Thoughtful collaboration. Transparent process.

Integrated Design Process.

We aim to work with like-minded design enthusiasts and guide them through planning, designing, budgeting, and building their homes. To accomplish this effectively, we use a system called the Integrated Design Process (IDP).

Picture a seamless collaboration where the client, architect, and builder come together as one team, working from the start with clear budget goals, realistic timelines, and minimal revisions—ensuring the project is completed successfully and exceeds expectations.

IDP is a collaborative approach that differs from the dated Design Bid Build (DBB) process that most of our industry still uses. In IDP, one unified team is formed at the beginning of your project. Clear goals are agreed upon from the start, so the design is always commensurate with the budget. This is a critical phase of the design process that is often overlooked and routinely adds unnecessary costs in redesign fees and delays projects.

Here are the main benefits of an IDP collaboration:

  • Holistic approach

  • Improved relationships, communication, and team synergy

  • Working with an informed, realistic budget

  • Saves money (reduces costly re-design/rework fees)

  • Optimizes time, budget, cost estimating, and construction duration

  • Mitigates change orders, hidden costs, and Request for Information (RFI’s)

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INTEGRATED PROCESS

INTEGRATED PROCESS

Our Process.

Our process is thoughtfully designed to provide a clear outline and help easily navigate each step of the pre-construction phase.

  • During this phase, we aim to listen, get acquainted with you and your project and confirm we are a good fit. We will discuss current building costs, project timing and duration, and what a realistic budget looks like.

  • Next, we will meet to review a cost range based on the current scope of the project. This is an effective way to determine if your budget matches current building costs.

  • This phase covers research and development, detailed and accurate pricing, VE support, meetings, permitting, coordination with our trade partners and creation of the project schedule. There is a flat fee for this service.

  • We will provide a final working contract for our mutual signature based on our project development in the pre-construction phase.

  • We require a $10K Scheduling Deposit to secure your project on our calendar. This is non-refundable and will be credited towards your project.

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“We’ve done many building and remodeling projects over the years and Durham Construction ranks among the best. Their quality of construction and attention to detail is exceptional.”

- Jay T.

FAQs.

  • The key differences are proactive collaboration and efficiency.

    With IDP, the client, architect, and builder form a unified team from the start, ensuring clear goals, realistic budgeting, and seamless communication throughout the project. This proactive approach minimizes costly redesigns, reduces delays, and keeps the project aligned with budget and schedule.

    In contrast, DBB follows a linear process where the design is completed first, then sent out for contractor bids. This often leads to budget overruns, unexpected design adjustments, and inefficiencies due to limited builder input early on.

    By using IDP, Durham Construction delivers a smoother, more cost-effective, collaborative, and transparent building experience.

  • We typically manage 3-4 projects at a time. Each project is assigned a dedicated Project Manager (PM) who oversees daily operations and ensures client satisfaction.

  • Yes, we are.

    As a member of the Field Issuance Remodel (FIR) program, we have direct access to expedited permitting and inspections, reducing costs and accelerating timelines for projects in the City of Portland.

  • Our construction schedule is dynamic and constantly changing. We can discuss our availability at our initial meeting.

  • This will depend on the scope of your remodel project and your level of adventurousness. We can discuss the pros and cons during our initial meeting.

  • We begin by taking 100% responsibility for everything that happens on our projects. Next, we tell the truth faster and address unexpected issues immediately and openly, finding the best solution to keep the project moving.

  • 1-2 room remodel: 3-6 months

    ADU: 6-8 months

    Whole-house remodel: 10-12 months

    New build: 12-18 months

  • We prioritize clear and consistent communication through regular Owner, Architect, Contractor (OAC) meetings, weekly email updates, and a comprehensive cloud-based project management platform accessible to the entire team. Your designated Project Manager serves as your main point of contact, adapting to your specific needs and preferred communication style and to keep you informed every step of the way.

Homes for Design Enthusiasts.

It starts with a conversation. Let's build something together.

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