For Your Home

5 Steps For Picking A Great Architect In Manhattan Beach

Posted by Ani Stepanian on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 10:58 AM By Ani Stepanian / March 4, 2014 Comment

Architects in Manhattan BeachCurrent and former clients constantly ask us for recommendations to good architects in the Manhattan Beach area. We have some great references to pass along but we always do so with some extra suggestions of our own.

Because choosing an architect can be an incredibly stressful and difficult task for some, we’ve put together a 5-step checklist designed to simplify and explain the process.

Step 1: Interview Several Prospects 

We can’t stress this point enough. When picking an architect, having a direct referral is great but you want to make sure that you also consider different options. That referral from your close family friend may have been a great catch for their style and workflow but that same architect may not have the vision you do for your home. Be sure to interview several architects before you make your final decision. 

Step 2: Have An Idea In Mind 

We’re not saying that you have to know exactly what you want for your design project. Instead, we suggest picking out a few homes in the area or in magazines/online that you’ve liked. Having even the slightest notion of what you expect from your architect will really help you gauge their work in comparison to your expectations. Luckily, thanks to pinterest and several other online websites, inspiration is only a few clicks away.

Step 3: Get An Architect Involved From The Get-Go  

Because choosing designs and design elements is time intensive, we suggest getting your architect involved right at the beginning. Your architect can help guide you through the design process if they’re involved early enough. Having them on board from the start will also make for a much smoother...

Top 3 Smartlocks To Keep Your Family Safe
Posted by Ani Stepanian on Monday, November 11, 2013 at 10:00 AM By Ani Stepanian / November 11, 2013 Comment

Manhattan Beach Homes are part of a safe, idyllic community – in fact, I often liken it to Mayberry of the fictional TV series. But in a city with a remarkably low crime rate, residents sometimes become complacent about their safety and unintentionally invite crime by leaving doors unlocked or valuables out in the open.

The chief of the Manhattan Beach Police Department said at a public forum this year that over 90 percent of vehicle burglaries in Manhattan Beach involve cars that are unlocked or displaying valuables in clear sight.  Over half of home break-ins do not involve forced entry. This is why the Manhattan Beach Police Department is running a “Lock It or Lose It” campaign to remind residents to lock up – and avoid falling victim to crimes of opportunity.

As technology advances, homeowners have access to a wider range of home security devices. The “smart lock” might be the newest and most convenient home security gadget on the market. A smartphone app manages the bolt, controls who unlocks it, and records all comings and goings. If you have your phone in your pocket, all you have to do is touch the lock icon with one quick tap. The lock can tell whether you’re inside or outside, meaning if you’re inside the house with your smartphone, the lock won’t open if it’s tapped from the outside.

Several different brands are selling smartlocks, and we’re highlighting the top 3 that we found. 

August Smart Lock

August
Cost: $200 

Pros:

- Allows for “digital keys” to be distributed to your friends, family members...