The Design-Build Process
How We Work
The Van Deusen Construction Company is a full service, Design-Build remodeling firm based in Bel Air, Maryland. The company, which offers combined design and construction services, specializes in the remodeling and renovation of existing residential and light commercial properties in Baltimore, Harford and Cecil Counties.
Upon contacting The Van Deusen Construction Company, a client may schedule an initial consultation with Jay Van Deusen to discuss a possible project. Through initial meetings and an on-site visit to the client’s home, the firm will produce a comprehensive design that includes the client’s wishes in addition to any structural and environmental considerations. When a design is agreed upon, a start-date is schedul ed and a working team is assembled to oversee the project from beginning to completion.
Throughout the building process, The Van Deusen Construction Company will communicate on a regular basis with the client. Weekly production meetings will be held in order to update the client on the progress of the project and identify any concerns or problems before they arise. The firm also keeps a keen eye on cost considerations, and always works within a client's budget in order to make the design a reality.
When a project is completed, Jay Van Deusen will meet with the client to gain feedback about their experience and address any outstanding questions regarding the project. Customer service is always at the heart of every project of The Van Deusen Construction Company and the firm bases its business philosophy on communication, quality, and superior client relations. Learn more about the firm's commitment to customer service through our work with GuildQuality, Inc.
The Process
Introduction:
The introductory phase follows our initial contact with the client. The proposed project and needs are discussed with the remodeler. At this meeting, we discuss the scope of the project and review objectives. A rough budget figure for completion is introduced, and some schematics and ideas for design solutions may be sketched out.
Design:
Once we have design ideas for the project, we propose a contract for the completion of the design documents. When the client accepts the contract, we move into the design phase, where full schematics are developed. Schematics are created to answer all of the design objectives and budget constraints. These are reviewed, approved (or modified until approved) and then transformed into working documents or "blueprints." Prior to committing the plans to blueprints, the design is estimated to ensure that the project is within the customer's budget.
Construction:
The final phase in the process is construction. A seamless motion in the process, this represents one of Design-Build's greatest advantages (many companies don't get involved until this stage). Because we have been working on a project since conception, we are intimately familiar with a client's individual priorities, budget and overall needs during the entire construction phase.
Although the Design-Build process doesn't eliminate the need for an architect, it allows the customer to visualize the project and see the effect of changes without costly modifications to blueprints. An architect can be brought into the Design-Build process at several points to incorporate additional design features or a distinctive flair for the project.