Maria Luisa CastellanosNov 30, 20173 minReal EstateWhere would we go if we had a revolution?We should start generating a consciousness for urban spaces. Miami needs them. We should lobby for them. Why should we have to go to shoppin
Maria Luisa CastellanosOct 11, 20172 minReal EstateWhat does 'good bones" mean and what makes a good floor plan?To me, “Good bones” means a house with a working floor plan, solid structure, and windows. In other words, it may need to be remodeled or u
Maria Luisa CastellanosOct 2, 20172 minReal EstateTime is right for investing in the Florida KeysI went to visit a friend in the Keys this weekend, and while I was there, decided to drive around and see how much damage Hurricane Irma had
Maria Luisa CastellanosJul 13, 20173 minReal EstatePrinciples of Good Planning from the Miami 21 Zoning CodeMaybe you want to know why Miami 21, the zoning code for the City of Miami, is such a different code from all the other municipal codes in S
Maria Luisa CastellanosJul 11, 20174 minArchitecture and Urban DesignWhen to Tear Down, When to Add & Remodel, & When to Sell your HouseSo you are thinking about spending substantial money to add and remodel your present house. But should you? Or would it be better to tear do
Maria Luisa CastellanosJul 7, 20172 minReal EstateWhat is a 40-year Re-certification?This is about the requirement for 40-year re-certifications in Miami-Dade County. United Architects can perform these inspections.
Maria Luisa CastellanosJul 3, 20172 minArchitecture and Urban DesignFive major issues in adding to or remodeling residential property1. Look at the required setbacks. Before doing anything, look at the zoning code of the city or the county (if you live in an unincorporated
Maria Luisa CastellanosJun 1, 20173 minArchitecture and Urban DesignDesigning the Mansion Junior instead of the McMansionWhen I was a child unlike most Cubans, my family lived in the north – Missouri, New Hampshire, Alabama, and Georgia. We would come to Miami
Maria Luisa CastellanosMay 24, 20171 minArchitecture and Urban DesignNew Trends in Laundry/ Utility RoomsOne of the trends in home design is a larger Laundry/Utility Room. Instead of just a place for the washer and dryer, it is becoming a place
Maria Luisa CastellanosMay 15, 20172 minArchitecture and Urban DesignPlanning your new Miami home or remodeling to reduce insurance costsSometimes a particular remodeling or addition to a home can get you more in value than the actual cost of the item.
Maria Luisa CastellanosMay 12, 20172 minArchitecture and Urban Design8 Ideas for a More Energy-efficient Home DesignInclude cross-ventilation in the design. There is not need to air-condition a house all-year around. Including windows on several walls of
Maria Luisa CastellanosApr 4, 20174 minArchitecture and Urban DesignThe Coming Walkable CityMiami 21 is the most comprehensive zoning code change I have seen in any part of Miami-Dade County in my over 25 years of practicing archite
Maria Luisa CastellanosApr 4, 20173 minArchitecture and Urban DesignShould Floridians give our public money to private entities.Now this year the legislature is considering requiring the bond money that the public approved for public schools to be shared with charter