Design and Construction Teams Under One Roof
CS Custom Structures, Inc. provides both design and construction capabilities under one roof, which enables us to more accurately, price our projects during the design process. Having both trades work together for the client's benefit ensures accurate bidding as well as guaranteeing the most cost effective design and construction techniques.

Having the capability to construct what we design is a major benefit to our clients in that they get to develop a relationship with a contractor during the design process. We still request that our clients get competitive bids, but it is a tremendous reassurance to our clients to have worked with our construction staff throughout the design phase.

This daily association of architect/builder relates into projects that are architecturally sensitive during the construction phase. Our reputation for bringing architecture back into the construction field was well recognized when we were the recent recipient of the 2008 Craftsmanship Award, presented to CS Custom Structures, Inc. by the Blue Ridge Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Being Good Listeners
In the design profession, one of the most important elements that we can provide our clients is the ability to listen. At CS Custom Structures, Inc. we listen to our client's desires and requirements. We do not dictate design, but rather listen and use the client's desires as our direction.

Interactive Approach to Design with the Client's Involvement

Heavily involving the client ensures success.

From the programming phase, we prepare hand sketched concept drawings that incorporate all of the collected data. We then meet with the client to ensure that the general intent is accurate. Once we get an approval from the client we then prepare a CAD drawing and once again meet at the client's office or home. This time, we have a CAD operator with us. We will walk you through the project floor plans and elevations. Anytime that you want to see an option to a room layout, we can design it in front of you. We can enlarge or reduce spaces. We can add doors and windows. We can compare existing space sizes to proposed spaces. We can graphically depict any changes that you wish to see. This interactive involvement pulls the client into the design process and makes a designer out of the client. From this interactive process accuracy is assured.

From the success of this meeting, we proceed with Construction Documents.

Cost Shopping
Our job is to design and construct your project in an efficient manner. We will acquire multiple vendors to price your project. Whether it is framing materials, roofing, windows and doors, drywall, EIFS, brick, lighting fixtures, interior finishes, concrete, or plumbing fixtures, we will shop around for the best price from reliable vendors for your project. We will make you aware of the options available along with the material cost savings. Together, we will then select the best options available.

Schedule Milestones

If we are fortunate enough to build your project, we will develop a schedule of construction activities prior to the commencement of construction activities. This schedule forecasts when different phases of construction are to begin and end. Within this schedule there will be milestones for when you are to select materials such as paint color, carpet and tile colors, exterior colors, light fixtures, and appliances etc. This schedule keeps you abreast of due dates so that you can compare the actual finished work to the schedule. This schedule also provides you with a tool to monitor when you need to make finish and color selections.

This construction schedule with milestones is extremely beneficial whether your project is a commercial or residential venture.

Monitoring Cost
Each month you will receive a copy of all the invoices received for construction materials and labor. This information will allow you to follow the costs along with us and make adjustments as may be necessary to maintain your budget.

Communication
Along with being good listeners and heavily involving the client during the design process; communication is also of paramount importance. We, the designer and/or the contractor will keep you abreast of decisions that must be made during either task.

As the designer, as the contractor and as an involved client, we all must keep the lines of communication open in order to provide a finished product that we all are proud of. This open communications also lends itself to a smooth transition from design through construction and the punch-list walk-through.

Open communications streamlines the design and construction process which benefits the schedule and the budget.

Responsiveness

We pride ourselves on meeting our client's needs. Our commitment to communications means that we return our phone calls. We can and will schedule meetings to fit our client's schedules. We appreciate everyones schedule and have no problem meeting with our clients after normal business hours or on Saturdays.

Being responsive to our clients is simply doing business correctly.

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