The following is an excerpt from an interview with Tony O'Connor of Blue Sky West Development on 11/23/2009: Tony Cordi (TC): How long have you been developing or remodeling homes and commercial buildings in CA? Tony O'Connor (TO): I have been working in the South Bay area since 1986.
Initially I was involved with commercial built up Air Conditioning Systems for high rise buildings and then transitioned to local residential remodels and new construction.
TC: What do you most enjoy about working in the South Bay? TO: I was first drawn to the South Bay because of the climate here and all of the activities offered within a few hours drive.
I stayed because of the people that lived here.
I have been very fortunate over the years to work for and befriend some of the most enjoyable people.
Many of my clients are leaders in their chosen profession.
They have been a pleasure to work with and have always appreciated the final result of our joint efforts.
TC: Is there anything about the environment (political, environmental, topographical, etc.
) of the South Bay that presents a unique set of challenges for a developer? TO: Yes.
Every area in the country offers its own specific challenges.
Many people have been drawn to the South Bay because of its beauty.
Land is hard to come by and undeveloped land is virtually unheard of.
Most new construction projects entail bringing down an existing structure.
Projects closer to the beach have type C soil (sand) that does not compact and offers additional challenges to shoring contractors in their effort to hold back the soil of adjacent properties.
Additionally, the beach areas are progressive communities that strive to understand the impact of construction on their neighborhoods and the environment.
We are usually the ones that implement new programs that the rest of the country uses as a template to use to improve their communities.
TC: Do you have a favorite style or architect that you enjoy working with? TO: One of the advantages of being a builder here is that there are a wide variety of building styles.
I have built most all styles and like specific aspects of each style.
I like being able to work on different types of projects with different looks and goals.
It makes my job fun because it is always a challenge to try something new.
Most good builders are creative and are able to not only solve the structural issues that innovative architecture presents but also anticipate the solutions in the early stages of construction.
As it turns out, many of the local architects in the community specialize in certain styles.
I like all of the architects I have worked with in the South Bay and know which one to go to depending on the style the structure dictates and client prefers.
TC: How does the process generally work when you first engage a new client? TO: My goal when I first meet a client is to understand what they want.
This goes far beyond the type of building style they prefer.
I look for clues that let me know how they envision the project unfolding.
It is important that the builder and the client have the same approach so that the project goes smoothly.
I educate those who have not engaged in a significant construction project before with graphs and examples.
I share common misconceptions of building and show them what to look for and how to protect themselves.
For more seasoned clients I focus more on procedure and preparation.
I also discuss the economical viability of their plans.
For some people money may not be an issue, but most of my clients want to know that the investment they are making in their property now will have a substantial return later.
TC: Any other thoughts? TO: My advice is to work with a contractor that you feel comfortable with.
Choose a contractor that has good references, has built numerous projects like yours in your area and who you can talk things out with.
Something not going as planned in a construction project is not an "if" question, it's a "when" question and that's okay.
It is important that you feel comfortable enough to approach your contractor to discuss a concern if things aren't progressing the way you envisioned.
Sometimes how an issue is handled is much more important than the issue itself.
Good communication combined with good planning and realistic goals is a good combination for a successful relationship with your contractor and ultimately a beautiful finished project that you can enjoy and be proud of.