Our Process - Custom Dwellings

The Process Matters

Architectural Design, High-quality Renovation and New Construction are integrated within the design-build framework. The first step in our process is to listen carefully as you describe your project objectives so we have a better understanding of how we can best serve you. We move onto creating a design to best solve your challenges while enhancing the livability and beauty of your home. Only after we have all the details worked out and project cost fully defined do we move into construction to bring the plans to life.

Initial Contact

After you have reached out by phone, email, or a web inquiry, we will connect- typically by phone or virtual meeting to review your project request.
We ask that you be prepared to discuss your desired project investment during this initial conversation.
At the conclusion of this call we may schedule you to come in for an in-office meet & greet if we decide that working together would be a good fit for everyone.

In-Office Meet & Greet

Meet our team in our office to further discuss your project.
This is a perfect time to share any inspiration images you have gathered and photos of your existing home.
We will review projects from our portfolio that are similar to yours.
At the conclusion of the meet & greet you can take the next step by committing to a paid project feasibility study and scheduling your in-home consultation appointment.

In-home Consultation

Project Feasibility Review & Design Proposal Presentation

Combining our years of design and construction experience make us uniquely qualified to assist you in establishing realistic budgets long before the design drawings are construction ready.
We invite you to come back to our office to review the Feasibility Study and our Designer's initial concept for your home including a basic floorplan and inspiration gallery.
At the conclusion of this presentation you should understand the comprehensive design fee and an approximate idea of construction costs required to bring your project to reality.

Schematic Design Phase

Design Development & Pre-Construction

Continue to develop full construction ready design documents, assist with selections as needed, and refine the estimate further.
Hold ‘bid day’ at job site to allow various trade partners to see the job first hand, provide their unique input, and provide bids for estimating accuracy (we don’t like surprises once the job starts)
Review final plans and construction pricing and make any final adjustments

Construction Management

Enter into a construction contract and begin the permitting process
Hold a pre-construction meeting to review job site conditions with clients and any special accommodations that will be required – laying the ‘ground rules’ while we work
Prepare site protection and begin construction
Hold a pre-sheetrock meeting to verify everything is placed to our client’s satisfaction before the walls and ceilings are covered up
Continue with the finishing stages of construction

Post Construction and Warranty

The CD team did design and build for a new deck for us. We couldn't be happier with results. Very professional, responsive, and transparent throughout the process. Highly recommend!

Ryan B. | Atlanta, GA