Our Process
It all begins with an idea. We’re here to help turn yours into a reality.
Carter Allen is a full-service custom Home Builder. While our focus is on full home renovations and new custom builds we’re always happy to discuss projects of any scale. We find more value in creating a relationship with our customers than in the size of the project.
We pride ourselves on our craftsmanship and quality and therefore have a skilled team in place that is held to that same standard. Having that range and quality of staff allows us to focus on the details while keeping our eye on the bigger picture. We engage our entire team of staff and subcontractors throughout the entire process to ensure the commitment to our standards are upheld at every milestone.
We believe that sometimes business should be personal, especially when it’s building someone’s home. This is why throughout the entire project, you will always be dealing directly with both owners (Scott Carter & Chris Allen) as it’s important we keep consistency in communication and confidence in the end product.
Initial Consultation
We begin the conversation on the “Get In Touch” page on our website. This is an opportunity for you to let us know more about your project in detail. Overall scope, inspiration, and budget range are all details that can really help us understand your needs and manage expectations, all elements that lend to a successful partnership.
Pre-Construction
This phase would begin by setting up a meeting with the client and our team to develop the design and dial in the project budget. Once we align on budget, schedule, and general scope, we begin the pre-construction process.
Before the start of construction, we work with the Architect and Interior Designer to keep the budget in line as the design unfolds.
Pricing & Design
We will host a meeting with the Homeowner, Designer, and Architect to align all presentations in keeping with the proposed budget. Depending on where these elements align this will dictate how we structure the overall proposal providing multiple options to best maintain cost.
With every step of the way, we will clearly communicate how we’ve engineered this process to maximize value in order to not impact the overall design. The importance here is to determine new opportunities throughout the entire building process. In doing so we can find avenues that could bring the homeowner significant added value and being astute and swiftly bringing these opportunities to your attention is key to a successful partnership.
The timeline of this process is largely dependent on the overall size of the project, the homeowner's decisions, and the team’s collaboration.
Construction
Congratulations! This phase must mean you have a final design and budget complete!
During construction, you will work with a number of Carter Allen staff and sub-contractors. Not only are we purposeful with our design but also with who we hire. Every hire by Carter Allen is based on a relationship cultivated over years of working together and based on a foundation of trust. So no matter who you approach on a Carter Allen site, you will always be met with a helpful attitude and knowledgeable response.
Creative endeavors are always a fluid process… we understand that!
This means that all changes to the scope of work will be captured in a formal change order process. This process will outline additional work outside of the proposal which can be discussed verbally or through emails, but it must be documented and signed off through a formal Change Order agreement. The Change Order may or may not have a cost associated with it depending on the scope of work although it will clearly outline the schedule/design implications and will address the financial impact where applicable.
We treat our homes with respect so keeping a clean site is has always been and will continue to be a priority. It's our mandate to keep the site as if the homeowner were going to walk the job at the end of every day. We take a great deal of pride in the homes we build and that pride is shown throughout the entire process.
Throughout this whole process, you will work directly with both owners (Scott Carter & Chris Allen) in various phases of your project. This will ensure clear communication and keep a finger on the pulse of the project at all times. It also allows Carter Allen to maintain its product quality from start to finish while keeping a focus on the details that make your project unique.
