How to Ski for Free at Lake Tahoe

How to ski for free in Tahoe

How to ski for free in Tahoe

Really!  As residents of Lake Tahoe for over 30 years, we have heard it all … and this one is one we like to share.

In cooperation with TahoeFund.com, you can ski or ride for free with you order a Nevada or California License Plate.  The program is called Plates for Powder, and here’s the scoop as noted on the Tahoe Fund website:

Buy a Tahoe plate and ski or ride for free! Show off your love and support for Lake Tahoe by ordering your California or Nevada Lake Tahoe License Plate.

Those who purchase a new Tahoe plate in either California or Nevada before April 1, 2023 through the “Plates for Powder” program receive a free lift ticket to one of twelve participating Tahoe downhill or Nordic resorts, or a Tahoe City Sports Park season pass to be used during the 2022-23 winter season, while supplies last.

Over 96% of the funds from purchase and renewal fees for Lake Tahoe License plates are used to build, maintain and protect the trails, water quality, wildlife and forest health of the Lake Tahoe basin.

For a complete list of resorts, click in here:

To learn more about how you can order a Nevada or California plate to support this project visit TahoePlates.com.

  

To learn more about how your support helps keep Tahoe beautiful or to learn about specific conservationrecreation and watershed restoration projects, visit the California Tahoe Conservancy and the Nevada Division of State Lands.

In the meantime, if you want more details about the best secret spots to ski at Lake Tahoe, give me a call.  I’d be happy to share a few insider’s tips with you!

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

How to Safely Shovel Snow Off A Roof

how to safely clear snow from a roof

how to safely clear snow from a roof

With all the recent snowfall, our architectural firm at Lake Tahoe has been receiving calls about snow loads on our clients’ roofs.  Within that conversation, they ask how to safely remove the load – as there is more snow in the forecast this month.

Last year, we posted one of our most popular blogs about how we design mountain homes that meet the structural requirements for significant snowfall.  And within the blog, we offered immediate advice as to how one can know if there is too much snow on the roof, and how to safely remove the snow.  With the heavy snow that we received during Christmas and New Year’s, we thought we should share that advice again.

Here are the highlights of the story posed by the question “How do you know if you have too much snow on the roof?”

One cubic foot of fluffy, dry snow weighs about three pounds. The same amount of dense, wet snow can weigh as much as 21 pounds. While most roofs are built to withstand more than that, your roof may be under too much pressure if you see these signs:

  • Visible sagging along the roofline
  • Cracks in the ceiling or on the walls
  • Popping or creaking noises
  • Difficult-to-open doors and windows

As it melts excess snow can also lead to ice dams — melting snow refreezes and can damage your home’s interior under the eave line.

How to safely clear your roof

Keep the following in mind:

  • Hire a professional. A person who does this work regularly should know the best techniques and likely be insured.
  • Never work alone. Always have someone with you in case you slip or have an emergency.
  • Clear the area. The ladder up to your roof should be positioned on solid ground. Also, make sure the rungs are clear of ice and snow before you climb.
  • Secure yourself. If possible, use a strap or belt to anchor yourself to something strong, like a chimney.
  • Avoid shingle damage. Stay away from picks, hammers, or other sharp tools to clear snow and ice.
  • Use the right tools. If you have a one-story or flat-roofed house, invest in a snow rake. These long-handled tools with plastic blades can help you gently pull snow from the edge of the roof line.

Inasmuch as this is a good recap of how to get the job done, our team at Borelli Architecture suggests you seek professionals to get the job done.  Roofing companies and possibly professional tree removal companies would be a good place to start.  Here’s a link to the Better Business Bureau’s recommendations. 

In the meantime, if you want more details about how to build a structurally sound home in the mountains, feel free to reach out at any time.

Be safe out there!

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

Home Winter Preparation Tips

Winter Driving Safety Tips for Lake Tahoe Homeowners

Winter Home Safety Tips for Lake Tahoe Homeowners

With three new feet of snow, and counting, at Lake Tahoe, now is the time to prep your home for the wet and white winter to come (unless you have done your chores before now)!  There’s lots of good information below that was published within the  Tahoe Daily Tribune and written by North Lake Tahoe Fire Prevention District’s Chief Ryan Sommers.

At our architect firm at Lake Tahoe, and based in Incline Village above 6,500′ we know all about preparing for what’s to come this winter.  That said, no matter where you live, these tips are good no matter where you live.  If you are here in the High Sierra, we encourage you to take the time to review the details now … in between shoveling this week? Next week? … We’ll see what comes our way!

The following content is courtesy of Ryan Sommers – as posted in the Tahoe Daily Tribune

Winter Home Safety Tips …

•Test and replace batteries. Check or replace carbon monoxide batteries twice a year: when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. Replace smoke alarm alkaline batteries at least once a year. Test alarms every month to ensure they work properly.

•Be prepared for cold weather. Prepare your home, car and have a winter weather checklist that includes emergency preparedness information for communication, making a plan and supplies kit. Register for CODE RED emergency alert notifications.

•Keep stairs and walking areas free of electrical cords, shoes, clothing, books, magazines, and other items

•Improve the lighting in and outside your home. Use nightlights or a flashlight to light the path between your bedroom and the bathroom. Turn on the lights before using the stairs. See an eye specialist once a year – better vision can help prevent falls.

•Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors. Have grab bars installed on the wall next to the bathtub, shower, and toilet if needed. Wipe up spilled liquids immediately.

•Stairways should be well lit from both the top and the bottom. Have easy-to-grip handrails installed along the full length of both sides of the stairs.

•Be aware of uneven surfaces indoors and outdoors. If you must have scatter rugs, make sure they lay flat and do not slide when you step on them. Smooth out wrinkles and folds in carpeting. Be aware of uneven sidewalks and pavement outdoors. Ask a family member or friend to clear ice and snow from outside stairs and walkways and always use handrails if available. Step carefully.

•Wear sturdy, well-fitting low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles. They are safer than slippers, stocking feet, high heels, or thick soled athletic shoes

•Have heating equipment, chimney and stove inspected and cleaned by a certified HVAC technician and/or chimney sweep every fall just before heating season.

•Test your Smoke and CO alarms and replace batteries if needed. Refer to manufacturer’s instructions

•Allow ashes to COOL before disposing of them. Four days or 96 hours is the minimum recommended cooling period for ashes.

•Place completely cooled ashes in a covered metal container. Keep the container at least ten feet away from the home and other buildings. They should never be disposed of in a plastic garbage box or can, a cardboard box, or paper grocery bag. Never use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes. The metal container should be placed away from anything flammable. It should not be placed next to a firewood pile, up against or in the garage, on or under a wood deck, or under a porch. After sitting for a week in the metal container, check them again to be sure that they are cool. If so, the ashes are then safe to dispose of in your trash. Ask your local Fire District if they have an Ash Can Program.

•As a safety precaution keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a fireplace, wood stove, or any other heating appliance, and create a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires. It is important to make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying, and never leave a fire unattended, particularly when children are present.

We hope this safety information helps you and your family to prepare and plan for whatever comes our way.  And, if you ever need advice on key features to include in the design of your mountain home, do reach out.

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

Golf, Ski Communities in NV Continues to Thrive

Clear Creek Tahoe Community Illustration

Back in 2018, ago we posted our first news announcement about the west’s newest tax friendly golf and ski community that was underway in Carson City, NV.  It’s amazing how time flies … and today our team at Borelli Architecture has several projects underway in this burgeoning resort community.

Within that article we noted its amenities that are are now in full operation and open to Clear Creek Tahoe’s neighbors:

Picture if you will … the mountain setting and impressive amenities that come to those who live in the popular Martis Creek community in Truckee, CA … are now mirrored in the tax-friendly state of Nevada, with a nationally-acclaimed golf course designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, PLUS a private beach house and pier on the edge of Lake Tahoe.

Clear Creek Tahoe Home In Design Stages by Borelli Architecture, Douglas County, Nevada

Today, we are working on several design concepts for our clients who have purchased property on the East side of the Sierra – and a short scenic drive from our architect firm in Incline Village, NV.

All of which are taking full advantage of the pine, mountain, and golf course settings that are all a part of the community’s environment.

The photo above is a sample of what is to come in the Clear Creek neighborhood.

Just a short, scenic drive north is another popular community, St James’ Village,  that touts its close proximity to golf and ski resorts.

St. James Village, In Design Stages by Borelli Architecture, Washoe County, Nevada

This custom single-story residence in the gated community of Saint James Village, south of Reno, Nevada is currently in the design stage and scheduled for construction in the fall of 2021.

It is 4,350 square feet with two 2-car garages and has a large covered outdoor living area that wraps around three sides of the building as well as a detached gazebo structure. The residence has a large kitchen/dining/living area which opens up to the outdoor living spaces and two guest bedroom suites in addition to the spacious master bedroom suite. The design maximizes views of Mount Rose to the west and Washoe Lake to the south.

If you have recently purchase land in the Reno, Carson City, Truckee or Lake Tahoe, and would like to discuss your design ideas, our architect firm in Reno Lake Tahoe is ready to make your vision come true.

Contact us at any time for a personal consultation.

Jim Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

Lake Tahoe’s Real Estate Market Still Breaking Records

As our architecture firm in Incline Village, NV, continues to experience one of our busiest years on record, the real estate marketing throughout Lake Tahoe is echoing the same.

Within a recent Luxury Market Report published by Chase International, the statistics continue to tell the tale of 2020 and how the world seemed to find our piece of paradise, purchase property, and call the High Sierra “Home Sweet Home.”

When you follow this link you can read the entire Lake Tahoe Real Estate Report  at your leisure.  To save you time, we have captured some of the report’s highlights:

Now that 2020 is in the books, it’s time to take a closer look at how the luxury real estate market is performed in 2020. WOW, is the response! The market has been explosive in Lake Tahoe properties sold over $1 million for a total of 722 units. Leading the way, South Lake Tahoe, CA witnessed a whopping 121% increase in properties over $1 million, followed by West and North Shore which recorded a staggering 113% with East Shore a close 96% increase. Incline Village was up 83%. These numbers are historic because, as of June 2020, the entire market was down across the board. We have not seen such a vigorous market swing in a short period of time in recent history.

Here are some regional stats about real estate sales in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and the greater Reno/Carson City area:

  • The highest home sale within the entire region sold for $38 million and is located on Lake Tahoe’s East Shore.
  • The North and West Shores led in lakefront sales with 21 closed transactions in 2020 verses 14 the year before.
  • In Incline Village, where our architecture firm is based, recorded 16 lakefront properties sold verses just four in 2019.
  • Over in Truckee, where we have designed a considerable amount of mountain estates, that region recorded 503 properties that sold over $1 million each, with the median price stated at $1,650,000.  Remarkable to say in the least.  The report also noted that Martis Camp, where we have designed several homes for our clients, continues to be the most affluent community in the Northern Region of the Lake Tahoe/Truckee area.

And, just over the eastern crest of Lake Tahoe, our friends at Clear Creek Tahoe Development were all a part of the Carson City’s astounding real estate sales.  The Luxury Report published by Chase International quoted:

Carson Valley has seen the most tremendous growth in 2020 with a 183% increase of units sold over $1 million. 65 homes in 2020 over a million versus 23 in 2019. The highest priced property sold in the Carson Valley was $12 million with the second at $6,950,000.”

To see all the statistics about how real estate faired over the past year, dive deeper into Chase International’s Spring/Summer Real Estate Report right here.

And for more information about the neighborhoods, home developments in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Carson City, feel free to reach out to Borelli Architecture at any time.  We have designed a significant amount of homes in the region and have the personal insight to share with you.

Jim Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

Architectural Design Trends for Today’s Work at Home Environment

Living in Lake Tahoe, NV, we have seen a surge of new residents and second home owners deciding that if they need to be at home, they might as well live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

At our architecture firm that designs homes in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Carson City, NV, we have been approached by new clients throughout the West who have purchased land and are ready to build. From the prestigious Gray’s Crossing in Truckee, CA, to one of our  favorite ski and golf home developments in Nevada – Clear Creek Tahoethere are more homes being designed and built than we have seen in many years.  And with good reason.

For those of us who have yet to retire, we are all well aware of the new “work, live, play’ lifestyle that has become the norm.  And with this new world is a whole new appreciation for our homes which have become the cocoon that wraps around our every day life. So what does today’s ‘work at home’ design look like?  Here are some highlights that our team at Borelli Architecture in Incline Village, NV are recommending to our clients who have selected our firm to design their mountain estate and golf course homes in Nevada.

Architectural Design Trends for Today’s “Work at Home” Environment

“Zoom”Room –  Never before has the space behind and around our desk been so important.  With the world having every opportunity to see what your office looks like, and possibly hearing everything going on in your home, the life in which you live most of your life is wide-open for all to see and hear.   With this trend there is a high demand to either design a room or two that insures privacy as well as plenty of space to conduct business, or remodel a home to include a brand new office environment.

“Stay-Cation” Concepts –  Earlier in this news piece we referred to the live, work, play world that most of us have become very accustomed to this past year.  Now, it’s the norm.  As such, our architect firm in North Lake Tahoe is designing elements throughout the home that accent the lifestyle that mirror our clients’ preferences – be it work or play.  From expansive kitchens where one can entertain while enjoying their family’s company, to ‘great rooms’ which are truly a great escape.  i.e. floor to ceiling windows, large fireplaces and pizza ovens,  room for a new Pool Table, and then some.

Outdoor is Always “In” at Lake Tahoe – We couldn’t leave this one out of our list.  Most of the home designs throughout the High Sierra accent the benefits that come with buying property and building a home in Truckee and Lake Tahoe.  No matter where one builds, Mother Nature is at our beckoning call.  Think:  sliding glass windows that bring the outdoor in, state-of-the-art outdoor kitchens, mud rooms and large storage areas for all our toys, and down in the valley of Carson City, pools are back and one of the hottest features of 2021.

Romper Room – For Boomers, this term may bring back memories of the morning TV show that we were all glued to while the parents enjoyed some peace and quiet.  Today, it’s kind of the same concept yet today’s Romper Room is right home and usually down the hall or above the garage.  Within this ‘hide-away’ for the kids, we are seeing all sorts of additions that include a full bath, small kitchen, basketball hoops, padded flooring for gymnastics, comfy couches and large screen TV’s.  Within this ‘arena’ is an area that depicts a high tech school room with plenty of technology, exceptional lighting, and comfortably-sized desks and chairs.

And that is just the beginning of the new trends for home design.  When you are ready to build your new home, or want to chat with us about remodeling your home, we always appreciate the opportunity to share our design ideas that include the new trends for home design in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and beyond.

Jim Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

 

Top Tips on How to Decide What Kind of Home You Want to Build (Part Two)

Within my most recent news posts, I started to share some top tips on how to decide what kind of home you want to build.  And within that story I promised I would continue to share additional idea on how to get started to build a home.  So here are more tips from our architecture firm in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and North Lake Tahoe, CA.

What is your budget?  Depending on where you have purchased your property, the costs per square foot will vary – a lot!  Check with your real estate agent for comps on home building prices.  With the recent pandemic, we have seen a tremendous rise in interest in building a home in Nevada (Carson City in particular).  Construction costs are increasing with the demand.

Who will finance the project?  If you need to secure a loan you certainly need to research a lender before the shovel goes into the ground.  Be sure to shop around and when you have made your decision, be sure to have your lender offer a pre-approval so you can get started sooner than later.

What is your timing?  Mirroring my last statement, as the world discovers the benefits that come with living in Nevada, and/or the High Sierra, our general contractors have not been this busy in a long time.  The sooner you can work with an architectural firm like ours that services Nevada and California, the better.

How familiar is your home designer to your home’s environment?  Just because you have a final drawing does not mean you are done.  Within our firm that designs mountain and golf course homes in Lake Tahoe, we offer a list of additional services that come with the pleasure of living in a resort area.  Those services include:

  • Site Planning
  • Space Planning

How familiar is your architect to local building regulations? When one has selected to build or remodel a home within the High Sierra and its surrounding counties, there is a lot more to the building process that meets the eye.  For over 30 years,our  Borelli Architecture team has remained on-top of the environmental and county regulations.  Within our services, we also offer professional assistance with the following projects:

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

Will you need an interior designer to help you design the inside of your home?  Our team offers the professional assistance of Kelly Borelli Interiors located in Incline Village, NV on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. Kelly Borelli Interiors has been providing exceptional design services for resort homes and commercial clients in for over 20 years. From practical design for the Lake Tahoe Lifestyle to the most contemporary California seaside estate, Kelly works with each of her clients in conjunction with our own design team, to discover that perfect, personal touch that each client should expect and every home deserves.

In closing, if you have any questions whatsoever about how to get started, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.  We look forward to helping you design your dream home.

 

 

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

 

 

Top Tips on How to Decide What Kind of Home You Want to Build (Part One)

One of my friends has recently purchased a lot at Gray’s Crossing in Truckee.  And throughout the entire process, he continued to reach out to our architecture firm that designs homes in Truckee and Lake Tahoe for advice on the ‘next steps.’  I thought you might appreciate this blog about the “Top Tips on How to Decide What Kind of Home You Want to Build” as the subject is fresh in my mind.

Research first.  Designing and building a home is more than how many bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. that you want or need within this significant investment.  As the old saying goes:  Your Home is Where Your Heart Is.  This classic statement identifies the fact that in addition to yourself, there may be others that have input as to what their desires may be.  When all is said and done, it should reflect the lifestyle that works for all involved.

What style do you like?  For this particular property, Borelli Architecture certainly will recommend that the home takes advantage of its golf course setting.  And with that said, we’ll be sure there is plenty of room for the golf cart in the garage!  As Gray’s Crossing is also within a mountain community at a higher elevation, we will include the appropriate standards for heavy  and take the weather into consideration as well to take advantage of the sunshine at the same time.

What key attributes does your ‘dream home’ really need?  Lots of windows to take in those golf course views?  And expanded porch for summertime entertaining?  How about ‘open space,’ privacy, and in today’s virtual world, how many ‘office spaces’ or ‘small classroom areas’ do you need? A mud room? We say ‘yes’ to that all the time as when one lives in Truckee, the community just begs for all to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Think about the ‘not so obvious.’  What kind and how much storage area do you really need?  Does every bathroom need at tub? How about all those skis, snowboards, snowshoes, and golf clubs … do you want a special place within the home or garage to store your year-round toys?  And what about boat storage?

Think about the future, a lot!  Our friends are just about to retire and plan on living the rest of their life here in the High Sierra. One of their main goals is to build a split-level home that has a lower level that includes a guest suite, small kitchen, and recreation/living area.  This concept works well today for extended company and will be ideal when and if they ever choose to have live-in help.

So that is a start.  In my next news post I’ll be providing more advice about the steps one needs to take when deciding to build a home.  In the meantime, if you are interested in buying a lot at Gray’s Crossing, here are a few nice options.  And be sure to click back into my last posts in January to learn more about land and property for sale in Truckee, Lake Tahoe, Carson City and beyond.

 

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

Where is There Land for Sale to Build A Home in Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe in the Winter

With all the interest in moving out of the city and settling into a more peaceful environment, our architect firm in Lake Tahoe and Carson City is fielding calls everyday from new clients who want to build their dream home.  As a family who has lived in the High Sierra for over 30 years, we understand the draw of moving to the mountains.

To get you started, we are offering this two-part series that highlights our favorite resort developments that still have land and lots for sale in  Truckee, North Lake Tahoe, and Carson City.

Throughout the Lake Tahoe basin there are many lovely mountain communities that offer all the amenities one needs to live a good life.  Within these communities are resort developments that do have lots for sale.   Here’s the start to our two-part series. Just click into each neighborhood to find out more about home developments in Lake Tahoe.

In our next blog, we will include information on the popular Clear Creek Development, and other Nevada home developments (which offer excellent tax advantages) located just over the hill on the eastern side of the Sierra  .

Martis Camp, Truckee, CA

Forbes magazine once quoted that Martis Camp “May be the best private four-season community in the USA.”  Check it out their own description.

“Located midway between historic Truckee, California and North Lake Tahoe, Martis Camp is a 2,177-acre private, luxury community, which Barron’s ranked as Tahoe’s Best Place to Own a Second Home. Nice praise. But even more impressive are the plaudits of those critics whose opinions carry a lot more weight: your family.”

Lahontan, Truckee, CA

The developers say it best:  “Casual elegance finds its home at Lahontan.”  Their website does a nice job of describing what may be your next backyard.

Every one of Lahontan’s 906 acres is a spectacle of natural beauty. Your palette for creating a home here is made up of rock-faced ridges, springfed meadows, tall jeffrey, lodgepole and ponderosa pines, ridge tops with incredible panoramic views, green velvet valleys, and a breathtaking Tom Weiskopf golf course. There is also a reservoir that is the “town center” for Canadian geese, water fowl, and other wildlife. Beauty steals every scene here – and your heart. “

Northstar California

Located halfway between North America’s largest alpine lake, and the historic town of Truckee, California, Northstar still shines as another option for year-round recreation right out your backdoor.  Here’s a very brief description from their website.

“Hidden among the trees in the majestic Martis Valley in North Lake Tahoe, Northstar California welcomes friends and families looking to get more our of their mountain getaway. We invite you to discover what makes our resort unforgettable …”

Gray’s Crossing

If you love to play golf, you will love this home and resort development.  Our team at Borelli Architecture that designs homes in Truckee, CA, appreciates all that this development has to offer.  Here is how they describe the experience;

“Imagine a place to build that honors your wish list as well as your budget. A bright, airy spot with spectacular views. One that’s close to the trails, the slopes, and Lake Tahoe with a golf course, restaurant, and on-site fitness and pool facility. A neighborhood that offers beautiful aesthetics and thoughtful logistics. With values that still reflect a market over-correction, there has never been a more fortuitous time to invest. You could definitely call Gray’s Crossing “home.”

If you would like a personal tour of any of these resort home developments in Lake Tahoe, and others that I will be showcasing in my next News article, please feel free to reach out to Borelli Architecture.  We have been designing and remodeling homes throughout the Truckee and Lake Tahoe area for decades and always welcome the opportunity to share our insight.

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775 831 3060

Do I Need an Architect to Design My Home?

 

 

There’s no question that more and more families are moving from the hectic city life to design and build a mountain home in Lake Tahoe and Truckee.  as Such, our architectural firm in Lake Tahoe is certainly fielding a lot of questions.Specifically: if one really needs a professional architect to build a home in Washoe County,  Placer County, or Carson City.

With all the environmental and building regulations that one must adhere to when building a home in the High Sierra, you certainly should seek the advice of a professional architect to design your home.

To help our clients to better understand just exactly what they will receive when they seek our advice and architectural services, we thought this news article would be of interest to you.

 ~ The Process of Architectural Design ~

Although an architect may initially seem like someone you will hire to design your home or commercial building, there is an extensive list of skills – including a good sense of ingenuity – that come with this time-honored profession that involves far more than a structure’s appearance.

At Borelli Architecture the ‘look’ of the structure starts long before we put our pencil to paper – or these days, sit down at the computer.

First, we meet with our client and listen to what they have envisioned either for their new home, remodel or commercial building in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee region.  Throughout our conversations, we strive to capture what it is they want to do so we can not only meet, yet exceed, our clients’ expectations.

During this initial meeting, we identify our client’s key desires, all of the “pieces of the design puzzle”.  These elements may include the standard questions of how many bedrooms and bathrooms are needed, do they want more open space or a new kitchen, attached or detached guest quarters, outdoor living area complete with a kitchen, or media room complete with the latest and greatest technology features.  Budgetary requirements are also discussed at this time to ensure that the Project Program and budget are in sync.

Once we have identified those key pieces to the puzzle, we develop a Fee Proposal that includes all of the client’s initial desires – and summarize them into a Project Program.  This also includes the phases and costs of services that will be provided from start to finish.

The client then reviews and approves the Project Program and then we are ready to get started on the project.

The next step is to begin the Design Phase; this includes coming to an architectural solution that addresses the Project Program – which is by far the most critical part of an architect’s role.

The design then evolves from the information that we have gathered together and then collaborate to produce a final solution.

Upon completion of the Design Phase, we then move on to the preparation of the Construction Documents;   these include a site plan, floor plans, elevations, cross sections and other detailed drawings of the structure.

When the Construction Documents are completed, they are submitted to local regulatory agencies for review which leads to issuance of the building permit. Once the permit is issued, we work with the client to select the general contractor.  The Construction Documents also provide the contractor with all the information required to actually build the project.

From that point forward, we will act as a liaison for our client and represent them on the construction site, meet with local authorities, and oversee the construction to ensure consistency with the plans and that the end result is exactly what our client expected.

If you ever have any questions about what an architect can, should, or could do for your next project, feel free to call me, James P. Borelli, at any time.  I’d appreciate every opportunity to share my personal experience and insight with you.

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060