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Exploring the Life of an Architect in San Jose, CA

March 5, 2019 - We’ve already discussed the education, training, and hard skills necessary to become an architect in the United States. TZ Construction’s own on-staff architect knows all of this very well.

To round out our examination of the architect’s career, we’d now like to talk about the day-to-day life of a working architect and the soft skills needed to perform the job well. Those of you who think the architect’s career is all math and drawing aren’t completely wrong, but there’s much more involved with this kind of work.

Of course you need to be an expert in designing buildings and planning their construction, but architects also need to be able to get along with others, since most of them work for building or construction firms Meanwhile, 20 percent of U.S. architects are self-employed.

No matter who you work for, you’ll need to have the verbal-communication and people skills to meet with clients and collaborate on the right design for their project. Architects have to listen to their clients’ requests and be able to communicate clearly about how they can be achieved.

An architect may occasionally need to leave the office to check in on the construction site of a current project. Critical-thinking skills will be necessary for an architect to address the problems that can arise during construction. Some of the finer details of an architect’s life include sometimes working overtime to meet deadlines, being familiar with building codes, and organizing permits for all construction work.

Now that you know more about what is involved with being an architect, you can decide whether TZ Construction’s architect in San Jose, CA, is right for your custom home. Our architect works with you and our builders to create your perfect new home design.

Learn more about TZ Construction’s architectural services in Santa Clara County at TZCons.com or by calling (408) 904-9094.

What Education Is Needed to Become a Santa Clara Architect?

March 1, 2019 - You may have heard that TZ Construction now offers architectural services in San Jose and other nearby areas of California. As we’ve said elsewhere, having an architect in the staff of a construction firm can be an enormous boon to the business. Architects plan structures from the ground up, thinking of every detail in ways that maximize the use of space while still controlling costs.

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to become an architect? Let’s get specific for those of you interested in the architecture side of our business.

Firstly, aspiring U.S. architects need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in architecture from an academic program that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. These undergraduate programs can take four or five years to complete.

It’s usually a good idea to go on to acquire a master’s degree in architecture after graduating from the undergraduate program. Some U.S. states require a master’s degree for architects to be able to work. The master’s track usually takes two to three years.

Post-professional architecture degrees are available to obtain from this point, but they are not ultimately necessary to begin working as an architect. Ph.D. programs in architecture are more for those individuals wishing to further their study of a specific type of architecture or conduct independent research.

Finally, architects need to be licensed before they can practice. Getting licensed requires a professional degree, internship hours, and the completion of the Architect Registration Examination.

All of this is how you know your architect is fully prepared to design your beautiful new house in just the way you want. When you need a Santa Clara architect, call TZ Construction at (408) 904-9094 or go to TZCons.com. Count on our training and experience to give you the house of your dreams.

You Can Hire an Architect in San Jose, CA for an Optimized House-Building Plan

February 20, 2019 - At TZ Construction, we have all the necessary skills and experience to build you your perfect new home from the ground up. But did you also know that we offer architectural services in Santa Clara County? At first, you may not see the difference between a builder and an architect. The reality is that these two professions are quite unique. The difference is really one of design and dollar value. Let us explain this.

The complexities of having your own house built are obvious: you need to consider building codes, zoning, hiring the right contractors, choosing your designs, and so on. Architects can guide you through this entire process, from conception to completion. Architects visualize your whole house before it’s built. They design each environment of every room in your house, as well as how those environments will ultimately fit together.

For the architect, one of the most involved steps in this process is creating areas that are both functional and extraordinary, areas that stand out. Architects plan it all in the most efficient ways to minimize the possibility of waste.

Perhaps the most advantageous aspect of hiring an architect when building a house is that he or she will work with you to ensure the plans are what you want them to be. If you’d like everything done in the most cost-effective way, the architect will find ways to save the most money while still giving you what you need. Architects can protect your wallet in other ways, too, such as by helping you choose affordable materials and contractors for the job.

TZ Construction is happy to offer our customers both building and architectural services. If you want to hire an architect in San Jose, CA, call us at (408) 904-9094, or contact us at TZCons.com. Together, we will build you the home you’ve always wanted.

Reap the Benefits of New Home Construction in San Jose, California

February 15, 2019 - One question we hear a lot is: “Why wait to build a whole new house when we can buy an existing one and move in much faster?” That is a fair question. There is no cut-and-dry answer, since home shoppers all have their own wish lists of features they absolutely need in a house. So whether to buy or build will be up to the individual.

However, since TZ Construction works in home construction in San Jose, California, we obviously think building is your best option, and here in this post, we’d like to explain a few major reasons why. Of course we’ve written about this topic before, but there are always additional points to be made. Consider these ideas before making your final decision:

1)      All about customization. A home is likely the single biggest investment you’ll ever make. Since you’ll be living there for years, you want everything inside to be just right, and you’ll get exactly what you want: energy efficiency, an optimized floor plan, and much more.

2)      New construction increases resale value. If you ever decide to move out of your newly constructed house, you can sell it for much more than you could an older home. The updated utilities, design, and materials will be huge selling points.

3)      Options, options. In the end, building a new home gives you all the power. You pick the location, the land, and all the features. It might been initially overwhelming, but we think you’ll like being firmly in control of the place where you’re going to live for potentially the next few decades.

For new home construction in San Jose, California, you’ll need a quality architect and building company. Call TZ Construction at (408) 904-9094, or go to TZCons.com. You’ll be glad you did.

Let a Building Construction Company in Saratoga, CA Handle the Heavy Lifting

January 17, 2019 - There’s always a debate among people who are more than a little handy around the house: do you go full DIY (do-it-yourself) on this project, or hire someone to do it for you? It’s a good question with perhaps no right answer. On one hand, you probably know what you’re capable of from a DIY standpoint. If a door in your home has a loose hinge, you’ll likely want to tackle that yourself to avoid paying the high costs of labor.

Other projects might make you stop and think. Maybe you want to remodel a room in your house, and have the know-how to do it, but you’re not sure if you have the time and certainly don’t want to injure yourself or damage your home. In cases where you are uncertain of how to proceed, we recommend calling a building construction company in Saratoga, CA.

Sometimes you just want a team of professionals handling this kind of major work for you. Perhaps you could indeed remodel your own kitchen, but how much do you know about plumbing? Electrical work? Being a DIYer has its benefits, no doubt. But for the really tough work, you’ll want to get someone you can trust to do things right the first time.

With that in mind, why not call up TZ Construction at (408) 904-9094? We’re an experienced building construction company in Saratoga, CA and will make your home remodel, addition, or new home just the way you want it. We all know the benefits of doing it yourself. But don’t forget the benefits of hiring the pros.

What to Consider Before Building a Bedroom Addition in Saratoga, CA

January 15, 2019 - So, you’ve finally made a decision. After considering moving and several other possibilities, you’ve decided that you want to add a bedroom onto your existing house. That may have been the hardest part. Now that you know what you want, you can start planning to make it happen.

But do you know the steps to take before constructing a bedroom addition in Saratoga, CA, or any kind of addition? There may be more to consider than you thought, but if you plan it right, you can have the home of your dreams in no time. Some items to think about beforehand include:

·         You may want to speak to an architect first. Prior to seeing a building company, you can go to an architect to get ideas on how to build the addition so it looks like a natural part of your home instead of sticking out. A tasteful home addition will improve the resale value of your home.

·         Know the costs. Home addition costs vary by circumstances. An addition that enlarges the footprint of your home can cost a lot more than one that is added within an existing space in your house. A bedroom addition could cost anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000, but, again, this price can vary based on what you want.

·         Prepare for disruptions. Any construction project of this scope will likely disrupt your normal routine. Dust and dirt will probably infiltrate your home. You may not be able to use certain areas of the house. These problems are to be expected. But if you can stick them out, a beautiful new addition awaits you.

A bedroom addition in Saratoga, CA, may take some time and effort to build, but if you need a construction company that will do it right for you, give TZ Construction a call at (408) 904-9094.

Take No Risks when Looking for the Right Building Construction Company in Saratoga, CA

December 21, 2018 - Finding a company that can build you a new home from the ground up can be a tricky business. After all, if you aren’t a construction expert yourself, how can you know whether the people you hire really know what they’re doing?

To help you find a knowledgeable and experienced building construction company in Saratoga, CA, we’ve compiled a short checklist of areas to check out before selecting a company:

·         Meet with multiple companies first. You’ll want to get a sense of how different construction companies work, so it’s best to meet with a few before selecting one. Check into the companies’ histories and previous work to see if it meets your standards. At this stage, you may also want to check their references, such as previous customers, to gauge the companies’ quality of work.

·         Check the company’s scheduling. The construction company you choose for your house should show evidence that they can complete parts of your project within a specified time. If unavoidable delays occur, the company should know how to ensure work is still done in a timely manner.

·         See how your builder designs plans with you. Detailing the plans for your house directly with your construction company can ensure you know the budget for the construction. With everything mapped out with the people who will be performing the actual work, you won’t be leaving anything to chance.

It is important to get all this information before hiring anyone so you have peace of mind that your new home will be perfect for you in the end.

If you need a building construction company in Saratoga, CA, contact TZ Construction. We think we measure up to the checklist items above, but see for yourself. Contact us at (408) 904-9094 or on TZCons.com.

Give Your House New Life with a Custom Home Remodel in Saratoga, CA

December 19, 2018 - We all love when things look new and updated, especially in our homes. Old paint, outdated kitchens, and boring rooms all take away from the enjoyment of our living spaces. Of course, the truth is that, although home remodels are certainly desirable among homeowners, the undertaking can be quite complex and time-consuming.

The following is a list of just some of the areas you’ll need to think about if you’re planning to remodel your home:

·         Planning. You need to know the entire plan for your remodel before work begins. This will save you from having to undo costly mistakes down the line. Speak to your contractors about the right way, and the right order, to complete all the remodels you want.

·         Demolition. If you’re replacing certain areas of your house, such as your kitchen cabinets and countertops, you’ll obviously need to demolish and remove the existing structures in the home. If doing this yourself, be careful not to injure yourself or damage another part of the house in the process.

·         Heating, Electrical, and Plumbing. If your remodeling involves moving appliances and structures that use water, gas, or electricity, you’ll need to call in professionals to perform the work, and get the proper building permits.

·         Surfaces. Finishing all your home’s new surfaces will involve installing new flooring, painting the walls, and possibly adding new drywall below ceiling joists if the ceilings required replacing.

From this list, you can tell that remodeling your home involves quite a bit of work, and this list isn’t even exhaustive. To get around the enormity of such a project, we suggest you hire a professional company for your custom home remodel in Saratoga, CA. TZ Construction will happily perform all this work for you, and will do it right so it lasts a lifetime.

Contact us at (408) 904-9094 or go to TZCons.com.

The Pros of New Home Construction in San Jose, California

November 28, 2018 - Buy or build? This is the question that has confused and frustrated homebuyers for decades. While it is easy enough to shop around and buy a house that fits your family’s needs, many overlook building a home instead. Here are the biggest advantages to having your home built from scratch, according to people who have actually done it:

Fully Customizable: When shopping for homes, the first thing you probably notice are the cosmetic details. Ugly countertops, old carpet, odd paint colors, and outdated fixtures plague homebuyers. Skip having to change these features. Pick what you want just once and enjoy it for years.

Move-In Ready: When you do have to change paint color and other features in a new home, you have to put your life on hold. You either have to delay moving in or change up your daily routine while the work is done. When building a home, you don’t have to change an “almost” perfect house. When you are handed the keys, your home is ready to go.

Peace of Mind: While you can get a full report on the older home you are buying, you never quite know how long it will be until your next major repair is due. Roofing, new appliances, and exterior paint jobs are all sizable repairs that many homebuyers make within the first two years after purchase. Avoid the inconvenience of completing these tasks and save some money in the long run with a new home.

While these are just some of the benefits of a new, custom home, there are so many more that our team would love to tell you about! Contact TZ Construction today to learn more about custom home construction in San Jose, California. We’ll show you how your dream home is possible with us. Contact us today at (408) 904-9094 to learn more.

Three Major Reasons to Get a Bedroom Addition in Saratoga, CA

October 18, 2018 - We've said it elsewhere on our site: your home is something that is truly yours. You can modify it however you like, according to your and your family’s wishes. Of course, what you wish your home to look like may change many times throughout your ownership. Different life circumstances may require certain alterations, such as adding a driveway for new cars.

Some people add on to their existing home structures with entirely new rooms. You might wonder exactly why additions are necessary, or even just desirable. Today, we’ll focus on extra bedrooms. Let us present to you three good reasons to get a bedroom addition in Saratoga, CA:

1.)    Growing Family. Maybe your two-bedroom home was perfect for you and your spouse five years ago, but now that you have three children, space is at a premium. You can add on to your house with a bedroom addition from TZ Construction. One or two of your children can now have your former room while you move into the spacious new addition.

2.)    Rising Income. Your income will ideally rise as you continue to work. Eventually, you may feel you’d like to add significant value to your home, as well as expand your living quarters, by adding another bedroom. You’ve earned the right to enjoy such a luxury.

3.)    Storage Needs. From a simply practical perspective, you might need a bedroom addition for the storage space. Maybe you’re a collector and need somewhere to display your treasures. It never hurts to have an extra bedroom around for added storage opportunities.

Whatever your situation, if another bedroom is right for you, we can put your plans into action. When you need a bedroom addition in Saratoga, CA, call TZ Construction at (408) 904-9094 or visit TZCons.com.

You Owe It to Yourself to Get Bathroom Remodeling in Saratoga, CA

October 17, 2018 - Remodeling your home isn’t always just about aesthetics. You may not have your kitchen or living room renovated simply because you want a different look to the rooms. Remodeling increases your home’s value. It can also add utility, such as a kitchen sink with a hose, or a dishwasher. These things make life a little easier and can be fairly considered something of a luxury.

The same concept applies to your bathroom. If you move into an older home, you might find that the residents of 50 years ago appreciated blue or pink toilets and bathroom tiles. But these are no longer in fashion, and a remodeled bathroom would not only look appealing, but would also make you feel comfortable whenever you use it.

So, exactly what kind of work should you have done in your bathroom remodeling in Saratoga, CA? This is pretty much up to you, based on what you want or need your bathroom to be. Maybe you want to add a home extension and then turn that half bath into a full bath with a shower. Perhaps you’d like to update and improve your bathroom by gutting the room’s fashion pieces from the last century and introducing clean white tiling, a double sink, or an improved ventilation system.

These changes will only be beneficial in the long run, for they will allow you to enjoy your bathroom like never before and will add tremendous value to your home should you decide to sell. TZ Construction is happy to help with it all! For quality bathroom remodeling in Saratoga, CA, call us at (408) 904-9094 or go to TZCons.com.