Our Boulder Design Build Process
We love the process. You’ll love the results.
- Tricia Stahr, Ridge Road House, referring to Tectonic’s use of BuilderTrend to keep her in the loop
“Everything felt very cohesive. You got pictures every day of how things were going–you could go in[to the app] and check every detail.”
We’ll be honest: as a team of Type-A overachievers, it bothers us that homebuilds and renovations can be so stressful for homeowners, simply because so few builders have detailed, intentional processes.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
“Tectonic’s transparency and communication built a lot of trust and comfort during heavy construction, and the delivery showed us our trust was well-deserved.”
-TJ Slattery, Spring Gulch House
Client Testimonial: The Ridge Road House
Our Process
Where creativity meets opportunity and bold thinking meets thoughtful execution.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
In our first meeting, we learn about your project, budget, home, and goals. Then, we compile a design proposal with a construction cost estimate, so that if you decide to move forward, you know exactly what to expect.
01-Discovery
Initial call
Site Visit
Design Contract
Back-of-Napkin Estimate
This is the first stage of design, where we collect the inspiration and details of your vision to produce the 2D lines layout and basic exterior design of the home and a conceptual estimate for construction costs, as well as a mood board of the interior and exterior finishes that will guide the rest of design. Finally, we perform the first home integrity inspection (opening drywall holes, going in the attic and crawl space, check window seals, examining roof age, etc.) to get an idea of your home’s condition.
02 - Conceptual
Measurements
Design Questionnaire
Inspo Imagery
2D Spatial Layouts
Conceptual Estimate
Home Integrity Inspection
The second stage of design: the deep dive into the interior details in every single item, color and specification to produce a complete and fully detailed design and plans that are almost ready for construction.
03 - Development
Floor Plans
3D Experience
Finish Selections
The last phase of design: the final interior design, plans for city permitting, and complete materials selection, as well as the full scope of work, construction schedule, and final fully detailed budget for construction. After this, we sign the build contract to move forward, and all documentation is fully ready for construction.
04 - Final Design
Full Plan Set
Renders
Mood Boards
Final Budget
Build Contract
Mobilization is the monthlong process of pre-ordering materials, getting the first invoice to you, you moving out if you choose to for the duration of the remodel, and preparing the site for work.
05 - Mobilization
Client Move-out
Order Materials
Permits
Notify Neighbors
Final Schedule
This is where we deconstruct as much as needed to get to the core of your home, to remodel and improve the house or property to the finish quality level needed. If applicable, this is also where we pour the foundation for a new home.
06- Deconstruction/
Break Ground
Prep & Protect (Remodel)
Deconstruct (Remodel)
Upcycle Materials
(Remodel)Break Ground (New Build)
Lay Foundation
(New Build)Home Integrity Inspection
This is the stage where we add the "rough-ins": the core bones and mechanical and electrical systems the home needs before any drywall goes on the walls.
07 - Frame Work
Rough-ins
Framing
Electrical
Plumbing
Mechanical
Next, we add the "visible work" that you’ll live in every day: fixtures, paint, and all the little details that make construction into a new space for you to inhabit.
08 - Install Finishes
Tile
Flooring
Cabinetry
Countertops
Appliances
The final and all important last step of walking through the house to insure every single detail is done and beautiful throughout the entire home and ready for living. Finally, we give you a binder that holds all the warranty and care information for your custom new space.
09 - Project
Close-out & Wrap
Punch List
Cleaning
Project Binder
We know how important it is to protect your investment. That’s why all Tectonic projects are warrantied for 2 years. We warranty our work (all work performed by our team and our trades) and support clients with any manufacturer warranties.
What Our Clients Say
The Cherrywood House
The Nebo Ranch House (bathroom remodel)
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Boulder Design-Build Process
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You’ll connect with our team to discuss your project goals, vision, and budget. You’ll also receive a back-of-the-napkin estimate, a high level cost projection based on similar projects, giving you a clear starting point.
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Yes! After our discovery call, we’ll schedule a complimentary site visit with our architect and lead designer. This allows us to evaluate your space, understand your goals, and ensure our approach aligns with your needs.
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Timelines vary based on scope and complexity–and neither will ever surprise you. Through our process, we ensure a clear schedule and proactive management to keep your project on track. After our complimentary site visit, we’ll review our proposal and discuss the timeframe of your project.
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A cost-plus contract provides an initial estimate that doesn’t take into account client changes or issues the build might run into during the course of the project. It rests on unclear scope and murky timelines.
A fixed-price contract provides as much predictability as possible by accounting for the fluctuation inherent in building, the unforeseen circumstances that are part of any construction project. It’s based on prior projects, which further reduces uncertainty.
Tectonic uses a fixed-price model–so you know what to expect.
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Our fixed-price contracts outline all costs upfront, including materials, labor, and project management, eliminating unexpected expenses.
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Generally speaking, design costs an extra 10-12% above the total cost of the project.
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We stand by our design process from concept to completion. You’re guaranteed deliverables through the design process that are unique to design: full plan sets that are permittable with the local municipality, renders, selections schedule, and more.
Also, we want you to feel like you’re in control of the project–so if we get to the end of the design phase and one or both parties feel like parting ways, the renders, selections schedules etc. can be ported with you to your own builder. We don’t recommend that, but there’s nothing worse than feeling trapped in a contract. We’d rather preserve the relationship above everything else.