How we work
Two phases, and a decision between them
Phase one is a design retainer. Phase two is a build agreement. Between them is a decision that is yours alone, made with the drawings and a written price in front of you.
Most renovation trouble starts when a builder prices a project that hasn't been drawn. We draw first, so the number at the end of phase one is built from decisions instead of guesses.
The retainer is its own agreement, with its own scope
The build agreement is signed only if you choose it
The retainer is credited toward the build if you hire us
Phase one
The design retainer
Five steps, from a first conversation to a written price.
- 01
Step 1: A first conversation
On the phone or in the studio. We ask about the house and how you live in it; you ask about us. Nothing is signed.
- 02
Step 2: Retainer agreement
We write down the scope, the fee and the schedule for phase one. You sign it, and drawing begins.
- 03
Step 3: Walk, measure and options
We measure the house and show you two or three layouts, each with what it would involve.
- 04
Step 4: Drawings and selections
One layout is drawn in full. You choose windows, tile, cabinets, fixtures and lighting, and we prepare the design-review package if your neighborhood needs one.
- 05
Step 5: Written build price
An itemized price for the whole job, with allowances for anything still open, and a proposed schedule.
The decision
What you can do at the end of phase one
Sign the build agreement
The retainer is credited toward the build, and the drawings become the contract set.
Change something first
If the price is above what you want, we redraw. Changing the drawings is what phase one is for.
Wait, or build elsewhere
The retainer agreement says what you take with you. There is no pressure either way.
Phase two
The build agreement
Five steps, from permits to a walk-through list we finish together.
- 01
Step 1: Permits and orders
We pull the permits for the work we contract and order long-lead items, such as windows and cabinets.
- 02
Step 2: Week one
The project manager walks the house with you, and the crew protects what stays. The week-one plan says who is on site, what is covered and what is shut off.
- 03
Step 3: The build
A weekly note says what was done and what is next. Your project manager is a call or a text away.
- 04
Step 4: Changes, in writing
Anything outside the drawings is priced in writing, with its effect on the schedule, before it is built.
- 05
Step 5: Walk-through and handover
You and the lead carpenter walk each room with a list. We finish the list, then hand over drawings, product information and warranty terms.
Week one
What happens on the first week
Living in a house during work is easier when you know what to expect.
Who is on site
The lead carpenter, the project manager and a small crew. You get their names and numbers before the first day.
What is covered
Floors, stairs and furniture that stay are covered, and the work area is sealed from the rest of the house.
What is shut off
We say which water, power and heat will be off, when, and for how long.
Where things go
The dumpster, the tool storage and the daily parking are agreed beforehand, so the street and the neighbors aren't a surprise.
The Central Oregon year
When each part usually happens
A typical year. Your lot and your project will set their own.
Design retainers
Winter is when we draw.
Nov-Mar
Permits and long-lead orders
Started as soon as you sign.
Jan-May
Foundations, framing and exterior
Tied to dry ground and dry weather.
May-Oct
Outdoor rooms
Finished for the long evenings.
Jun-Sep
Interior finishing
Runs behind the closed-in envelope.
Sep-Apr
Start with the first conversation.
It's about the house and how you live in it. Nothing is signed and nothing is priced.