Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is it important to hire a builder early, during the design phase?
A: A contractor is instrumental in working with the architect, designer, and related professionals to make sure your vision can be constructed in the real world. Often, the contractor will identify limitations or find opportunities that assist design professionals in their work.
Q: Bay Build Design requires a Development Agreement (DA). What is that?
A: A Development Agreement is a process by which all aspects of the project will be planned down to the smallest details. The DA produces the most successful outcome for our client. We agree with Brian Tracy, best-selling author and Time Management guru, “Every minute you spend in time and planning saves 10 minutes in execution. This gives you a 1000% return on energy.”
Q: Why don’t you compete on price to win projects?
A: Often, we are not the middle bid. The standard procedure is to give a ballpark estimate, a bid, and start work sometime after a signed contract. What often happens is that without extensive planning, specifics become change orders, which become a baked-in part of the process instead of the occasional circumstance. Competitive bidding rewards the lowest price and offers absolutely no advantage to good workmanship. It lacks transparency and it drives up the final cost of the job.
We plan carefully and shun surprises. We also believe that the truest scope is also the most transparent. Our Development Agreement guarantees the most transparent and successful outcome for our clients’ projects.
Q: When will I know how much my project is going to cost?
A: We give you a range of costs in our first meeting. But the true scope and cost will be covered in our Development Agreement. We communicate costs throughout the entire development planning process so there are no surprises. We aid our clients in pursuit of a tangible and attainable goal.
Q: What is the payment schedule?
A: There is a $500 deposit upon acceptance of the Development Agreement (DA). There is a $1000 deposit upon acceptance of the Construction Agreement (CA). Labor, project management and rough materials are billed weekly as a percentage of completion for both the DA and the CA. Finish and special materials are billed as needed, for purchase.
Q: How do we pay you?
A: Payment is accepted by ACH through Quickbooks online, wire transfers, and check. Credit card payments are not accepted at this time.
Q: Do I have to hire an interior designer?
A: The short answer is, yes. If you hire an architect, they may also serve as the interior designer. Every project requires the selection of design elements and entails a fair amount of planning to determine what, how, when, and where those selected items are installed. We assist your designer in procurement and feasibility of selections. During your work with us, one of the primary goals of the Development Agreement is to have all design selections decided upon before work begins.
Q: What is Materials Procurement and Management, and why is it important?
A: Materials Procurement and Management is the process of verification with the trades to make sure:
Desired fixtures can be installed per CA building code
That fixtures and desired finishes of selections are available for purchase
To verify all item specifications for installation
Order the design selections, and oversee delivery
Offsite storage of selections, if necessary, will be paid for by the client.
Q: Do I need a permit to remodel my home?
A: Almost everything requires a permit apart from paint and floor finishes. Depending on your Building Department, fences may not require a permit.
Q: What are your daily work hours on-site?
A: We work Monday-Friday from 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, unless city/town, neighborhood or HOA ordinances require otherwise. We observe all local ordinances.
Q: Will there be a port-a-potty?
A: Each city/town has different requirements. We work with the localities and the homeowner to find the best solution
Q: Can we live in our home during our project?
A: The answer is different for everyone, and it depends on the job. Sometimes our clients remain at home during work and sometimes they don’t. This is a conversation we have as soon as possible.
Q: Will you please for the love of God, stop hammering?
A: We wish we could glue your house together, but that isn’t part of the current building code. If you work from home during a remodel, be prepared for constant popping of nail guns, skill saws rumbling and Sawzalls shaking the walls of your house. It’s unavoidable and necessary. Please refer to: Can we live in our home during our project?