he Design/Build experience starts when you have the desire to make an investment in your home. This full-service approach is very useful for navigating through the entire project. The Design/Build system ensures that things will get done correctly the first time, adding value to your home, and expediting the process; we know that you have better things to do with your life, than spend months designing and managing this investment.

Step 1 - Imagine

With the Design/Build process, you decide if the changes you want to make to your home make sense both aesthetically and economically. By listening to your needs, wants and vision for your home and lifestyle, the builder will then develop a preliminary design and budget that best meets your wishes, within the confines of the neighborhood, property and most importantly the investment range. Eighty-five percent of the

work is done during this phase; the concept meets the design(s) and budget. At this point, you will determine whether the design concept is a good investment for your family and home.

Step 2 - Planning

After blending the information gathered during your consultation and studying the unique issues related to your particular renovation, the Design/Build team is now ready to quickly finish what they have started. They work simultaneously in developing a complete package for you, which includes:

• Plans, selections and engineering aspects are prepared for permits.

• Construction documents put into writing, listing what the project will include.

• Schedules predicting the progress of construction and setting milestones to meet funding guidelines.

• Warranty & Care, which outlines warranty and

home maintenance items.

Step 3 - Execution

Now your work is done, sit back and watch the renovation/re-model happen! (The Design/Build process typically means less then 10 hours of work for the clients because the design/builder wants to work for you!) It is now thoroughly documented exactly what the builder’s responsibilities are, how much the project will cost, and when it will be finished. The builder will work closely with you and share a mutual understanding of the project. The builder’s goal is to bring your desired dreams to life. Proper
up-front planning and knowledgeable management of your project will conclude in an end result that Design/Build companies stake their reputations on. l

By Allen W. Griffin, CGR, GMB, CAPS, CGP

Gryphon Builders