We encourage all of our clients to have a qualified contractor evaluate the final design and prepare a preliminary cost estimate in order to align the design with the project’s budgetary goals. We have a curated list of carefully vetted and qualified contractors perfect for the project that we can recommend, or we are happy to work with the client’s preferred contractor. If adjustments are required to keep the project within budget, it is simpler and far more cost effective to make them at this earlier stage.
This is the final design phase where we essentially build your project on paper. A comprehensive set of drawings is created that thoroughly documents the project’s scope, components, and all of the client’s personal details and design touches. To complement the drawings, a “Project Manual and Specification” document is written which further details the project’s materials and construction procedures.
Once the Construction Documents are complete, the final bidding process is organized and coordinated. To ensure confidence, we recommend a competitive bidding process and can provide introductions to qualified contractors perfectly tailored to the project, or work with a client’s preferred contractor. Our full service approach during this phase includes conducting project walkthroughs, answering bidder questions, and providing further clarifications where needed. To ensure a fair bidding process, all contractors receive timely, equal, and precise information to any questions that may arise. When the bids are returned, we create a comparison breakdown, identify errors or oversights, participate in final interviews, and work closely with the client to help them choose their contractor.
During construction, we firmly believe in a team approach and work closely with both the client and general contractor to ensure the completed project will fulfill the intent of the design. We make scheduled site visits with the client and builder to review progress, provide answers or clarifications about the construction documents, and use our intimate knowledge of the design to assist in saving time and expense by avoiding assumptions and expediting the construction process. Should an unforeseen construction issue arise, we will work with all parties to find an appropriate, sound, and affordable solution that everyone can agree upon.
DONALD WILLIAM FAIRBANKS
ARCHITECT PC
762 Kings Highway West, Southport, CT 06890 Office 203.345.6307