Home Remodeling FAQs:
Cape Cod, Metrowest & Boston

 

What is Design Build and what are the advantages versus using an architect?

Design Build is a process that combines the choice of the designer on a project and the contractor at the outset. The advantage is both bring different expertise to the project. The designer is conceptual to get your ideas to drawings for your review, pricing and ultimately for permitting to build the project. At the same time, the contractor can be reviewing for build-ability and making design/cost recommendations throughout the process.

This alleviates the  possibility of a long and expense process with a designer/architect that could possibly have construction issues where you find yourself in the middle between the designer/architect and the contractor. The result being the projected cost of the project could exceed your budget.

With Encore, the Design Build process is clear cut and leads to the steps of a preliminary proposal after you have approved the elevations and floor plan drawings and then proceeds to a  final construction agreement that accompanies the construction drawings that would be submitted for a permit.

For Encore, as a full service Design Build contractor, a  reassuring feature  of the process for the owner is the presence of the full Encore team involvement in the design process with on-staff kitchen designers in both office locations that continues through into the building phase with assistance in selections throughout the project. 

 

Should I get multiple bids for my project and, If so, how many make sense?

That answer is totally up to you.

With a Design/Build process, you have selected your team at the beginning of the project.

We live in a economic time when people feel more comfortable with comparative bids. However, to get more than 2 or 3 is to create confusion and stress for yourself, because often the quotes are not easily comparable side by side as contractors may bundle things differently; such as windows included with sidewall framing with one contractor while another contractor shows the windows separately.

Encore provide very detailed proposals that make it easy for you to see the respective items and the process for the construction solution.

 

How do I know you use quality sub-contractors and can assure their work if they are not employed by you?

The selection of quality sub-contractors is a very important process for a contractor. In many cases, the contractor and the subs have worked together previously. The important fact is that the sub-contractor is properly insured and are familiar with the unique aspects of each town’s building codes.

Encore has a very detailed process for monitoring the work of a sub-contractor that includes the fact they report directly to the project manager on the job every day and there are detailed inspection reports that review the quality along the way.

The sub-contractors should be an extension of the general contractor in approach to the project, cleanliness, skills and time schedule. This is very important to Encore as part of the two year project warranty to the owner.

 

How do I insure that the base price from the Builder is “real” and not just a way to get the contract and then use change orders that dramatically increases the total project cost in the end?

This is a subjective process where trust and rapport become important between the owner and the contractor. It is also valuable to check references to see what other people’s experience have been with the contractor.

This concern is also alleviated in the Design Build process as there are several places where the contractor is matching the designed scope to the cost of construction and this is represented to the owner in the preliminary and final construction agreements. The end result then is that change orders that happen after the start of the job are a result of a change in scope by the owner or something totally unforeseen by all parties.

 

The schedule for this project is very important to me. How do I know it will be accurate?

The contractor should be very clear about the projected schedule, it should be in writing and outline clearly in layman’s language the tasks with related start and completion dates for every phase of the project.

Again, this becomes a trust relationship and a company that is willing to continue to be transparent about the schedule throughout the process is usually confident about meeting it.

Encore posts the schedule weekly on the web site along with the project photo’s from the previous week.