40+ Years of South Florida Expertise
Build Smart.
Renovate Right.
Ask Stan.
Practical, honest advice from a licensed architect & builder who's seen it all, from zoning nightmares to dream custom homes. Expert guidance through articles, podcast episodes, and direct access.
Stanley SchachneAIA · Architect & GC
Stanley Schachne
AIA · Licensed Architect & General Contractor
40+
Years Experience
AIA
Member
IIT
B. Arch 1983
FIU
MS Constr. Mgmt
Topics We Cover
Straight Talk on the Issues That Matter
No jargon, no upselling. Just 40 years of hard-won knowledge translated into advice you can actually use.
Renovation Do's & Don'ts
Avoid costly mistakes before the first nail is driven. Learn what contractors won't always tell you.
Read the FAQ →Building Custom Homes
From site selection to final walkthrough, a complete guide to building your dream home in South Florida.
Read the FAQ →Zoning & Code in Florida
Navigate South Florida's complex permitting and zoning landscape without the expensive surprises.
Read the FAQ →Budget & Cost Control
How to build a realistic budget, hold contractors to it, and avoid scope creep that kills projects.
Read the FAQ →Hurricane-Ready Design
Florida-specific construction strategies that protect your investment and keep your family safe.
Read the FAQ →Hiring the Right Team
How to vet architects, contractors, and subs, plus the red flags to watch for before signing anything.
Read the FAQ →From the Podcast
Latest Episodes
Why take advice from someone who's done it 500 times?
Stan Schachne has been designing and building homes in South Florida since 1983. As both a licensed architect (AR12151) and licensed general contractor (CGC-057827), he understands every phase of a project and every way things can go wrong.
HouseHelpPro is his way of sharing that knowledge before you spend a single dollar.
Meet Stan →- Bachelor of Architecture, Illinois Institute of Technology (1983)
- Master of Science in Construction Management, FIU (2002)
- AIA Member, American Institute of Architects
- Builders Association of South Florida member
- Licensed Florida Architect AR12151 & General Contractor CGC-057827
- Principal at Schachne Architects & Builders, Broward County
- Creator of HouseHelpPro.com
From the Blog
Latest Articles
Episode 2Zoning & Permits
Zoning Issues for South Florida Homes: Setbacks, Lot Coverage, ADUs, Flood Elevations & Variances
About half the time, Stan has to tell callers there's no room on their lot to build what they want. Here's why, covering setbacks, lot coverage, ADU size caps, height step-backs, FEMA flood elevations and the variance process, plus why every project starts with a survey.
Episode 1Building Code
The Florida Building Code, Explained: One Statewide Code, Born From Hurricane Andrew
There's no such thing as a "county code" or "city code" in Florida. Stan and fellow architect Jeffrey Gross, who spent 19 years on the Florida Building Commission, explain where the statewide code came from and what it means for your project.
IntroductionPodcast
Introducing the HouseHelpPro Podcast: What It Really Takes to Design and Build in South Florida
Licensed architect and general contractor Stan Schachne explains why he started a podcast for South Florida homeowners, what you'll learn, and how to send in your own questions.