Design Process

 

The first step after determining your budget is to sign the Northcape Design Advantage, a comprehensive design process designed to minimize the confusion that can be inherent in the early stages of home design. This very simple agreement lays out the estimated project cost range and the fixed cost of the design process.

Our Work
 

Conceptual Design

The conceptual design process begins when the designer receives your custom design program and existing building or site parameters. From these, the designer can begin space planning and with frequent review by you, will begin conceptual floor plan design. Once you approve the general building form and floor plans, we move into Design Development.

Design Development

This phase brings a refinement to the design by determining final building components and dimensions. Structural, electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems are chosen and we encourage you to make product selections such as doors, windows and roofing, along with the assistance of our Selections Coordinator.

Our Project Coordinator is a very talented designer and can manage the project details by using our cloud-based online CRM tool. As our Project Coordinator, she can be working with you to choose from the myriad of choices when it comes to cabinetry, hardware, counter-tops, plumbing fixtures, lighting and all of the other details included in residential construction. Later, she can help you with furniture placement using your existing furniture or help you select the right combination of new furniture for your new home. She can assist you with any other traditional interior design services too.

Over the years, we have found that making your product selections during the Design Development phase enables us to deliver the most accurate final project cost. And because you’ve already made your decisions, you are free to relax and enjoy the construction process when it begins.

Final Plans

The conceptual design process begins when the designer receives your custom design program and existing building or site parameters. From these, the designer can begin space planning and with frequent review by you, will begin conceptual floor plan design. Once you approve the general building form and floor plans, we move into Design Development.

Construction Documents

We choose our trade partners based on a variety of reasons. While price is large contributing factor, we feel that all our partners have high levels of experience, quality, cooperation and communication. But before we can choose our trade partners and construction can begin, we get pricing from every single partner so that we are able to submit to you a fixed-price proposal. While it is more work at the beginning of project development, we feel that a highly detailed scope of work, with fixed pricing, is good for the customer, the trade partners and the entire design-build team.

Step 2-Build

When your design firm is also a construction company, you end up with a more cohesive project that is not only beautiful, but practical. We know what products work well together, have reliable warranties and are locally available at competitive prices. We know what construction methods and techniques will be best suited for your project and can easily translate that to your overall cost.

Our Construction Process

Contact Us

Now that you’re ready to start creating your dream home, addition or renovation, let Northcape Design-Build help you start the process. Complete the form below and we’ll contact you soon.