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ABJ Constructuion, Inc.

Our Building Process....

Some people are surprised to learn that there is no set or standard way that all builders operate. As a custom homebuilder all of our projects are different but after many projects over many years we have developed a step-by-step process that seems to work very well.

Here is an overview. We will be glad to discuss the process with you in greater detail.

Design and Estimating

Site selection and site investigation

The 'lay of the land' will say much about what kind of home design might work best on your lot in terms of lay-out, function, appearance and cost. We usually start out by putting the property in our CAD system in order to help get a better understanding of the size and shape of the ground area available for building after allowing for such things as: Building setbacks, requirements for well and septic system (if applicable), and orientation for best views.

Plan Selection or Plan Creation

Bring us your plan from an outside source such as an architect, home designer, plan book or work with our in-house Residential Designer to develop an original plan to your own specifications. More than just drawing house plans, we think of this phase as Project Development. Project Development takes into consideration the building site, the floor plans, the way you live at home, the style and appearance of the interior and exterior. We will also help explore your interest to incorporate Green Building options into the project. Budget targeting is an integral part of planning throughout the design process.

Detailed Specifications and Detailed Cost Estimating

Once we have a scheme for developing the lot and we have enough drawings on the table so that we all understand what the proposed house looks like: Then we are ready to begin some detailed cost estimating. The key to developing an accurate estimate is to take as many unknowns out of the process as possible. At this step the Homeowner visits the showrooms and makes pre-selections of plumbing and lighting fixtures, appliances, floor finishes, and more that will be used in the line-item take-off and cost estimate. The Estimate is a detailed report, close to forty pages long. Detailed working drawings are completed soon after this phase.

Agreement to build and Mortgage Initiation

ABJ and the Homeowner sign a Construction Agreement which summarizes the financial arrangements and references the construction drawings and estimate. The Plans, Estimate, and signed Construction Agreement provide essential documentation for the mortgage lender. After closing of the construction loan, building can begin.

Construction

Up until this point the in-house Designer & Estimator has been driving the project. Beyond this point the Project Manager takes over and is the person responsible for executing the plans and building your new home. However, at ABJ we work as a team and the Project Manager is available to pitch in during the Design phase and visa versa.

Clearing and Excavation

Trees are removed as needed to make room for the house, garage, walks and driveways, well and septic system (if applicable). Generally, removal of trees within at least 15 feet of the house and garage is recommended. We try to not take any more trees than is absolutely necessary. Earth is then moved as needed for a basement or crawlspace foundation and preliminary grading is done to control rainwater run-off on the site. A temporary gravel driveway is put in place.

Footings and Foundation

The foundation may be crawlspace or basement, block or formed-in-place concrete. All below-grade foundation walls will be waterproofed. If there is a basement then plumbing will be roughed in and the basement slab poured and finished.

Framing and Dry-In

The floor system(s) walls and ceilings and roof systems will be wood framed according to the plans, building code requirements and good building practice. Exterior doors and windows will be set and the house will be Dried-In. Following Dry-In is a good time for a walk through with the Project manager to look things over. This is a good time to realize if you want to move a window over a little bit or other minor adjustments.

Rough-Ins

Remember, this is custom building. At this point the Project Manager will schedule a walk-through with you and the electrician to decide on the locations of receptacles, light fixtures, switches- including switched receptacles and 3-way switches. A similar walk-through will be scheduled with the plumber to verify location of plumbing fixtures. The Mechanical contractor will also do installation of ductwork and indoor mechanical units at this point.

Insulation and Drywall

Following inspections of rough-ins, insulation and drywall will be installed according to design specifications.

Exterior Finishes

Roofing, siding, boxing, brickwork, stonework, gutters, deck, patio and exterior painting. The plans and take-off will be the guideline for these items but the Project Manager will discuss and verify each one of these with you before ordering materials and installation.

Interior Finishes

Interior doors, door locks, millwork, tile work, floorings, cabinets and tops, custom details, built-in appliances, plumbing and electrical fixtures, mirrors and glass, organized closet trim, and interior painting. The plans and take-off will be the guideline for these items but the Project Manager will discuss and verify each one of these with you before ordering materials and installation.

Other things outside the house

Finish grading, driveway, walks, retaining walls, well or water tap, septic system or sewer tap.

Wrap up

By this point you will have had opportunity for not just one 'final walkthrough' but many opportunities to be in the house with the Project Manager and fine-tune details. We will have the house professionally cleaned and made ready for you to move into.



									ABJ Constructuion, Inc. Our Building Process.... Some people are surprised to learn that there is no set or standard way that all builders operate. As a custom homebuilder all of our projects are different but after many projects over many years we have developed a step-by-step process that seems to work very well. Here is an overview. We will be glad to discuss the process with you in greater detail. Design and Estimating Site selection and site investigation The 'lay of the land' will say much about what kind of home design might work best on your lot in terms of lay-out, function, appearance and cost. We usually start out by putting the property in our CAD system in order to help get a better understanding of the size and shape of the ground area available for building after allowing for such things as: Building setbacks, requirements for well and septic system (if applicable), and orientation for best views. Plan Selection or Plan Creation Bring us your plan from an outside source such as an architect, home designer, plan book or work with our in-house Residential Designer to develop an original plan to your own specifications. More than just drawing house plans, we think of this phase as Project Development. Project Development takes into consideration the building site, the floor plans, the way you live at home, the style and appearance of the interior and exterior. We will also help explore your interest to incorporate Green Building options into the project. Budget targeting is an integral part of planning throughout the design process. Detailed Specifications and Detailed Cost Estimating Once we have a scheme for developing the lot and we have enough drawings on the table so that we all understand what the proposed house looks like: Then we are ready to begin some detailed cost estimating. The key to developing an accurate estimate is to take as many unknowns out of the process as possible. At this step the Homeowner visits the showrooms and makes pre-selections of plumbing and lighting fixtures, appliances, floor finishes, and more that will be used in the line-item take-off and cost estimate. The Estimate is a detailed report, close to forty pages long. Detailed working drawings are completed soon after this phase. Agreement to build and Mortgage Initiation ABJ and the Homeowner sign a Construction Agreement which summarizes the financial arrangements and references the construction drawings and estimate. The Plans, Estimate, and signed Construction Agreement provide essential documentation for the mortgage lender. After closing of the construction loan, building can begin. Construction Up until this point the in-house Designer & Estimator has been driving the project. Beyond this point the Project Manager takes over and is the person responsible for executing the plans and building your new home. However, at ABJ we work as a team and the Project Manager is available to pitch in during the Design phase and visa versa. Clearing and Excavation Trees are removed as needed to make room for the house, garage, walks and driveways, well and septic system (if applicable). Generally, removal of trees within at least 15 feet of the house and garage is recommended. We try to not take any more trees than is absolutely necessary. Earth is then moved as needed for a basement or crawlspace foundation and preliminary grading is done to control rainwater run-off on the site. A temporary gravel driveway is put in place. Footings and Foundation The foundation may be crawlspace or basement, block or formed-in-place concrete. All below-grade foundation walls will be waterproofed. If there is a basement then plumbing will be roughed in and the basement slab poured and finished. Framing and Dry-In The floor system(s) walls and ceilings and roof systems will be wood framed according to the plans, building code requirements and good building practice. Exterior doors and windows will be set and the house will be Dried-In. Following Dry-In is a good time for a walk through with the Project manager to look things over. This is a good time to realize if you want to move a window over a little bit or other minor adjustments. Rough-Ins Remember, this is custom building. At this point the Project Manager will schedule a walk-through with you and the electrician to decide on the locations of receptacles, light fixtures, switches- including switched receptacles and 3-way switches. A similar walk-through will be scheduled with the plumber to verify location of plumbing fixtures. The Mechanical contractor will also do installation of ductwork and indoor mechanical units at this point. Insulation and Drywall Following inspections of rough-ins, insulation and drywall will be installed according to design specifications. Exterior Finishes Roofing, siding, boxing, brickwork, stonework, gutters, deck, patio and exterior painting. The plans and take-off will be the guideline for these items but the Project Manager will discuss and verify each one of these with you before ordering materials and installation. Interior Finishes Interior doors, door locks, millwork, tile work, floorings, cabinets and tops, custom details, built-in appliances, plumbing and electrical fixtures, mirrors and glass, organized closet trim, and interior painting. The plans and take-off will be the guideline for these items but the Project Manager will discuss and verify each one of these with you before ordering materials and installation. Other things outside the house Finish grading, driveway, walks, retaining walls, well or water tap, septic system or sewer tap. Wrap up By this point you will have had opportunity for not just one 'final walkthrough' but many opportunities to be in the house with the Project Manager and fine-tune details. We will have the house professionally cleaned and made ready for you to move into.