An important aspect of construction documents are the specifications, which detail the "bricks and sticks" methods of construction. A complete set of specifications, inclusive of all selections, will be prepared and presented with each design revision. These specifications are particularly complete because of the additional design time dedicated to selection specificity prior to construction. Only larger scope areas of improvement, such as landscaping or audio/visual, may be reflected as allowances. Even so, our company will lead the conversation with consultants and follow thru with management during construction.
Together with the plans and selections and specifications, we will also prepare an estimate of cost. This cost estimate will be a well studied estimate, based first on preliminary plans and specifications, and updated with each presentation of revised drawings and selections. Unless there are major changes to the overall scope of the project, we can expect that the preliminary cost that we provide at the beginning of design will be very consistent with the final cost at the completion of construction documents.
The entire creative process requires anywhere from 6 to 8 months, depending on how extensive the level of customization and the scope of project.