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Phase 1

Confirming Your Desires (1-2 weeks)— Ask yourself and answer these questions:

• What size home fits my needs?
• What is my construction budget?
• What level of quality will satisfy me?
• When do I want to begin construction?
• When do I want to move in?
• What are my “must have,” “like to have,” and “dream list” requirements?

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Phase 2

Program Development (4-6 weeks)

We will meet to discuss your ideas, priorities and budget. We promise to listen and to understand your expectations of your new home. You may have photographs or magazine clippings of homes and floor plans that appeal to you that might provide a point of reference.  We will arrange to visit your site and consider with you how to best place your home to take full advantage of its natural assets: sun, shade, access, privacy and distant views.

After becoming familiar with your goals (architecture, style, lifestyle, budget), we will prepare conceptual sketches, a working estimate, and a realistic timetable for creating your new home. During one or more subsequent meetings, we will review the proposed floor plans and elevations in the context of your site and design program.

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Phase 3

Design Deposit & Plan Review (6-12 weeks)

Once this proposal is satisfactory to you, we will initiate the Design Deposit Agreement for the preparation of your Preliminary Plans. This requires a deposit.

Once we receive your Preliminary Plans, we will work together to review the plans to see if they still meet your design expectations. We will also determine if the project price fits appropriately within your overall construction budget.  We can even send this set of plans (it's thorough enough) with your specifications to subcontractors to get estimates on the finished cost. We will revise the plans as necessary and note changes by “red lining” the plan.

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Phase 4

Construction Planning & Specifications (6-12 weeks)

Once corrections are noted, the plans are returned to the Designer for the preparation of your Construction Plans. Construction plans are far more detailed. They contain specific information useful to the subcontractors for bidding. They also serve as the basis for defining the total “build-out” cost of your new home.

While updates are being done on the plans, we can finalize the list of specifications which includes your choice of products and finishes such as floor covering, bathroom fixtures, interior doors, etc. As part of the building process, you will be making many choices from a wide range of options. We will be able to assist you in making these choices.

Once we receive your Construction Plans from the Designer, we will work together to review the plans to see if any final changes are necessary. We will revise the plans as necessary and note changes by “red lining” the plan.

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Phase 5

Contracts, Permits, & Groundbreaking (28-33 weeks)

Once we've determined that everything is on track, it is time to place an order with Alder River Timber Frames for your house construction. The Order/Contract requires a deposit, the signed Construction plans and a requested date for shipment of materials. After the package order is placed, we will prepare Frame Plans (also called Final Plans) which include any final changes we've made and the specific timber drawings for your unique post and beam home.

While the Frame Plans are being drawn, the contracts with our subcontractors will be signed. If engineering approval is not required, the can proceed with obtaining the building permits.

Depending on where you are building, a local Structural Engineer may be required to review and certify the plans in compliance with local building code regulations. This effort involves design analysis related to snow, wind and soil considerations. Rest assured that Alder River Timber Frames has already designed their portion of the building in accordance with these parameters; however, local certification is often mandatory and engineering necessary for non-related items such as foundations, retaining walls and conventionally framed structures. If required, we will need to add 2-3 weeks for Engineering approval and stamped drawings before obtaining necessary permits.

Next, the lot can be excavated, the driveway cut, and the foundation installed. The goal is to have the foundation capped with sub-flooring in place when the frame package is scheduled to arrive.

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Phase 6
 
Delivery, Frame Raising, & Move-in (6-9 months)

When the trucks arrive with your timber frame, we will take inventory of all materials and begin erecting the frame (1-2 weeks). The remaining materials will enclose the exterior walls, roof, windows and doors (2-3 weeks). Next, the interior walls are assembled and plumbing and electrical rough-in completed. A representative from Alder River Timber Frames will be on site to direct the frame raising. We will remain onsite to manage all parties as your home takes shape. Our goal is to ensure that you are satisfied with the entire building experience.

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