Construction Cost Estimation
We believe homeowners and business owners should have accurate, unbiased information at their fingertips throughout their project. When needed, we partner with accomplished builders to provide our clients with construction costs early in the design process.
In a common process known as Design-Build, the builder and the architect/designer are part of one company. They will often give a soft bid before a contract is signed, then bid their own design once it is complete. This process doesn’t allow flexibility for a competitive bid and locks you into one team without independent advisors.
Drafting Cafe has taken the best parts of the Design-Build process and created a hybrid model we call Design-to-Build. You get the insight of a contractor during the design process, along with support from Drafting Cafe’s team during construction, all without having to commit to a builder before design begins. It’s a team of independent advisors at your fingertips.
Our Design-to-Build program pairs you with one of our pre-selected builders based on their area of expertise in your neighborhood, the type of project you plan to build, their expertise, and their availability. We can even add our Interior Designer to the mix to select fixtures and materials which align with your style preferences. Your Project Manager will stay in constant communication every step of the way to keep you informed of the job’s progress.
Unlike traditional Design-Build firms that are mainly top-down with the builder communicating based on their schedule, we're bottom-up. We start with you, the homeowner, and make sure you are aware of all that is going on with your job. If a decision needs to be made about something technical, your project manager can handle it leaving you to be as involved as you want to be. Design-to-Build is the smart way to remodel.
The Design-to-Build Project Process
Step 1: Start the Design
When we start working with you on your project, we will work to understand how you envision using your space and help design it for both style and function. You will also be introduced to the pre-selected builder that best matches your project. They will provide insight into potential construction costs, timing, and details, all of which can help guide the design process.
Step 2: Collaborate
Once our design team has prepared an initial schematic design, your builder will provide feedback on the design relative to the construction. After we have developed the design mid-way, your builder will provide a preliminary construction cost estimate. This is an important gut-check before getting too far down the design path so as to ensure everything will be within your budget.
Step 3: Begin Work
After the design is finalized, you will receive a final bid from your builder. You are also welcome to request bids from other builders at this point; there is no obligation to hire our pre-selected builder. If you do choose to move forward with the pre-selected builder, we will then apply for your permit and your builder will prepare a project schedule. Our Project Manager can remain engaged throughout construction to assist with decisions and help resolve any issues that may arise. Your Project Manager will also facilitate the process with our Interior Designer to provide material options and help make project decisions that maintain your style and budget.
Key Benefits
Compared to traditional project delivery methods, the Design-to-Build delivery method has plenty of benefits.
Independent Advisors:
Because your architect and contractor are two separate entities, you have two independent voices guiding your decisions from their respective areas of expertise.
