"Larry did a series of modifications for me turning my home into a luxury speculation home. Hes very artistic and is just excellent at what he does. He really cares about his work and how it turns out."
"Essential Living Construction has become my go-to for any of my home construction projects. Oscar Barajas, the owner, is a delight to do business with as he is very personable and attentive when listening to my project visions. He offers suggestions if you are not sure of which direction to take your project or he will deliver your vision with absolute perfection. He has assembled a fantastic team of craftsmen that obviously take great pride in their work. It's nice to know there is a contractor that will make sure that your project will be done to your satisfaction ."
"I hired Adrian to complete my front yard. He was friendly, had references and his price was very fair. He did a beautiful job and I am beyond happy with the results. He’s also organized and explained things clearly."
"Octavio and his team of workers have come to my property several times to put in trees, bushes, pavers, sprinkler systems, and synthetic turf. All their work has been done quickly and professionally. They demonstrate a positive "can do" attitude and they clearly are good at what they do."
"I hired them to create plans for an apartment building. The process was quick and painless. Cost was good. The plans are full complete abd ready to take to builders for quotes. I will definitly use them again."
"Smooth and efficient work! Communication was clear. Whole project took less than 3 months even with rain delays! My vision came to life just as I wanted! I’m very happy and impressed with the work and have already got so many compliments from my neighbors!"
Universal design is a design concept that states that products, spaces, and general environments are designed to be used by everyone, with an emphasis on accessibility for those with limited mobility or other special needs.
Mediterranean architecture comes from traditional building styles of countries on the Mediterranean Sea mixed with French, Greek, and Moroccan influences. There are three main types of Mediterranean architecture: Italian Renaissance, Spanish Revival, and modern.
Some signature components of Mediterranean architecture include red terra cotta roofs, archways, stucco siding, and metal detailing on windows. These homes often have balconies and outdoor living areas.
Federal and Colonial architecture are similar in that they both appear mostly utilitarian and symmetrical, but Federal architecture is a bit more ornate. Federal design often includes decorative palladium windows, window lintels, and, sometimes, columns surrounding a more decorative portico. Inside, Federal architecture is set apart by its centrally-located oval room. Additionally, Federal homes tend to have brick facades, whereas Colonial homes more often have wood siding.
With proper training and experience, reading blueprints is fairly straightforward and not very difficult. If you don’t have the necessary knowledge to interpret the symbols, abbreviations, and other notations used, blueprints may not make sense. Learning to read blueprints can help you understand the construction process and keep you more involved and informed when you’re building a house.
The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you’re designing and building a new home.
The Los Olivos, CA homeowners’ guide to architectural services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Wondering how much hiring an architect cost? Discover architect prices, cost factors, and money-saving tips to help you plan your home project with confidence.
Floor plans can help you visualize a space and are useful in home construction and design. Learn how much a floor plan costs and what affects the price.