Project Approach
We approach our customers’ projects in 3 phases: Phase I: Design Development, Phase II: Construction Documents and Permitting, and Phase III: Construction/Installation. As a design/build company, our clients discover there is opportunity for us to add value to the end result in each phase and, therefore, when you hire us to design new homes, interiors or renovations, you should expect us to be on board through the entire process, from design through construction. In fact, we’d have it no other way.
We recommend that the complete design for the home be developed all at once, regardless of construction phasing. This enables you to not only plan for anticipated expenses, but to help ensure that each construction phase takes into account any implications later phases may have on construction, systems, et cetera. We would then prepare only those construction documents needed for the work being done at the time. This will help defer some of the expense for you and will enable us to accommodate any changes that may happen during construction. After Phase II, our involvement will depend on the approach you prefer to the construction process. If you choose to be an owner/builder, our role can be as simple as oversight and consulting, such as assisting in contractor bidding and selection, working with the municipality in obtaining necessary permits, and guiding you through construction. We also can help direct you through the interior finishing process, or work side by side with you and others installing interior finishes. If, on the other hand, you want to participate in the building process, but not direct it, we offer complete construction management and general contracting services. Either way, we like to establish this approach to construction up front so that we can anticipate our work load and plan accordingly.
Phase I: Design Development
Balance Studio, LLC will provide:
Part A: Initial Design
Preliminary sketch plans including:
Field verification of all measurements, floor plans, elevations, sections
(as required), site plan, integrating the building design to the site;
client meetings/presentations; and rough model of recommended
design (as needed).
Part B: Structure and Materials Research,
Preliminary Cost Estimates/Budget Planning
Explore available structural options including timber frame, post and beam, conventional framing, masonry construction; explore insulation options: straw, cellulose, cotton batt, foam, fiberglass; consider ways to incorporate on-site materials (earth, wood, stone) and reclaimed components (windows, doors, beams) into structure; and develop rough construction estimates to further refine design and budget plans.
Part C: Final Design Schematics
Final floor plans, elevations, sections as needed to communicate design ideas to third party; design schedules including interior materials, window/door, and preliminary electrical, lighting and plumbing schematics; and preliminary energy performance assessments (Energy Star®, LEED® or NAHB/ANSI National Green Building compliance, et cetera).
Phase II: Construction Documents and Permitting
Construction documents, if needed, will be developed by Balance Studio, LLC or another party under our direction and reviewed and stamped, as needed, through a third party architect or engineer at additional expense. Here again, we would develop only those documents needed for the portion of the work being done at the time and develop the balance of documents when you’re ready to begin the additional work.