The traditional construction and or remodeling process begins with an Architect who is supposed to interview the client then design a project which meets the requirements of that client. The building in the design should meet the space and use requirements of the client as well as be designed such that it can actually be built for the amount of the budget and meet the local, state, and federal building codes. This is quite a task since the Architect is not the one who is going to build the building. In almost all cases the contractors costs will exceed that of the original budget that the client set.
Then the design goes to the structural engineer who will ask for bigger beams, thicker footings, and more hurricane connectors. These will be added to the plans then they will be sent to the City Building Department, where the plan
checker will require a few changes. These will be recorded on the plan and the permit will be issued. By now the cost of the project is usually double what the client had originally asked for but at this stage it is too late to change the plans without incurring further costs.

The Pacific Style Construction Design Build Process takes all of these factors into account and can budget a project much more effectively. That is not to say that the original budget is always met, but our projects have change orders for extra work that average from 5% to 15% over the original budgets.

We can do this because we design what we feel comfortable building, and therefore can build it at the cost we budgeted for. Our designers work closely with the structural engineer and the actual building superintendent who will oversee the project to save money. This is commonly referred to as value engineering by large construction companies, but we think it’s just the right way to meet the clients’ needs at the lowest cost.

We also feel that the design of a remodel or new home should involve the owner as much as possible. We believe that the client should have the last word on the design at all stages. That is why we draft our initial designs on a three dimensional CADD program which we can bring to the client in the comfort of their own home on our laptop computers and give them walk through tours at every stage of design.

  
Our Design Build Process starts with a free consultation at the project location where we gather general information on what the client wants to achieve through the project. For a remodel and renovation project we would ask how the spaces of the house are to be used and how many family members will reside in the house. We will then ascertain what physical and zoning restrictions there may be. At this point we can give the client a reasonable starting budget and show them photos of similarly priced projects we have recently completed. If the client has their finances in order and is ready to proceed we move to the Design and Estimation phase.

Pacific Style Construction charges 1% of the starting budget to bring the design of a project to the point where it can be accurately estimated and to enter the clients’ project into the construction master schedule.

This involves measuring and drafting a floor plan of the existing structure, designing an addition and or alteration to the structure, and estimating the construction costs of that design. This takes from two weeks to a month and one to three design meetings with the client. At this point we present the customer with an existing floor plan, a proposed new floor plan, a line item estimate showing a detailed breakdown of the construction costs and finish allowances, and a written proposal for the project detailing the construction and payment schedule.
   At this point the client has all the information necessary to make an informed decision to either sign the contract or talk to other contractors. If the client chooses to sign the contract then the project is started.
  

 

Design & Build Process Chart