What is a design build contractor? A design build contractor is a newer type of contractor that brings the design and construction process together under one roof. With both sides working together during all stages of the home renovation project, most projects see faster implementation along with a more streamlined and cost efficient approach to renovations.
The key to design build is finding an experienced contractor. Here in The Bay Area, there are many design build contractors, but check online reviews to ensure you find the best design build contractor for your project.
Phase One: Meeting
The design/build company will go to your home to meet you personally and talk about your project. This enables the contractor a chance to see the property and take note of its existing condition, existing floor plan, neighborhood, as well as ideas you may have about the remodel. Also, it allows you to ask queries you want regarding the process. During the meet-up, the contractor will talk about an essential portion of the whole process.
This includes a thorough list of queries, which will be asked about the project. This enables your design /build contractor to figure out what you are searching for, how you would want the remodel built and developed, and the accessories or fixtures you wish to see. You’ll be given the expense to start and make the written design elements. After getting the approval and compensation, phase I completed.
You have the chance to assess and finalize the written design elements. You will also meet with the service provider and architect at the project site. The architect will ask further queries to better comprehend what character, style, functionality, and personality you wish your home project to reflect.
Phase Two: Plans and Specs
The home project contractor and the architect get busy. When you’ve never seen a set of expert architectural drawings, you are in for a pleasant education experience. They are incredibly detailed, involved, and have many pictures, numbers, and symbols on them. Generally, there are between three to four sets to review. With every review, more illustrations, as well as information, are included. The perk of doing different development sets enables you to assess and see the project from fundamental to complete. It is easier to make alterations and see the additions with each set as you figure out the development from earlier sets.
Phase Three: Home Associations
You may want to get approval from HOA or Homeowners Association prior to going further to make sure any outside work conforms to the association’s design guidelines. The contractor will make the design section of the HOA submittal package for you. You’ll need to get and complete the required Homeowners Association forms and pay the required fees as well as costs they may have.
Phase Four: Structural Engineering
This is needed. Some home projects need an SE for calculations and drawings. This person does all the needed drawings and calculations to know what size, type, and strength are needed for hardware, lumber, and many others.
Phase Five: Municipal Approvals
During this course, the different municipal entities might need adjustments. These are non-negotiable and will be integrated into the approved drawings. What is more, before the submission, you’ll be given a charge estimate for the Planning Department and Building Department review processes.
Phase Six: Estimate
After the approval of the drawings, plans and specs are complete; the contractor will now develop a proposal or estimate to do the job.
Phase Seven: Scheduling and Doing the Task
After the approval of the estimate, the contractor will now schedule the project. This must always show the start as well as completion dates when every stage of the work will be conducted by whom as well as how long every stage will take. Also, it must also show all holidays, the building inspections, as well as other essential information the contractor thinks you must know.
The contracting process isn’t subject to shortcuts. It is vital that you know and is comfortable with the whole process. With a skilled, competent, honest, ethical as well as committed design/build contractor, the process of remodeling will be enjoyable and not challenging.