Our Design Process

When brainstorming your wish list, consider the things you like most about your current structure, and things you wish to be different. Create two lists to record your thoughts, “new” and “old.” “New” will list conditions and things you want or need in your new structure; “Old” will list conditions and things about your current structure that you would like to carry over into your new one. This process helps us define the custom home design and construction services you need and ensures we align with your expectations from the start.

The next step is to prioritize the items in both lists by order of importance. Of course, items can be reordered any number of times before you’re satisfied. Fine-tuning a wish list will help delineate your project goals more effectively and prepare for energy-efficient custom home builders and luxury custom homes options. Helping our clients to solidify design objectives is serious work for SCA, but you and your family are the most important parts of the process of making sure everything runs smoothly. Together, the notes taken from your research and comments will define the design-task to your expectations, ultimately leading to a space that feels uniquely yours.

You’ve hired the right company for your project. What happens next? Brainstorming sessions to discuss your goals and project wish list: translating that wish list into spaces that suit the needs and expectations of family members who will use them; integrating these goals with a construction allowance that corresponds with your budget. This planning process is known as developing an outline of construction objectives that are tailored to your specific project. As one of the best general contractors for custom homes, SCA ensures the success of your new construction by incorporating your goals into a seamless design and building plan.

SCA will ask many questions during the initial stage of planning a new project or addition. Keep an open mind as you work together. Discussions may lead to creative design proposals that you never thought possible or, perhaps, considered beyond your construction budget. Everyone has heard from a friend or relative that their project cost substantially more than they first expected. This can happen when some portion of the construction materials or labor has been underestimated, or perhaps overlooked altogether. There are many variables involved in construction, and SCA will carefully manage these to avoid unexpected cost overruns.

Knowing this, SCA may establish a contingency amount for each line item in the proposed construction budget. By doing this, the client is made aware of potential cost overruns during design development and can make informed decisions accordingly. After budgetary decisions are finalized, SCA will work to secure the most value from available construction dollars. We aim to provide affordable custom home builders that deliver exceptional quality without exceeding your budget.

Working with SCA, your dreams and ideas are transformed into a refined set of construction documents that accurately reflect the scope of the project. Our step-by-step process is outlined below:

A) Establish Goals and Prepare a Program: SCA and the client meet to discuss and outline the client’s expectations, needs, and construction budget. As one of the leading custom home builders in New England, we ensure every detail of your project aligns with your vision.

B) Schematic and Design Development: SCA will present floor plans, site plans, and usually, exterior elevation studies for the client’s review and approval. At the request of a client, interior perspective renderings can be prepared, or even a scale study model of the design. The goal here is for a client to fully understand a proposed design and to make any possible alterations. Now’s the time to address any lingering questions you may have relating to the layout, size, or function of the space.

C) Construction Document Phase: Based on the approved design development documents, SCA prepares construction documents consisting of drawings and specifications setting forth in detail the requirements for the construction of the project. These documents form the backbone of our custom home construction process and are tailored to your specific needs.

D) Bidding and Budget Refinement: Once full construction documents are available, SCA will begin the bidding process. If necessary, we will conduct a square-foot cost study to ensure the project remains within budget. At this stage, we prepare an itemized construction budget, ensuring that your project costs align with your financial expectations.

E) Construction Phase: Many of SCA’s clients confidently choose us as their builder, knowing that our project management, financial coordination, and quality assurance processes ensure the success of their project. As general contractors specializing in new builds, we offer a comprehensive, turnkey solution from permitting and approvals to overseeing construction and managing contractors. Whether you’re building a luxury modern farmhouse or a smart home-ready custom home, SCA ensures every detail meets your expectations.

The journey to your ‘dream home’ can take an unfortunate wrong turn if drawings are less than thorough and specifications are left in limbo. Contractors routinely refer to construction documents to justify an action, or lack of action. At SCA, we avoid such issues by thoroughly exploring design solutions with clients upfront and establishing clear project goals. Our comprehensive approach ensures that all custom home construction services are aligned, minimizing mistakes and maximizing your investment.