ‘must-have’ for engineers, construction firms, and other industries that appreciate the ability to ‘see the future’ before their own eyes.

See Two Good Examples of Video Modeling

On my Borelli Architecture website, you can see two specific examples of Video Modeling that I have offered and successfully used to help my clients have a much clearer picture of what their investment in my architectural services in Truckee and Lake Tahoe have to offer.

The visual benefit is a given.  Other great assets that one receives when you can foresee the final product- albeit in a model format –  include increased understanding of the overall design, increased quality control, and productivity, and even cost control and overall predictions for time-management and final construction deadlines.

What the Experts Say …

AutoDesk is of the most reputable software companies in the technology busienss.  On their website, they nailed it when they presented their opinion about the power of BIM:

“Technology is transforming the way that buildings and infrastructure are designed, constructed, and operated. And it’s helping to improve decision making and performance across the building and infrastructure lifecycle.”

Want to See Your Home in a Video Model?

I am so comfortable and confident that is tool is worth the time and expertise to produce that I welcome the opportunity to speak with you about its numerous benefits… not to mention that it’s just plain cool to be able to see one’s home spining around in various shapes and sizes!

I must say that we’ve come a long way since Lincoln Logs yet I sure wish I had kept my set!

Never hesitate to call me for advice or insight.  I love what I do and would be honored to share my insight with you.

Jim

James P. Borelli

Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
775 831 3060

 

SUNSET MAGAZINE TAPS TRUCKEE AS ‘GAME-CHANGING’ PLACE TO LIVE

They did it, again.  And with good reason.

For those of you who follow my Blog you have seen a variety of articles about  great places to live in and around the mountain region in which I work and play.  Well my friends, Truckee, CA  (and new to the list- Reno, NV) have recently received more top accolades – and this time it’s from the prestigious SUNSET magazine.

In a recent issue, they explored the West to find their picks on “game-changing” communities; defining that title as a place where innovation is hot, education is a top priority, and getting back to nature is second nature in these communities.  They concluded the characterization with an explanation that their top picks offered environments where one can “start all over again with a pioneering determination … these are the communities the exemplify ‘Western Can-Do”.

As an architect who has had the opportunity to design an exceptional variety of homes for folks who do ‘seek the good life”, I’ll have to concur with SUNSET.  The personalities that make up our community, and the assets that come with living in and around the High Sierra, are ‘game changers’ in every sense of the definition.

SUNSET said it best:

“As gateway to Tahoe’s north shore, Truckee needs no introduction to skiers, hikers, bikers, or paddlers. But with maker spaces offering workshops in textiles, weaving, and painting, it’s also gaining some cultural cred.

With its small town feel (the population was recently recorded at 16,391) and big awards piling up every year, it’s no wonder why residents from all over the West are choosing Truckee, CA as their new “home sweet home.”

Thinking about moving to Truckee? I just completed a mountain home design in Northstar (you can see it here) and would be happy to share my insight about the process that comes with building homes in the sensitive environment of the High Sierra.

 

James P. Borelli
Founder, Borelli Architecture
775 831 3060 or visit our Contact page, right here. 

TRPA ANNOUNCES NEW PERMITTING PROCESS, AND IT APPLIES TO YOUR FUTURE BUILDING PLANS.

As a company that assists our clients with a variety of design and building services in Lake Tahoe and Truckee, we’re always watching for changes and updates to the very complicated permitting process that comes with building or remodeling a home in Tahoe or Truckee. 

With that said, we thought we’d dedicate this blog to some important news that was just announced by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.  They announced some changes within its plan review and permitting process.  Here’s a short synopsis from our favorite regional newspaper MOONSHINE INK:

Washoe County, TRPA Permitting Process Changes

Washoe County and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) announced a change in the permitting process for projects in the Washoe County portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin on Dec. 15. Previously, Washoe County accepted and reviewed permit applications on behalf of TRPA.

Now, projects in Washoe County must be submitted to TRPA planners. The TRPA will have a planner available one day a week at Washoe County’s Incline Community Center to accept and review project applications.

The projects must meet conformance with TRPA regulations that apply to residential additions and modifications, new construction of single-family and multi-family residential structures, commercial projects, and qualified-exempt residential activities.

Building a Home in Tahoe or Truckee in the Near Future?  We’re Here to Help.

For over 30 years, my company has offered a variety of turn-key services to our clients throughout the High Sierra. With all the technicalities that come with building a home or commercial building, we feel it is our responsibility to partner with our clients as their ‘liaison’ to the many agencies that are involved in the process.

Highlights of our services include:

  • Site Planning
  • Space Planning
  • Permit Processing Assistance
  • TRPA Feasibility Studies
  • Contractor Selection and Bidding Assistance
  • Construction Administration Services

If you have any questions about any of the permitting processes in Tahoe, feel free to give me a call. I always enjoy the opportunity to share our knowledge, and shed your stress, at any time.

James P. Borelli
Founder, Borelli Architecture
775 831 3060 or visit our Contact page, right here. 

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? Truckee / Tahoe Real Estate Shows Promising 2018

 

With a new year just around the corner, it’s always a good thing as a Truckee and Lake Tahoe architect to know what the future holds; not just for our own well-being yet for our clients throughout the West.

This past week, Tahoe Luxury Properties posted a blog about recent Lake Tahoe and Truckee real estate statistics and included the graphic noted above.   I must say that the information is a good way to end a year that started with one of the most significant snowfall records in history which led to a summer filled with endless fun on the lakes and streams, and now ends with stats that show a promising future for real estate in the Truckee and Lake Tahoe region.

All combined, it seems that the world continues to hear about all the benefits that come with living the good life in and around the High Sierra.

“Growth in the number of Q4 transactions can be attributed to the strong economy, rising equity markets, and the popularity of Tahoe as a second home destination, highlighted by a strong past winter and a summer of perfect weather.”

It’s always interesting to hear the local’s insight about all the good things that are happening throughout the Reno/Lake Tahoe region.  Got some news of your own about real estate predictions for 2018? I’m all ears …

Just give me a call at 775 831 3060 or visit our Contact page, right here.

Finally, on behalf of the Borelli Architecture family, have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and white and wonderful New Year to come!

James P. Borelli