Another Week of Waiting + Floor-plan & Elevations Improved

THE GOOD NEWS: We've got new floor-plans and elevations, the Ocean View Contemporary is looking better. Our kitchen now has a better layout, allowing us to add a pantry and a peninsula. We now have the double entry doors and the stairs were relocated to the center of the floor-plan.

THE NOT-SO-GOOD News: As a result of our first ADR submission and the neighbor requirements to change a few things mentioned in my last post, our architect re-submitted our updated and somewhat "compromised" set of plans last week, and now we wait, again. When plans are changed and re-submitted for ADR (Administrative Design Review) approval with the City of Del Mar, you start the entire “review process” and timeline all over again. Yes, from the beginning.

This means that the planning department has re-noticed all of the surrounding neighbors (again) within 300 feet of our property. IF no written objection is filed within ten business days of the re-notice, then the project will be approved, and our construction team can get started.

So we wait. Another 10 business days. I’m NOT holding my breath.

In the meantime, I’ve hired a designer to create a full color rendering of the project, Jan Murray of Lines N Designs. I found her on Outsource.com – in about 30 minutes. She was the most experienced of all the respondents that answered my post. I’ve sent her the new set of plans along with the spec sheet for the exterior finishes for the project. I’m excited to see if I actually love the new design – because right now this minute, I’m not liking the Ugly Brown Box very much… because going through planning is a brutal and time consuming process.

I also believe that having full color renderings are easier for everyone, including my neighbors, to visualize the improvements that we're making vs looking at black and white flat renderings like what we have now (above).

Because I know you're asking yourself this...I'm going to answer. Q: Why didn't your architect firm provide these for you? A: Bokal and Sneed, the firm we work with in Del Mar doesn’t have the capabilities to put their plans into color – hence the necessity to find another source. But, their long time good standing and experience within the Del Mar community far exceed that particular drawback.

If there's one thing that I know for sure; it’s important to see what your planning in full color and form, before you start the Extreme Remodel process. At least that’s my goal.