Building Site Visit

 As Construction Manager on your project we start by visiting your building site taking wide angle photos and laser elevations. Considering such things as size and species of trees, soil depths to bedrock, driveway access, locations of septic systems, wells, utilities and LP tanks we then prepare a computer generated site plan. This plan will also be used by the designer and when applying for permits and utilities.

Design,  Budget & Bidding

 When drawings are complete we place your project out for bid to our network of independent, reputable and fully insured subcontractors. Many components are bid through at least two subcontractors. We then analyze the bids to confirm a complete project without gaps.

As the bids are returned we track the project cost on a constantly updated Excel spreadsheet. Copies of the bids and updated spreadsheet along with our analysis of each bid are forwarded to you via email.

About "Specifications" - Our "specs" are your specs. Unlike a General Contractor that will quote a price based on their standard specifications we, as a Construction Manager, formulate specs from scratch based on your wishes and budget. When the subs bid they bid your specs. Once the initial bids are in we arrange a meeting between you and the subcontractor to determine what, if anything, should be changed.

Contracts  & Insurance

After the major bids are in and reviewed the sub-contracts are signed. Wisconsin has very strict laws regarding insurance coverage on all contractors. Door County Log Homes maintains a file including a Certificate of Liability Insurance on every subcontractor including Workman's Comp.  If, for any reason, the subcontractor's insurance is modified or cancelled we are informed of the change directly by the Insurance Agent.

Owners will need to secure a policy of Builder's Risk insurance to protect themselves, DCLH and the subcontractors against stolen materials, basement collapse, wind and other damages during construction.

Permits & Utilities

Typically four permits are needed before much can happen. The "Site Plan" and blueprints are key components to the permit process. Each municipality will have some form of application, fees and will require a copy of the "Site Plan" showing proposed location of the driveway, home, septic, well and other improvements. Most will require the designation of an elevation called "Finish Grade" where we need to state the height of the grade next to the home after all construction is completed. Utility companies will typically ask for the same document. 

As Construction Manager DCLH applies for all permits as your agent. We specify "Finish Grade" and place a grade benchmark on the site (required by Door County Zoning). We place stakes at house corners, measure approximate setbacks from side, front and rear, mark septic, well, and any outbuildings.

We apply for utilities using our Wisconsin Contractor ID # taking care of all paperwork and usually meet with the utility company designers on site to locate the best possible route, overhead Vs underground and to mark the area that is required to be cleared before they will send their crews