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STEPS IN THE DESIGN PROCESS:
Even though each project is unique there are basic steps that we follow in the design process. Listed below are the typical steps involved in the design process. Depending on your type of project these may vary.
INITIAL INTERVIEW MEETING
a. Meeting with the perspective client at their home/proposed site to discuss the scope of the client's project.
b. Bring with you any ideas and pictures you may have that reflect the style or look that you want for your new home.
c. Also bring a copy of your lot survey, deed restriction or mortgage inspection report.
d. Bring a completed "Before You Start" questionnaire, or as completed as possible at this time.
e. Extensive notes will be taken by the Designer of items such as your budget, square footage requirements, design ideas, etc.
f. This meeting allows the client to determine if the Designer is a "good fit" for them, and their project. No Designer is knowledgeable, experienced, or possess the communication skills and "vision" needed for every client.
This step usually takes around 2-3 hours.
Based upon the Initial Interview Meeting and the scope of your project the Designer shall prepare a Formal Proposal Agreement for your review and approval.
SITE VISIT MEETING
Should your project site be different that your home a site visit will be necessary before the Designer will prepare the Formal Proposal Agreement. This may be done on the same day as your Initial Interview Meeting, or at another time. The purpose of the site visit is to:
a. Evaluate the site for overall lay or slope of the land, the location and direction of the best views and objectionable ones, potential home location, direction of the sun's path across the property, sunny/shady/windy areas, trees to be saved, any special natural features noted and the logical entrance to property for the driveway.
b. Setback lines and easements will be discussed.
c. Determination of whether a well and septic system will be used or the availability of town water, sewer and gas.
This steps usually takes around an hour.
FORMAL PROPOSAL AGREEMENT MEETING
This meeting is to review the Designer's formal proposal with the client. This meeting will be held at the Designer's office. The purpose of this meeting is to review:
a. Presentation of the Designer's Formal Proposal Agreement
b. Presentation of projects that the Designer has completed similar to the client's project.
c. Question and Answer Session.
This step usually takes around 2 hours.
Should the client accept the terms of the Formal Proposal Agreement the next phase is the preparation of "Conceptual Drawings."
CONCEPTUAL DRAWINGS
Based upon the completed "Before You Start," the Design Worksheet completed by the Designer at the Initial Interview Meeting and additional information provided by the client the Designer shall prepare Conceptual Drawings for the client. This shall include:
a. Rough concept sketch will be drawn on the site plan to determine the best size and shape for the lot.
b. A larger sketch will be started of the ideas for your project; starting a basic floor plan and the start of a front elevation will be generated.
c. Review meetings will be scheduled with the client to review and fine tune the basic floor plan and front elevation. This may require several meetings with the client.
Once the Concept Drawings are approved by the client the Designer will begin the next phase, preparation of "Preliminary Drawings."
PRELIMINARY DRAWINGS
Preliminary Drawings consist of details floor plans and exterior elevations of the dwelling. The client will be provided a copy of these drawings to take home and review. The drawings will be revised according to comments from the client. Once the client is satisfied with the Preliminary Drawings they are then submitted to Builders for an estimate of construction costs. This is a non-binding estimate (ball park) and are used to fine tune the project to the client's budget. Revision of the drawings may be necessary based upon the information received from the Builders.
Once the Preliminary Drawings are approved by the client the Designer will begin the next phase, preparation of "Construction Drawings."
CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
These are detailed drawings explaining the construction of the various assemblies such:
a. Detailed Floor Plans
b. Detailed Exterior Elevations
c. Detailed Foundation Plan and Construction Details, Notes and Specifications of materials and construction.
d. Detailed Floor Framing Plan for each floor, Construction Details, Notes and Specification of materials and construction.
e. Ceiling Framing Plan for upper most ceiling, Construction Details, Notes and Specification of materials and construction.
f. Roof Framing Plan, Construction Details, Notes and Specification of materials and construction.
g. Special Construction Features, i.e., Tall Walls, masonry fireplace, High Wind Design Construction, Braced Wall Construction. etc.
h. Wood Frame Construction Details.
i. General Construction Notes and Basic Specifications.
j. Window and Door Schedule.
k. Typical Cross Sections explaining the construction of the dwelling.
l. Other drawings as necessary.
These Construction Drawings are used for the Competative Bidding Process, Building Permit Application, as well as the actual construction of your home.
MEETING WITH BUILDER
The client shall have their Builder schedule a Pre-Construction Meeting with the Designer. The Designer shall review the Construction Drawings in detail with the Builder to clarify construction issues and rationale.
OPTIONAL SERVICES:
Listed below are optional services that the Designer offers to his clients:
WRITTEN SPECIFICATIONS
Preparation of detailed written project specifications. These specifications go into more detail than the typical "Construction Drawing" Specifications. The client shall select all products to be used, i.e., appliance, bath room fixtures, etc. These specifications are a part of the construction documents and are binding on the part of the Builder.
PREPARATION OF COMPETITIVE BID DOCUMENTS
Preparation of Guidelines and Instruction to perspective Builders. The purpose of these documents is to ensure an "apples" for "apples" bidding process amongst the various Builders.
REVIEW OF BUILDERS CHANGE ORDER REQUESTS AND SHOP DRAWINGS
The Designer shall review written Change Order Requests submitted by the Builder to the Client for verification of compliance with the construction documents and specifications. Review shop drawings submitted by the Builder for verification of compliance with the construction documents and specifications.
CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION
The Designer shall make periodic or as requested visual observations of the project construction to verify compliance with the construction documents and specifications. The Designer shall report his findings to the client in a written report outlining compliance and deficiencies. The Builder awarded the construction contract is
in charge of construction and accordingly, is responsible for the work. This
includes accountability for workmanship and materials. In no way shall this
section to be interpreted that the Designer shall be in charge, or responsible
for any construction, workmanship or materials. Invoiced based upon time
required.
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