PROCESS
The journey that we guide our clients through from initial contact to competition and beyond
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1. Appointment
Our appointment process has been carefully designed to provide you with a clear picture of the road ahead, and help you establish a strong understanding of all the key aspects you should consider at this early stage. The steps described below provide both our prospective clients and our expert team the opportunity to get to know one another and explore the potential of the project before committing to work together. The introduction meeting, which can take place at client’s residence or virtually, is an opportunity for us to get to know each other better, discuss your project in more detail and give you a sense of what our collaboration will be like before you commit to working with us. The team members assigned to your project will introduce their roles. Then we proceed to discuss the details of the project and provide preliminary advice on planning, construction, and time-frame.
2. Preparation
Comprehensive and thorough preparation is absolutely essential for delivering a smooth process and achieving great results. Our Preparation stage comprises of a number of elements which are briefly described below. To enable us to build an accurate model of the existing site and any existing structures, we need a Measured Survey. This may be a manual survey or a laser scan survey, depending on the particulars of the project. We will obtain suitable quotes for you to consider. The resulting brief, from which the design emerges, ensures that what we create a true expression of the personal ‘scenarios’ of our clients. This embodies the unique way in which our clients aspire to live in their home and its surroundings. By the end of this phase we will have an approximate estimate of the project cost. We will also have a sense of the time-frame and the required resources.
3. Estimate
A base estimate covers all the estimated costs of a project apart from the unforeseen future escalations. These estimates are usually calculated depending on different techniques such as scope definition, size, and complexity of a project. A good construction cost estimate will provide both the construction manager and the client with an idea of the cost of the project so there are no surprises when the project is completed. As a result, this is one of the most important parts of the construction project. At the end of this phase we will have a good idea of the project cost and the schedule. This allows us to provide the client with a proposal which will include our best guesses typically broken down per individual project component. The outcome of this phase will determine whether the project will proceed further or not. At this time the contract is signed outlining the rights and responsibilities of all parties.
4. Initial design
In this phase, we do series of rough sketches/drawings that illustrate the basic concepts of the design. Also, initial research of local compliance and regulations are completed at this time. To help you better visualize the finished product, these options are provided in the form of professionally created sketches. This design phase also includes a rough cost estimate for each option we provide to help you make your choice keeping your budget in mind. During the sketching process, you’ll have the option to request alterations in the design based on your aesthetic preferences. Once these changes, if any, have been made, and you’ve finalized a design option that suits your needs, the design team will work towards further refining the design in the next phase.
5. Final design
During this stage, we develop the details of the selected design. We discuss and agree on all material finishes and select the kitchen and bathrooms with all fixtures and fittings. We then proceed to develop mechanical, electrical and lighting schemes and collaborate with our clients to select all the required materials. Based on the approved design, we prepare a drawing set and visualizations with all information required for accurate pricing. All materials produced in this phase become the project documentation to be used in subsequent phases of the project.
6. Planning
Planning in general can be a complex process. It is an intricate maze of policies, standards and regulations that require both specialized and current knowledge and skills in order to navigate it successfully. During the Planning stage, we prepare and submit all of the drawings and documentation required for obtaining permits with local City officials on behalf of our clients. In Planning phase we collect all sub-contractor bids and acquire commitment from them to certain schedules. At this stage we also order all necessary materials. This is the phase when an approximate time-frame turns into a schedule with specific milestones. This is also when the estimated project costs are converted into the itemized project budget. Once the Planning is finished and all required resources become available the Construction may finally begin.
7. Construction
Once the design is finalized, materials acquired and sub-contractors chosen the construction may start. Once construction work commences on site, regular site visits will be conducted to inspect the works and determine whether the project is proceeding in accordance with the contract. The sub-contractors will be provided with further instructions, information and drawings as required. The works completed on site will be valued periodically to determine the appropriate portion of the contract sum which can be released for payment. Once all work is complete, our clients move into their new home or start using the their new bathroom or kitchen. At this point, a rectification period will begin to allow any minor latent defects to present themselves. We stand by our work and take a great pride in guaranteeing high quality results.
8. Hand over
At the end of the construction, a visit will be arranged to conduct final inspections if necessary and arrange for correction of any apparent defects by the contractor. Once all of these items have been completed, we conclude the building contract and allow our clients to continue enjoying the results for many years to come. We always remain available for any questions or advice that our clients may need and aim to stay in touch to hear about how clients experience and interact with the product that we have created together.