FAQs

Design-build is the delivery method for construction projects that unifies the design, selection, and construction phases under one roof. This system differs from the traditional “design-bid-build” process where a design firm designs the space, then a separate contracting company bids on the
projects based on the designs.

With the traditional method, maintaining a budget can be challenging since design firm’s main objective is to design the space you envision. But with less knowledge of current product and building costs, they may design outside your budget. When contractors submit their bids it’s realized that the design is not financially feasible. A scaled-down version then needs to be drafted, incurring additional design fees and leading to further redesigns and rebids.

The design-build method streamlines the project because the design team understands the objectives and the build team knows the budget. Both teams communicate and work together toward the same goal, so the project is completed on budget and with nothing left to chance.

There are many factors that determine the cost of a renovation. A simple renovation, where fixtures and appliances remain in the original location, will be less costly than a complete renovation, where walls, doors, and/or windows are relocated or removed. The first step in determining a cost is to have a refined scope of work and to decide what level of finished product you want.

Understanding your budget is an important first step. This information will help us to develop a scope of work and will guide us in the selection of products that will suit your needs and wants. Without a budget, we may present designs and products that are either outside your budget or that may not meet your needs. During the discovery phase, there will be many hours spent on the initial presentation and estimate.
Providing a budget up front will streamline the process.

The first step is deciding what you can allocate to the project.From there, think about what you want to accomplish with the renovation. Prioritize the “must-haves” from the “it would be nice to have.” This will allow you to focus on what’s most important and the items lower down on the list could be sacrificed to keep on budget. For a basic-level kitchen remodel, a good guideline is to set aside 10-15% of the value of your home. For a mid-range kitchen remodel, set aside 15-20% of the home’s value. For an extensive remodel where there are structural changes and upscale product selections, set aside between 20-25% of the home’s value.

First, decide what you have available to allocate to the project. From there, think about your goals for the renovation. Prioritize the “must-haves” from the “it would be nice to have.” This will allow you to focus on what’s most important and the items lower down on the list could be sacrificed to stay on budget. For a half bath remodel, budget about $20,000. For a standard full bath, budget approximately $30,000 to $40,000. For a primary bath remodel, budget approximately $60,000 to $80,000. Many factors contribute to the final cost, such as product selection, relocation of
fixtures, and structural work required to complete the desired design.

We collect a retainer after the initial free consultation if the project fits within our core offerings and the budget is sufficient for us to meet your needs. This retainer is applied to your order should you decide to contract with us for the products and construction. Between the initial consultation and the first design meeting, we spend approximately
40 hours preparing your as-built and proposed plans and the initial estimate. Should you decide not to move forward with the project, the retainer is forfeited to offset the costs and time associated with the preparation of our design meetings.

The project timeline begins with the first design meeting and ends with the final walk-through of the completed project. The design phase can vary for everyone. The speed at which you can make decisions will affect the duration of the design phase. Quick decision makers can get through the design phase in approximately 5 weeks. At the conclusion of the design phase, there is a contract review to ensure the plans, selections and scope of work are accurate. The contract will have the anticipated start and completion dates listed. The start date is determined by two factors. The first factor is the current lead times for all products needed for the project. The second is the next available date in our production schedule.

Every project is unique and the challenges to execute the scope of work will determine the length of the construction phase. As required by law, our contract will list an anticipated start and completion date.