Thinking about Summer Construction?

Does the warm spring days make anyone else think about summer construction?  At Hogan Land Services, we can almost smell it in the air.

Summer is the perfect time to build, grade, and improve your property- and we can help ensure your property is ready for those steps!

Before starting any project, it is important to know if you need any permits for your plans.  For example, building a small tool shed, or a children's play structure? You may not need a permit!

But did you know a permit is required for an improvement such as replacing a water heater?

Whether your summer construction or improvement plans are big or small, it is important to know you plans will be executed properly, safely, and up to code standards.   If your project needs engineering, or you just don't want to handle the permitting process, give us a call!

See you on our next view from the field!

Hogan Land Services Team

#hoganls

Staff Feature: HLS Engineering Dept. Manager

Now that Daylight Savings has officially sprung everyone into the warmer season mindset, we decided to shake up our Blog post this week!  As you know, we usually post about what we are up to and feature our work in action.  This week we are sharing a behind the scenes feature on our very own Engineering Department Manager, Daniel Byrne.

Daniel is an essential part of the HLS team, and was recently nominated as one of the North Bay Busienss Journal's 40 under 40!  We are very happy to have Daniel recognized for his accomplishments and future potential.

Given his ever-busy schedule as the Engineering Department Manager and father of two youngsters, Daniel shared with us some of his personal interests and favorite memories at HLS.


Did you always want to be an Engineer?
Daniel:  No, growing up I wanted to be a Firefighter, Pro-athele, or a mail man.


What are your hobbies and interests?
Daniel: Mountain biking, motorcycling, anything outdoors and active.


What do you consider you greatest professional accomplishment?
Daniel: In March of 2012 I received my license as a Registered Civil Engineer, and joined my mentor, Ken Carr in the club of first attempt exam passers.


What is your favorite thing about working for Hogan Land Services?
Daniel: That we have stayed true to our original purpose of helping people achieve their dreams.


What is the best advice you have ever received?
Daniel: "I have not failed.  I have just found 10,000 ways that won't work" - Thomas Edison


We hope you enjoyed our "shake-up" this week on our Engineering Department Manager, Daniel Byrne

See you on our next view from the field!

Hogan Land Services Team

#hoganls

Top Ways to Improve Your Property Value - Part 4

When searching for a house to purchase, many people create a "must-have" list.  These items can range from wanting a pool, to an open space floor plan, acreage, etc...  As many homeowners know, there are usually compromises that must be made for your dream home to fit with reality.  And for many, this includes the yard or property boundaries being smaller than they dreamed.

Many times those "compromises" turn into honey-do or annual projects lists.  But here's one improvement you may not have realized was possible.  With the right tools, you can adjust your property boundaries for a desired topographic configuration to your parcel.  Your neighbors property might have a perfect piece that would add value to your property without taking away from the value of his, or vice-versa!

The process begins with a conversation.  Talk to your neighbor and see if it's something they are interested in.  The next step to initiate this type of project would be to call a professional Land Surveyor, and determine what your existing, and reconfigured future boundary lines would look like. Certain requirements must be met, but the process can be inexpensive and cost effective.  

If this sounds like an item on that honey-do or annual project list, give us a call and learn how our professional Land Surveyors can help improve the value of your property.

See you on our next view from the field!

Hogan Land Services Team

#hoganls

HLS on the Radio

We hope everyone had a wonderful President's Day Holiday!  Our staff is all very excited about the newest Hogan Land Services campaign... have you heard it yet?

That's right, we are running a radio ad on the Sonoma County KZST and KJZY!  Over the years Hogan Land Services has helped out thousands of clients all over California, and we want to share with everyone what we can do for you!

Whether you wave next time you see the Permit Mobile, or decide to give us a call regarding that home improvement project, we thank you for tuning in!

Our dedicated staff of professionals are excited to share our knowledge and help homeowners and developers reach their land development and services needs.

See you on our next view from the field!

Hogan Land Services Team

#hoganls

Our Favorite Field Shots of 2014

Did you catch our photo from last week's blog post?  If you missed it, you can view it here.  This week we want to share some of our favorite landscape shots from 2014 that our surveyors have snapped while they are in the field. 

“It is one of the joys of my profession, that my “office” extends to such amazing places.  I am lucky to experience so many wonderful places and witness moments as shown in photos such as these; that convey only a glimmer of the magic and joy that I get from “working” in such places.” - HLS Surveyor.

 From lush forests, to views stretching out to the San Francisco bay, our team is excited to share these photos with you!  We can't wait to see what views 2015 will bring.

                                         

See you on our next view from the field!

Hogan Land Services Team

#hoganls

The Napa Earthquake - A Look Back

The earthquake on August 24, 2014 will be remembered by people in Napa and Sonoma County for years.  The 6.0 registered quake occurred at about 3:20 A.M. and many were awakened by the jolt.

As Civil and Structural Engineers, the team at Hogan Land Services sprang into action.  For two weeks after the quake, we offered a free site review of your home, workplace, or property to assess the damage, and determine accessibility.  We received an enormous response from homeowners all over Napa and Sonoma County.  Some were unsure if their property had been affected, while others reported obvious damage.

The level of reported damage ranged from minor to severe, but we treated every case with extreme care and caution.  Structural damage is a serious issue!  We helped property owners determine the extent of structural movement or damage, and advised how to remedy the issue.  Our goal was to ensure your home, workplace or building was safe - and provide recommendations on how to proceed.

We were happy to support the community in a time of need, and our team of Engineers rose to the occasion with site visits nearly every other day in September.  Below are a few images from the structural damage we witnessed.

                            

Although it has been months since the Napa Earthquake, it is always important to do a visual check of your home 2-3 times a year.  If you have witnessed any movement or cracking in your home, please call us for a site review!

See you on our next view from the field!

Hogan Land Services Team

#hoganls