CATEGORIES Initial ConsultationHow do we start?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 a creative, functional and aesthetically pleasing concept. Ballpark PresentationAbout how much will this cost?Next, our staff estimator will assimilate all the project information gathered during the initial consultation. The estimator's job is to: 1) compare this information with previous job bid archive data 2) establish a scope of work and "ballpark" price range 3) provide advice on possible ways to control costs without sacrificing project integrity. The estimator's feedback will give you the proper tools to make the decision to move the project forward. DesignHow do we move toward a specific design?If you have previously retained a designer, we will work with that individual to gather specifications for the project toward developing a final design. What about the Design Build Option? Alternately, working with our in-house design team offers continuity and convenience to your process. Our designer will visit with you on site to: 1) take measurements of the existing space for assembly of "as built" drawings 2) gather 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. Our estimator will then provide initial cost assessments for each of these schematics and compare them to the original ballpark pricing. We will then present you with these concepts and costs for feedback. At the completion of this meeting, you should be able to make a final design selection. Design Contract & ServicesUpon your decision to move forward, 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 combined design services typically amounts to 3-5% of the overall contract. Costing Contract & ServicesHow 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, you, our designer and estimator will review site conditions 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. This is also an opportunity to uncover any hard-to-find site variables (such as the walled-in chimney you never knew about). Next, our estimator will start assembling fixed bid costs based on careful measurements for materials, bids from sub-contractors, and field staff labor. Construction ContractHow does it all tie together?At this point we will present you with a construction contract, which will include:
ConstructionWhen do we start building?Congratulations! It's time to build! The construction phase of the project will begin with an onsite 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. Wrap-UpWhen will the project end?Finally, as the project nears its end, the lead carpenter will assist you in creating a final "punch list" of unfinished items, whose prompt completion she will then monitor. |
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