Our Design-Build Process

A design-build process means the designers drafting the design and the construction crew building the project are an integrated team that collaborates on the project. The team works together, within a single office and the results are a lower cost, faster delivery and fewer change orders. The outline below explains the design-build process we use.

Initial Contact

By giving our office a call at (603) 329-5077 you will be put in touch with a Dube Plus team member who can answer your questions and show you examples of our work. Its a brief call where we can discuss your custom home or remodeling project ideas, budget and timeline and schedule an in-home consultation if you feel Dube Plus is a good fit for your project.

In-Home Design Consultation

An in-home design consultation is about fully understanding your dreams for your new home or remodel so that we can scope the project appropriately and begin the design process. Being at your home and hearing your ideas allows us to ask a variety of questions designed to uncover potential problems, provide optional design ideas and ensure a successful result. With a clear vision, notes, and on site photographs in hand, we draw up an agreement that includes a scope of work and proposal that has the design and construction line itemed separately.

Proposal Review Meeting

The next step in the process involves a meeting to review the scope of work, initial design draft and proposal.  We want to ensure we've accurately captured your ideas and that the plan accomplishes your objectives. 

At this meeting, 50 percent of the design fee is required to proceed with the 3D illustrations and drawings.

Design Stage

The design stage includes final measurements, product selections and drafting preliminary drawings. Together, we finalize the design and layout of your remodeling project. This step requires frequent communication to ensure we include every request and create the best possible design. We’ll present a complete set of plans including specifications, plan views and elevations in order to submit the final costs to build your project.

The following is accomplished during the design stage

• Field measurements are taken and the design team produces as-built drawings.

• Easement, zoning and environmental issues are reviewed.

• Your designer creates design comps using hand sketches and 3D computer drawings.

• Changes in scope and budgets for interior finishes are established.

• Designs and budgets are presented for your review.

• Design and scope revisions are made to the meet your needs and budget.

At this meeting, the balance of the design fees and project deposit is due.

Construction 

At this point you're project is given a slot on our construction schedule that coincides with completion of the remaining design detail work. Before the actual construction begins, your project manager conducts a formal review process of all project information in our office and at your home.
A pre-construction conference at your home puts you and your project craftsmen on the same page for all on-site particulars, which include the location of dumpster and delivered materials; where the job-log will be posted, hours of operation, whether there are pet considerations, timing of demolition, and many other items.

• A subcontractor meeting is held at your house to evaluate and troubleshoot their areas of responsibility.

• Designers work closely with you to complete the design of the interior spaces.

• Potential structural engineering issues are addressed.

• Zoning or environmental site issues are resolved.

• Construction Documents are assembled and reviewed.

• Permit documents are prepared and submitted.

• Specialty items such as windows, cabinets, stone, etc. are ordered.

• A final project cost is determined.

Start of construction – for many projects this means demolition, while for others it means excavation and masonry work. Construction progresses per the construction schedule through completion. During the last week or two of work, you will perform a walk-through and punch list preparation and completion.

Ongoing Service and Warranty

We are so confident in our workmanship, materials and performance that we have adopted a Three Year Warranty Program.  We work hard to ensure that your project is perfect but with seasonal changes, small issues arise. It's not uncommon to see interior doors and hardware that are slightly off balance, small separation of seams in moulding and woodwork due to shrinkage and cabinet doors and drawers that are slightly out of alignment.  Our warranty covers these things and more.