Key takeaways
- Stan Schachne has been a licensed architect and general contractor since 1995; with his wife, he runs a design-build firm that has completed hundreds of residential and commercial projects.
- The podcast exists to educate and empower the public by laying out the essential issues and realities of the design and construction industry.
- Episodes cover the Florida Building Code, zoning, flood rules, renovations, custom homes, budgets, hurricane-ready design and hiring the right team.
- You can send Stan a question through the contact page. If he can't answer it, he'll find an expert who can.
If you've ever wondered what it really takes to navigate the design and construction world in South Florida, you're in the right place. That's how Stan Schachne, AIA opens the very first episode of the HouseHelpPro Podcast, a short introduction to who he is and why he started the series.
Who is Stan Schachne?
Stan is a licensed architect and licensed general contractor since 1995. It's a dual credential that's uncommon, and that means he understands a project from the first sketch through the final inspection. He and his wife are partners in a design-build firm, Schachne Architects & Builders, which has completed hundreds of residential and commercial projects across South Florida.
His background includes a Bachelor of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology (1983) and a Master of Science in Construction Management from Florida International University (2002). He holds Florida architect license AR12151 and general contractor license CGC-057827. Read Stan's full bio →
Why a podcast?
Stan created the series to educate and empower the public by outlining the essential issues and realities of the design and construction industry. Most homeowners only build or renovate a few times in their lives, while the rules for building codes, zoning, flood requirements and permitting are complex and change constantly. A lot of expensive mistakes happen simply because nobody explained the basics up front.
"I invite you to view the different subjects and engage in the podcast and gain some knowledge that may help you with your future design and construction projects."Stan Schachne, HouseHelpPro introduction
What the podcast covers
Each episode tackles one subject, often with a guest expert. Early episodes include:
- Episode 1: The Florida Building Code: why there's only one code in Florida, how Hurricane Andrew created it, and what the 2026 update means.
- Episode 2: Zoning issues for residential properties: setbacks, lot coverage, ADUs, building height, FEMA flood elevations, variances and more.
Future topics include renovation do's and don'ts, building custom homes, budgeting and cost control, hurricane-ready design and hiring the right team. Browse the HouseHelpPro FAQ for quick answers on all of them.
What HouseHelpPro is (and isn't)
HouseHelpPro is strictly focused on building and architecture in South Florida: codes, zoning, design, construction and working with professionals. As Stan jokes, it's not the place to ask what cleaning solvent to use on your stone countertop.
Ask Stan a question
Have a question about your own project? Send it to Stan. If he can answer it, he will; if not, he'll find an expert who can, and your question might become a future episode.
Frequently asked questions
Who hosts the HouseHelpPro Podcast?
Stanley (Stan) Schachne, AIA, a licensed Florida architect (AR12151) and general contractor (CGC-057827) who has been licensed since 1995 and runs the design-build firm Schachne Architects & Builders with his wife.
Who is the HouseHelpPro Podcast for?
South Florida homeowners, general contractors, home improvement professionals and architects who want straight answers about building codes, zoning, flood rules, renovations, custom homes and hiring the right team.
Where can I watch HouseHelpPro episodes?
Episodes are published on YouTube at youtube.com/@HouseHelpPro and appear automatically on the HouseHelpPro.com podcast page, with companion articles on the blog.
Can I ask Stan a question about my project?
Yes. Use the contact form at househelppro.com/contact. Stan reads every message; if he can't answer a question, he will find an expert who can.
This article summarizes a conversation on the HouseHelpPro Podcast and is general information, not legal, engineering or insurance advice for a specific property. Codes, zoning and flood maps change; confirm requirements with your local building and zoning departments or a licensed professional.