What is design build? For most people, it’s a system where both the design and the construction of a project are completed by a single entity. For us here at Highline Construction, the system of design build is so much more than that. Our design build process brings simplicity, detailed planning, and craftsmanship to any project. By keeping the planning, designing, and construction elements within our team, we can monitor a project start to finish. Every detail accounted for, nothing left out of place. Our experience and methods of communication make construction simplified, with all the complexities brought under one roof.

With detailed and careful planning, we ensure the risk is minimized. Our team makes clear communication throughout the entire design build a priority, so you can stay up to date on everything. Deciding to build or remodel a home can be a stressful experience, but here at Highline we take pride in our deliberate planning. We build a roadmap together with the client, and then stick to it! We provide a low stress and streamlined experience to best maximize your investment. Our team has the resources for a wide variety of projects, including an integrated architect, interior designer, and showroom finishes. From the beginning design stages to the final result, we ensure that the project will stay within budget.

The Design Build Process

1. Meet. It’s crucial to start off on the right foot, which is why a meeting with potential clients starts the entire project. We begin with planning and building a design so it’s clear from the start what kind of build we’re creating. During these discussions we can set a vision for what the project should look like.

2. Design. Our licensed architect on staff helps during this stage with the preliminary plans. Unlike other design processes, our design build method makes sure that paperwork, planning, and designing stages stay within our team, so we can avoid the back-and-forth that adds time to projects done elsewhere. We also conduct feasibility studies during this stage, such as surveys, wetland studies, and utilities.

3. Cost Study. In this stage, we use past data to help estimate the cost of the project. With these numbers, we can adjust the budget, design, and direction of the project to fit the client’s needs.

4. Develop. Our architect applies for building permits, keeping the hassle of all the paperwork within the team. During this stage, the architect also consults with our engineers over the permit plans in order to keep everything on track. Our experienced interior designer selects all interior finishes in accordance with the final designs, and we are able to produce a final cost estimation and construction contract.

5. Build. Construction begins! Our Project Manager (PM) is dedicated to your design build project schedule and communicates regularly with both clients and Highline staff. The PM oversees every detail of the build, and schedules regular walk throughs so the client can see the progress in real time.

6. Support. Highline provides a warranty after the project is completed. If there are any items that need to be addressed, we are more than happy to come back and make sure the client is completely satisfied. Additionally, we are always available for questions and often work with clients on additional future projects.

7. Overall Timeline. It’s important to have a good idea how long a potential project might take. While we can’t give an exact number up front, there are time estimates that are good to keep in mind. The planning and permitting for a full-house remodel or an addition typically takes 4-10 months, while the planning and permitting for a custom home typically takes 6-12+ months. Construction for a new custom home can take anywhere from 8-18 months. It’s always best to call early, as we could have many projects in our queue.

At Highline Construction we prioritize quality, simplicity, experience, craftsmanship, and above all, the client. We commit to staying on plan- your plan. The design build process includes your input every step of the way, and simplifies what is often a complicated process. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to send an email, give us a call, or set up a meeting to discuss your next dream project!