by admin | Jun 20, 2025 | Contractor Advice
When it comes to residential construction—whether it’s a deck, garage addition, or home remodel—one question comes up more often than you’d expect: “Do I really need a structural engineer for this?” The short answer is: Yes. And here’s why. 🔍 Safety...
by admin | Jun 13, 2025 | Uncategorized
Have you heard of “plan stamping”? If not, you’re not alone—but this shady shortcut is a growing problem in the building industry, and it can jeopardize your entire project. Recently, I received an email that raised major red flags. The subject? Fast-tracking permit...
by admin | Jun 6, 2025 | Luxury Homes
Imagine pouring your time, money, and energy into a custom home—only to end up with something that doesn’t even feel like you. That’s the risk of one of the most common residential home design mistakes: a lack of style or cohesion. And unfortunately, it’s more common...
by admin | May 23, 2025 | Luxury Homes
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Permit? Why Planning Ahead Is Critical for Custom Home Builds When you’re ready to build or remodel, it’s tempting to just get going. But skipping one crucial step—getting the proper building permits—can cost you big. In fact,...
by admin | May 16, 2025 | Contractor Advice
At Essential Pillar Architecture, we often hear this misconception: that hiring an architect is just an extra cost—a formality to get a set of drawings before the “real work” begins. But here’s what many clients don’t realize: The architect you hire doesn’t just...
