Project Plus Builders' process

The first step in the design process is to decide what you want. Then we can begin to establish a realistic budget for your project. Design and budget go hand in hand at this point because there is no sense in designing something that will cost more than you are willing to spend. This preliminary "Ball Park" price is to determine the feasibility of the project. Before you can make decisions on how to proceed from here, you need to know what things cost. How far apart are the price and what you are willing or can afford to spend? If you are under, you can just spend less or upgrade finishes; if you're over, which is most common, you have to make a decision, either reduce the scope of work or increase the budget.

The important thing here is that the expectation be realistic. What things cost is almost always more than what you might think.

With feasibility established, we move to the next step, drawings and specifications. Here we begin with schematic plans which illustrate the character and shape of the project. Design details are worked out, such as floor plans, cabinet lay-out, interior and exterior finishes, etc. so that the pricing can be verified as to structure, mechanical and electrical systems, finishes. The final step of the design development phase is "working drawings" and written specifications. These documents are the essence of the project and become part of the contract.

Once the contract is signed, the project is then scheduled. Suppliers and Subcontractors are notified of their intended delivery and start dates. Ordering deadlines are determined for materials (things like windows and cabinets may take 6-12 weeks). A pre-construction meeting is arranged with the you. This meeting is a very important part of the process, at this meeting you will meet the project manager, the person who will handle daily, onsite operations, and if this is a remodeling project, discuss matters that will affect your family's lifestyle during construction.