Process
Initial Contact
Whether by phone (504-858-6455) or email (JENBUILD@AOL.COM), contacting us is the first step to take toward starting a project with us. Whether you have a designer and/or architect, you’ve already received several bids, or this is the first step you’ve taken toward a remodeling or building project, we can work with you where you’re at. Please don’t hesitate to call or write. If we don’t answer immediately, we’ll get back to you promptly! At this time, we generally will set up a free consultation with you at the subject property.
Free Consultation
This service is an integral component in designing and pricing your project and consists mostly of information-gathering. We prefer that all interested parties are present for this meeting to make sure that we are getting everyone’s perspective who may be involved in the project. At this point it’s a good idea to collect any notes, sketches, magazine clippings, or online photographs that represent the elements you’d like included in the design. Whether there is a certain style you’re attempting to achieve, or there are functional elements you feel you would like or can’t live without, having an example of them really helps us all to be on the same page, so we can come back with a design that is both functional and beautiful, while remaining as cost-effective as your budget dictates.
We will take measurements and pictures, discuss your ideas and our own, and get a good feel for what kind of finished product your looking for. We will also discuss your budget, the timing and schedule of the project, permits, and any other practical issues related to your project. Once we feel adequately prepared and informed, we will take everything back to the office and get to work on your design and bid, or your estimate.
Estimate
Not all jobs require an estimate, as small to medium jobs can usually move directly to our design and bid phase. When a potential project is of a large enough size and scope, we use an estimate to give a price range that our bid will fall within. If the estimate is acceptable, we may require a design retainer. This is a non-refundable deposit that will be applied to the total contract.
Design and Bid
Based on our discussions and measurements in the consultation, we will design your new space for you (if you do not have an architect or designer), and present the design to you along with a bid, which is a set price to perform the work as outlined in the contract. We will also give you a timeframe for how long you can expect the project to take. If the design and bid are acceptable, then we will sign a contract. The contract will clearly outline the work to be performed for each phase of construction, as well as outline a payment schedule that is usually based on milestones of work that has been completed. Once the contract has been signed, work can begin!
Construction
This phase usually begins with demolition, and progresses through the phases of construction under the watchful eye of the project manager. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and our commitment to artisan craftsmanship, so we make sure that every carpenter, plumber, mason, electrician, and laborer are performing their work not just to minimum building code standards, but to the OUR standards, so that your project will stand the test of time.
We also pride ourselves on our communication. This is vitally important to us and to you during the construction phase. We will take photographs, email, call, text and meet with you as often as necessary to ensure that you are up-to-date and informed about the status of your project. We realize that these endeavors can be stressful or even difficult for many of our clients, but we will do everything we can to make you feel comfortable and confident through the completion of your project.
Completion and Final Walk-through
Once construction has been completed, we will have a final walk-through to ensure that every detail of your project has been completed. We will take pictures of the site and will provide them to you along with the pre-construction pictures and any in-process photographs you may want. We use these to provide a record of our work that we take pride in, and so we can inspire our future clients with the outstanding results achieved on your project!
Initial Contact
Whether by phone (504-858-6455) or email (JENBUILD@AOL.COM), contacting us is the first step to take toward starting a project with us. Whether you have a designer and/or architect, you’ve already received several bids, or this is the first step you’ve taken toward a remodeling or building project, we can work with you where you’re at. Please don’t hesitate to call or write. If we don’t answer immediately, we’ll get back to you promptly! At this time, we generally will set up a free consultation with you at the subject property.
Free Consultation
This service is an integral component in designing and pricing your project and consists mostly of information-gathering. We prefer that all interested parties are present for this meeting to make sure that we are getting everyone’s perspective who may be involved in the project. At this point it’s a good idea to collect any notes, sketches, magazine clippings, or online photographs that represent the elements you’d like included in the design. Whether there is a certain style you’re attempting to achieve, or there are functional elements you feel you would like or can’t live without, having an example of them really helps us all to be on the same page, so we can come back with a design that is both functional and beautiful, while remaining as cost-effective as your budget dictates.
We will take measurements and pictures, discuss your ideas and our own, and get a good feel for what kind of finished product your looking for. We will also discuss your budget, the timing and schedule of the project, permits, and any other practical issues related to your project. Once we feel adequately prepared and informed, we will take everything back to the office and get to work on your design and bid, or your estimate.
Estimate
Not all jobs require an estimate, as small to medium jobs can usually move directly to our design and bid phase. When a potential project is of a large enough size and scope, we use an estimate to give a price range that our bid will fall within. If the estimate is acceptable, we may require a design retainer. This is a non-refundable deposit that will be applied to the total contract.
Design and Bid
Based on our discussions and measurements in the consultation, we will design your new space for you (if you do not have an architect or designer), and present the design to you along with a bid, which is a set price to perform the work as outlined in the contract. We will also give you a timeframe for how long you can expect the project to take. If the design and bid are acceptable, then we will sign a contract. The contract will clearly outline the work to be performed for each phase of construction, as well as outline a payment schedule that is usually based on milestones of work that has been completed. Once the contract has been signed, work can begin!
Construction
This phase usually begins with demolition, and progresses through the phases of construction under the watchful eye of the project manager. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and our commitment to artisan craftsmanship, so we make sure that every carpenter, plumber, mason, electrician, and laborer are performing their work not just to minimum building code standards, but to the OUR standards, so that your project will stand the test of time.
We also pride ourselves on our communication. This is vitally important to us and to you during the construction phase. We will take photographs, email, call, text and meet with you as often as necessary to ensure that you are up-to-date and informed about the status of your project. We realize that these endeavors can be stressful or even difficult for many of our clients, but we will do everything we can to make you feel comfortable and confident through the completion of your project.
Completion and Final Walk-through
Once construction has been completed, we will have a final walk-through to ensure that every detail of your project has been completed. We will take pictures of the site and will provide them to you along with the pre-construction pictures and any in-process photographs you may want. We use these to provide a record of our work that we take pride in, and so we can inspire our future clients with the outstanding results achieved on your project!