Our
Process
Our exceptional design-build process guarantees the utmost performance, integrity, and ethical standards, resulting in remarkable outcomes. We prioritize every aspect of our partnership with you, meticulously tending to your needs from our initial encounter until the completion of the project and even beyond.
With years of expertise in construction within the Denver, Colorado area, we have honed a service model centered around Sustainable Design Build practices, ensuring unparalleled communication and strong client relationships. As a leading General Contractor-led Design-Build firm, we have established a standard of excellence in delivering efficient and high-quality services for projects such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Home Additions, and Custom Home Renovations. By adopting a GC-Led Design-Build approach, we provide our clients with the advantage of our experienced foresight, ensuring smooth construction processes and mitigating any unnecessary design complications that could impede timely completion.
As a design-build firm, we take full responsibility for every aspect and phase of your project, serving as your single point of contact and management. From initial design conceptualization to the final construction, we handle all elements of the project. Our turn-key design and construction services are tailored to align with your specific goals, presenting a comprehensive scope of work and a fixed cost that guides the entire project. This integrated approach guarantees a seamless experience and ensures that your project is executed with utmost precision and efficiency.
Sustainable Design Build guarantees innovative ideas, thorough preparation, and outstanding project administration. Before commencing your project, you can rely on us to provide a clear visualization of its final outcome, a precise estimation of the expenses involved, and an accurate timeline. At Sustainable Design Build, we don’t just react to client needs; we proactively anticipate your inquiries, ensuring that we address them before they even arise.
Start Date & Construction Schedules
Congratulations! Your construction project is moving forward and will be starting soon! First things, first, we will apply for your permit. Permit times can vary depending on your city, county, and type of project. There will be several trades involved with your project that may affect the anticipated schedule. While we don’t expect delays to happen, interruptions and intermittent stops in work can occur due to unforeseen factors. Regardless of the reason, your project manager or site superintendent will be in touch with you every step of the way, giving you clear and concise information about the status of your project. This will help to give you clear expectations about each week’s agenda regarding work being performed. By staying transparent and having open communication, SDB will keep you updated every step of the way.
Licenses, Insurance, & Permits
Sustainable Design Build is a fully licensed General Contractor with Denver as well as many front range municipalities. We can provide you a copy of this license and or license number for your records. In addition to this, we can give you a copy of the required permits for your project to keep on hand for your records. Your project manager or site superintendent will retain the original copies for clerical purposes. Also please note, we can provide you a copy of our certificate of insurance. Sustainable Design Build has a $2 Million Dollar General Liability policy and full worker’s compensation insurance policies. All of these procedures and documents are standard practices for Sustainable Design Build to ensure you have an approved and safe project.
Payment Schedule
The payment schedule for your project can vary depending on the scope of work. All payment schedules are put in writing and agreed upon in the construction agreement. All projects will have a mobilization fee. It’s important to be aware of this first payment as your project isn’t put on the SDB schedule until it is paid. Your construction agreement will outline this payment amount along with all others. All payments and invoices are due upon receipt.
Finish Selections
Now that your project is on the schedule, it’s time to start picking finishes! This is the fun part and really puts the finishing touches on your home. Your project manager is here to help you every step of the way.
Pro Tip #1: Making your finish selections earlier in the process helps to keep your project on budget and time!
What if I Change My Mind?
If you change your mind on something and need to change the scope of work on your project, no problem! We deal with all change orders in writing to ensure everyone is on the same page before this additional work begins. All changes go through Sustainable Design Build and not subcontractors working on your project so just remember to let your project manager or site supervisor know what changes need to be made. This is the same if you need to change any of the finishes, fixtures, or aesthetics of your project. Please note that change orders almost always cause delays in construction as subcontractors which affect project timelines.
Contact Information & Communication
Communication is a vital part of our construction operations and is important for you to stay informed. Sustainable Design Build will assign your home a project manager or site supervisor who will oversee everything on your project. They will be providing you a single point of contact – a central hub for communication and information. Any concerns, questions, changes, work requests, schedule inquiries – should be sent to your project manager or site supervisor.
Noise
Drills, saws, power tools, and more will be used in helping to craft your dream home. All of these tools have something in common, NOISE! You might think this goes without saying but we find it’s better to remind our clients that it is all a part of the construction process. Noise means work is getting done and moving you closer to a completed project.
Construction Dust & Clean Up
Don’t be surprised by construction debris or dust increasing during construction. This is all normal and a part of the process. We’ve got to kick up some dust before we can make things shine! Keeping a clean job site is very important and SDB will work to keep all construction areas as clean as possible throughout the construction process.
Pro Tip #2: If you’ve put off cleaning those pesky vents in your home, this could be the perfect time to have your ducts cleaned!
Company News
We are moving fast. Here are our latest company updates.
Denver’s Average Plan Review Time Almost Reaches 400 Days
March must have been a busy month for the City and County of Denver, especially for their Community Planning and Development Services Department. The average plan review time for any Major Residential Project almost reached 400 days, meaning homeowners could expect around 13 months before obtaining building permits for projects like home additions or renovations. While Denver didn’t break its own record, it came close with 391 days noted on March 20th, 2024. As of publishing, Denver seems to have improved, bringing the average down to a stable 354 days. This delay can be attributed to a surge in renovation projects following the 2019 remodeling boom, coupled with a shortage of staff. Despite improvements, the process remains somewhat unpredictable. If you’re planning construction in Denver, consider partnering with Sustainable Design Build, a firm specializing in architecture, engineering, and project management, to streamline the process and ensure a smoother, more eco-friendly construction experience.
How To Save Money During A Home Remodel
If you’re contemplating whether to engage a design-build firm for your custom home or remodeling project, you’ve landed on the right page. Constructing a custom home entails a substantial investment, and enlisting a design-build firm is an investment in your future dwelling. While drafting services and pre-made house plans may promise dream homes at a lower price, opting for a cheaper design alternative amid the multiple costs associated with custom home construction involves compromises.
Do You Need an Architect for Your Custom Home or Remodel?
If you’re contemplating whether to engage a design-build firm for your custom home or remodeling project, you’ve landed on the right page. Constructing a custom home entails a substantial investment, and enlisting a design-build firm is an investment in your future dwelling. While drafting services and pre-made house plans may promise dream homes at a lower price, opting for a cheaper design alternative amid the multiple costs associated with custom home construction involves compromises.
Recent Projects
We at Sustainable Design Build hold our work to the highest standard of integrity and workmanship. Please take a look at some of our recently constructed projects. You are more than welcome to visit our various platforms holding clientele reviews about our work. We are a sponsored contractor for HomeAdvisor, Google, and Angie’s List.
Connect With Us
Planning your next renovation, or maybe you are looking to do a complete remodel for your home? Whatever the task, it can’t hurt to ask. Reach out to our team through this form.
We can schedule a free consultation and discuss everything you need to get your project moving in the right direction. Did we mention, it’s absolutely free?
No time like the present to get started on turning your house into the home of your dreams.