Architecture, Engineering, Design, & Construction Services

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How Dovetail Joint Co Can Help Get Your Project Started

Bringing Dovetail Joint Construction to the table at the conceptual stage will save you a lot of money over the course of your project. We will talk to you about your goals and how much they cost BEFORE you bring the architect into the team.

1. The first step in your project is developing a budget.  In our experience, establishing the budget is the most difficult step.  Why? Because it is the rare homeowner who is also a professional construction estimator.

For example, perhaps you want to remodel your kitchen with new granite countertops, new custom cabinets, and a new hardwood floor.

  • What is your budget for this project?
  • Which building code is applicable and how much will complying with code cost?
  • Will you come in contact with asbestos or lead during the demo of the old kitchen.
  • Do I need a permit?  (FYI, this answer to that one is always yes unless all you are doing is painting).

So, how do you know how much project you can get for your available budget?

Unfortunately, available budget is not the same as total budget.  For example, if you’ve saved up $25,000 for your kitchen remodel, your budget is not $25,000 it is significantly less than that.

Architects cost around 4% of your total project budget, project managers cost another 4% and you need to set aside at least 10% for contingency (and you never let the architect or the contractor know you have a contingency).  So if you hire an architect and manage the project yourself (usually a bad idea), your budget is $22,000.  If you hire a Dovetail to be your project manager, your budget is $21,000.

The next step is selecting and architect.

Guide #2 – Choosing an Denver Architect and Engineer

The Design Phase of Your Project

The basic rule of thumb is if your project costs more than 5% of the value of your house, or if you are making structural changes to the interior or exterior of your home, or if you a making significant changes to the floor plan of your home, you need an architect for your project.

This is the part of the project where Dovetail Joint Construction’s design build approach will add significant value and save you a lot of money over the life of your project. We work with Denver architects on almost every job and we have long term relationships with..[read more]

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"OUTSTANDING!!!! Dan called before coming out and was excellent! Dan did more investigating on our bathroom leak than an inspector and a plumber that came out 2x. Dan was friendly, experienced, and extremely helpful. My family is an Army Family and he wouldnt except payment for his time. Have referred Dan to our realtor and to anyone who is looking for a contractor. Dan will be the 1st we call if we ever have an issue again." Susan F. in Aurora, CO "Dan went above and beyond in every way. He came out on a holiday since we work during the week and were in a time crunch. He then gave us multiple project options to fit our budget (this was a major repair we were not expecting). He scheduled immediately and always returned calls promptly. The day of the job, I accidentally forgot to leave the door unlocked for him and his team had to wait for 30 min for me to let them in. They were kind, understanding and professional. The final product absolutely exceeded my expectations. I've never had such a great experience with a home professional. Every $ well spent. Will definitely use again!" Philip I. in Denver, CO "He managed to deal with of a lot of changes and unexpected turns and handled it well. Very through even though I had to go out of state and have them completed in my absence. Great to deal with and very accommodating." Tim L. in Larksber, CO "Excellent management, excellent subcontractors, excellent communications and understanding needs; reasonable pricing. DJC executed a very challenging addition project to our home and the results were fantastic. Very easy to work with and at the same time, very professional. Would recommend at any time." Detlef K. in Aurora, CO "Great, they knew I had a tight window for this project, and everything hinged on them getting their part done first. They adjusted their schedule to by a couple of days to help make my project fit in the timeline I was working in. The work was great, fixed a dip[ in my floor, and other contractors were able to come in behind them on schedule." Jarod T. in Aurora, CO "Project was started and finished on time. Professional, experienced subs. Contractor was very responsive to questions, phone calls and our needs. Extremely happy with the results of our project." Mr. and Mrs. L. in Arvada, CO "It was wonderful to come home from work and see the work done and the mess always cleaned up! How professional. Also, when they were laying the concrete they did something very special. When my husband made the comment that the concrete would be dry before he got the grandkids here to do their hand prints - Dovetail made a box of concrete so grams, papa and grandbabies were able to put their hands in and date it! How considerate and special! Thank you Dovetail!!" Woody B. in Denver, CO "Excellent service. Project was finished in a timely manner. I would hire again." Frank Q. in Lakewood, CO "Work was excellent! Everyone in the crew were very professional and cleaned up after themselves. I would reccommend Dovetail Joint Construction Cpmpany to anyone without hesitation." Skip L. in Aurora, CO "Very Professional. Either Dan or Aaron could have supervised the project. Project accomplished in the time frame (two weeks) promised, and we have no complaints." Romney B. in Centennial, CO "I would highly recommend Dovetail Joint Construction. He is responsive and dedicated to completing a quality job. His patience was greatly appreciated with the many questions and concerns I expressed to him continually over the project. I will definitely call them for any future work I have at my house." Jay W. in Denver, CO

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