Jeannette Architects

What you can expect from Jeannette | Architects, Inc.rnFirst, we invite you to call us — 562.987.9139. We'd like to understand your construction goals and get to know you better.rnOur first conversation will uncover your desires to build a new home or remodel your existing home. We'll discuss your wants and needs, then, set up an appointment to meet.rnOur first meeting will be at your home or project location. We'll take pictures of your existing property and discuss in more detail your construction goals. We prefer all members of the family involved with design decisions be present to get everyone's opinion up front; minimizing surprises in future meetings. We'll walk your property with you and take notes on our discussions. We'll then discuss design fees. Typically, for new homes, a fixed fee can be determined, however, remodels are inherently different. Remodels take special considerations based on the existing home's character and structural system. Space is often limited and special attention in design is important to realize a functional and aesthetic design, blending with the character of your home, while maximizing the space available. The last thing we want is your remodel — well, to look like a remodel! Our goal is to make it look like it was always a part of your home.rnJeannette | Architects can also provide you a complete Architectural Design and Construction experience. Teaming up with a contractor from the beginning will allow the project to track much more smoothly and allow for more accurate budget consideration with less, if any construction change orders. This option is the most cost effective.rnAfter our initial meeting, we'll then provide you a contract that estimates our fees and the consultants that may be involved with your project.rnThe next step is to begin the research phase. This involves discussions with at city official to determine the boundaries of our goals. "Can we fit a new 3200 square foot home on your lot an still meet the City's requirements for open space?" or "Can we add a second story on your home that doesn't exceed the City's height restrictions?" We do the research for you.rnWith remodels, our next step is to develop "as-built" plans. This involves us taking measurements and making sketches of your home to create computer drawings. We will use these as a "base" drawing, with which we can design with. If you already have accurate plans of your home, this will help in the development of your project.rnThe Preliminary Design Phase is where the fun begins! Based on our previous meetings and discussions, we will present you a new design of you r home that takes into consideration you r goals of construction we discussed earlier. We'll work out the special details and discover how you r new design will enhance your living experience.rnAfter we develop and approve the preliminary design, we begin the Construction Documents, or CDs. These are the sets of plans, or "blueprints" that are submitted to the approval agency for a building permit and used to obtain a bid, or "cost of construction," from one or more contractors. The CDs provide the contractor the recipe for construction. They specify dimensions, finishes, molding details, lighting locations, and much more. We spend a great deal of time in this phase to prepare a good set of plans. More detail included in the plans may result in fewer changes in construction. A change in construction may mean added costs to the client.rnPlease not, field conditions often arise that are not, or could not be anticipated during the preparation of the plans, which may result in added construction costs.rnOnce the Construction Documents are complete, they will be "put out to bid". One or more contractors will be selected by you to review the plans and provide a detailed cost estimate for construction. We will help you in reviewing the bids and selecting a contractor, however, the final decision is up to you. It's important to get to know you r contractor well, since the next few months of you r lives will be with his or her shining face around! Often, the best contractor for you r job isn't the cheapest, but someone you feel most comfortable with. We recommend you hire a Licensed, Bonded contractor that carries Workman's comp. insurance.rnWhile the CDs are out to bid, we submit them to the Building and Planning departments of your jurisdiction. They will review the plans for compliance and provide us comments. After reviewing their comments and making any adjustments necessary, we re-submit the plans for final review. Our Contractor will then pull the building permit once it's ready.rnGroundbreaking! It's now time to begin construction — or demolition, then construction if we're remodeling. You and your contractor will be very close for the next few months. Jeannette | Architects is also involved with the construction phase. We are available to answer questions of the contractor and you, the homeowner and assure the time se spent in design, is reflected in construction. If the contractor asks you is something can be changes, please notify us. We can take into consideration how this change may affect other aspects of the project. We, You — the homeowner, and the Contractor are a professional team in the construction of your home.rnThe Construction Phase can be trying on nerves. Please know that we know this firsthand and can offer our knowledge and comfort through the entire process.