Design / Bidding / Contract Phase
Our goal is to help develop a bid package for you which include plans, specifications, and project requirements and support you with the selection of a contractor that is right for you.
During the design phase, we work with you to find a plan that meets the needs and desires of your family, including size, functionality and cost. Once a plan is selected, the necessary adjustments and modifications are made to meet your needs and make it the perfect home for you. We will help you balance construct-ability, features, functionality and cost. For example we will help you select a plan that has the necessary features and quality components but may have a much lower $/sf ratio due to the efficient design/construct-ability such as roof lines, structural construction materials, footprint, etc. We will help you with interior design selections such as window, door and stair locations, kitchen layout, bathroom laundry and closet designs and general floor plan features that promote practical functionality and potential cost reductions.
After you decide on a design you like, we will develop specifications and project requirements documentation that will serve as a baseline for contractual items, such as construction materials, trim packages, detailed product requirements, and amenities for your home. Having these highly detailed contract documents is critical to the success of the project. For example, what type of insulation is being installed in your walls vs ceilings vs basement? Does the poured concrete meet the minimum structural requirements? What size and type of electrical system, HVAC system, and lighting do you want in your home?
Once we have the desired specifications, we will work with you to find the builder that is right for you at the time you are ready to build. During this contractor selection phase, we will work with you to make a selection. This process will include finalizing the bid package to be sent to select builders, soliciting bids, reviewing contractor proposals, short listing, and if necessary interviewing different builders. We will work with you and the builder to detail your final contract documents, which will include clear and concise language related to scope of work requirements, schedules, and overall expectations. Boiler plate construction contracts are often vague which can lead to misunderstandings/conflict with regards to scope, schedule and/or budget, and lack the necessary details for conflict resolution or to hold the contractor accountable.