Our Unique Design-Build Process

The first two weeks of your project is the design phase. We work closely with the client to discover their desires as well as their needs. The initial meeting is most often at the client’s house. If we are remodeling an existing space, it is helpful to be in the space while discussing what it is they do and don’t like about it. We use sketches and photos to help get the ball rolling. We will talk about the budget during this part of the process, but the range is usually much broader as the “finish” products still haven’t been discussed, and those can account for 30% – 40% of a project’s total cost.

We will discuss the layout of the space and any interior features that may be necessary to include in the design, like vaulted ceilings, exits to the exterior, or any feature that will need to be included in the construction documents. We will select items like windows and doors, exterior details if necessary, and any larger items that may be a design feature like a deck or a porch.

Once we get the design to a point where the homeowner is confident that all of their needs are accounted for, the construction documents can then be prepared. Producing construction documents is fairly straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of input from the homeowner. This is where the design turns into a set of plans that can be built. Of course, questions always do pop up, and this is where the design-build method helps: the team as a whole can be involved in any changes or decisions and can also reveal what kind of impact that may have on the budget.

While the construction documents are being prepared, we enter weeks three and four, where scope development can begin. Scope development is where the tires hit the road. This is when all of the “finish” products in a project get selected. Everything ranges from interior trim details, cabinetry design, flooring and tile selection, plumbing fixtures, paint colors, and even door knobs.

Scope development is where the budget really gets shaped. Again, the finished products that get installed in most projects can account for 30% – 40% of a project’s total costs. It is very easy for a $35,000 bath remodel to become a $45,000 bath remodel depending on the finish products that get selected.

Here is an example of how scope development can drive the cost of a project:

Let’s use the replacement of a 32 “x 60” fiberglass tub/shower combo as an example. Assume this tub replacement is part one part of a larger bath remodel. We could tear out that shower and replace it with a new 3-piece fiberglass tub/shower combo for let’s say $3,500. The end result would be a brand new tub with new fixtures. Now let’s change that to a tub with a tile surround. Now that $3,500 shower becomes a $6,500 – $8,000 tub/shower because we have now added labor and materials for tile prep. We have added tile and labor costs for the tile surround and the cost of tile can vary wildly depending on the materials, size, and design. Now let’s knock it out of the park and turn or fiberglass tub shower into the spa-like experience you have desired for so long. Out comes the old tub and in goes a shower pan and full waterproof tile backer kit. Instead of a single mixing valve and shower head, you decide you want to also add a handheld shower and a rain shower head. You also want the option to control each of those independently. You have selected a nice stone tile for the floor and walls as well as a 6” mosaic band running horizontally on the walls. Throw in a niche or two and a 3/8” glass shower door and the $3500 fiberglass tub/shower has become a $12,000 – $14,000 walk-in shower.

Design-build provides benefits for both owners and builders. Owners experience faster delivery, cost savings and better quality than other contracting methods. Dealing with a single entity decreases an owner’s administrative burden and allows them to focus on the project, rather than managing separate contracts. The approach also reduces the circle of responsibility.
The builder has more time to fully grasp a project as they are involved from the very beginning. Thinking through design details and how they will impact the existing house, in the case of an addition, helps prevent additional costs from popping up while the project is underway. Our whole team of employees, subs and material suppliers have the opportunity to give their input much earlier too. This can prevent scheduling conflicts and ensure all of the materials will be available when we need them.

Now that all of the design work is done and all of the finish materials are selected, and all of the subcontractors have given their input and quotes for the project, it is time to build it for the last two weeks of the process of your project. The process that has led to this point has eliminated as much of the guesswork and unknowns as possible, which in turn leads to a smooth construction process.

We now officially assign the project to one of our lead carpenters. At this point, the lead most likely has had some input into the project but will now be fully briefed. We will review the scope of work and the plans in our office. The lead will have plenty of time to review all of the paperwork, which includes material orders and subcontractor's quotes, and the opportunity to ask any questions. We usually do a walkthrough of the project with the homeowners prior to starting any work.

We use BuilderTrend, a cloud-based project management software suite, as a tool to help manage the construction process. All of the construction plans and documents are loaded into it, and our lead carpenter has access to it from the field. We build out a project calendar and share it with all parties involved. All of the subcontractors have access to any documents that are pertinent to them, as well as access to the calendar. If any changes occur, they are instantly notified. If there is a need for a change order, we can prepare them in the field and send them to the client. The client then can approve and sign them from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Check out our construction management process that we use on all of our projects!

For Oxland it’s about building something that will stand for generations. It’s about being there for the customer, too. A bathroom, a kitchen, a new floor, a window installation — or even a minor repair — Oxland customers know they will do it all, and they will do it right.