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Our process is simple. It is composed of 4 phases. Schematic Design (Phase 1), Design Development (Phase 2), Construction Documents (Phase 3), and Production (Phase 4).
Phase 1
We will begin our Schematic Design (Phase 1) process with a thorough site analysis, documentation of the existing conditions of your home, and include any zoning regulations, code, and historic preservation and Fine Arts requirements for your particular site. We prepare detailed “As-Built” drawings of your existing home as a first step so that we’re intimately familiar with your home, its structure, and its existing systems. Upon completion of the As-Built drawings, we will work with you and propose our initial concepts. Working directly with you, we will clarify project requirements, further refine your goals and needs, and propose a well-designed solution. We use a variety of presentation methods including AutoCAD (Computer Aided Design), freehand sketches, and 3-D or perspective renderings to delineate the project for you.
We know that clients visualize things in different ways, and we strive to present the schematic material in a format that is easy for you to understand. We’ll start out conceptually, and then move into the details of the home with plans, sections, and elevations. Many of your decisions concerning the design and construction of your project will be firmly established by the end of this initial process, and will thus form the bounding parameters of the project. The Schematic Design will conclude with the presentation of an Interim Construction Estimate and the various drawings developed in this phase.
Phase 2
With your approval of the drawings and cost projection, we will commence with Design Development (Phase 2). In this phase we are working to compile and complete all of the final information required to secure all necessary permits for your project. The estimate, again, is revisited and refined throughout Phase 2 as the drawings are further developed and as we get more information from our material suppliers, project managers, and subcontractors. At the conclusion of this phase we will file for your building permit and present firm construction pricing.
Phase 3
The final phase, Construction Documents, consists of the assembly of cut sheets, specifications, finish selections, final detail drawings, interior elevations, schedules, and the specific contract language for your construction work.
Our total fee for all design work (Phases 1, 2, and 3) is based on 12 percent of an estimated construction cost. At the conclusion of the design effort two percentage points will be credited toward your ratified construction contract, effectively reducing our design fee to 10 percent of the actual construction cost.
No “hand-off”
As your project moves through design, you’re already on our construction schedule. Your Project Manager is scheduling all the necessary resources to get your project built. We make every effort to move you directly into production as soon as permits are procured and our construction agreement is finalized. Your team leader will track and shepherd your project through all phases of design, estimating, permitting, and construction. He or she will be directly and intimately involved in all phases of your project. We don’t have a hand-off.
Phase 4
We like to say that this is where the “real work” gets done. During Production (Phase 4) your team assembled at the start of the process will plan, manage, and perform all of the construction work on your project. The Project Manager becomes your point person for all communication and is responsible for assembling and coordinating all materials and labor to get your project completed as soon as possible and with quality results. Your team leader and design staff follow your project through, and are always available to answer the inevitable questions that will arise during production. We do almost all of the production work in-house, with the usual exceptions being roofing, drywall, and painting work, which we will coordinate and subcontract with specialized crews (this saves on our costs, which we pass along to you!) And, of course, your dedicated team will work directly with you to keep you informed and address any concerns during the entire process.
We will schedule meetings with you at certain production milestones in addition to our weekly progress meetings with you. Before dry-walling, we conduct a “Close-In” walk-through with you to explain, verify, and confirm all systems before concealment. We will ask you to pay particular attention to the location of light fixtures, switches, and receptacles, since we don’t want to be moving those items around afterwards.
When we reach Substantial Completion (the point at which you can use the spaces for their intended purposes), we will schedule another formal walk-through and review the last items to be completed, corrected, or finalized. A “Punch List” of minor defects and incomplete items will be jointly prepared and agreed upon, and when the listed items are completed, our contractual agreement will be considered 100 percent fulfilled.
As your new systems, drywall, and structural work learn to live with one another in their new surroundings, we monitor and Warrant our completed work for a period of one year after Substantial Completion. It’s normal that there may a few nail pops in drywall during this period. We expect it and plan to be available for you to ensure that all systems are working as planned.
At Final Completion, you will be presented a Electrical Certificate and all manuals, product warranties, etc., for installed items will be presented to you for your reference and use. We are always available to answer your questions.
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