Choosing The Right Building Path For You
A Weekly Newsletter on Rebuilding Our Community
by Kambiz Kamdar
Dear Neighbors,
Welcome to the second edition of our newsletter on rebuilding our homes and community. In this issue, we’ll focus on the critical decisions you’ll face once you’ve chosen to rebuild.
Hopefully, insurance has cooperated (though we know that’s often doubtful), and you’re feeling confident about committing the time and financial resources to restore—or even upgrade—your home. As we look ahead, many of us envision a Palisades that will once again be vibrant and thriving in just a few years.
Navigating Uncertainty
Since the first month, I’ve been in meetings with various organizations, AECOM, and the Mayor’s Office. Even now, some of the questions surrounding the Mayor’s executive orders—particularly the “110% threshold”—remain unclear.
Throughout my career building homes, condos, and apartments across Los Angeles, I’ve learned to rely on local professionals to help interpret codes, conditions, and community expectations. Working with architects and engineers who know the neighborhood is the best way to ensure we rebuild homes that both fit and strengthen our community. Find local professionals here.
Your Next Step: Choosing the Right Partner
Once you decide to rebuild, the next major step is selecting the right partner to help design your new home. Years ago, the process was straightforward: hire an architect, then bring in a structural engineer, landscape architect, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) engineers. Today, homeowners have far more choices, offering greater flexibility in design, pricing, and timelines.
Here are the 3 main paths to building your home:
Option 1: The “Traditional” Route
How it works: Hire an architect whose style and personality you connect with. Together, you’ll design your home from scratch. The architect may also coordinate with engineers and expeditors.
Pros:
- Custom design tailored to your vision.
- Ability to bid construction to multiple contractors for the best price.
Cons:
- Requires more homeowner involvement.
- Additional professionals (engineers, expeditors, etc.) may need to be hired separately.
Pricing: Architects may charge a flat fee, hourly, per square foot, or as a percentage of construction costs. Some also offer pre-designed “case homes.” Pricing varies widely, so we encourage you to request proposals from architects listed in our online directory.
Option 2: The Design-Build Route
How it works: Hire one company that handles the entire process—design, permitting, and construction.
Pros:
- Simplifies the process for the homeowner.
- Single team responsible for both design and execution.
Cons:
- You’re tied to one builder and their architect/design team, leaving less flexibility.
- The final design may not be as unique if firms reuse standard plans.
Option 3: The Modular / Pre-Fab Route
This fast-growing category deserves its own newsletter, but here’s a quick overview:
- Panelized: Wall panels are pre-built, but you still need a general contractor for grading, foundation, and finishes.
- Modular: Homes are built offsite in sections and assembled on your property. Some allow customization, while others use set floorplans.
- Prefabricated: Complete homes are manufactured and delivered in large pieces (1–4) and connected on site. Some companies handle both foundation and installation.
Pros:
- Significant time savings—reducing months of temporary rent and carrying costs.
- Reduces deliveries and labor traffic in the Palisades, easing the burden on neighbors and streets.
Cons:
- Limited design options
- Newer companies and newer technology that have not been around for a long time
(Pricing per sq ft seems to be on par with traditional building)
Closing Thoughts
Every option comes with trade-offs, and no single path is right for everyone. Whether you choose a traditional route with an independent architect and general contractor, a design-build firm, or a modular/pre-fab solution, the key is finding a partner you trust—one who understands your goals, your budget, and our community.
We’ll continue exploring these rebuilding options in future newsletters, and we welcome feedback from anyone with additional insights or experiences to share. Feel free to reach out to me, kambiz@staging-a892-frank34084.wpcomstaging.com to discuss any of these options. I am the owner of Pali Construction, and a proud founding member of the Palisades Builders Coalition.
Together, we can make rebuilding not just a challenge, but an opportunity to create a stronger, more durable Palisades.
Discover more from Pali Builds
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.