BASIC SERVICES

There is a basic level of detail required on documents for construction. We can provide minimum levels to satisfy city/county requirements, or increase the level of detail to match individual requirements based on preference, specification foreknowledge, supervisory involvement and contractor relationship.

If your project does not require a building permit, we are happy to work with you to provide the design work and documents you and your contractor feel are necessary- freehand sketches, alternative layouts, construction details, etc. We are here to inform and assist in whatever way will help the client achieve the desired results on their project- all the while informing the client and working to protect their best interests in their investment.

We understand that not all clients require construction administration services- or might not yet know if they will need it. Our construction administration services are always optional. Nimtz Design Group will be happy to make individual hourly inspections, as needed, during the construction process.

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Following are the five phases of design, documentation and construction administration often reduced to three main phases of Preliminary Design, Design Development and Construction Documents for residential projects:

PRE-DESIGN

During Pre-Design, we review your goals and ask extensive questions to establish the scope of your project. We visit your house or lot to understand the site, the views, and any privacy issues. We review all applicable zoning considerations. We look at your idea photographs and take into consideration your furnishings, collections, or any special needs. The result of these meetings is a set of detailed notes, which become the "program" for your project.

Documents: Proposal, Contract, Survey, Deed Restrictions, Programming Notes.

SCHEMATIC DESIGN

In the Schematic Design phase, we develop two or three concepts or "schemes" for your project based on our discussions and findings. We present hand-drafted site plans, floorplans, and elevation drawings. You will see preliminary furniture layouts, window placements,and kitchen and bathroom solutions. As we review our work with you and refine the direction of your project, we may present more than one round of schematic designs.

Documents: As-Built Plans and Proposed Schematic Site Plan, Floor Plans, and Exterior Elevations

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Once the schematic design is approved, we begin the Design Development phase. Here, we fine-tune the design and begin to incorporate structural and basic mechanical and electrical systems. We work with you to select exterior and interior materials, windows, and other major components. At the end of the Design Development phase, we will typically prepare a set of drawings for preliminary pricing by one or more general contractors. Preliminary pricing is then analyzed both to help select a contractor and to confirm or revise scope and budget. If needed, we help you adjust the scope of the project based on the results of pricing.

Documents: Site Plan and Floor Plans, Exterior Elevations. Building Sections, Preliminary Electrical and Structural Plans, Preliminary Interior Elevations and Material Selections as required

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

Once you have confirmed the scope and budget for your project, we prepare a fully coordinated set of detailed instructions so that the chosen builder or general contractor can obtain necessary permits, plan your project, order materials, and begin construction. Our detailed instructions include Site Plan, dimensioned Floor Plans, Exterior Elevations, Roof Plan, Electrical Design and Layouts, Window, Door and Appliance Schedules, Cabinet Drawings, Sections and Construction Details as required. Structural foundation/framing design and documents may be provided by Nimtz Design Group but are often designed by others.

Documents: Detailed Construction Documents, Further Refinements of Design Development Documents, Construction Details, Wall Sections, More Detailed Specifications.

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION (Optional Service)

We are available to assist with bidding and contractor selection when requested. If required by the client, we visit the construction site at agreed-upon intervals. We work as a team with you and your builder to resolve questions and interpret construction documents. We are available to review shop drawings for various components of the project, such as cabinetry, review and process contractor applications for payments, and coordinate a punch list of to-do items.

Documents and Services: Site Visits, Shop Drawing Review, Revisions and Clarifications, Punch List.