- info@kimballconstruction.com
- 541.357.7837
- 132 E. Broadway, Eugene, OR
What To Expect: Initial Consultation Meeting
At Kimball Construction, we’ve designed our initial consultation to ensure it’s productive, clear, and entirely focused on your vision. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have plans from a designer or architect, this meeting sets the tone for collaboration and provides a clear roadmap for your project’s next steps.
Why the Initial Consultation Matters
The initial consultation isn’t just about meeting—it’s about creating alignment. It’s where we start to understand your project, identify challenges, and outline solutions. This conversation ensures that your goals, expectations, and concerns are fully addressed before moving forward.
Here’s why this step is critical:
- Builds a foundation of trust and transparency.
- Ensures we’re aligned on your vision and priorities.
- Evaluate your project’s feasibility, considering scope, budget, and potential site limitations.
- Sets the stage for clear next steps, whether that involves design development or preparing a construction proposal.
What Should You Bring?
Preparation can make your consultation more effective. Whether you’re coming to us with a vision or detailed plans, the following checklist can help:
- Architectural or Designer Plans (If You Have Them): Bring your blueprints or renderings if you’ve already worked with a designer or architect.
- Your Vision: Share ideas, inspiration, or sketches if plans are not finalized.
- Property Details: Provide any site surveys, legal documentation, or zoning information.
- Budget Range: Having a budget in mind allows us to offer tailored recommendations.
- Questions and Concerns: Write down any specific questions about the construction process or your project.
These materials help us assess your project’s needs and provide valuable insights during the meeting.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During the Consultation
1. Getting to Know You and Your Goals
First, we’ll take time to understand your project’s purpose and expectations. We are good listeners, and we will listen to your ideas.
Discussion Topics:
- What is the intended use of the space?
- What design style or features are most important to you?
- What’s your overall timeline and budget?
If you already have plans, we’ll review them carefully and provide initial feedback on feasibility and construction requirements.
2. Site-Specific Considerations
Next, we’ll address any unique factors about your property that could influence construction. This includes zoning regulations, environmental concerns, and logistical challenges.
How we handle this:
- Reviewing any provided site surveys or documentation.
- Identifying potential issues and proposing solutions.
- Highlighting any additional studies or permits that may be required.
3. Evaluating Feasibility
Once we’ve discussed your vision and analyzed the site, we’ll evaluate your project’s feasibility. This involves determining whether your goals align with your budget, timeline, and site conditions.
What we’ll assess:
- Can the project realistically be completed within your budget?
- Are there any challenges—such as zoning restrictions, environmental issues, or structural concerns—that need to be addressed?
- Does the timeline align with your expectations and site constraints?
Our goal is to provide honest, transparent feedback so you can move forward with confidence.
4. Outlining the Next Steps
The next steps depend on whether you already have finalized plans or if you need assistance with design development.
If You Don’t Have Plans Yet:
- We’ll guide you through the design development process, which includes creating sketches, layouts, and renderings.
- You’ll receive a design development contract that outlines costs, timelines, and deliverables for the design phase.
If You Already Have Plans:
- We’ll move directly to preparing a detailed construction proposal based on the plans provided.
- This proposal will include an estimated cost and construction timeline.
By tailoring the next steps to your unique situation, we ensure a seamless transition toward construction.
Why You’ll Love Working with Kimball Construction
At Kimball Construction, we’re committed to providing exceptional service regardless of where you are in your project journey. Whether you need design development support or a construction partner to bring existing plans to life, we deliver with professionalism, transparency, and attention to detail.
Here’s how we stand out:
- Streamlined Processes: From consultation to completion, we make each step straightforward and stress-free.
- Personalized Service: We treat every project as unique, tailoring solutions to your vision and requirements.
- Experienced Team: With years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for quality craftsmanship and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Initial Consultation
1. How long does the consultation take?
Typically, the consultation lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on the project’s complexity.
2. Is there a fee for the consultation?
No, the initial consultation is complimentary, offering you a no-obligation opportunity to explore working with us.
3. Can I bring plans from another designer or architect?
Absolutely. If you already have plans, we’ll review them during the consultation and move forward with preparing a construction proposal.
4. Will you evaluate my project’s feasibility during the consultation?
Yes, determining feasibility is a key part of the consultation. We’ll assess whether your project aligns with your goals, budget, and site conditions.
5. What if I need changes to my existing plans?
We can discuss modifications and either collaborate with your original designer or make adjustments during the construction proposal phase.
6. What’s included in the construction proposal?
The proposal includes a cost estimate, a construction timeline, and a scope of work.
Take the First Step Toward Your Dream Project
At Kimball Construction, the initial consultation is all about setting you up for success. Whether you’re coming to us with a fresh idea or fully realized plans, we’re here to provide the expertise, guidance, and transparency needed to bring your vision to life.
What to Expect: Communication Process
Clear and consistent communication is key to a successful construction project. At Kimball Construction, we follow a structured communication process to keep you informed every step of the way. From daily logs to weekly progress meetings, we ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
By understanding how and when communication happens, you’ll always know what to expect. This guide outlines our communication process, including the tools we use, the timing of updates, and who is responsible for keeping the information flowing.
What is the Communication Process?
The communication process is how we share important updates, coordinate project details, and address any questions or concerns. This ensures that every stakeholder stays informed and aligned with the project’s progress.
At Kimball Construction, our communication process includes:
- Daily logs with progress updates and any obstacles
- Weekly site visits for quality control and coordination
- Weekly Progress meetings to discuss key decisions
- Email for sharing documents and additional details
- Text messages for quick, time-sensitive updates
- Phone calls for urgent matters
- BuilderTrend notifications for approvals and documentation
Each method plays a crucial role in keeping your project on track.
When Does the Communication Process Happen?
We believe in proactive communication. That’s why our communication process follows a structured schedule:
- Daily Logs (4–7 p.m.)
Each evening, team members update BuilderTrend with the day’s progress, including any delays due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. You’ll always know what’s happening on-site. - Weekly Progress Meetings
Once the foundation is poured, we hold weekly progress meetings on-site or via Google Meetings. These discussions keep the project moving smoothly, ensuring timely decisions and clarifications. - As Needed: Emails, Texts, and Calls
- Emails help us send documents, updates, and important details.
- Text messages deliver quick, time-sensitive notifications.
- Phone calls handle urgent issues that require immediate attention.
- Approvals & Documentation (Ongoing)
Through BuilderTrend, you’ll receive notifications for material selections, change orders, and payment approvals. This keeps everything organized and efficient.
How is the Communication Process Completed?
We make sure that every step of the communication process is clear, efficient, and action-driven. Here’s how we do it:
- Daily Updates in BuilderTrend
- Team members enter logs between 4–7 p.m.
- Notes include progress, delays, or upcoming work.
- Progress photos of work completed.
- Clients can access updates anytime.
- Scheduled Meetings
- Weekly progress meetings are scheduled to address concerns and discuss key decisions.
- At the weekly progress meeting, your project manager will ask if you have any questions for feedback. After answering your questions and feedback, the Project Manager will update you on last week’s progress and anticipated work for the following week.
- These meetings typically last 15-30 minutes.
- Timely Notifications & Approvals
- BuilderTrend alerts you when approvals are needed.
- Quick responses keep the project moving.
- Multi-Channel Communication
- Emails, texts, and phone calls ensure quick problem-solving.
- Clients are encouraged to compile questions for weekly meetings to maximize efficiency.
By following this structured approach, we eliminate confusion and ensure a smooth experience.
Who is in Charge of the Communication Process?
Effective communication requires clear roles and responsibilities. Here’s who handles each part of the communication process:
- Kimball Construction Team
- Logs daily updates in BuilderTrend.
- Conducts weekly site visits and progress meetings.
- Ensures timely responses to emails, texts, and calls.
- Project Manager
- Oversees communication between all parties.
- Coordinates site visits and progress meetings.
- Provides real-time updates when necessary.
- Trade Partners & Subcontractors
- Report progress and challenges during site visits and meetings.
- Coordinate directly with the project manager.
- Clients (You!)
- Review daily logs and BuilderTrend notifications.
- Compile questions for weekly progress meetings.
- Approve selections and change orders promptly.
By working together, we ensure a seamless communication process that keeps your project on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How will I be updated on my project’s progress?
You’ll receive daily log updates in BuilderTrend and weekly progress meetings. Plus, we use emails, texts, and calls for additional communication.
2. When should I expect to receive updates?
Daily logs are entered between 4–7 p.m. each day. Weekly meetings and site visits provide deeper insights into the project’s progress.
3. What if I have questions between meetings?
We recommend jotting down your questions and bringing them to the weekly progress meetings. This ensures you receive our full attention. However, if something urgent arises, you can always call, text, or email us.
4. How do I approve changes or material selections?
We use BuilderTrend to manage all approvals. You’ll receive a notification when an action is needed, allowing you to review and approve items at your convenience.
5. What happens if there’s a delay in the project?
Delays due to weather or unforeseen issues will be noted in the daily logs. We will discuss any necessary adjustments during our progress meetings.
6. Who do I contact in case of an emergency?
For urgent issues, such as being locked out of the site, please call us directly. For other concerns, email or text is the best way to reach us.
7. Can I request additional updates?
Absolutely! We prioritize transparency, so if you ever need more information, just let us know. We’re happy to provide extra details as needed.
At Kimball Construction, our communication process is designed to keep you informed, involved, and confident in your project’s progress. With structured updates, open lines of communication, and a commitment to transparency, we ensure a smooth and stress-free construction experience.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!
Next Step: Completing a Punch List
If you are like most people, you are probably excited and anxious to finish your project and are eager to complete the little things that remain. To complete these items as efficiently as possible, we create what is called a punch list. The punch list is simply a list of all the items that remain to be completed, and upon completion of those items, the project is then considered to be complete.
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