How does the Design-Build Process work at JFK Design-Build?

The first step is understanding your need, desires, and budgeting goals. This phase will identify the type of spaces, their sizes, relationships, orientations, sunlight, etc. Armed with this information we will proceed to design.

With the collected data, our next step will be take this information and put it into a graphic format which will give a more visual sense of sizes, shapes, relationships, and proportions. Typical drawings in this phase would include a schematic site plan, floor plans and elevations. Loose artistic hand sketches of the floor plans and elevations quickly drawn, provide for an understanding of the project´s spatial relationships and form.

This phase will typically require 3 or 4 group meetings with time allocated for design refinement in between. This process will continue until a final solution is achieved to every ones satisfaction.

Phase II: Construction Drawings:

The next step is to provide computer drawings in what is referred to as construction drawings. It is at this phase where our mostly refined design will become increasingly more accurate with computer precision & added detail. This level of information is necessary for receiving precise construction estimates, the obtainment of permits, and providing information required for construction itself.

During this phase you will be involved to make any refinements necessary to the design prior to construction estimating. Typical drawings and information included in the constructions drawings would include:

• Architectural Site Plan
  Depicts site boundaries with defined limits, setbacks showing specific building position & orientation, driveway & walkways.

• Foundation/Basement Plan
  Two dimensional graphic format depicting sizes, locations, structure, mechanicals, interior and exterior foundation walls, windows, doorways, etc.

• First & second floor plans
  Two dimensional graphic format depicting sizes, locations, room component dimensions, interior and exterior walls, window, doorways, cabinetry, etc....

• Roof Plan
  Plan representing roof form, indicating slopes, plane changes and heights, structural framing and component information.

• Exterior Building Elevations
  Facade view of exterior of building showing building heights, plane changes, and exterior building materials.

• Interior component elevations
  Interior views of custom cabinetry and specialty areas.

• Structural section & building envelope construction notes
  Essentially a slice through the building depicting building structural and construction component elements.

• Electrical placement plans
  Schematic floor plans depicting locations of lighting fixtures, switches, outlets, etc. at a level of detail sufficient for estimating. Additional refinements & fixture selection with occur during the construction process.

• General notes & construction bidding instructions.
  Depicts site boundaries with defined limits, setbacks showing specific building position & orientation, driveway & walkways.

Phase III: Construction Estimating:

With the detailed information present in the construction drawings, estimates of the project will be that much more accurate. Jeff Burg with 20+ years of experience in estimating and construction will prepare a detailed, itemized estimate for your project. In addition to the precise construction drawings a detailed written specifications including itemized components of the building form will be provided and reviewed with you to insure that all standards are met. This will happen in a meeting prior to the estimation process.

You will receive a sample contract during the Construction Estimating Phase, so that you have an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the content. If you have any questions about the contract, please feel free to ask.

Phase IV: Building & Construction Management:

Once the estimate has been reviewed, discussed and potentially modified to reflect any final changes, we will prepare a fixed price contract which will insure your home will be completed on budget and to the degree of finished we have specified.

Allowances: At the time of contract signing, certain decisions will not yet be finalized; this is customary. The costs of such items are provided for in the contract and designated as Allowances. A good example of this is the cost of floor finishes. During the construction estimating phase, we will identify the type and quality of flooring for each room and have budgeted accordingly with you. There will be time during construction for you to select your floor coverings. The allowances are established based on our group discussion and set to be realistic. At the time of selection an adjustment will be made as an add or deduct from the base price.

Schedule: As we start construction we will discuss a general construction schedule. The construction schedule is an important part of the Building Phase. It controls the flow of people and materials on the job site. It also indicates when certain decisions you must make are required, allowing us enough lead-time to maintain the flow of the job.

Change Orders: Some changes during the construction process may be inevitable. Be aware that the construction estimate is based on the cost of doing things only once. If a change is requested, we will prepare a change order. A change order will reflect the added administrative costs to prepare and oversee the change, as well as direct labor and material costs and any time extension that may be required to complete the contract. If you decide to proceed with the change, the change order must be signed prior to any changes being mad. In order to potentially avoid changes, it is important to make as many decisions as possible during the design and estimating phases. It is very possible to success fully complete a job without any change orders.

Supervision: Each job has an experienced crew leader in place from start to finish. He is in charge of the job and will be available to discuss any areas of concern you may have. Site meetings will be arranged as required to discuss the different phases of construction and scheduling. We look forward to your involvement as a team member and encourage your questions and appreciate your input.