Frequently Asked Questions
Q: We have been thinking about a project but don’t know when we will be ready to do it. When should we contact Stearns Design-Build?
A:We encourage you to contact us as soon as you begin thinking about a project. It may not be time for us to come and take measurements, but we can provide direction as you think about the priorities and possibilities for your eventual project.
Q: What should we look for in a contractor?
A:Unfortunately in Texas our industry is mostly unregulated, which means that the buyer should beware. It is important that you are comfortable communicating with your contractor. Look for a company that has some history and a good reputation. Check their rating with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure that they have insurance.
Running a job smoothly is a very complex operation involving many changing variables, such as when subcontractors can be on a job, what clients want, and the price of materials. The only way to manage this kind of chaos is to have good procedures in place. Look closely at how your contractor plans to handle change orders. Do they have a plan for finishing the job (often called the “Punch List”)? Do they have written specifications for the work to be done?
Many contractors try to treat employees as subcontractors to avoid tax obligations; make sure there is a clear distinction between employees and subcontractors. Also, in Texas, there is no obligation of employers to carry insurance on their employees. If your contractor is not properly insured and a worker is hurt at your residence, this could become your liability.
Q: Do you charge for a bid?
A:Yes. A bid is different than an estimate. A bid is an agreement to get a specific job done within a specific budget. An estimate is a guess at how much things might cost. Determining a correct scope of work and pricing the work should be a detailed, time consuming endeavor. In most cases companies that do not charge for bids are really only providing estimates of little accuracy or value. The errors caused by haste are made up for in change orders or by going out of business, making them unable to provide warranty for their work.
Q: Who will be in our home?
A:At Stearns Design-Build we use what is called a project manager system. This means that most of the time one of our direct employees will be on the job to oversee the work of subcontractors and manage the work of our own crews. We have worked with most of our subcontractors for years. We do not award contracts based on a low bid; cost is only one of the variables that we consider.
Our crews undergo extensive, on going training. All of our employees have had a background check.
Q: Will it be messy?
A: It is impossible to remodel without creating some mess. We do everything we can to minimize mess and, most especially, to clean it up as it happens.Our crews are well trained to maintain dust control and keep a clean project.
Q: How long will our project take?
A: That, of course, depends on the scope of work. Before we start work we will give you a Gantt chart, which is a bar chart showing how we expect the job to unfold. Once we start a project, we do not leave it until it is finished. Occasionally a scheduled subcontractor is held up on another project, which can have a ripple effect on remaining work. By using tools like Gantt charts and communicating frequently with all stake holders, we are able to keep such disruptions to a minimum.
Q: Can we hire an Architect and still use the design-build process?
A:Maybe. That depends on the architect – some architects prefer not to use this approach. Some will allow a builder to come in at the concept phase and be involved throughout. This teamwork approach can add complication for the architect, but it is invaluable for providing input on buildability, cost, green options and a whole host of other aspects of design. The holistic approach of the design/build paradigm can save time and money and deliver a greatly improved product.
What is Green Building?
A: Wikipedia says, “Green building (also known as green construction or sustainable building) refers to a structure and using process that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort.” Green building also encompasses indoor air quality.
Q: Stearns Design-Build was recommended to us by several friends but we are not interested in Green Building. Can we still work with you?
A: Yes, as long as you understand that many of the things we do as a green design-build firm will benefit you even if you are not concerned about the environmental impact. A home that uses less energy will cost you less to operate. When we make sure the August sun is not coming into your house in the afternoon, you will save money and be more comfortable. Green Building seeks to be wise and intentional on every front.
Q:We have heard a lot lately about healthy Homes, is this something that Stearns Design Build can help with?
A: Yes. Considerations of environmental hazards such as chemical off-gassing as well as naturally occurring hazards such as mold is a large part of our approach.