A home remodel is often an intimidating prospect. The design-build process can seem, at best, complicated and, at worst, downright confusing. For some homeowners, such negative assumptions might prevent them from pursuing the home of their dreams. At Valley Home Builders, we recognize these concerns and do everything we can to simplify the system for our clients.
Design-Build Process, Step-by-Step
Our design-build process breaks down into three basic steps: Consultation, Design, and Build. Each phase includes action items for our team as well as consistent communication with our clients. Let’s begin!
Consultation
When you contact Valley Home Builders for a free consultation, you’ve taken your first step in the design-build process. But don’t worry, our free consultation is commitment free. Before signing any sort of agreement, we start by performing a walk-through of your home. A walk-through allows us to examine the limitations of the space and gives us an opportunity understand the specifics of your vision. We’ll also use this meeting to talk about your requirements, and a working timeline. Based on these factors, we’ll be able to discuss approximate costs and budget expectations in future meetings.
Soon after our first meeting, the Preliminary Agreement will be given to you. The agreement outlines a rough expected scope of the work, our services, estimated fees, and payment procedure which is designed based on the completed major milestones during the Construction phase. Once you’ve signed the agreement, you’re ready for step two.
Design
Depending on the size of the project, it takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks between the first consultation and the creation of the Preliminary Design—a floorplan that visually represents your project created by our Architect. During this time period, we actively consider your budget, expectations, timeline, and lifestyle. While we develop the Preliminary Design, we also create elevation views, electrical plans, and the Initial Estimate.
Once you’ve approved the Preliminary Design and Initial Estimate, it’s time to determine specifics. While our Architect generates construction drawings and structural plans and obtains necessary permits, depending on city-specific requirements, our interior designers work closely with you to help bring your vision to life. We share Ideabooks and inspiration on Houzz, so our clients can show us exactly what they have in mind. Applying their expertise and years of experience with your creative inputs, our interior designers determine the perfect look and feel for your new space.
With your budget in mind, our interior designers will sit down with you to choose specific materials to be ordered in advance of installation. Finally, our team finalizes the budget including the timeline and creates a Construction Contract. For an average project, this part of the process usually takes 8 to 10 weeks. Upon your approval, we’ll start phase three.
Build
Now it’s time for our construction team to get to work.
During the construction phase, your main point of contact is one of our experienced construction Project Managers (PM). Plan to meet with our PM on a weekly basis to receive informative progress reports. In fact, the client will likely hear from the PM via email, phone or text multiple times a week, if not every day. Working with the construction team as the client’s representative, the PM ensures any changes are quickly shared with either side.
During the Build phase, Valley Home Builder clients receive access to our online BuilderTrend scheduling tool, which displays all construction steps, milestones, and payment schedules, along with any updates as inputted by the PM. Effective communication ensures our clients don’t have to experience any unnecessary or upsetting surprises along the way.
Your home remodel is done! Now, what?
When construction ends, we’ll finish the process how it began: with a walk-through. Together, we’ll determine if anything requires extra attention. Once the smallest details have been addressed, your home will be cleaned and prepared for your return!
Still have questions? Contact Valley Home Builders today and one of our expert representatives will get back to you as soon as possible.
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