Vision to Value
A process that begins with an understanding of your vision and then evolves with information on products and pricing, allowing you to make value decisions.
Inventory
Each project is broken down into 26 key categories. The inventory session, which typically takes about 90 minutes, gives us the opportunity to review and discuss each one. Some categories, like Concrete Flat Work, are fairly simple and won’t require much time. Others, such as Finish Carpentry, are more detailed and may need a closer look depending on the complexity of your project.
At the end of this process, you’ll have a clear, comprehensive scope of work—built to reflect the full vision and requirements of your project.
Project Scope
The insights gathered during the inventory session—along with the first draft of the architectural plans—are integrated into the project’s preliminary scope. This early documentation gives our vendors and subcontractors a clear, accurate picture of the structure, finishes, and materials to be used.
Example: Consider the primary bath: material selections here can vary widely in both aesthetic and cost. Opting for large-format marble slabs in the shower, as opposed to conventional ceramic tile, represents a significant difference in craftsmanship, logistics, and pricing.
By making key design and product decisions early, you not only reduce the likelihood of mid-project changes—you also gain greater control over budgeting, timelines, and the overall quality of your finished home.
Preliminary Plans
The scope of each of the 26 project categories is sent to our network of trusted vendors and subcontractors for preliminary pricing. These estimates are then presented to you in a clear, category-by-category format—giving you both a detailed cost breakdown and the ability to start making informed decisions about where to allocate your dollars.
Example: If there’s a $10,000 difference between selecting large-format marble slabs versus ceramic tile in the shower, you may choose to redirect that value toward upgrading to hardwood flooring in the exercise room. The process is designed to keep you in control—empowering you to shape the home to your priorities while maintaining clarity around cost and quality.
Final Plans & Pricing
In our experience, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of the plans, products, and pricing before moving forward with the final construction documents. This step is key and really can’t be emphasized enough. Trade-offs are a natural part of the process—everyone we’ve worked with has had to make them. Sometimes, it comes down to prioritizing, like choosing hardwood floors for the exercise room over marble walls in the bathroom.
“Do I have a comfortable understanding of what I am getting in each of the 26 categories listed?”
Once the final documents are created, we do one last check to make sure everything is in order: confirming product availability, ensuring no price increases have occurred, and double-checking that none of the final design details, now on the final architectural plans, impact the budget.
Execution
At last, we’re ready to move into the building phase. Addressing the color selections and finishes for the project in chronological order makes the process manageable. The basic groupings are:
- Exterior palette
- Mechanical systems
- Interior finishes
Additionally, to manage your expectations for the project, a schedule will be provided to inform you when project events are set to occur. The schedule will identify key decision dates for items like paint colors. Sufficient advance time will be given for these decisions. We like to meet with you on a regular basis to answer questions, address any concerns, and discuss upcoming parts of the project. Initially, these meetings may be weekly and become less frequent as the project progresses. The ensuing communication from the meetings ensures that the vendors, subcontractors, and DVC are on the same page as it relates to you and your needs. We are confident that our former clients would confirm the value of this process and the quality of my work. You can read their testimonials below.