FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
At Dwell Design Build, all estimates are priced with qualified materials, management, design and labor based off client discussions and site visits. All estimates are transparent and show where each dollar is allocated and never submitted as a lump sum. This allows the opportunity to fine tune and value engineer if needed to get with-in a budget and also ensure that all aspects of the job are qualified. Dwell and all of its subcontractors are licensed and ensured; this can put the labor numbers on the higher side compared to a handyman, but can also assure the client of the quality and care for the craft we perform as well as the peace of mind regarding the responsibility and accountability we agree to in taking on each project.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Our typical process is to meet in person and on site to review the client's proposed project and discuss the best solution to achieve the imagined final product. It is here that we can determine the exact scope for pricing. Following this meeting, the initial estimate is assembled using qualified materials and take-offs, sub-contractor labor quotes, and any additional services proposed (design, permitting, etc). Some occasions will require the subcontractors to visit the site as well to produce their formal quote. Dependent on the conversation details scheduling this first meeting, the sub-contractor may visit with Dwell on the initial site visit, or may require an additional visit. Upon client's receipt of initial proposal, we work with the client to ensure the proposal is with-in their budget and all areas are covered or explore options to modify as needed to get with-in a budget. Upon approval of the proposal, materials will be purchased or ordered and labor will be scheduled. Communication with the client regarding schedule is very thorough and consistent to ensure the client is always aware of the work taking place and what will occur next. We know these projects can be intrusive on your daily living and want to be as accommodating as possible.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I, Joshua Gramlich, owner of Dwell Design Build, have been working with my hands in the industry completing maintenance and renovation work since I was a teenager. I was always interested in the design process and decided to further my abilities and obtained my architectural knowledge through three separate degrees. I acquired an Associates Degree in Architectural Design and Construction Technology from Delgado Community College along with CAD and REVIT certificates received at that time. I then went on to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where I obtained my Bachelors of Science Degree in Architectural Studies followed by the Masters of Architecture Degree. I then spent the next six years working for both a Construction and Design Company and a Custom Millwork company; two separate entities under one roof. The construction and design company allowed me to utilize my hands on construction experience combined with the architectural understanding and approach to many projects which included custom ground up residential projects, residential renovations, commercial renovations, new commercial construction and restaurant renovations/conversions. My involvement in each of these projects included the estimation of initial proposal as well as any changes during construction, contracting, drafting and design as needed, project management of budget, schedule and coordination, as well as supervision of on-site activities and quality control. The custom millwork company presented many opportunities to apply my architectural knowledge to both the residential millwork and commercial millwork industries. The residential side of this company allowed me to hone my knowledge of architectural components and required the designing, pricing and production of both historic and high-end elements at the residential level. At the same I was tasked with the procurement and production of the commercial millwork and all communications, coordination and scheduling with general contractors. The scope of the commercial work comprised both small and large projects including offices, hospitals, restaurants, housing facilities, recreational facilities, courthouses and hotels. My role on the millwork side of the company, both residential and commercial, included the estimating, shop drawing production and submittals, material procurement, shop management, deliveries and site installations. Our facility allowed a unique approcah in that we offered turn key products in house, starting with design and were able to produce products from rough milling through finishing and installation. The challenge of overseeing both construction and millwork in both residential and commercial worlds at the same time required organization and efficiency with a systematic approach. This allowed me to utilize the architectural perspective and knowledge ensuring that all products met the plans, specifications and historic requirements while being creative in solutions. The many moving parts that came with managing multiple industries required organization, communication and creative efficiency.