The Design Process »

SITE SELECTION:
ERTA strongly encourages its clients, if possible, to involve an architect prior to purchasing any piece of property. Your architect is trained to be aware of many local bylaws that may affect your project. When dealing with older homes, we can advise you as to what may or may not be financially feasible in terms of renovations. In the case of new construction, we help you through the intricate permitting process and help you appreciate all the advantages that your new site has to offer.

PRELIMINARY DESIGN:
ERTA takes your thoughts and puts them to paper. Working with you, we establish a program of spaces and begin to build a comprehensive layout and aesthetic for your new home or business. These early drawings, once approved by you, become the basis for future phases.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT:
In this phase, ERTA takes the preliminary designs and fine tunes them to better fit your very specific needs. At the completion of the design development, you and your architect will have refined your new home or business to the level of selecting building materials, systems, lighting, etc.  

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS:
As the last of the drawing phases, ERTA will put together a comprehensive set of contract documents suitable for permitting, bidding, and construction.

BIDDING:
Should you chose, ERTA will assist you in soliciting bids from local building companies. We have established a network of reputable companies that we know will give you a fair and competitive estimate. We will also help do the same with any companies that you may have had prior experience with or that have been referred to you by others. This process keeps things competitive and ensures you a quality project.

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION:
This may be the single most important part of the entire process. During construction, ERTA makes regular visits to your building site and acts as your agent to ensure that construction is proceeding according to plan. These visits will continue at regular intervals until project completion, and until you are completely satisfied.