Design/Build Process

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All projects require different levels of design work. Initially to help shape pricing and eventually as required documentation for permitting. We offer comprehensive design and construction services. The term design/build refers to the ability of the contractor to act as both designer and builder for your project. We take total responsibility for your project, and we will never design a project that we cannot build within your budget. When working with us, the process follows organized steps, from your initial call through the project closeout. The stages of our process are as follows:

1. Phone Consultation

This first point of contact involves a brief discussion with you . At this time we may schedule a meeting at your home to review your project.

2. Site Visit

The next step we will visit your home where we will discuss your ideas and your budget. This will lead to a basic scope of work as the focus of a feasibility study. 

3. Design Agreement

In order to begin the feasibility study, we will need to execute a design agreement authorizing us to develop a set of basic schematic plans. These plans are not for construction purposes, but rather to convey a design intent that will facilitate the basis of the rough project budget. 

4. Feasibility Study/Rough Budget

With information gathered from the schematic drawings, we work through estimating spreadsheets, plugging in basic square-foot numbers and data. We may refer to our vast project history from a similar project, but we will not, at this point, consult with many subcontractors, engineers, vendors, etc... What will be achieved is a ballpark estimate presented to you in the form of a written “budget”.  

5. Design/Pre-Construction Phase

If you are comfortable with the feasibility budget, we will begin the process of creating a fixed price formal proposal. This may include: performing site visits with subcontractors, getting fixed pricing from subcontractors and vendors, consulting with engineers, creating construction drawings, coordinating the selection of materials. This step is all of the necessary leg work to put together a project and budget that can be performed on time and on budget.

6. Construction Contract

After the Design/Estimating phase, we will provide you with a detailed proposal and a "fixed price" for your project. Not all finish materials may be finalized at this time. Our proposal will define allowance amounts for any unselected materials. Once agreed upon and signed, this proposal becomes part of our Construction Agreement. 

7. Pre-Construction Conference

The logistics of each project are unique to your home. We will meet with you at your home prior to the start of construction. This is the opportunity to finalize such things as what furniture or personal belongings need to be relocated (or protected), when we will hold our formal bi-weekly meetings, pet issues, etc. We’ll also discuss what steps we can take to lessen the impact of construction on your daily life. At this time, we will also provide you with a detailed project schedule.

8. Construction

Here’s where it gets fun! All of the hard work during the planning process is completed and now you can relax and watch the project take shape. Our crew will provide you with smiles, measurable weekly progress, and the cleanest and safest job site possible.

9. Bi-Weekly Meetings

As decided at the pre-construction conference, we will meet at a regularly scheduled time every other week. This is our time to review: open issues, requisitions, change orders, product selections, schedule updates, etc. A detailed, running log of the action items is maintained and updated. 

10. Project Completion

Voila! This is what makes it all worth the effort, although some clients describe missing the crew and experiencing a sort-of "post-remodeling depression"…The best remedy is to start planning your next project!