Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Services
Q: What is an Owner’s Representative, and why do I need one?
An Owner’s Representative (or “Owner’s Rep”) acts as your advocate during the entire real estate development or construction process. We coordinate architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants to ensure your project is delivered on time, on budget, and to your standards — protecting you from costly mistakes and unnecessary stress.
Q: How is Anomaly Development Company different from a general contractor or architect?
A general contractor builds. An architect designs. We oversee both — plus permitting, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management — making sure all parties are aligned with your goals. Because we’re licensed architects with construction expertise, we understand both the design intent and the realities of building, bridging the gap between vision and execution.
Q: What types of projects do you manage?
We handle residential (custom homes, rebuilds, ADUs), commercial (warehouses, offices, retail build-outs), adaptive reuse (motel-to-rehab, office-to-residential), and ground-up development. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or developer, we scale our services to your needs.
Process & Engagement
Q: At what stage should I bring you onto my project?
The earlier, the better. Engaging us at acquisition or feasibility ensures we identify risks, opportunities, and realistic budgets before commitments are made. However, we can also step in mid-project to troubleshoot design, permitting, or construction challenges.
Q: Do you replace my architect, contractor, or property manager?
No — we don’t replace, we complement. We help you select the right professionals, manage them effectively, and ensure they deliver on their scope. Think of us as your project quarterback.
Q: How do you select contractors and consultants?
We issue RFPs, review bids, verify licensing and insurance, and compare proposals apples-to-apples. Our vetting process ensures you hire qualified teams at competitive rates.
Costs & Contracts
Q: How do you charge for your services?
We typically work on a monthly retainer or percentage of project cost, depending on the size and complexity of the project. This ensures predictable costs and allows us to scale involvement to your needs.
Q: Will hiring an Owner’s Rep save me money?
Yes. We regularly identify cost savings through smarter contracting, value engineering, and preventing delays or change orders. Our clients often save multiples of our fee by avoiding expensive missteps. Not to mention, we save you plenty of stress too ;)
Q: Can I hire you for only part of the project?
Yes. We offer flexible engagements — from a single consultation, to design phase management, to full cradle-to-completion oversight.
Permits & Regulations
Q: Do you handle permitting and approvals?
Yes. We coordinate with city agencies, expeditors, and consultants to streamline plan check, zoning, CEQA, and Title 24 compliance — so you avoid delays.
Q: What if my project is outside Los Angeles?
We primarily serve Southern California but can support select projects throughout California and beyond, depending on scope.
Getting Started
Q: How do I know if my project is a good fit?
If your project involves multiple consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies, it’s almost always worth having an Owner’s Rep. We offer a complimentary consultation to assess fit.
Q: How do I get started?
Contact us to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll review your project goals, budget, and timeline, then prepare a tailored service proposal.
FAQs for Brokers
Q: How do you add value to my clients as a broker?
We help ensure deals you bring to clients close smoothly and the build-out or development phase doesn’t derail the investment. By managing design, permitting, and construction, we protect your reputation and strengthen your client relationships.
Q: Can you help me win more listings or tenants?
Yes. When you can promise prospective owners or tenants that an experienced Owner’s Rep will guide them through construction, you offer a unique value proposition that competitors can’t match.
FAQs for Franchisees & Tenants
Q: I just signed a lease — can you help me with the build-out?
Absolutely. We oversee everything from landlord work letters to tenant improvements, ensuring your store or facility is delivered on time, code-compliant, and within budget.
Q: I don’t have an in-house construction team. Can you act as mine?
Yes. We provide turnkey support for franchisees and single-location operators who don’t have dedicated development staff — from hiring the right general contractor to managing day-to-day construction progress.
Q: How do you protect me from landlord/tenant disputes?
We review work letters, scopes, and construction schedules to make sure both landlord and tenant obligations are clear and enforceable. This prevents finger-pointing and costly delays.
FAQs for First-Time Developers
Q: I’ve never done a development project before. Where do I start?
Start by speaking with us. We guide you through feasibility analysis, budgeting, zoning checks, and team assembly before you spend money in the wrong places.
Q: Can you help me avoid common pitfalls?
Yes. First-time developers often underestimate timelines, permitting hurdles, and cost escalation. Our experience helps you avoid these mistakes and build credibility with lenders, partners, and consultants.
Q: Do you work with small projects, or only large developments?
We scale our services. Whether it’s a single-family home, a small commercial build-out, or a multi-million-dollar development, we tailor our involvement to your needs.
FAQs for Fire-Affected Homeowners (Pacific Palisades & Altadena)
Q: Will insurance cover the full cost of rebuilding my home?
Not always. Policies vary, and many homeowners find that replacement coverage doesn’t fully account for today’s construction costs, code upgrades, or extended timelines. We review your policy with you and work with adjusters to maximize coverage while planning budgets that reflect real-world costs.
Q: How long will it take to rebuild after a fire?
A typical single-family rebuild in Los Angeles County can take 18–30 months depending on permitting, design, and construction. Fire-damaged neighborhoods sometimes see additional delays due to city backlogs and environmental reviews. We help establish realistic schedules and push the process forward efficiently.
Q: Do I have to rebuild my home exactly as it was?
Not necessarily. While insurance companies may push for a like-kind rebuild, you may have the option to redesign your home — as long as it complies with current zoning and building codes. Many owners take this opportunity to modernize layouts, add square footage, or integrate energy-efficient systems.
Q: Are there new building code requirements after a fire?
Yes. Los Angeles County and cities like Pacific Palisades and Altadena have adopted stricter fire-resistant construction standards, including ignition-resistant materials, ember-resistant vents, and defensible space landscaping. We ensure your rebuild is fully compliant while balancing design and cost.