General Contracting the Home (continued)

We offer a comprehensive integrated general contracting service. Listed below is what we’ve learned to make each project a success.

1. The project and its subcontractors must be managed with excellence. This is to state the obvious, but it is the essential aspect of this process. To say that every subcontractor is perfect would be a stretch. It is the job of the GC to select the best, manage with clear expectations, replace quickly the ones that don’t work out, and keep the issues isolated to the project and away from the lives of the client. We use our own crews for the key log and timber elements, but we may use local contractors for some aspects of the house. There will be times when issues will need to be discussed and decisions made, but that is in the context of a disciplined and natural communication process. Our customers want to be comfortable with and informed about the project, but they don’t want to have to manage it.
2. Communication must be proactive, clear and consistent. We’ve discovered that certain tools make this process clearer and more convenient for the client.

   1. We will set, by agreement, how we will work together on the project.
      The goal … clear expectations.
   2. We will conduct regularly scheduled project review meetings (or calls) with all of the relevant team members.
   3. We will call proactively outside of the context of the regular project meetings as needed. For example, normal items are discussed at the scheduled meeting. If there is need for a decision or the resolution of an issue that cannot wait for the scheduled meeting, a quick call can help move things forward.
   4. We will work off of a project plan. This clarifies for all parties what should be occurring and when. Note: When working in the mountains many subcontractors have a different clock (but it is elk season). The project plan must suite the expectations of the client, the complexity of the house, the proximity of suppliers and, frankly at times, the local culture.
   5. We will offer the option to place a web based camera on each job site allowing the client to see the progress and results of their project from anywhere in the world.
3. The team working alongside the GC must bring excellence in ideas and execution. These are one-of-a-kind projects. The ideas and creativity will flow from concept through to complete home. The right interior designer, lighting planner, home entertainment designer, artist, landscape architect or other expert, working in concert with the GC and the homeowner, will maximize what can and should be done on the project.
4. The math must be done accurately, clearly and in a timely fashion. So many times a client will see an idea or respond to a suggestion and decide to implement the concept. In some cases the cost implications are straight forward, like “Replace the carpet with a stone and marble combination.” Other times they can be complex, “But that idea changes the structure and we won’t know the cost implications until it is done.” It is essential to have that conversation before the work is started, that all approvals are clear and well documented, and that all final invoicing is timely.

5. If a LEED certification is requested then there must be a clear identified system implemented before the project is even designed. These include: (a) Setting a clear environmental target, (b) Setting a clear and adequate budget, (c) Maintain the environmental and economic integrity of every person working on the job, (d) Use life cycle value engineering and, (e) Use LEED ratings and processes.

6. Finally, every client will want a level of project oversight with which they are comfortable. Some will be comfortable with an excellent team of subcontractors with weekly or bi-weekly visits by the GC. Others will fund an on-site supervisor for their own level of comfort. We offer a range of approaches that suits each client

Designing, Supplying and Building Luxury Log Homes, Custom Log Homes, Timber Frame Hom7es, Custom Homes and, Custom Hybrid Homes all with environmental responsibility.

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