THE HIERARCHY PROCESS
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PHASE I:
DISCOVERY
To begin, you will meet with our Principal, T.J. Costello, whose initial task is to go over your wish list and understand your use of the space you are choosing to renovate or build. At this initial meeting, your scope of work, budget, time schedule, and goals will be discussed and T.J. will begin the process of “programming” your wish list and start dialoging and brainstorming ideas with you. We then will visit the Building Department to FOIL old property information if available or if applicable. Zoning calculations and preliminary code compliance is performed. If a new build is requested or required, we would also assist your builder with demolition drawings and site clearing documents.
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PHASE II:
DESIGN
Now it’s time to begin the master planning phase. We’ll conduct an in-depth exploration of conceptual design opportunities, starting with hand-drawn sketches that evolve into a refined, optimal solution. At this stage, we’ll also provide high-level cost estimates and guide you through the steps required for Village/Town approvals, including presentations to Architectural Review Boards, Site Planning Committees, and building departments. We’ll help you prepare for key upcoming decisions—such as selecting builders, decorators, and landscape designers, as well as kitchen and baths, to ensure a cohesive and complete set of design documents.
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PHASE III:
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Once aesthetic and site planning approvals are secured, we advance the design into a comprehensive set of construction blueprints. This phase includes detailed technical specifications, structural components, and clearly defined materials—all aligned with local and state building codes. We then compile these into a professional Construction Document set, (aka ‘Blueprints’ or ‘CDs’), which serve as the foundation for preparing bid packages and obtaining accurate estimates from builders.
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PHASE IV:
BIDDING & PERMITTING
Hierarchy will assist you in working with your selected builder or help you interview local candidates to find the most suitable fit for your project. We will meet with them to review the construction documents in detail and conduct on-site walkthroughs, answering any questions while serving as your representative throughout the process. Once a builder is chosen we will assist him with completing his building permit applications, including gathering required insurances, bonds, certificates, licenses, and subcontractors. Hierarchy will submit the full permit package to the Building Department and coordinate directly with examiners to resolve any follow-up inquiries. Once approved, the permit plaque can be posted on-site, and construction may officially begin.
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PHASE V:
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
During the final phase, our team will conduct regular site visits to observe construction progress and address any questions from you or the builder as they arise. We typically visit the site weekly through rough framing and then transition to bi-weekly through the rough utilities stage, and tri-weekly or as needed until the Certificate of Occupancy is obtained. Additional visits or supplemental design or administrative services can be arranged upon request for an additional fee, to collaborate with your extended project team—including decorators, landscape designers, and custom millwork specialists—ensuring a smooth and cohesive project completion.