Snow Country Contracting, Inc.
Serving Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin Since 1971
Specializing In Excavation, Construction, & Land Development
Design - Build Contracts
We offer several construction contracting methods, however, our most popular is the Design-Build Contract. The Design-Build method of contracting is becoming increasingly popular with Homeowners as a replacement for the "traditional" method of awarding separate contracts for design and construction.
The Homeowner and Design-Build Contractor enter into a single contract where the Contractor takes the responsibility for the design and construction of the complete project.
The design is performed by our firm, and may also include review by an engineering firm. In either case, the contractual responsibility to the Homeowner for full performance on all phases of the project is vested in one entity, the Design-Build Contractor.
Advantage of the Design-Build Approach
The Design-Build Contractor provides the Homeowners with a single point of accountability. The Homeowner no longer needs to act as the "go-between person" for any disputes between the designer and the contractor.
The lines of communication are simplified. Chances for misunderstandings are reduced and coordination between the Homeowner and the Contractor is improved.
Project design and project construction become related parts of a unified system. The construction expertise of the contractor and the design expertise of the designer are melded to produce greater values for the Homeowner.
Construction of the project can be initiated on a phased basis while design is still underway. This "fast tracking" will reduce the Homeowner's interim financing costs and will permit him to occupy the project at an earlier date. It can also reduce the Contractor's time-dependent job costs.
The unified Design-Build responsibility facilitates the Contractor's control of project performance. He can proceed with early procurement of critical materials, schedule his labor and his sub-contractors for greater effectiveness, and maintain the desired project quality at all levels.
Once the Homeowner had entered into a Design-Build Contract, the Homeowner should be prepared to work closely with the Contractor as the details of the project are developed. The Homeowner's expeditious review and approval of submissions by the Design-Build Contractor is critical in the success of this method.
Design and Drafting Services
Our design and drafting services were implemented in 1975. Since then our firm has custom designed over 400 homes and commercial projects throughout the area. Our experience in the construction market assures you of making the right decisions.
Our firm can assist you from the beginning of home construction starting with design. Or if you already have a set of plans, we'll bid out the project for construction costs. We can start with your ideas, a floor plan you've seen in a magazine or plan book, or we can custom design anything through our own in-house design service.
If you're unsure of what you want, which is where everyone commonly starts, we'll first put together rough sketches from ideas to make sure we're on the right path. A preliminary plan will then be drawn up and revised on review. When the plans are accepted, a final working set is prepared which will include plumbing, heating, electrical, carpentry, drywall, masonry and excavation. In addition, we can also design site plans to include a septic system when required.
If you need assistance in decorating your home, we'd be happy to make some suggestions. For vacation homes, we can provide complete decorating packages based on the colors and styles preferred. For rental units, we provide a complete turn-key project that includes all furnishings, bedding, wall hangings...even down to the silverware and wine glasses.
Our Fees
Depending on the type of home, whether it be a single family unit, duplex, or larger project, we can modify a design contract with a "not to exceed" limit. A typical single family design agreement requires an initial $1500 deposit with a total average cost of approximately $2000-$4000. This is based on an hourly rate of $75.00 per hour for drafting and design.
If you choose to build with our firm, we will credit the entire amount paid for the design against your construction contract.
If you have any questions regarding any of our services, please feel free to contact us at 800-876-9751 or 906-932-1411.