In the world of remodeling, at my level, there are two distinct parts of Design-Build Remodeling: Design and Build, duh. A common theme among remodeling companies that work in this way is to “throw all the work done in design over the fence” to production. The act of throwing implies that what is received on the production side of the fence could be a pile of disjointed documents or if handed over on a silver platter (Something I bought as a prop, but sadly didn’t resonate) a beautifully put together binder of facts that make the production team’s job a joy to receive.

Explain The Design Part:

Silver Platter

The part of the business that works out all of the project details before selling the project. This usually includes as-built drawings, followed by collaboration to create proposed drawings. Then, once approved, a DOW (Description of Work) will be made, which outlines all the finished material selections. Then, the project will be estimated using subcontractors’ site visits. Once this is all done, we will present an agreement. Typically, this takes between 60 and 90 days. Sometimes, this process can go even faster when we are the Architect fed. (Meaning that others already do the drawings)

Explain The Build Part:

This is the part where the Owner and the design team’s imagination gets put into play by the production side of the house. Imagine getting a mess that you have to organize and interpret with limited information and high expectations. Imagine if the production team finds problems in the form of discrepancies between actual conditions and the plans, and that’s just the beginning. How are we supposed to bridge the gap and work like a team to bond the teams and ensure the results?

Searching For A Viable Solution?

We solved the problem by lowering the fence by involving production in the design process. Much like the relationship between the medical profession and medical equipment, the onus is upon Design to understand the constraints of Production. Both sides must share the responsibility for a stellar result.

Slow It Down

The Trifecta Award

We used to stop taking orders when we reached capacity at Flying Pie. Nobody likes to be overwhelmed. Challenged, yes, but you can not care about any particular pizza when you are making hundreds of them. To care about each project, we need to have open lines of communication and an undeniable belief that we are all tied inexorably to the result of our trifecta. This includes our sub-trade partners and vendors.

1. On-Time
2. On Budget
3. Happy Client

The Process Has Evolved

This is where a nimble company with high aspirations and a focused team approach excels. To say that we have the best team ever is an understatement. The eb and flow of the volume of remodeling is always challenging. You either have too many jobs or not enough. Planning is key. As Levco turns 20, we get less excited when things are slow. There is always something to do that we’ve been putting off. I lament that we used to flip a house in the winter to stretch our wings and be the client for a moment.

We Hand It Over The Fence Now

Handing a project from Design to the Production team is now a thing of beauty. We have learned, practiced, and reflected on how to improve our system about 25 times a year over the past 20 years. Our process and paperwork sing. It is a masterpiece. They have just enough information, formatted for the production team in a job binder with a set of plans, just the way they like it.

Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about remodeling, click here to email me directly, or call 208-947-7261

If you or someone you know is considering remodeling or just wants to speak to a trustworthy remodeling contractor, please contact me. You’ll be glad you did.