The Jackson Design/Build Process
Talk
Design
We work with you on a collaborative design process honed by the realities of construction and budget.
Build
Our experienced lead carpenter and team of trades bring the project and vision to life with minimum disruption.
Talk
Let's Talk
Our first teleconference is designed to learn what your needs are and give you some perspective on how we work. As we get to know each other, we will ask questions to determine if the project is appropriate for our firm, as well as getting a sense if our communication styles are compatible.
Planning Meeting
This one or two-hour brainstorming session often brings out broad outlines and small details. In the end, we both have a working idea of your goals, budget and timeline. This meeting usually takes place at your home, during business hours, with all decision-makers present. At this time, we may ask you to authorize a feasibility agreement, which we take to do a preliminary estimate and determine if your wishes and budget are aligned.
The Design/Remodel Agreement
Our Design Agreement states that, for a fee (usually 15-19% of the construction budget), we will design your project to meet your budget. It also states that we are your contractor of choice to remodel your home. Once this Design/Remodel Agreement is authorized, we take measurements of your home, assign a designer or architect to your project, and the serious conceptualization and planning begins. We tell you, as accurately as we can, what your project will cost, and propose procedural tips that will help to maximize value.
Design
Design Process Underway
With our "As-Built" and "Design" drawings, we create a detailed visual package. Written specifications, work timelines, payment schedules, and material samples move the venture from concept to reality.
Review
As we walk through the details of the proposal with you, we encourage you to itemize questions and concerns. As concepts are defined, we provide budgetary feedback, letting you know the impact of decisions you make. We also plan around your lifestyle and schedule needs during construction.
Design can take anywhere from a few months to 9-12 months, depending on the complexity and scope of your project. Expect multiple meetings for all decision-makers with members of our design team during this time.
Design Approval and Final Selections
The hard work by you and our design team comes together into a well-defined project. Now that decisions regarding materials and products have been finalized, we bring in our trade specialists and other members of the production team, to put firm numbers to the project. We may ask you to authorize a letter of intent and provide a deposit so we can hold your schedule slot and begin ordering any "long-lead" items such as cabinets or plumbing fixtures.
Construction Agreement
Our estimating team determines exactly what your investment will be, and we draw up a fixed-price agreement. If your design choices are consistent with the finish level we have been working toward, this figure will be in line with the feedback we have given you. Once the Construction Agreement is signed, we will collect an initial payment, review when progress payments are scheduled, and discuss the project completion procedure.
Scheduling
We select the best Lead Carpenter (similar to a project manager) for your project, based on personality, expertise, and availability. Your project will not get a start date, but rather a schedule slot. We will start your project as soon as your lead has completed work for his previous clients. All final selections, including tile, flooring, plumbing and lighting fixtures, and applicances must be made before we will commence construction.
Build
Pre-Construction Conference
Our Production Manager and Lead Carpenter meet with you at your home to set expectations about living through a remodel such as work hours, sequence of tasks, particularly disruptive times, and the like.
We will choose a location for the portable toilet, key box, job sign, and communication station, and schedule a regular time for you and your Lead Carpenter to meet and discuss your project.
Construction Underway
Our crews and trade contractors are not only tops in the business, but you'll also find them personable and helpful. Respecting your property and minimizing disruption are constant guidelines, as is regular communication with you. When decisions are needed from you, or unforeseen conditions are encountered, these will be brought up at your weekly meeting with the Lead Carpenter unless immediate action is required. If these situations differ from the final Specifications and/or Specification Schedule, a change order will be written to capture the change, along with the associated credit or cost.
Completion
We work hard to finish all aspects of your project before you move back in or begin to use the space. There are circumstances, however, that may require a "completion list". We will compile this list together and assign a value to the remaining tasks. Aside from this small "retainage," final payment will be made so you can begin using your remodeled space while we finish the items on the list. When the list is completed, we will collect the final payment.
Follow-up
Enjoy your newly remodeled space and tell your friends all about your great experience with Jackson Design Build. Before a year is up, we will contact you to see if there are any warranty issues that may need our attention.
Benefits of Design Build
Jackson Design Build is a full-service residential remodel design-build firm. We work exclusively within the design/build framework, where we handle all aspects of your project from concept to completion. There are many advantages for a homeowner who chooses to use the design/build approach. For example: complete design that expedites the construction process, accurate pricing, 25 years of construction expertise on how best to approach projects and solve problems, and much more.
The design/build concept is a departure from the "old" way of doing things, where you would hire an architect to draw the plans, then put the plans out for bid and hope that contractors can build it for something close to your budget. We understand that a sizable percentage of the projects that get designed this way never get built, as discouraged homeowners find that their architect’s design far exceeds their budget.
The design/build concept is a team approach, getting the builder involved early on in the process. Our experience and "real world" pricing knowledge helps guide the decisions made during the design process, ensuring that your budget is always influencing the design direction.
7543 15th Avenue NW, Seattle 98117
