An idea whose time has come, the design/build concept has made an important place for itself in this industry. At the same time, there are two caveats to this gradual evolution: First, architects, independent or otherwise, are still a highly trained and invaluable resource to the remodeling industry; and second, poor design inevitably results in poor project results.

At its best, the integrated process of design, pricing and construction is efficient and rewarding – saving both time and money. Qualified architects and designers working in tandem with experienced project managers and crews have an excellent opportunity to provide you with a finished project that responds to your needs and desires, and has been developed with your financial investment in mind.

Here is a brief summary of the process:

Your Idea: You are finally ready (as an example) to replace your 30 year-old Kitchen and expand your Den into a bright, inviting Family Room. Logically, you contact The Building Firm.

1^st Meeting: A representative of TBF will offer to meet you at your home to discuss the feasibility of your project based on existing construction, site and zoning conditions, possible costs and other important variables, which may affect your plans.

Design Proposal: TBF will promptly prepare a Design Proposal, which explains the design process and outlines the potential cost of the process so that you can budget your investment appropriately.

Preliminary Design: Once the Design Proposal has been accepted, will initiate the preliminary design process, including zoning research, site measurements, photographic records, as-built drawings, and initial concept (schematic) drawings.

Design Review: Now it is time to review the initial drawings and to make revisions to them according to what you feel does and doesn’t work for your needs. Remodeling is classically a case of give-and-takes to achieve goals, and this is the time in the design process to decide what the final priorities are – what goes and what stays. Your input is every bit as valuable as our expertise.

Preliminary Pricing: Now that there is a pretty good idea of what the spaces will look like and how they will be used, we like to pause long enough to work out some preliminary pricing before plunging into construction drawings (also known as CD’s). We have previously discussed the potential investment with you, but now we have something more tangible with which to establish costs. We use this exercise to make mid-course corrections in design (and you may also decide to make some adjustments to your investment) so that we can move forward.

Final Design and Specifications: With the design and financial investment in alignment, the final stages of the design process can take place: The CD’s can be prepared for permitting and construction purposes, and you can participate in selections of the products that will go into the project – windows, cabinetry, appliances etc. The final Specifications for the project are written and all the documents are reviewed for accuracy.

Contract and Pre-construction: With all documents prepared, it is time to execute the Contract Agreement. A pre-construction conference is scheduled to carefully review all the procedures to ensure a professionally managed project (where to place a dumpster; security and safety issues; how not to let the dog run free; etc.) This sets the permitting process in motion as well as final scheduling of all resources required for a successful project.