The Design + Build Process
THE DESIGN + BUILD PROCESS – HOW IT WORKS AND WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT.
Step One – Site Visit
During the initial site visit, we learn about the remodeling or building dreams and desires of the homeowner; we actively listen to identify those features that turn a house into a family home that is passed on through the generations. We’ll be requesting existing plans if available or we’ll take measurements to identify the starting point of your project.
Step Two – Conceptual Design Phase
The October Five Design + Build Team of architects and builders discuss the goals for the project and draft an initial layout with floor plans that addresses the needs and desires of the homeowner. However, having 25 years of design and building experience, it’s our job to offer considerations or points of view that are proven desirable, successful and noteworthy. In other words, our goal is to push the design.
Upon the next meeting with the homeowner, everyone will collectively review the conceptual design drawings. We’ll discuss the layout, options and observations of the Design + Build Team, and edit the plans as desired by the homeowner. At this point we ask the homeowner to give consideration to material finishes such as flooring, window and door styles, tile, cabinets, etc. Our resources are vast – we’ll find what you desire.
Step Three – Design Documents
This is where the build breathes. We begin to incorporate the homeowner’s material finishes, which may alter the plans slightly, hence the building breaths – it may expand or contact in certain areas to accommodate material finishes. This is where the Design + Build begins to save time and money. A bathroom may expand or shrink by an inch or two to favor a specific tile – less waste and less time equals more savings.
So after considerable review of the design documents with the integration of the chosen material finishes, and with the homeowner’s approval, we head back to our offices to begin the construction documents.
Step Four – Construction Documents
With the floor plans and material finished finalized, we review the plans once more and begin completion of the construction documents. They’ll be reviewed by the engineering team and design team before submitting to the City for plan approval.
Step Five – Order Finish Materials
During the waiting period for plan review and approval, we begin the process of ordering materials. To facilitate faster construction timelines, now is the opportunity to order long lead-time materials such as cabinets, lighting and plumbing fixtures, windows, doors, flooring and tile. Our favorable method is to place the orders as soon as possible, and open and inspect the materials upon arrival. This helps prevents delays due to damage and missing parts or due to long lead-times.