Resources & Education
The design and construction process can feel overwhelming, we get that. The resources within this page are intended to help equip our clients with the information and knowledge needed for them to feel informed and engaged throughout the entire process.
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Checklists & Documents
Our process is the same regardless of project type or size. We maintain consistency in the way we approach a design project to ensure we leave no stone unturned from the very first step.
Our Project Checklists help us stay on track and keep our clients up to speed on the project’s progress.
Our Project Specifications Sheet lays out all of the decisions our clients will face of the course of the project. The more information we can provide to the contractors - the more detailed and accurate their estimates can be.
Use the links provided to view, download, and print our checklists and other documents to dive into the details of our process and see how we help the project stay organized.
Standard Project Checklists
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Project Specifications Sheet
Introduction to Design Fees
It’s no secret to us that fees for design services are all over the map. Whether you’re looking to hire an Architect, an Interior Designer, a Landscape Architect, or any other design professional, fees can range widely.
The truth is, there are no strict rules or regulations around what any design professional should charge, it’s entirely up to the person or firm providing the service. That said, there are industry guidelines that offer some important reference points.
When it comes to any design professional’s fee, we understand how difficult it can be to swallow. We feel that often times this reaction is simply due to a misunderstanding of what it is that we do and how we do it. Painting the pretty pictures, delivering beautiful renderings, producing highly detailed and well coordinated technical drawing sets are all very important - these are the tangible items that ultimately matter. However, much of any design professional’s time is not spent on the fun part, it’s getting into the nuts and bolts of a project in order to make it possible, and make it work for our clients.
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Energy Rebates & Incentives
Specific to Massachusetts, there are many programs out there aimed at helping homeowners and property owners get the most out of their construction projects. Whether it’s simply upgrading aging heating and cooling systems, whole-home renovations, or new construction projects of any size - Massachusetts provides avenues for meeting or exceeding energy code requirements and saving money in the process.
Through the links provided, you will be able to:
Learn how energy rebates & incentives in Massachusetts work and how they might apply to your project
Request a FREE Home Energy Assessment
Find Mass Save partner contractors in your area
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Understanding Bidding & Construction Costs
We understand that costs are at the forefront of every decision we make as a team over the course of a project. Design and construction projects, regardless of size, are riddled with hundreds (if not thousands) of decisions that you will need to make, all of which will impact your bottom line costs.
Through the links provided, you will be able to:
Understand the bidding process and how that may help (or hurt) you in the long run
Understand the major components of what goes into determining costs
Learn how and why costs of construction have changed over the past few decades
Learn more about how we put cost at the forefront of every conversation and decision
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Understanding Zoning Laws & Building Codes
Two major regulatory factors that will impact your project are Zoning Laws and Building Codes. Having a clear understanding of the impact of each of these before starting design is critical to the success of any project.
Zoning laws dictate what building uses are allowed in certain zoning districts, minimum lot sizes and dimensions, overall size of a structure, and the proximity of a principal or accessory structure to a lot line (how close a structure can be to an abutting property).
Building codes can also impact the overall size of a structure, depending on the type of construction (wood, steel, concrete). They also dive much deeper into the details, dictating: area sizes and spatial dimensions, fire rating requirements of certain assemblies, number of exits and exit access requirements, and much more.
Click the links to learn more about the ways in which zoning laws can impact the physical aspects of the design as well as how these requirements can impact the timeline of your project.
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