Q. What kind of services does Rem-Whirl Provide?
A. Here is a list of our services Architecture and Landscaping services throughout Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa, Crosslake, and all of Central Minnesota.
1. Survey Work
If you do not already have an accurate site survey Rem-Whirl, LLC will contract with a licensed surveyor in order to collect the critical site data needed for your project scope. This save you time and money because it limits the number of site analysis hours required by your architect prior to starting the design phases.
2. Site Analysis
Time needs to be spent documenting views, sun, wind, etc. as it relates to building orientation. This phase depends on availability of a site survey. After appropriate data is collected we will proved some site sketches that analyze building placement.
3. Existing Conditions
This phase most commonly refers to remodeling and renovation as we need to analyze the current buildings and their structure integrity, etc
4. Programming
Programming is primarily an information gathering exercise in which we strive to understand your likes and dislikes. The objection is not just to make a list of elements and features but to understand the reason behind those choices. The more you can tell us about you and your lifestyle the closer we can come to fulfilling and exceeding all of your architectural dreams.
5. Schematic Design
Schematic Design initiates the actual process of designing your structure through a series of rough sketches determining the general layout of rooms, as they relate to site placement as well as overall scope and style of the building.
6. Variance Request
In some cases the vision you have for your project does not site neatly within the boundary of local Planning and Zoning Ordinances. Typically the conflict lies with an existing condition on the property such as a non-conforming setback. In these cases we will be required to ask the governing body for a variance to the ordinance. This process requires additional research and planning to prepare your request in order to have the most palatable presentation.
7. Design Development
This phase is when your architect creates more detailed floor plans, elevations, and cross sections. All the decisions that need to be shown on the blueprints need to be documented. These include interior and exterior finish materials, windows, doors, appliances, cabinets and other technical information such as mechanical systems type, placement of insulation, and the structural system.
8. Permit Drawings
This phase is a small extension to the Design Development phase were all of the information necessary for permit review regarding the building footprint and envelope, floor plans and elevations to scale, energy efficiency calculations and any other information required by the governing body in order to obtain a building permit.
9. Preliminary Bid Drawings
Bid drawings scope can vary depending on client and contractor preference. We separate this phase from the specifications phase for the purpose of obtaining a “road map” bid or budget for those clients that prefer a cost plus contract with their contractor. This allows you to be somewhat loose in your initial specifications such as wanting wood versus carpet on your floor and having an allowance to work with.
10. Specifications
The specifications phase is the single most important process as it pertains to budget. Though you and your architect have thought at length about what materials you want to use it is now time to make a final decision in order for us to document for final construction drawings. The specifications are a comprehensive written document outlining the level of quality to be met in material and workmanship. it is not until this phase is completed that you will have an accurate set of selections in which to implement into your construction drawings.
11. Construction Drawings
Construction drawings are the culmination of all of the work that you and your design team have put forth and will become a part of your contract with your general contractor or builder and effectively establish his contractual obligation to you. Complete documentation means that there will be fewer problems and delays during construction, since most decisions have been made before construction begins. This will also allow for the determination of hard costs and accurate construction methods. The more detailed and accurate the construction documents, the more accurate the bid will be.
12. Contractor Selection/Bid Review
There are a number of ways to select your contractor but the most common are:
A) Select 2 or 3 general contractors to bid the project using the completed construction documents and then allow us to help you identify the best fit for your situation.
B) Select a contractor in the early stages of the design process and work together to obtain input during the design process. When the time comes the general contractor will then obtain competitive bids from sub-contractors in order to get you the best product for the best price. It is crucial for you to understand how each contractor operates their business and that you understand the bid and contract. We don’t want any surprises that could cost you more money.
Rem-Whirl will walk you through all of the options that you are given by Minnesota contractors you have selected to bid your project as well as evaluating alternate choices or specifications. We will be happy to assist you in your selection of potential contractors in the Brainerd Lakes Area, Crow Wing and Cass Counties, keep in mind that ultimately the decision is yours.
13. Construction Administration
Now that the construction documents are complete and the contractor has been selected it is important that you have a professional representative to monitor the contractors work for conformance with working drawings and contract. Knowing the intent of the drawings is sometimes more important than just interpreting the lines on the paper. This phase consists of answering questions as they arise from the contractor, providing regular site visits, providing supplemental drawings as requested by the contractor, reviewing shop drawings, materials and product samples, and reviewing request for design changes. This phase will also include reviewing your contractors requests for payment and keeping you apprised of the project progress.
14. Rendering and Modeling
In some cases, renderings and models are necessary to improve you or your contractors understanding fo the three dimensional space that your architect is trying to achieve. We are able to offer a wide range of color renderings, 3D computer modeling as well as physical models to assist int eh design process as needed.
15. Landscape Schematic Design
We feel it is very important to coordinate your landscaped environment with your built environment so we encourage our clients to consider how the overall look of the property is going to relate to the home that you are constructing. Our landscape team will work with you as a part of your design team to ensure that the outdoor space is designed to enhance the look and function of your overall property.
16. After determining the general concepts and locations of the various landscape features we will work with you to create a comprehensive document that will enable suppliers and installers to accurately price the work that will be executed and the installation is appropriately located and properly performed.