A Streamlined Design Build Process
in Maryland & Washington, DC
The Winthorpe Design & Build Advantage
What sets Winthorpe Design & Build apart? The people we work with.
Our design-build process is simple, but it’s been carefully honed to provide you with professional, high-quality personal service. We know you have many contractors to choose from in Maryland & the Washington, DC Metro area so our goal is to show you why selecting our firm is the right choice.
From our initial in-home consultation to 3-year warranty, we work with you to create a beautiful and lasting finished product and relationship!
Phase 1: Initial Consultation and Site Visit
From day one, we’re all on the same team! It all begins with an initial conversation, by phone or in person, where we learn about you and your project. First, we guide a 20-minute discussion, discovering your tastes, goals, and desires, exploring how we can use our design-build process to help you realize your vision for the budget you have in mind.
Next, we’ll tour your home, take pictures and measurements, and define the scope of the project in detail. Information in hand, we can then begin a preliminary design layout specific to your wants and needs. Having seen the site in person allows us to prepare a preliminary review complete with a fine-tuned project scope and budget range. From those, we create schematics (floor plan and elevation view) of your desired project. Finally, we execute a Design Agreement.
Phase 2: Design Planning
During this phase, you work closely with our design team as we outline the fine details of your project.
Detailed elevations and floor plans are presented for your approval. Accurate cost projections are provided, financial options are researched, and a budget is established. You receive a specification sheet for materials, complete with budget allowances. Once you approve of the design, plans, and budget, we execute a Construction Agreement. Now the project is scheduled, we apply for permits, and work can begin. As vague concepts are replaced with details, the excitement builds as you glimpse how your completed project will look.
During this phase, you also visit our Winthorpe’s Design Center showroom in Howard County to select the products and finishes for your project. Because we’re a design-build firm, your design team works with the production team throughout the entire design process. This method ensures your design, right down to the smallest details, is planned to project scope expectations.
Phase 3: Construction
A successful remodel, renovation, or new-build project requires expertise in all phases of design and construction. Our great care and attention to detail ensure code compliance, proper permit procurement, functional integrity, and a beautiful finished project.
Clear communication is a must. From the first day of construction, your designated project manager oversees daily activity and is there to answer your questions, address any concerns, and provide you with progress updates. To enhance communications and performance, Winthorpe uses Buildertrend™, an advanced technology platform that provides up-to-date information, status updates, and progress photos that can even be accessed from your smartphone.
Ensuring Peace of Mind
Once construction is complete, a final walk-through is conducted and we make a list of any items that still need attention. We walk you through the operation of your new fixtures and appliances and address any questions. Your newly completed space or home is ready to move into!
Once your project is complete, we’re still here for you. Winthorpe conducts follow-ups at 90 days, six months, and one year to see how you are enjoying the work we performed and to see if we need to make any adjustments or repairs.
We never lose sight of the fact that we are invited guests. Life during construction can be challenging, but we aim to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. We’re sensitive to the disruption construction can cause and we work hard to respect your living environment, as do all the trade partners we bring on to your project. Of course, the balance to any disruption is the excitement our clients experience as the project reaches completion!
To see a more in-depth breakdown of the specific phases in our design build process, you can read more here.
