‘Steps to creating a home built around you’ is a step by step process Design Builders adheres to throughout the design and build journey. Each step has been broken down, so it is easy to follow and understand. Think of this as a useful tool, one that helps us work together with you. It maps out each step that we’ll take to create a home built around you, from initial conversation to the day you move into your new home, and beyond.
- UNDERSTANDING WHAT YOU WANT
The first step is about finding out about you and what you want. This is an exciting journey of discovery. It might involve you showing us around your current home, starting a ‘look book’, or you taking a good look through a portfolio of our work, show us what you like. It’s your opportunity to paint a picture and help us understand what you want.
- THE DESIGN BRIEF
Next we’ll start getting down to details. Together we’ll work through your practical requirements. We’ll think about how those relate to the site itself. We’ll also think about the flow between rooms, your furniture placement, orientation to the sun and views, outdoor living, and parking. We’ll start to bring to life the potential of the site and your vision. We’ll ask you to sign-off the brief, which also sets out the terms of engagement. For developing plans and specs, designed around you.
- FLOOR PLAN PRESENTATION
A floor plan shows you the proposed layout of your new home. The plan is based on our previous meetings and discussions. Nothing is set in stone though. At this stage, there’s plenty of opportunity to change things and move things around until you’re happy that it’s perfect.
- FLOOR PLAN APPROVAL
This is a very exciting important point in the journey. Once you are totally satisfied that your proposed floor plan exactly suits you and your requirements, we can begin moving to the next stage. We will begin developing plans to create a full picture of your home.
- ELEVATIONS & PHOTO-REALISTIC IMAGES
Now we’ll take you through elevations and images, including actual backgrounds, outlooks and views. This is the point when you’ll really start to see your home. Again, nothing is locked in. Our process is all built around you, so you can make alterations, consider options and have plenty of flexibility.
- REFINING THE DESIGN & DETAILS THAT MATTER
As we develop the design further, you’ll see more detail come into focus. Now we’ll start to make some decisions about the final design. Once you’re totally happy with the look and feel, we’ll complete and record all the details, that matter to you, as specifications.
- BUDGET AND QUOTE PRESENTATION
Now we’ll go through a quote and look at itemised sections of the quote. We’ll explain what’s what. We’ll also present updated specifications and scheme plans. This is your opportunity to check everything, give us your thoughts and ask questions.
- YOUR BOXES ARE TICKED. TIME TO GET SOME PAPERWORK DONE
This involves signing the Letter of Engagement and paying a deposit, or if you prefer, we can go straight to signing the Registered Master Builders’ standard building contract. It’s all up to you. We use this contract as it’s the most widely accepted and you can be confident it’s up to date and ties in with the optional Master Builders Guarantee.
- WORKING DRAWINGS PRESENTED
Now we’ll take you through the drawings that our expert craftspeople will use to build your home. There’s a lot of detail in these drawings, and if you have any questions, we’ll answer them. If it’s not already done, all building contract paperwork will also be completed at this step.
- APPLYING FOR BUILDING CONSENT
Now we’ll apply for building consent with the local council authority. We’ll take care of building consent for you, which can save you many hours. The cost for this is all included unless you’ve specified otherwise. We’ve taken care of applications and approvals for hundreds of clients, so you’re in good hands.
- CONSENT ISSUED
As soon as building consent is issued, we’ll work out a more accurate completion date. In the usual course of events, construction work will begin between one and two weeks after consent is issued.
- BUILDING YOUR HOME
Construction starts! Another exciting milestone. Over the next several months, we’ll be working to create a home built around you – on time, and on budget. We’ll keep you informed and can show you around your home as it all comes together.
- HANDOVER DAY
Your new home is ready! We’ll apply for your Code Compliance Certificate on your behalf, which confirms that your home is built to the current building code. Now it’s time for you to take the keys and begin enjoying a home built around you.
- AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Please make yourself at home. You may well have some questions about your home’s operation and ongoing maintenance, we’re here to help. There might be a few tweaks to make. We’ll drop you a line after one month, six months and a year to check.
With Design Builders, your home is a one-off, designed and built around you. Working with you, we design and create your home, inspired by you. When it comes to cost, you know exactly what you’re up for, upfront. The best craftspeople create your home brilliantly. Handcrafted, on time and on budget. The whole process is exciting, fun, easy and satisfying, so that you’ll enjoy it as much as you’ll love your finished home.
If you would like to know more about Design Builders contact the team today.
