Why Design First:

The Design/Build concept is different then conventional remodeling methods. It combines Architect/Design, Contractor and Owner into one team. All working as one, this team can communicate with one another easier and making the project move smoother and faster. This approach to remodeling can design to the homeowner's budget, providing subcontractor ideas and costs during design, and move the project onto the construction phase much faster then conventional methods.

Architects, Contractors and Home Owners Working Together

Design Build Process:

Design/Build remodeling is becoming a much more common and sensible approach to the remodeling process.  Essentially, Design/Build is a process whereby a homeowner works with one company through the entire remodeling process.  This process includes four phases.

Design/Build Phases:

Phase One: Meeting at the Site

First we will schedule a free initial consultation Meeting at the Site to discuss with the Owner the remodeling project, design concerns, and Owner’s budget. It is important that all parties involved in the decision making process of the project be present during our first meeting. We schedule appointments times between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cost is no charge.

Phase Two: Preliminary Design and Feasibility Study

In the second phase a Preconstruction Service Agreement is signed by both parties for this part of the design phase. This is where Design/Build team measures the existing house, does a preliminary check of the existing mechanical, electrical and structural systems, draws the existing house plan; develop the preliminary floor plans and elevations for the new design and/or addition. We will also check the county zoning restrictions. Then once more meets with the Owner to review all of the Preliminary Design and Feasibility Study documents. This includes a comprehensive project budget with a 15% cost spread.

Phase Three: Construction Documents

Third we put together the Construction Documents. The preliminary design plans are refined by making any minor changes agreed on in the Preliminary Design phase. We distribute a set of the final design plans to each subcontractor involved in your project such as electrical and plumbing contractors. The subcontractors will review the plans, the site and design for their work. Then we will put together a comprehensive fixed project contract cost based on the final approved plans. We then meet with the Owner to review the drawings and the contract pricing. This will fulfill the Preconstruction Service Agreement. If you select Caton Contracting and Remodeling, Inc. as your builder we will prepare a comprehensive construction contract and construction plans with any needed allowances and options. The cost for these two phases of your design will cost between $750-$1500 averages.

Phase Four: Construction of the Project

In the fourth phase of the design/build process we then develop detailed construction contract and construction plans. Owners and Contractor sign the contract which specifies the payment schedule outlining the draws, start date of the project, the completion date, menu of option pricing and allowance schedule. Permits are procured by the contractor. Work begins on the remodeling project. Weekly meeting or as required are held between the Owner and the Contractor assisting the Owner in the selection of fixtures and finishes. Contractor coordinates the labor, subcontractors and the inspections. Work continues till the end when a punch list is worked up and those items completed. The cost for Phase four is a fixed contract price developed in phase three along with a non-refundable deposit of $500 which is applied to the contract after signing the construction contract.

Summary: