Design-Build, Start to Finish
Our Design-Build Process & Timeline
As a true design-build contractor, our first goal is to listen to your ideas and understand your vision. From there, our designers and construction experts bring their knowledge, creativity, and value-engineering to the process, start to finish.
Design
Every project starts with ideas, and it's our design team's job to bring those ideas to life. Starting with basic sketches, floor plans, and layouts, we create CAD drawings and 3D renderings to help you visualize your new building, then draft code-compliant, engineer-approved plans that are ready to build.
Build
Once your design is finalized, your township has approved your plans, and permits are issued, our construction department gets to work. From initial excavating through framing, finishing, and final inspection, your dedicated project manager communicates every step of the way.
Quality
Our carpenters and tradesmen bring decades of experience to every project, and with consistent jobsite supervision, we make sure your new structure is built to last. We stand behind our work with some of the best guarantees in the business.
Satisfaction
Most importantly, we're not done until the job is 100% complete and you're 100% happy with the results. Since the vast majority of our new projects are referred by existing customers, our number one goal is for you to be happy enough to recommend us.
What to Expect
A Realistic Project Timeline
Designing and building your custom project doesn't happen overnight. Depending on zoning, scope, size, location, and material availability, the process can take over a year from start to finish. Not every step applies to every project, and timelines vary — but the more you know going in, the faster it goes.
Stage 1 · Getting Started
The first thing you'll do is speak with one of our representatives about the type of building you want, the land it will be built on, and of course, the budget.
- Gather personal financial information
- Define project goals and budget
- Identify wants vs. needs
Stage 2 · 1-3 Months
Picking the right site can be a daunting task. It starts with understanding land development — access, soil conditions, erosion and sediment, tree removal, water, septic, and electrical needs.
- Contact your county or local municipality for build requirements
- Understand your site-development needs and associated costs
- Decide where the building will be situated
- Contact local utility companies to verify accessibility and cost
Stage 3 · 2-3 Months
Entering into a pre-construction agreement or deposit largely depends on your county, local municipality, or township and the extent of your project's scope. This is your opportunity to review the budget and decide whether to move forward.
- Sign the pre-con contract or provide a deposit
- Develop the initial floor plan (schematic design)
- Understand the need for a builder's risk policy if self-performing any scopes
Stage 4 · 1-2 Months
Our design team dives into every detail of the project with you, including colors, upgrades, and customization.
- Complete your interior finish selections
- Design each room with your furnishings and usage in mind
- Plan time to meet with a designer
Stage 5 · 2-3 Months
Before any work can start, you must submit and receive zoning and building permits from your county or local municipality. This process can be tedious, but it exists to ensure safety and health code requirements are met.
- Work with the county and local municipality as a partner
- Understand the permit process timeline and associated costs
Stage 6 · 1-2 Months
Conestoga can manage and complete your site work, an extremely important step that lays the groundwork for everything to come.
- Verify site and inspection requirements with the county or municipality
- Follow up with local utility companies on accessibility and cost
Stage 7 · Shell: 2-3 Months · Turn-Key: 5-8 Months
When site work is complete, construction can begin. Your assigned site superintendent is your go-to person for any questions or concerns during the build, making sure everything is done properly and stays on track.
- Understand your role as general contractor, if acting as such
- Be prepared to coordinate any self-performed scopes
Stage 8 · Wrapping Up
Before you move in, you'll have a final walkthrough with your site superintendent to confirm every detail meets your expectations.
- Celebrate the completion of your project!
Ready to get started?
Talk to a Conestoga representative about your timeline and goals.