MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
MAY 2024
ISSUE #27
FREE!
Take one
Stay ahead of the curve by regularly reading
our residential articles. We provide insights
on trends, innovations, and practices in the
Design-Build industry. Immerse yourself in
our blogs for a deeper understanding
of the Design-Build process.
Easily transform your dream home into
reality with our FREE Project Planning Pack!
This essential resource is loaded with expert
insights, FAQs, and budget tools to help
you make informed decisions and avoid
unnecessary
expenses
through
upfront
planning. Don’t miss out, grab yours now!
RESIDENTIAL RESOURCES
HOW TO FIND A GOOD CONTRACTOR
Understanding the
Design-Build Process
Project Planning
Pack
Struggling to navigate the complexities of
hiring a contractor for your renovation project?
Check out these essential tips for hiring a
contractor, emphasizing the importance of
due diligence, verifying credentials, and clear
communication to avoid scams.
We outline steps like seeking multiple quotes,
checking references, and ensuring open lines
of communication for a successful renovation.
Published By: LETTER FOUR, INC. - 12822 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, 90066
This newsletter is proudly printed on recycled materials.
We also highlight the benefits of the design-
build approach, offering a streamlined process
for both new constructions and renovations,
aiming to save time, money, and stress.
Learn more about how to secure a competent
contractor and bring your vision to life on
pages 4-5.
Design-Build Report
The
by Letter Four
Check Out Our
Clear 4-Step Process
No Idea How to Start
Your New Project?
Well, folks, it’s about time we crack open that
bubbly and toast to a job well done. You see,
we’ve been burning the midnight oil on this
awesome commercial project clear across the
country.
Our very own Nicole, who knows a thing or two
about project management, has just wrapped
up her final site visit at Brompton Cycles right in
the heart of Washington, D.C. She’s been there
dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s, making sure
everything is up to snuff and keeping our clients
grinning from ear to ear.
In other news, we’re in the final stages of our
residential Modern Eclectic project, with a
beautiful wallpaper installation taking place.
We’re also getting ready to start construction
on two other projects—one with a Spanish style
and another with a Cape Cod style. At the same
time, we’re busy installing tiles and cabinetry for
a Mid Century Modern project. On another new
site, we’re carefully digging trenches around a
protected oak tree.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be starting the
process of demolishing the pool house as part
of our English Tudor-style project. This will
coincide with their main house and interior
boards nearing completion. Additionally, we’re
excited to announce that two more new homes
will soon begin their Design Development phase.
Our goal isn’t just to offer services—it’s to keep
you informed while we make your dreams come
true by bringing your vision to life in a fun and
relaxed way. So why not stay connected? Follow
us on social media for more exciting updates!
WHAT’S NEW AT LETTER FOUR?
Explore the transformations of Letter Four’s
projects on our Before and After page. See the
journey from initial concepts to final reveals,
showcasing the detailed craftsmanship that
characterizes our work.
CHECK OUT OUR
REFERRAL PROGRAM!
Have you explored the benefits of our
referral program yet?
This fantastic opportunity allows you
to introduce your family, friends, and
colleagues to Letter Four’s high-quality
Design-Build services. Every referral
entitles you to exclusive rewards!
So, why wait? Let’s create beautiful
spaces together! Join our referral
program today and experience first-hand
the benefits that it offers.
BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
Visit page
this Seattle native went on to earn his
Masters in Architecture from UCLA and
subsequently became a California licensed
general
contractor.
These
exemplary
academic chops, combined with his real
world experience, have made him uniquely
qualified to manage the diverse projects
here
at
our
Design-Build
firm,
where
both architecture and construction are
seamlessly integrated.
Emmet excels at communicating with both
tradespeople and clients, optimizing our
workflow efficiently and ensuring everyone’s
voice is heard and needs are appropriately
met.
Emmet Ashford
Construction Project
Manager
We are fully reliant on
Emmet
to
proficiently
guide
our
various
projects
during
the
construction phase with
his intelligent planning
and innovative solutions.
He brings an invaluable perspective to the vital
role of Construction Project Manager owing to
a long, rich and distinguished background in
architecture.
After obtaining a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts,
Sculpture, from the University of Washington,
Coming Soon: Glossary of Design-Build Terms
Understanding complex construction terminology
can sometimes be a challenge, right? There’s
no need to worry, we’ve got you covered. A
comprehensive guide to all the industry-specific
terms used in these blogs and newsletters is on its
way! This will be incorporated into the Letter Four
Design-Build glossary page on the website. It’s
designed to serve as your go-to reference guide,
making everything clearer and simpler for you. After
all, knowledge is power!
Stay tuned for more updates!
Who to Hire for Your Remodel or New Home Design
Let’s explore the pivotal choice between hiring an
architect or a home designer for your construction
project. Architects, with their extensive training
and licensing, offer in-depth knowledge and
project
management,
ensuring
structural
integrity and compliance. Home designers,
often less expensive, excel in aesthetic and
functional design but may lack comprehensive
project oversight. We guide you through various
scenarios, from simple renovations to complex
builds, helping determine which professional
aligns with your project’s scope, budget, and goals.
Making Your Home Energy-Efficient With
Modern Windows And Doors
We recognize the importance of reducing energy
consumption, especially with the summer heat
in Los Angeles. Upgrading old or poorly installed
windows and doors is a key step toward a more
energy-efficient home, offering benefits like
lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
Outdated installations fail to properly insulate
homes, leading to increased energy expenses.
Modern
windows
equipped
with
advanced
technologies and proper weather-stripping of
doors significantly reduce energy expenditure.
Such upgrades not only save money but also
improve the quality of life by keeping out noise,
dust, and pests. With various options available,
including double-glazed windows and energy-
efficient materials, and incentives like rebates
from states and utility companies, investing in
new windows and doors is a smart choice. This not
only enhances your home’s aesthetic and security
but also aligns with California’s stringent energy
efficiency standards.
Learn More!
Learn More!
WEBSITE UPDATES
NEW BLOGS
FEATURED PROJECT
Franklin Modern Barn Home
FEATURED STAFF MEMBER
At the Franklin and Mulholland intersection, we
constructed a rustic-modern barn home with
a recording studio and canyon views for our
recurring clients. The design features a two-
story glass wall optimally placed for privacy
from mature trees. Large glass doors link the
inside to the patio and yard, while the interior
showcases wood-clad walls, natural stone,
herringbone floors, wood beams, and glass
railings. A double-height space in the living and
dining room allows for a catwalk to a secondary
bedroom and office. High ceilings and copious
glass ensure ample natural light.
efficiency. Taking these steps will give you the
confidence and peace of mind in knowing that
you have the right team to deliver results.
3. Communicate Your Vision
Preparing a detailed document or a visual
presentation of your renovation goals, design
preferences, and desired outcomes can help to
avoid miscommunication with your contractors.
By providing them with as much information
as possible, your chosen contractor should
fully understand your vision and carry out
the project seamlessly. Be sure to include any
specific materials you’d like to incorporate,
as well as your desired timeline and budget.
The more transparent and comprehensive
you are with your goals, the more likely your
contractors will be able to deliver exactly what
you’re looking for.
You’ll need the help of a licensed architect
to create detailed construction drawings
and documentation. Need help? LETTER FOUR
provides full design-build services with our
streamlined CLEAR 4-Step Process. Reach out
today for a free consultation.
4. Shop Around
For the success of your project, it’s important
to reach out to a minimum of three contractors
and request detailed written quotes. This will
go a long way in helping you compare and
evaluate the scope of work, including materials,
timelines, and pricing. Armed with this critical
HOW TO FIND A GOOD CONTRACTOR
With many people falling prey to contractor
scams, it is essential to be extra cautious when
hiring a contractor, especially without prior
experience working with one.
Here are 10 essential tips to follow when
seeking a competent contractor for your major
renovation:
1. Due Diligence
Before entrusting your project to a contractor,
do your due diligence. This includes conducting
extensive research to determine potential
contractors. Asking trusted friends, family,
and colleagues for recommendations is an
excellent place to start. Additionally, online
platforms, such as review websites and social
media, offer insight into the reputation and
customer experience of contractors. Take the
time to read through customer feedback and
ratings carefully to get a sense of the quality of
work and level of customer service a contractor
provides. All of this information can help you
make the most informed decision possible
when choosing a contractor.
2. Verify Credentials And Licenses
As you evaluate contractors for your project, it
is crucial to verify that they hold the necessary
licensure, insurance, and bonding. Take the
time to thoroughly check their credentials
and certifications, ensuring they possess the
specific expertise required to execute
your project with the utmost quality and
information, a well-informed decision that
ensures the greatest value for your money. Keep
in mind that the least expensive contractor is
typically not the one to go with. They may be
cutting corners and providing lower quality
work or using installers that are not properly
licensed and insured.
5. Check References
When looking for a contractor, one of the
foremost things to do is to ask for references
of previous clients. Then, take the time to
inquire about their experiences. It’s usually
better to talk to a few of them to give you a
more comprehensive assessment. To assess
the contractor’s workmanship, you should
ideally visit completed projects similar to yours.
This will give you a sense of the contractor’s
attention to detail and an overall understanding
of their quality of work.
6. Interview
When shortlisting contractors, take extra
care in the selection process before hiring
a professional for your project. Meet with
your potential candidates in person and ask
critical questions about their experience, past
projects, subcontractors, communication, and
problem-solving approach. Gaining insight
into these areas will help you assess their
work style and identify any potential issues
before starting any project. Ultimately, choose
someone that you feel comfortable working
with and always trust your instincts.
7. Review Contracts And Warranties
Before signing any agreement, it’s best to
carefully review the contractor’s contract and
warranties to ensure you’re getting yourself
a good deal. Be sure to pay attention to all
project details, such as what supplies will be
used, how long it will take to complete the
project, and what happens in the event of a
dispute. It’s always a good idea to seek legal
advice if there’s anything you’re unsure of.
8. Protect Yourself
It’s incredibly important for homeowners to
thoroughly review the section on Change Orders
in their contract. Knowing upfront how your
contractor is prepared to deal with unforeseen
conditions that might arise, additions to the
initial scope of work, delays to the project
timeline, and so forth can save you from facing
major and unexpected cost overruns which in
turn can lead to complex legal complications.
So be sure to read through this section with
great care!
9. Establish Open Lines Of Communication
Effective communication is key to the success
of any home renovation project. It is important
to establish clear expectations regarding
communication frequency, preferred methods
(i.e., phone, email, in-person), and who will be
the primary point of contact on both sides.
Additionally, you may want to consider setting
up regular check-ins to be sure that the
project is proceeding according to plan and
any potential issues are addressed promptly.
An emphasis on effective communication
throughout your renovation project’s life cycle
can help guarantee a fluid and fruitful outcome.
It’s always a good practice to ask the contractor
for regular progress updates to stay informed
about the project’s status. This will help keep
your project on track and allows for timely
course correction, if necessary. In addition
to progress updates, scheduling regular site
visits is also highly recommended, as it can
provide a better visual representation of the
project’s progress and enable you to address
any concerns promptly and effectively.
10. Be Open To Professional Advice
Seeking
out
the
input
of
experienced
professionals can be a critical step in
preventing scams and bringing your vision to
life. Listening to their suggestions on design
direction and efficiently utilizing resources can
lead to invaluable insights and cost-effective
solutions, ensuring the project is in capable
hands. The refined perspective of experienced
professionals can add depth and richness,
further magnifying the impact of the project
while reducing the risk of being misled.
So there you have it, 10 consolidated tips that
can put you squarely on the path to making
educated decisions when hiring contractors.
Now you can significantly reduce the risk of
becoming a victim of contractor scams and
ensure a successful renovation project. Don’t
rush into hiring a contractor without doing
your research, as this can result in costly
mistakes and time-consuming repairs. Do your
due diligence, and remember that prevention is
always better than the cure!
At Letter Four, we believe in being transparent
and comprehensive when it comes to pricing
information. Our goal is to ensure that you
have all the details needed to plan your home
renovation project in California. With this post,
we hope to provide you with useful insights
to make the process easier. Whether you’re
building from scratch or giving your existing
home a makeover, we understand that investing
in your home is a major decision. Our team is
dedicated to making the process as simple and
stress-free as possible, so you can enjoy the
end result without worry.
As a Design-Build firm, we offer a streamlined
process that reduces project costs. Instead
of just providing stand-alone architectural
services, we prefer our hybrid Design-Build
method that involves our in-house architecture
and construction teams collaborating from the
outset. This teamwork helps us to anticipate
costs more effectively and to plan more
efficiently, saving you time and money and
delivering greater value.
We suggest you begin your project with one of
our Project Action Plans, especially if you’d like
to take initial steps without fully committing to
the build. These plans will help you determine
the level of work that you’re comfortable with,
and give you a better understanding of
your project’s scope.
FAQ
WHATS
THE
DESIGN-BUILD
PROCESS
AND
HOW
CAN
I
PREPARE
FOR
IT?
Not all firms follow the same process, or
have a well-developed process for their
projects. At Letter Four, we’ve honed
our CLEAR 4-Step Process over the last
13+ years to deliver a highly organized,
streamlined
workflow
throughout
the
entirety of your project. It proceeds as
follows:
Step 1: Action Plan: Gathering all information
needed to layout your initial plans and
budget.
This
includes
Due
Diligence,
Conceptual Design, and Preliminary Pricing.
Step 2: Technical Documentation: Preparation
of all official documents that will need
to be submitted for approvals and
used during construction. This includes
Schematic Design, Design Development,
and Construction Documents.
Step 3: Final Touches: We submit your
plans for permit approval, then work
on last details like Interior Design and
Landscape Design.
Step 4: Construction: After approvals are
received and all paperwork is signed, we
prepare a construction schedule and carry
out the build according to your plans. You’ll
be updated weekly, and have site meetings
bi-weekly, until it’s time for the final
walkthrough.
Connect the Dots
It’s best to prepare for this process by thinking
through your design goals and establishing
your needs. This can be done by following
the guidance in our Project Planning Pack, or
making use of one of our Project Action Plans.
With the latter, you’ll have our help working
through some of the early phases of planning
and design, without requiring any commitment
to move on to further work.
Learn more on the Clear 4-Step Process:
HOW DO I NAVIGATE THE RED TAPE OF
APPROVALS SO I CAN GET A PERMIT TO START
CONSTRUCTION?
The spectrum of approvals for a custom
home project can be broad depending on the
location and nature of your project. Here are
some common authorities and requirements
you might encounter:
Homeowners Associations (HOAs): They may
have specific guidelines on home design,
landscaping, and other property features.
Design Review Boards: Necessary in certain
jurisdictions, they could extend the approval
timeline by several months.
Specific Plans and Historic Preservation: These
entail particular design criteria and reviews,
potentially adding more time to your project.
California Coastal Commission: They have
distinct requirements with long turnaround
times, sometimes stretching to a year or more.
Utility
companies,
like
Los
Angeles
Department of Water and Power (LADWP):
Approvals for work in an easement can take
4-months to more.
Bureau
of
Sanitation
-
Low
Impact
Development:
Particularly
in
Los
Angeles, projects over 500 square
feet need to address stormwater
on-site, requiring a set of approvals.
Grading Permits and Haul Routes:
Especially in hillside areas, these
approvals are based on the prepared
plans for soil export.
For a standard lot without complex
requirements,
a
ballpark
of
3-4
months for permitting and approvals
is advisable. However, consulting with
an experienced Architect or Design-
Build firm like Letter Four can provide
tailored insight into your project’s
approval intricacies.
You can learn more about what to
expect from the Permitting process in
our Project Planning Pack.
Got questions on design,
construction, or personalizing your
space?
Adie, our knowledgeable office
companion, is on the case to fetch
the answers you need. Submit your
questions to hello@letterfour.com
to see them turn into informative
FAQs in our next issue and on
our website.
SALMON-SHIITAKE RICE BOWLS
Ingredients:
•
2 tbsp white or yellow miso paste
•
4 tsp honey
•
2 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
•
4 skinless salmon filets
•
½ English cucumber, thinly sliced
•
Salt and pepper
•
3 tbsp unsalted butter
•
7 oz shiitake mushrooms, chopped
•
1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
•
1 cup frozen peas
Instructions:
1.
Mix miso with 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp
vinegar. Coat salmon and refrigerate.
2. Salt cucumber; let sit, then toss with
honey and vinegar.
3. Melt butter, add mushrooms and season.
Cook until golden. Stir in rice, water, and
season. Simmer covered for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, add peas, and let sit
covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
5. Broil salmon until cooked. Serve with rice
and cucumber.
LOCAL FAVORITES
+ STAFF PICKS
Blueys Mar Vista
12825 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066
Zinqué
1440 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Evil Twin LA
4123 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA
90066
RECIPE
FUN FACT
Imhotep: The Pioneer of Architecture
Did you know that Imhotep is often considered
the very first architect in history. Working
for Pharaoh Djoser, he crafted the Pyramid of
Djoser (the Step Pyramid) in Saqqara, Egypt
around 2630 – 2611 BC. His influence extended
to the use of columns in architecture. Imhotep’s
CONTACT US
(323) 275-1140
12822 Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
info@letterfour.com
SAY HELLO!
Stay in the loop with Letter Four. Subscribe to
our monthly newsletter by emailing us at hello@
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legacy as a cultural figure endured well into
the Ptolemaic era. While not the first to build
with stone, he was credited by the Egyptian
historian Manetho with refining the method of
constructing stone-dressed buildings during
Djoser’s rule. The Step Pyramid, entirely crafted
from stone, was a groundbreaking feat in its
scale.