1. Contact:

We are available via phone or e-mail, at which point we discuss the overall, basic scope of your project. Before coming out to meet with you we like to hear about your home, your project ideas and what kind of vision you have for the finished result. From the beginning, we are here to help you determine the best options to give you a finished product that exceeds your expectations while at the same time being very aware of budget and what you would like to invest into your home.

After we take note of your information we will schedule a time to come to your home and meet with you (typically 1-2 weeks from initial phone conversation).

2. Home Visit:

The purpose of this complimentary consultation is to view the work area and obtain a visual of existing conditions and how they relate to what you would like to do. If possible, please have magazine clippings, pictures and ideas of the style you would like to achieve.

This one or two hour brainstorming session often brings out broad outlines as well as small details. We are also able to offer ideas that perhaps you haven’t thought of after we see the space in person. If possible, we will give you a “ballpark” price range based on years of experience and taking into consideration your home and your desired plan. We will take measurements and pictures of the existing home as well as leave with an idea of your goals, budget and timeline.

3. Phase 1 Design:

Within one to two weeks of the initial meeting, you will receive a sketch of a proposed plan for your project. This initial sketch is what we call Phase 1 of the design process. This is also free of charge, in order to help you feel comfortable with our company’s attention to detail and commitment to creating a design that fits your specific needs and desires. The initial sketch is what brings an abstract idea to a tangible beginning of your project by letting you visualize the possibilities.

4. Phase 2 Design:

As soon as you tell us you like the initial sketch and talk with us about the options and possibilities, we ask that you sign our Design Authorization Form, and we proceed with Phase 2. We draw your plans in much more detail, with proposed dimensions and room layouts. Each project has a specified price for Phase 2 and Phase 3 plans in accordance with the complexity that comes with each design (size and type of remodeling project). We ask that you pay 20% of the total for these phases before we move forward with the designs.

What is important to recognize here is that if you ultimately decide to have Orfield Design & Construction, Inc. construct the project, the plans will be free; any design payment received will be applied toward your project costs. But, should you decide not to have us perform the construction, the designs (which are suitable for obtaining permits from the city) are yours to keep. You will need working drawings in order to complete your project, and before that, in order to pull a permit.

The Design Authorization Form helps you know that we are just as serious as you are in moving forward with detailed, well thought out plans, and view your project as one of utmost importance in the growth of our relationship together.

5. Phase 3 Design:

Once the above phase is approved, we move to Phase 3 of the design process. These working drawings include detailed plans with trade notes, dimensions, structural and finish details, elevations and sections. All trades need these in order to put together a fixed-cost price.

6. Finish Selections:

Once you approve a final set of plans, you will need to take a copy of these with you to make selections. We strongly suggest that you begin choosing flooring materials, plumbing fixtures, appliances or other aspects of the finish work at this stage of the process.

This is done by visiting showrooms from a list that we send you and reviewing samples that we deliver to you. Making your selections at this point ensures that you can take your time in making selections that are right for your home while allowing us to define the firm project costs. Doing this also helps expedite your construction timeline while work is in process.

7. Pricing/Contract:

After you approve the Phase 3 working drawings, we then put together detailed cost specifications and a project contract. Cost specifications are broken down by each trade, such as drywall, insulation, flooring, etc. They are a very detailed listing of work to be done and the costs associated, and listed in order of how the project proceeds, so that it is easy for you to follow during construction. The contract draws are based upon work completed as you follow it through the cost specifications.

8. Signed Contract:

Once you sign the contract, we develop a timeline that accommodates your lifestyle and scheduling needs. We also prepare detailed specifications for Orfield Design & Construction’s building team, while you begin choosing flooring materials, plumbing fixtures, appliances or other aspects of the finish work, if you have not already done so earlier in the Design Phase process.

During the entire process we encourage you to ask questions and voice any concerns, as we here to help. We want your finished project to be what you envisioned, down to the last detail, while we execute it with set deadlines, clear communication and daily organization.

9. We Begin:

Your project starts! Our crews and sub-contractors are not only tops in the business, but you’ll also find them personable and helpful. We know them well, as we have been working with some of them for many years and trust the quality they bring to the job and respect they give to our clients. There will be specified on-site meetings with you and Orfield during different phases of the construction. We also pull all applicable permits and meet the city inspectors to make sure that work is progressing properly and in accordance with codes.

We are continually in contact with you throughout the project by email, phone, or fax in addition to meetings in person regarding selections, scheduling, and various updates. Respecting your property, family and lifestyle, being organized, meeting timelines, and continually communicating with you are of primary importance to us.

10. Change Orders:

Many clients are fearful of the term “change order”. We would like to assure you they are a natural part of the process and will be necessary at some point. They are merely a record of decisions you have made throughout the project. As much as you try to prevent them, it is simply not realistic. Sometimes it is hard to envision a space when it’s on paper. When it is built during construction, you can touch and feel and may decide to add something or take something out. Change orders allow for the natural human right to change your mind while verifying that you will be getting what you want in your project.

What we bring to a project:

Creativity/Design – We take into consideration the style of your existing house, your lifestyle and your budget to create a design that is unique to your vision.

Communication/Personal Attention – We work back and forth with you hourly, daily and weekly, depending upon the need, via email, fax, phone or meeting at your home to double check selections, obtain your approval on project phases, and tell you what to expect in the coming rough in or finish stages. We believe in delivering what we promise so you can trust us. We ask for the same from our clients as well. We treat your home and project as if they were our own.

Organization – We set timelines and make sure that we do everything in our power to exceed them. Changes are made clear with change orders and communicated to all applicable parties.

Teamwork – We believe each project is a team effort between our client, we as the general contractor and designer, and each sub-contractor or employee working on your home. An open exchange of information and ideas is essential to a successful project.

Quality – We take ownership and pride in everything we say and do. We believe in high quality in both the products we use and the workmanship of our employees and sub-contractors.