Starting a new construction project can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. The following overview is a great place to the start the process.

Site Selection

• Prevailing wind direction

• Solar exposure season to season.  This is an important one, especially in Alaska.

• Slope of terrain, road access, type of trees and depth of ground water.

• Views: desirable and undesirable

• Neighborhood covenants and zoning setbacks

• Surrounding property water well depths/ locations and septic percolation rate

Budget Development

• Site/ Project Cost:

  • Land fees

  • Site utilities: gas line extensions, electrical services extensions

  • Site improvements: retaining walls, roads, tree removal

  • Land survey fees

  • Water well and septic system or public utility connections

  •  Architectural and engineering fees (structural, geotechnical, septic, mechanical, electrical)

  • Permit fees:  MOA building fees, septic system, well

  • Movable household items: Furnishings, appliances

• Building Project Cost:

  • Completed building structure

  • Built in items: plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, flooring, cabinets

Programming

• Wish list: room by room identification and area allocation

Conceptual Design

• Relationship of rooms to each other

• Design goals, aspirations, style, relationship to the site

Design Development

• Floor plan development and further development of building in 3D on site

Construction Documentation

• Refinements to floor plan and building elevations

• Material selection, development of details (stairs, fireplace, kitchen cabinets)

• Production of documentation for bidding or design build with a contractor

Construction Administration

• Quality control and observation

• Work with builder to resolve unknows as they arise

Move in and celebrate!