Process Videos
Design-Build Process
Construction Process
Your Design-Build Team
Our Process
Budget.
A successful project must begin with a budget. If you don't know where to start in developing one, that's okay. By working with our network of bankers, realtors, and other industry professionals, we can help you put together a project budget that works for you.
Funding.
Once a budget is established, the next critical question is, "How am I going to pay for this?" If you, like many, cannot finance the project personally, we can introduce you to trusted advisors, or we will work alongside your own bankers to help develop a funding plan. Starting this conversation and having a financial plan in place is important but we recommend waiting until the design is developed before setting up a loan. We have seen homeowners secure loans too early, based on assumed costs, which are typically underestimated. A loan that will not cover your "dream project" creates frustration, confusion and disappointment. We don't want our clients to experience any of that – we want to see them achieve their home improvement goals.
Design.
Now the fun begins: design! During the budget process, we will have touched on this and perhaps have started the design to help develop the budget. Now it is time for drawings. Drawings are almost as important as nails. We start with listening to you, your goals, and your non-negotiables, or must-haves. We'll help guide you to the best decisions, advising on construction feasibility and other considerations. After one to three meetings with an architect/designer, POOF! You have a design.
Estimate.
An estimate is a collaboration of figures collected from subcontractors, vendors, and our own team. Items such as materials, job specifics, and timeline all play a role in generating your estimate. Construction and remodeling estimates are done in two main ways.
Typically we provide a cost-plus estimate, in which we generate a detailed scope narrative outlining and explaining exactly what work we will perform. For unknown costs (such as tile and/or faucet selections) we can provide a reasonable allowance to account for these within our estimate. We go to great lengths to produce an estimate that "leaves no stone unturned." Our goal is to avoid change orders, and we typically succeed. Be wary of contractors who give paltry allowances and overly general terms within their scope, intentionally leaving room to increase the price once they have secured the project. We have rescued several such projects once the original, unscrupulous contractor was thrown off the job.
Permitting.
Once we have a budget, funding, design, and estimate, we are ready for permitting. You may live in a historic district. You may have setback issues. You may have a myriad of other issues. We can help.
Construction.
Now we start construction/destruction. We will have a pre-construction meeting with all involved parties to get everyone on the same page with respect to process, estimated timeline, potential unpredictable setbacks, etc. This makes for a great start and goes a long way in preventing miscommunication and delays.
Completion.
At the end of your project we conduct a walk-through, making note of any finishing tasks, and provide you with a final timeline for completion. Once we are 100% done, we issue a Certificate of Completion, and our warranty takes effect. Tennessee state law mandates a one-year warranty. Because we are so confident in our work, we provide a two-year warranty. However, if issues arise after the warranty expires, please do not hesitate to give us a call. Give us the chance to surprise you.
Follow Us
