Phase I - Design

The design phase of a design build project includes two steps of its own that must be followed before moving on to Phase 2, Design Development. They include:

Step 1: Fact Finding
Vanderbilt company representatives first meet with the ptential client at the project location to gather information regarding the characteristics of the site such as slope types, dimensions of area, access possibilities, views (if any), neighbors an their proximity, etc.

At this first meeting, Vanderbilt will determine what other information is necessary to go forward with the project. The client can provide this requested information or Vanderbilt will find it for a fee. These items typically include:

• Parcel map
• Zoning Information
• Homeowners Association Guidelines

At this point, there is no financial obligation to the potential client, but the client’s budget is discussed so that both parties understand any and all financial parameters before beginning the project. When the client decides to hire Vanderbilt Family Builders, a design build contract will be drawn between the two parties outlining the steps that will taken to complete the project and the process would move to step 2.

NOTE: For interior remodels, Vanderbilt would be gathering similar facts about the area to be remodeled.

Step 2: Define Project Space
At this time, Vanderbilt works with the client to determine the details within the project space. The more complex the project (small bedroom vs. custom home), the more meetings it will take to gather the necessary detailed information and specifics for the project. Some details we will discuss during our client meetings include:

• Type of Project: remodel, room addition, custom home
• Square footage desired
• Single or Second story
• Style (craftsman vs. Mediterranean)
• Size of budget
• Client wish list, including any photos or sketches the client might have collected to help communicate their desires to Vanderbilt.

On average, it takes 1 to 2 meetings of approximately one and a half hours each to gather enough information to generate sketches to give the client for to review and to comment on. The sketches will be floor plans of what is possible, including one less expensive version and one more costly version. Once the client has reviewed the sketches, these initial drawings are narrowed down and combined into one workable design that can easily be modified if desired during this time (within the limitations of the site or space of course). Before we move forward to the next phase, Vanderbilt requires that the client to approve a final sketch to be used as the basis for Phase 2, Design Development.

At this end of Phase 1, Design, Vanderbilt will provide a ballpark estimate for the work based upon square foot pricing of past jobs of similar size and scope, taking care to stay within the previously discussed budget numbers.