The Process

"What should I expect after our first meeting?"

Exterior Remodeling

For Exterior projects (siding, trim, windows, doors), you will receive a written proposal with a description of the work that was discussed and the price within a week of our first meeting with you.

Upon your acceptance of our proposal, we will work closely with you to select the products; manufacturers, styles and colors for your home. You will also receive details of the work process and a tentative start date, depending on the scope of the project.

Interior Remodeling / Design Build

For Interior projects (Design/Build*), the process is a bit more complex, depending on the project. We will schedule a second appointment to meet with you and review our ideas for your project, present a preliminary scope of work and a rough budget. If a mutual decision is made to move to the next step, a Design Development Agreement (DDA) will be presented to you.

The Design development step is an integral part of the McDowell design/build process. The preparation at this stage will help you achieve the goals that are discussed for your project. Our experienced team will work with you to define your project, to confirm expectations and to avoid unnecessary field re-work and costly budget overruns. There will be a fee for the Design Development phase; a percentage of the projected budget for the project.

The DDA phase typically includes the following steps:

Feasibility study / review of existing conditions
Discuss all possible ideas and options
Identify potential conflicts
Create a work plan that achieves your goals
Provide scaled drawings, plan view and elevations and 3-D views
Identify products, styles, and material options
Confirm or revisions of original budget projections

This interactive relationship has proven to be the most valuable aspect of our relationship with you. We believe that it's easy to give you what you ask for, but going through this process may bring out ideas you never thought of, or explain why certain stages of a project may need to be done differently.

At this point when your project is thoroughly defined, a Construction Contract will be drafted, Permit applications will be expedited, materials will be ordered, project scheduling will be done, and work will begin.

Through this process, you'll find that working with the experts at McDowell will change your perception of the remodeling process and give you an experience you will be comfortable with throughout your project.

*What does Design Build mean?

Simply stated, it is a one stop shopping approach to remodeling. When a Design Build Remodeling company is called in, from the first meeting to the final walk-through, everything is handled by that company, from the brainstorming of ideas and developing a professional design to producing working drawings, managing and constructing the project through completion.

Creating a design to accomplish the goals of the client, and keeping that design within a pre-determined and realistic budget, is an integral part of a Design Build company's responsibility.

The Design Build process features many of the qualities featured in today's competitive marketplace - service orientation, a seamless process and a clear accountability by a single, qualified source which makes it a number one choice (and the best choice, we think) with busy homeowners juggling work, family and tight schedules.