What is the design build process.
June 1st, 2017
What is the design build process.
June 1, 2017
We are continually asked about the design build process and
what is involved. In this section I will
discuss the basics of the process. The
overall timing is difficult to estimate in this general conversation. It depends on several items such as our work
load, the preparedness of the homeowner, and the number of revisions required.
what is involved. In this section I will
discuss the basics of the process. The
overall timing is difficult to estimate in this general conversation. It depends on several items such as our work
load, the preparedness of the homeowner, and the number of revisions required.
In most cases the process starts when a homebuyer has
decided on a home site. This site could
be owned, under contract, or in a due diligence period. The initial task is for us at this time is to
determine the site conditions including required flood heights, drainage
requirements (if any), and architectural board requirements. In addition the site is reviewed for its view
lines, access from road, and other conditions important to the design.
decided on a home site. This site could
be owned, under contract, or in a due diligence period. The initial task is for us at this time is to
determine the site conditions including required flood heights, drainage
requirements (if any), and architectural board requirements. In addition the site is reviewed for its view
lines, access from road, and other conditions important to the design.
Next the homebuyers design requirements are discussed. These will include overall home style, number
of bedrooms and bathrooms and other ideas wanted for the new house. Houzz.com is a great place to see both
current styles of homes and individual details.
Once we get an idea of the expectations, we can determine if we have a
prior house design that maybe a starting point, or if the home will need to be
designed from scratch. (Note, it is
extremely difficult to arrive at a starting point if the homeowners do not come
to the initial meeting with some idea of what they are looking for.)
of bedrooms and bathrooms and other ideas wanted for the new house. Houzz.com is a great place to see both
current styles of homes and individual details.
Once we get an idea of the expectations, we can determine if we have a
prior house design that maybe a starting point, or if the home will need to be
designed from scratch. (Note, it is
extremely difficult to arrive at a starting point if the homeowners do not come
to the initial meeting with some idea of what they are looking for.)
Depending on design details, a time will be set for a
subsequent meeting to review an initial concept drawing. If a clear direction has been determined the
presentation at this point may have the floor plan and exterior
elevations. Other times we will start
with a first floor plan and make sure we are going in the right direction. Either way, usually we will come to an
approved concept drawing. At this stage
the project goes in one of two directions depending on the project.
subsequent meeting to review an initial concept drawing. If a clear direction has been determined the
presentation at this point may have the floor plan and exterior
elevations. Other times we will start
with a first floor plan and make sure we are going in the right direction. Either way, usually we will come to an
approved concept drawing. At this stage
the project goes in one of two directions depending on the project.
While the concept drawings are being prepared, we also are
discussing the specifications for the house.
We will usually present these around the time the final concept drawings
are presented. In a lot of cases we will
go directly to bidding at this time. In
other cases when the concept drawings are at a point, the completion of the bid
set of plans will be turned over to an architectural design firm to complete
the required drawings to price the home from.
In coastal and beach front areas, engineering will usually be required
to be able to present an accurate bid.
Both of these steps will result in fees being paid to the firms
involved. The total of these fees will
vary depending on the required work.
discussing the specifications for the house.
We will usually present these around the time the final concept drawings
are presented. In a lot of cases we will
go directly to bidding at this time. In
other cases when the concept drawings are at a point, the completion of the bid
set of plans will be turned over to an architectural design firm to complete
the required drawings to price the home from.
In coastal and beach front areas, engineering will usually be required
to be able to present an accurate bid.
Both of these steps will result in fees being paid to the firms
involved. The total of these fees will
vary depending on the required work.
After the plans have been approved for bidding the process
usually takes 2-3 weeks for a full bid.
This can be reduced if the home is a variation of one of our prior
houses. Once we have assembled the bids,
we will present a price for the work. At
this stage, the homeowner will decide to go to contract to build the house, or
request revisions to the plans and/or specifications to adjust things to their
budgets.
usually takes 2-3 weeks for a full bid.
This can be reduced if the home is a variation of one of our prior
houses. Once we have assembled the bids,
we will present a price for the work. At
this stage, the homeowner will decide to go to contract to build the house, or
request revisions to the plans and/or specifications to adjust things to their
budgets.
Written By,
Stephen Kauffman, CEO of DIVCo Custom Homes