How it works
Seven steps, in the order they happen
The first step is a conversation, and the last is a walkthrough with a list. Everything between is written down.
You'll deal with the same few people from beginning to end: Sakshi or Mahesh for the contract, our permit coordinator for the paperwork and your superintendent on the site.
The steps
From the first walk to the last walkthrough
- 01
Step 1: Walk the house
We measure, look in the attic and the crawlspace, check the lot and listen to what you want. It isn't a quote.
- 02
Step 2: Compare the options
You get a written comparison for your house: what adding on, going up and moving each ask of the lot, the structure and your family.
- 03
Step 3: Sign a design agreement
Drawings, engineering and the permit file are a paid agreement, separate from the build.
- 04
Step 4: Permit
We file with the county and the town and answer their questions.
- 05
Step 5: Sign the build agreement
The scope, the allowances, the schedule and the payments, in writing. Then a meeting on site with your superintendent.
- 06
Step 6: Build
Footings, framing, systems, finishes. A written update every week, and a signed change order for anything that changes.
- 07
Step 7: Walk through
A walkthrough with a written list. We come back for what's on it.
Week one
What happens when the work begins
The first week is mostly protection and preparation. Here's who comes and what we do.
Who comes
Your superintendent and a crew of carpenters on the first day. Other trades come when their work is ready, and we tell you who and when.
What we protect
Floors, doorways and furniture near the work. Plastic walls close off the work area, and the area you live in stays clean.
What we shut off
Power, water or gas to the part of the house that's changing, with a notice before we do. We tell you what stays on.
Where things go
A dumpster, a materials pile and a portable toilet. We agree on where before they arrive, and we keep the yard from becoming a lot.
The trees
Trees we are keeping get fenced, and we keep trucks off their roots.
Your neighbors
A note to the neighbors with our name and number, and work hours that respect the street.
Questions
About living through it
Will we be without a kitchen?
For some projects, for a while. We plan a temporary kitchen where we can, and say in the schedule how long the real one is out.
What hours do you work?
Weekdays, during daylight, with a quiet start in the morning. We follow Charlotte's noise rules.
Who do we call?
Your superintendent first. If you can't reach them, our office answers during business hours.
What if we change our minds?
A change is written, priced and signed by you before the work moves. It changes the schedule and the price by what's on the page.
Start with the first step
A walk around the house is all it takes.