Initial Consultation and Ballpark Presentation

How do we get started?
First, we meet at your home to capture your project vision and expectations. We'll talk about project feasibility, design challenges, wild ideas, and budgeting. Our role here is to translate your needs and desires into creative, functional and aesthetically pleasing design possibilities.

About how much could our project cost?
Next, our staff estimator will compare all the project information gathered during the initial consultation with costs for previous jobs. From this comparison analysis we will develop a rough scope of work and "ballpark" price range.

This ball park presentation is your reality check. How close are your dreams to your financial ability? Are there simple changes possible that will bring the project scope in line with your budget? Now it's time to step into some serious design work.

Design Contract & Services

How does Design Build work at Buck Brothers?
Working with our in-house design team offers continuity and convenience to your process. The close working relationship allows us to move quickly and accurately find the best match between dreams and reality.

We will present a design contract for your approval. This contract is based on our designer's hourly rate plus any additional services required (such as interior decorating costs, engineering, or site survey). The cost of these combined design services typically amounts to 3-5% of the overall projected construction contract.

Our designer will visit with you on-site to take measurements of the existing space and to explore your thoughts on the design of the space (through conversation, magazine photos, your sketches, etc.). After this fact-finding mission, the designer will generate concept design solutions, including floor plans and elevations. For each of these schematics our estimator will provide initial cost assessments and compare them to the original ballpark pricing. We will then present you with these concepts and costs for your appraisal and feedback. At the completion of this process, you will be able to select a final design.

What if we have our own architect or designer?
If you have previously retained someone for design, we will work with that individual to gather specifications for the project toward developing a final design. Over the years we have worked with architects and designers as part of the team to bring a project to completion.

Costing Contract & Services

How do we determine specific costs for our chosen design?
After you select your final design, we will present a costing contract for your approval. This contract is based on 2% of the estimated project cost and will apply toward the down-payment on your construction contract.

From here, our designer and estimator will review site conditions with you as they pertain to job drawings. They will begin to assemble room schedules based on your preferences for fixtures, appliances, finish materials, windows and doors. Our estimator will set appointments with necessary sub-contractors for on-site inspections to evaluate projects costs. These contractors are also charged with uncovering any unusual site variables (such as the walled-in chimney you never knew about). We're dedicated to noting these discrepancies before we start on the construction phase of the project, thus minimizing the likelihood of a future change order.

Next, our estimator will assemble fixed bid costs based on proposals from the sub-contractors and suppliers and our own staff labor expense.

Construction Contract

How does it all tie together?
At this point we will present you with a clear and concise set of construction documents, which will include:

• "Schedule A," outlining the scope of work
• "Schedule B," including complete and final plans
• "Schedule C," outlining homeowner responsibilities
• a "Construction Contract," that includes
  • the total cost of the project
  • the project payment schedule

Construction

When do we start building?
Before commencing with your project we will ensure that our schedule is clear to allow our complete attention. We also use this time to pre-order specialty materials and lock in sub-contractors timelines.

The construction phase of the project will begin with an on-site meeting between you, our project manager and our lead carpenter. This meeting will acquaint you with our construction team and allow you to relay any workday concerns. (Someone has to know that your cat stays indoors!)

The lead carpenter will coordinate daily job site functions and will be readily available to you as questions arise. He or she is your communication relay toward ensuring efficient scheduling, cost control, and accountability.

Congratulations! It's time to build!