by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Feb 6, 2021 | General Architecture
In Real Estate Development the term Grandfathered means that an existing building does not have to comply with a current zoning or building code because it was legally built before the application of such code. Buildings can be Grandfathered by existing before a code... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Feb 6, 2021 | General Architecture
A Single Family House is a house designed for one family to occupy the home. This is also referred to as a home with one Dwelling Unit. A Dwelling Unit is a residential space dedicated for the use of one person or one family. I am an architect in New York, so I am... by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Feb 6, 2021 | General Architecture, NYC Zoning
A building arcade is a covered portion of a building that is otherwise open to a street or public area. What is a Building Arcade? A building arcade is a covered portion of a building that is otherwise open to a street or public area. These are called arcades... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Nov 25, 2020 | Construction Practices, General Architecture, Property Development
Hard costs are costs directly related to construction including material and labor costs. Soft costs are additional costs not directly related to the construction budget such as architectural fees or permit fees. Hard Cost and Soft Cost are terms used to differentiate... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jan 5, 2024 | Architects, General Architecture
I am Jorge Fontan an architect in New York and owner of Fontan Architecture. I have been blogging for a few years now on architectural issues, mostly technical or project-specific posts, to offer information to my readers. This time I would like to write a more... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Feb 20, 2022 | Architects, General Architecture
There are different types of architectural firms offering a wide range of services. Some firms only do design and do not do technical work whereas some firms only do technical work and do not do much design. A full service architecture firm will do both and will work... 
