custom residential construction process

The custom residential construction process has a lot of moving parts, and we know it can be confusing and stressful, especially for first-timers.

We understand and respect the fact that this project is likely to represent not only a host of long-cherished ideas you have had about your dream home, but it also usually represents the largest single investment most people will make in their lifetimes. Ongoing project communication is key to keeping stress to a minimum, so we work hard to make sure that you know what’s going on at any given time. Here is an overview about how the construction process with Capital Construction Company works for you.

The custom residential construction process has a lot of moving parts, and we know it can be confusing and stressful, especially for first-timers. We understand and respect the fact that this project is likely to represent not only a host of long-cherished ideas you have had about your dream home, but it also usually represents the largest single investment most people will make in their lifetimes. Ongoing project communication is key to keeping stress to a minimum, so we work hard to make sure that you know what’s going on at any given time. Here is an overview about how the construction process with Capital Construction Company works for you.

Step 1 – Let’s Talk

During this phase we will get acquainted to see if we are a fit for each other. Since you are reading this document, that process is already underway. We will do a deep dive into your vision and make sure that we “get it.” We will talk about your budget in relation to your vision, consider possible cost-saving options, talk about our contract structure, and explain how financing or payments to us work. We will talk schedule, your role in the project and what you can expect from us. Setting expectations is key and to that end we will be unfailingly honest. We’ll certainly cover the enjoyable parts, but we’ll also be as up front as we can in detailing the challenges that often arise. We will leave you with a complete guidance kit full of useful information to help you understand not only who we are, but also how projects like yours work.

Step 2 – The Professional Services Agreement

Prior to entering into a Construction Agreement together there will be pre-construction processes for which there will be fees that are separate from the construction contract. These pre-construction processes will be handled with what is called a Professional Services Agreement or PSA. Your PSA will usually include costs for doing a detailed estimate that assures you a quality, completed project at a fixed price. The PSA will cover the time we put into the planning phase, and it will also—usually at an additional cost—cover things like design services and demolition/discovery work in order to assist the architect with design work or in nailing down a final fixed price for you. The PSA does not obligate you to enter into a Construction Agreement with us, and you maintain ownership of the work product generated through our PSA services.

Step 3 – Project Development

With all or most of the results of the PSA work in hand we will meet with you to talk through the project. We will go over the scope of work, discuss value engineering options, progress payments, timelines, logistics, and concerns. You will meet your personal project manager and discuss how communications can be handled.

Step 4 – The Construction Agreement

We will now have all the information needed to provide a fixed price for your project, including structural engineering, design selections, and permitted architectural plans—all of which you will have signed off on. You will have met your project manager and will know who on the team will be doing what, whom to communicate with, and how those communications will be made. We will provide a Construction Agreement, which we will go over with you in detail before asking for your signature.

Step 5 – Project Management

During the building phase we will handle all the details of ordering materials, scheduling, oversight, inspections, quality control, plan detail execution and coordination of the work. We will diligently keep you up to date on progress and any issues that may arise.

Step 6 – In-Process Changes

No matter how carefully we plan your project together you will probably want to make some changes along the way. We are prepared to cheerfully accommodate any changes you want to make. Our Agreement will explain how costs associated with your changes will be handled.

Step 7 – Project Completion

During this completion phase we will do our own punch walk to meticulously inspect the project and make a list of any flaws or defects that don’t meet our high standards of craftmanship. After that we will do a punch walk with you (and/or your representative) to allow you to point out anything else that you may have noticed that was not completed to your satisfaction. Once the work required by the punch list is completed, we will do a final walkthrough with you to go over the punch list as well as to answer any operational questions regarding appliances, HVAC systems, etc. We will do a final clean-up to the highest standards possible and—in the case of a remodel—we will clean any existing spaces adjacent to the remodeled areas that we may have touched.

Step 8

Enjoy your new (or completely transformed) home and allow us to express our gratitude to you for letting us be a part of your dreams!