Our Design/Build Concept

The key to our success is our teamwork concept that includes the owner, architect, project estimator, project manager and our subcontractors. We work to develop trust and forge a relationship with the owner that promotes a smoother transition from the design phase through the construction phase.

The objective is to develop a design concept to meet the owner’s needs and desires and budget.

Development of Project Scope:

The teamwork allows for a sharing of ideas that are molded into a preliminary design and a project scope sheet that allows us to develop our first preliminary cost estimate.

Lower Design Costs:

Design costs are significantly lower because traditional bid documents are reduced to those documents necessary for our construction team to build the project. Once schematic design and a scope sheet are completed a preliminary estimate is developed. At this time the owner has the opportunity to determine the direction the project will take, continue or make changes to reach budget. Design fees can be as little as 1 to 3% of the total construction cost.

Shorter Design and Construction Process:

Communication that begins during the design phase moving into the estimating phase and continuing into the construction phase generally allows for the project to start sooner and reach completion faster.

The owner generally walks away satisfied since they are involved in every step of the process from design, material selection, formulation of budget, and project review.

Design/Build Process

Step 1: Project – Designer/Builder Introduction

We are an in-house design/builder.

There is no cost involved at this meeting:

  • We meet for generally one hour at our office – so you can see examples of our projects and materials
  • Listen attentively to your needs, ideas and goals
  • Discuss the scope of your project, the project site and your budget
  • Discuss general cost for schematic design and construction of the project
  • Discuss any questions or concerns in our design/build process
  • Review the Schematic Design and Final Document fees

The plans that we develop are for our use to build your project. They are developed as a "builder set". Information from Step 1 enables you to decide if we are right for your project. A review of the estimated cost of construction documents, which are based on total square footage fee, is discussed. If you feel we are right for your project, the agreement is signed and a deposit is required at that time. The deposit is applied to the last invoice for construction drawings.

Step 2: Schematic Design

This meeting is typically set up at the site to review building orientation, utilities, site drainage and other site requirements:

  • Define overall project scope and establish priorities
  • Document existing conditions
  • Review zoning and county requirements
  • Prepare ¼” scale plan drawings of existing conditions and Schematic design
  • Review preliminary specifications and budgets
  • We will develop a rough schematic design layout for review of room layout and relationships, room sizes and building orientaiton
  • We will have an additional meeting, as are required, with our clients to work on this rough drawing to fromulate the clients needs and desires for layout and room size.
  • We will meet again to review building elevations, building scale, massing and materials.
  • This process continues until the client is satisfied that their desires and needs have been met.
  • A preliminary estimate is then developed with the use of a 'Project Scope Sheet' (The 'Project Scope Sheet' is developed with the help of the client.)

Step 3: Design Development (Part of Flat Fee)

This is the phase of design where we start finalizing the design concept and materials, if the client likes what they have seen in the schematic design phase and the budget is with in 8% to 10% of their proposed budget, fewer meetings are required during this phase.

  • If no changes have been made to the desgin concept and materials we will continue into the final Construction Drawings phase.
  • If changes have been made to the project design a revised estimate will be developed
  • At the end of Design Development the Owner will be required to sign-off on these plans so we can proceed to the Final Construction Documents and final project price quote.
  • All our projects are 'lump sum' or fixed price quote with 'allowances' for some materials (floor coverings, appliance packages, cabinets, etc.)

Step 4: Construction Documents (Part of Flat Fee)

This is where the fixed fee, based on the square footage of the project of area built, comes in.

  • Final design revisions and refinements
  • Develop final scope sheet for material and product selections or allowances (cabinets, tiles, fixtures, etc.)
  • Refinement of project budget based on drawings and project scope sheet
  • You will be given two (2) sets of final drawings and a scope sheet for your review

When Construction Documents fee balance is paid and the final design drawings are agreed upon, then…

Step 5: Final Project Budget and Contract

We will develop:

  • A final fixed priced quote of the project cost using the plans and scope sheet
  • An allowances for finishes per your selections
  • Add Alternates (these are generally upgrades for finishes) for upgrades per your selections
  • A final contract between client and CS Neumeyer, Inc
  • A proposed project schedule

(It is our desire to give you a project that has no “Change Orders” but our history with clients have shown a 3% to 5% add to projects for upgrades.)

When you sign a Construction Contract and the closing with your Mortgage Company is complete, then…

Step 6: Construction

CS Neumeyer, Inc and your lending institution agree upon the Construction Draws (payments) throughout the project until completion.

We will now:

  • Build the project with superior craftsmanship
  • Provide project management
  • Provide communication regarding your project status
  • Give you copies of all construction draws (to the bank)
  • Strive to have the project completed on time and on budget

You may call at any time to get updates on the building progress and set up any meetings you feel are needed on site
    last updated 09.21.06