[ How We work ]
How we build your custom home.
One team from first sketch to final walkthrough. A clear budget at every step, and a fixed price before construction begins.
How We Work
[ Design Build ]
Why design-build works better
- Designed to your budget from day one. We price the design as it develops, so you never fall in love with a plan you cannot afford.
- One team, one point of accountability. Design, engineering coordination, pricing and construction all run through us.
- A fixed price before you build. Construction starts only after you approve a final fixed-cost proposal.
- Fewer surprises during construction. Working out the details up front prevents redesigns, change orders and delays later.
- You stay in control. At the end of every phase, you decide whether to continue.
[ The Next Level Experience ]
The difference: Traditional vs. design-build
Traditional: architect, then bids, then builder
You pay for a full design, then send it out for bids, and often learn it is over budget only after the drawings are done. When problems come up, the architect and builder point at each other, and you are in the middle.
Next Level design-build
Design and pricing happen together. You see a budget at the end of every phase, get a fixed price before construction, and have one team responsible from start to finish.
[ How We work ]
Two ways to work with us
1. We design it (most clients)
Our team designs your home, prepares permit-ready plans and prices it, all under one agreement.
2. You already have an architect
We join your team as your builder: reviewing the drawings for buildability and cost, sending your architect written cost-saving recommendations, and pricing the final plans.
[ Next Level Design-Build ]
The Process: Step by Step
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01
Discovery Call
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02
Concept & Budget
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03
Design & Cost Development
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04
Construction Documents & Fixed Price
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05
Build
A 20-minute call about your lot, your goals and your budget. If we are the right fit, we schedule a site visit. If not, we point you in the right direction.
1. On-site review of your lot: utilities, access, drainage, grade and buildability |
2. Floor plan, architectural style and home placement |
3. A finish selection schedule with a deadline for every decision |
4. You receive: your Conceptual Budget |
(total about 3 weeks)
1. Preliminary site plan, floor plans and elevations |
2. Value engineering to keep the design on budget |
3. Preliminary finish selections with our interior design team |
4. Septic and pool or spa design coordinated |
5. You receive: your Design-Development Budget |
(about 7 weeks from start)
1. Permit-ready plans, specifications and Title 24 energy documentation |
2. Structural engineering, fire sprinkler and septic designs coordinated into the plans |
3. Final finish selections |
4. You receive: your Final Fixed-Cost Proposal, with a full budget, allowance schedule, any exclusions and a preliminary construction schedule |
We sign a fixed-cost construction agreement and start building, with one project manager, every trade scheduled, daily progress updates and a final walkthrough together.
[ Who handles what ]
We coordinate the whole design team
We bring in and coordinate the licensed engineers and specialists your home needs (structural, septic, fire sprinkler and Title 24 energy) and build their work into your plans and price. A few items, such as the land survey, soils report and civil engineering, are usually contracted directly by you. We tell you exactly which ones before we start.
[ What we need from you ]
How you can keep things moving
- Share what you have: lot survey, soils or other reports, and inspiration photos
- Tell us about any CC&Rs, easements or HOA review requirements
- Respond to decisions and questions within three business days
- Make finish selections by the deadlines on your schedule
- Let us know about changes early, so we can keep the budget and schedule on track
You decide at every step
- At the end of each phase, you review the budget and choose whether to continue. You are never obligated to move to the next phase.
- If you stop, you keep the completed work from that phase.
- Each phase includes up to two rounds of revisions.
- Nothing is built until we both sign a separate construction agreement.
[ FAQ ]
Common questions
Is the Phase 1 budget a fixed price?
No. The Phase 1 and Phase 2 budgets are planning estimates. Your fixed price comes at the end of Phase 3, once the plans and selections are complete.
What if the design starts going over my budget?
We tell you as soon as we see it, and we work with you on value engineering to bring it back in line before the plans are finished.
What if I do not finish my selections in time?
Any selection not made by its deadline is carried as an allowance in your fixed-cost proposal and adjusted once you choose.
Can I stop after a phase?
Yes. You decide at the end of every phase, and you keep the completed work.
Can I use the plans if I stop?
Yes. Once everything is paid, you can use the plans to build your home at your address.
Ready to get started?
Not sure of your budget yet? Start with our Custom Home Investment Estimator and see an honest cost range for your home in 10 to 15 minutes.
- 1. Book a 20-minute discovery call.
- 2. We visit your lot and send you a pre-construction proposal.
- 3. Sign the pre-construction agreement and Phase 1 begins.