| Braitman Design/Build specializes in remodeling and additions for
older homes. Our business model is unlike others in the
business. Why? Because I started out as the client
-- using contractors to remodel 5 of my own houses -- and I know
what the client wants. So I've organized Braitman
Design/Build to solve the problems that I encountered as a
homeowner. |
| Why Braitman Design/Build
Instead of an Architect?
We eliminate the problems typical of the
architect/general contractor approach to remodeling |
| - |
Bids coming in substantially higher than the budget |
| - |
In-fighting and finger-pointing between the architect
and the general contractor |
| - |
The contractor cutting corners or not building to the
architect's specifications |
| - |
Paying architectural fees for a design that
doesn't work. |
|
| The design/build process eliminates these problems.
We take full responsibilities from the conceptual design through
construction. Knowing the budget up-front and having
extensive, current knowledge of construction costs and
processes, our jobs come in on-time and in-budget -- with no
surprises. |
| Because we subcontract all major construction
tasks except project management we also achieve the benefits of
"architect-as-owner's-representative". We have
developed a network of trusted tradesmen and craftsmen that we
can call on short notice. We know the high quality of their
work and the strong work ethic of their crews. |
| We truly believe that we offer our clients the
best of both worlds. Please talk with current and past
clients to judge for yourself. Follow this
link
to comments from clients. At the initial consultation we
will provide a list of references for you to call and talk with. |
| Why Braitman Design/Build
instead of another D/B firm?
We also eliminate the problems typical of the
Design/Build approach to remodeling: |
| - |
Jackie Braitman is an architectural
designer. Most Design/Build shops are first and
foremost contractors without strong design skills.
Design is just a way to get you to move forward with
construction. With Braitman Design/Build, Design is
separated from Building and you can choose to stop at the
design process or bring our design to someone else. |
| - |
Most Design/Build shops have crews of
employees that they need to keep employed and the design
reflects the skills they have. At Braitman, all
specific tradecraft is subcontracted -- without sacrificing
accountability -- so your design is specific to your needs
and not what employees the Design/Build firm has on-hand. |
| - |
Many Design/Build contractors have
supervisors that are on-site at best once-a-day.
Braitman's lead carpenter/supervisor is on-site throughout
almost the entire construction process. |
|
| Steps in the Process:
|
Conceptual Design:
Design starts with understanding a client’s goal and needs:
| - |
The immediate problems that prompt a
desire for remodeling – perhaps the need for a larger
kitchen or the desire to connect with the outside. |
| - |
Lifestyles – a home for a couple that
enjoys frequent formal entertaining is different from a
home for a couple that work at home and “cocoon”. |
| - |
Dreams – the dream lifestyle that you
think is beyond your means or the home’s bounds. |
| - |
Budget Constraints |
| I need to get to
know you to turn your current home into your dream
house. The primary product during conceptual
design is one or more conceptual design alternatives
that meet Client’s goals along with 3-dimensional
drawings (see
renderings) to help clients visualize the alternatives.
These alternatives help focus the discussion on more
concrete choices and the inevitable trade-offs in the
remodeling process. After one or several
iterations, we will agree on a preferred design to take
to the next stage. |
|
| Construction Feasibility
& Cost Reduction Alternatives:
After conceptual design but before spending money on detailed
construction drawings, I prefer to bring in engineering and construction
specialists to review the design for feasibility and cost. This allows us to modify the design with the client to achieve
the goals with less cost or disruption. |
| Construction Documents &
Permit Approvals:
The design needs to be translated to construction drawings to
guide the contractor and to secure permit approvals. These
drawings are prepared only after conceptual design is agreed
upon. Preparing these documents -- which are detailed
construction blueprints -- is time consuming. We prefer to
save you money by going through the process once with an agreed
upon conceptual design. |
| Construction:
Braitman Design/Build takes full responsibility to build
according to the agreed upon plans, to successfully gain
required building inspections, to build according to the budget
and schedule agreed upon in advance, and to manage the
inevitable change orders that will occur keeping the client
fully apprised of changes to budget and schedule. |
| Further, we will commit to a satisfactory
construction process with minimum mess and disruption to your
lives. |
|
Download a print version of the process
Read Articles About Selecting & Working
With Contractors
 |
