Our design-build process

It starts with a phone call and a visit to the house. We walk every room involved, look past the obvious problem, and talk through what you want to change, what you want to spend and when you’d like it done.

• A first conversationA call to understand the project, the house and your timing before anyone drives out.
• A walk through the houseThe rooms involved, the structure and systems around them, and the lot if the footprint may change.
• An honest budget conversationPlanning ranges for similar work, so expectations line up before design starts.
• A design agreementIf we’re a fit, a written agreement sets out the design scope, the deliverables and the fee.

Design turns the conversation into drawings you can react to. We measure the house, draw what’s there and develop the plan with you until it’s right, then price it from those drawings, line by line.

• Measured existing conditionsAn accurate drawing of the house as it stands, so every later decision rests on real dimensions.
• Plans and elevationsLayouts, cabinet and built-in elevations, and exterior views where the outside changes.
• Selections and allowancesCabinetry, tile, fixtures, lighting and finishes chosen with you, or set as written allowances.
• Engineering and permitsStructural engineering where it’s needed, and permit drawings filed with your city, county or township.
• Exploratory openingsWhere it matters, we open a wall or ceiling during design so the price reflects what’s really there.
• A detailed proposalA line-item construction price and schedule, so you can see exactly where the money goes.

Once you approve the proposal, the same team moves into construction. One project manager runs the job day to day and stays your point of contact until the last item is closed.

• Protection and preparationFloors, stairs and ductwork protected, dust barriers up, and a clear plan for how you’ll use the house.
• A schedule you can seeMilestones, inspections and decision deadlines laid out in advance.
• Regular updatesA standing update on progress, the work coming up and anything that needs your input.
• Changes in writingIf you change something mid-project, its cost and schedule effect are priced and approved before the work.

We walk the finished work with you room by room, note anything that isn’t right, and close every item before the project is called complete.

• Punch listEvery adjustment noted on the walkthrough, tracked and closed.
• Final inspectionsFinal inspections passed and permits closed out with the jurisdiction.
• Handover packageWarranties, product manuals, paint colors and drawings of what was built, in one place.
• Warranty termsWritten into your contract, with a team that stays reachable after the crew leaves.