+ Design With Us

We are passionate about providing owners with the tools and technology needed to happily build their homes. Our driving philosophy is that the industry status quo does not need to equal your project standards. Technology improves the design and construction process for everyone involved when deployed well, so there is always a “why” behind every phase of our design process and service offering.

• Step 1: Existing Conditions Laser Scan + 3D Model
  • We scan each space included in the design scope using our Leica BLK360 G2 LiDAR scanner. Our method of measuring takes 1/3 of the time compared to traditional methods with unparalleled accuracy.
• Step 2: Design Discovery + Conceptual Layout
  • We are driven by “Inside Out Design” placing the interior needs of a home at the top of the design hierarchy. We work with your ideas, provide you with ours, and see what you think! Sketches and inspo pics are great for working through some ideas, but when it comes to your design, we start in 3D and stay in 3D.
• Step 3: Design Detailing + Final Design Documents
  • Design shouldn’t be left up to imagination. We use real-time virtual reality in our studio to review, tweak and finalize the design! We listen, try ideas, and make changes to your design and materials, all hosted in your 3D BuildHappy Model.

+ What You Get

• Comprehensive laser scan of each space included in project
• Existing Conditions plan set, CAD source files + scan file
• Access to project file through custom client portal
• Conceptual Layout: 1-2 studio meetings
• Conceptual Design Set with example finish details of each space
• Final Design: 1-2 studio meetings
• Virtual Reality experiences + sharable 360VR experiences using QR codes
• Design Set with example finish details of each space

+ Plan With Us

Pre-Construction planning is vital for bridging the gap from designs on paper to active field construction. BuildHappy uses the 3D Model to inform the cost, logistics, and schedule of the construction. The Level of Development [LOD] needed for your permit application differs from the LOD needed by the build team. By creating appropriate plan sets for each team, we streamline the review and approval process.

• Step 1: Engineering + Builder Coordination
  • We work directly with Trade Contractors, Designers + Engineers to optimize the scale, scope, and pricing of the project before Permit Docs are developed.
• Step 2: Permit Set + Supplemental Design Documents
  • Coordination with licensed professionals is a key component to optimizing the scale and cost of a project. Additionally, using a 3D model provides owners with an opportunity to visualize their project and confirm their design intent is achieved. BuildHappy facilitates Permit Document development and acquiring design approvals necessary for active construction.
• Step 3: Finish Materials Selection + Procurement
  • Every project requires a LOT of materials. Our planning services include access to our preferred vendors (and pricing!). We continually update the 3D Model and your Design Documents to provide the finish details of each space, and helps us help you select all the beautiful finishes for your home.

+ What You Get

• Preliminary Coordination with Structural Engineer
• Preliminary Coordination with Trade Contractors
• Conceptual Specs + Selections Project Costing
• Preliminary Specs + Selections Scope of Work with Preliminary Project Costing
• 1-2 Coordination meetings per month during coordination phase, includes meetings with material suppliers, kitchen consultants, etc. as applicable to the scope of the project
• Design/Planning Review Board Representation and support
• Plan Set with your selected finish details of each space

+ Build With Us

Once a project starts, it’s a sprint. Indecision or unforeseen conditions can lead to costly delays. Our customized client portal keeps construction on track by allowing us to monitor progress, identify work that doesn’t meet project requirements, and provide timely guidance. Throughout the process, we use the portal to manage daily field activity, review design and scope changes, coordinate subtrades and finish materials, and ensure every detail is accounted for. Basically, we make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

• Step 1: Project Doc Review + Ramp-Up to Start Date
  • Together, we review your project docs, prepare a summary of material selections, and create and review checklists for all services needed to complete a successful project.
• Step 2: Ongoing Field Coordination + New Existing Conditions Laser Scan
  • Owners have one opportunity to document what’s behind the drywall of their new space. We perform a second scan of key areas to capture the exact locations of updated mechanical and structural systems. Once drywall is installed, service, warranty work, and repairs can become costly and disruptive if professionals don’t know where to access these systems. Scanning is the solution!
• Step 3: Project Close-Out Support
  • As projects near completion, general contractors are often eager to move on to their next start date, sometimes at the expense of critical closing details. The BuildHappy team provides dedicated support during project close-out, developing and managing punch lists, verifying completion milestones, and ensuring every remaining task is addressed. With so much happening at the end of a project, we make sure nothing goes unchecked, preventing the frustrations that arise when important details slip through the cracks.

+ What You Get

• Support and Coordination for Permitting process
• Detailed Scope of Work and Project Costing
• Material selections support
• Detailed Material Quantity Takeoff Coordination of material purchase orders
• 3-4 Coordination meetings per month during construction
• Continued Coordination with Builder, Trade Contractors, and Engineer to support unforeseen condition management
• MEP laser scan of new existing conditions and mechanical and structural systems locations
• MEP Documents
• Continued studio design meetings to support field design changes and modifications with virtual Reality experiences as needed
• Punchlist development + support

+ Laser Scan

This method of documenting a structure takes ⅓ of the time the traditional methods of measuring tape and paper.

To successfully plan your renovation/addition we document your home with 360 Laser Scan Technology. High powered lasers are used to collect information and data from your structure. Each scan produces specific points of measurement creating a “point cloud.” Each point cloud is stitched together to create a full cloud of data that makes up your home. We use this as a template that will be used create an accurate 3D Digital Model.

+ Interior Design

Empathetic design is our guiding principle at BuildHappy. Our philosophy places the functional needs of your interior spaces at the forefront of design. We know that the beauty and function of a space will have a direct impact on the quality of the experience you have in that space.

Designing with us in your 3D Digital Model is fun! Our team members all have incredible taste, and each has a design aesthetic of their own. However, one of our strengths is to inform the design needs and aesthetics of our clients. We provide you with beautiful images of your project while in the development phase. You can test-drive different design ideas, nudge walls and see the consequences of the change immediately. You can make decisions quickly and with confidence.

+ As-built Model

Properly documenting a structure and creating a 3D Digital Model identifies and helps us address otherwise unforeseen conditions that would delay your build and increase cost. Not all home designs are properly documented, our team is ready to come and document your current structure with our 360 laser scanning process.

+ Virtual Reality Tours

Test materials and layout options in a virtual environment reducing waste and rework down the road.

Verify you are getting what you want before materials are ordered or field work begins. The 3D Digital Model is a great playground not just for you but the project team also. We host project meetings with your team creating a fun and inclusive approach to building.

We use virtual tours as a quality control step in your project planning. We tour the 3D Digital Model to verify the constructability of the intended design with your build team.

+ 3D Model “BIM” Construction

The 3D Digital Construction of your home is known as BIM- Building Information Modeling. The model creates a realistic visual representation of your build along with providing important data, structural details, and a detailed list of materials needed for the job.

Our approach to 3D Digital Modeling is unique, because we provide you with all the benefits of Single Source BIM-enabled project planning. Some other firms use digital software to create plan sheets. However, their products are typically rendered only in black and white 2D. Many important details are missing.

+ Project Management

We saved $30k on a $160k project, our fee was $8600

We support you each step of the way. Our background in field construction management is used to guide our clients through a similar planning process using a digital building platform. We have managed projects without BIM technology, and we’ve seen how the building process has become more complex while design development methodology hasn’t kept up. Our approach to the design-build process supports the transition from design development to field construction.