Build Frequently Asked Questions

Through the pre-construction agreement, we provide a spec sheet with a detailed scope of work and estimated pricing associated, along with a detailed schedule with approximate timelines to complete the work.  This would be completed as we move further into the project and have a full set of architectural and design plans.  The benefit of signing this pre-construction agreement early on would be availability for feasibility questions as well as value engineering suggestions. 

On most projects, we operate as a cost plus contractor.  Due to varying design changes and complexity of some projects, cost plus is the best way to handle the varying changes and specific details.  On smaller projects, we have the ability to give a specific cost for a fixed fee contract. 

With a cost plus contract, we bill actual costs based on our trade partner costs and markup every 1-2 weeks.

With a fixed fee contract, progress payments are billed out every 2 weeks throughout the duration of the build, based on the total fixed contract cost.

It is always helpful for our client to be decisive and timely in responses and decisions made for DDC to continue with construction progress.  We ask for flexibility, patience, and a general understanding of the construction process.  There will be times where we rely on trust from our clients to keep the project moving forward, and we trust our clients to understand the changes in the construction process.  Prompt payments help us stay on schedule with the build, and keep our subcontractors working on their scope of work.

The schedule given at the beginning of the project is a generalized idea of sequential phases of work.  It is a loose guideline of how construction will commence.  

To maintain project schedule, we need a clear understanding of the scope of work and all selections made before work begins.  This helps us order all materials needed, and ensure there are no material holdups.  Changes to scope of work or selections can alter the schedule and may cause delays.

We require a new floor plan or elevation drawing from the designer or our in-house designer to ensure our field workers and subcontractors are up to date with new changes.  Small changes that don’t affect floor plan can usually be made onsite with client approval.

Depending on the change of scope, one small change can create a trickle effect.  This change may result in new structural, electrical, drywall, plumbing, etc.