It always begins with an idea. In the end, it’s the details that matter.

It’s our mission to deliver the highest level of quality craftsmanship, technical expertise, and an exceptional client experience to our select clientele each year. To achieve this in Modern design, it’s all in the details. Details can add strong impressions of rarity, authenticity, and specialness. Fine homes take time to produce; time is embodied in the materials and craftsmanship.

Our dedication to the details is also the workhorse that helps ensure we can build or modernize a home on time and on budget. We do not fast-track projects. We’ve developed a powerful multi-step process that forces early decision-making while reducing stress for all of us during construction. It’s a straight-forward and rewarding win-win for our clients. Making changes after construction begins causes delays, and delays cost money.

Work with one team from conceptualization through completion. If you’re working with an architect, that’s great, let’s build. If not, that’s great too, let’s begin. We integrate design, permitting, and construction. In short, everything.

Set project goals with an initial consultation

We begin with a good conversation. We learn about you, your site, your needs, and your dreams. You have a chance to learn about how we work, which is described below. Aforma handles design, estimating, permitting, and all construction. If you’re working with an architect or designer, we will want to integrate with them to understand how they interpret your desires in their designs — we will want to partner closely with them. In build-speak, this is called “integrated project delivery,” the gold standard, and the only way we work.

Pre-construction services during the design and permitting process:

Aforma provides coordination and estimating services, simplifying the workflow and building teams. We guide the budget, coordinate engineers and other necessary project consultants, and manage permitting and entitlements while preparing our trade partners for construction.

• Hone project feasibility and goals

• Determine scope, budget, and a detailed specifications guidebook

• Establish conditions for permit approval, including construction documents, structural documents, geotechnical and arborist reports, ARC Committee approvals and site survey if required

• May provide Matterport scans, 3D modeling, and renderings

1. Strategic Collaboration in Preconstruction

The preconstruction phase is pivotal for setting a solid foundation for construction projects. It integrates the design and construction perspectives, enabling the construction team to function within an Integrated Project Delivery framework. This collaboration with architects and clients helps establish detailed budgets and realistic schedules and align expectations, ensuring that the project progresses smoothly from conception to completion.

2. Proactive Planning and Decision-Making

Engaging in preconstruction allows for a proactive approach to evaluating materials, systems, and construction methods. This phase facilitates exploring alternative solutions and optimizations before the physical construction begins, contrasting with the reactive decision-making that typically occurs once construction is underway and which may limit options and increase costs.

3. Comprehensive Information Gathering

Accuracy in planning and execution stems from comprehensive information gathering during preconstruction. This process ensures that all aspects of the project are well-documented, minimizing the reliance on assumptions that can lead to budget inflation and project delays. Detailed upfront analysis contributes to more precise cost estimations and better-managed timelines.

4. Enhancing Client Communication

Preconstruction offers a unique opportunity to enhance transparency and communication with clients. By working closely together, clients better understand the project requirements, scope, and potential challenges. This phase ensures that all parties have a consistent vision and knowledge of the project, which is critical for client satisfaction and project success.

5. Budget Confidence and Cost Efficiency

Through diligent planning and value engineering during preconstruction, projects are more likely to adhere to budget constraints and reduce the need for large contingencies. This phase builds client confidence in the financial aspects of the project, ensuring that costs are controlled and that the project delivers maximum value.

6. Risk Mitigation Through Detailed Planning

Preconstruction is crucial for mitigating risks associated with construction projects. Investing time in detailed planning and sequencing activities on paper can identify and address potential problems early in the project lifecycle, thereby avoiding costly and time-consuming issues during construction.

7. Importance of Thorough Preconstruction Planning

Jumping into construction without a detailed plan can lead to significant challenges. Thorough preconstruction planning is indispensable for the success of any construction project, as it sets the stage for efficient and effective project execution. Investing in preconstruction, measured by the time committed to planning, pays off by ensuring the project meets its designated timelines and quality standards.

In summary, engaging in a comprehensive preconstruction process ensures that projects are well-planned, budget-aligned, and client-focused. This approach enhances the efficiency and outcome of construction projects and strengthens the relationship between clients, architects, and construction teams, leading to successful project delivery.

Design and engineering documents suitable for permit and construction:

• Site survey if required

• Engineering and construction document creation

• Zoning and building permits

• Land use adjustment if required

• Visualize every piece of marble and oak floorboard during the design phase. By using the latest scanning, design, and visualization tools, Aforma is able to produce inspiring renderings quickly.

Construction

At Aforma, your home comes to life through the skilled hands of our project managers, site superintendents, field construction teams, and carefully selected trade partners. Together, we embody the pinnacle of craftsmanship, employing premium materials and the highest level of technical expertise.

Collaborative Project Delivery

We work in close harmony with your chosen architect and interior designer, ensuring that every detail of your project is executed to your exact specifications. This collaborative approach is central to our Integrated Project Delivery model, ensuring seamless integration of all project facets from start to finish.

Transparent Communication

During the construction phase, Aforma is committed to providing an exceptional level of service and communication. We keep you informed and engaged with the following:

• Daily Construction Logs: Receive daily updates complete with photos and summaries of the day's progress.

• Matterport Scans: Critical phases of your project are captured through progressive Matterport scans, giving you a detailed view of the ongoing work.

• Schedule Updates: A Gantt-chart-based schedule keeps you informed of current and upcoming activities, ensuring you are always aware of the project timeline.

• Weekly Lookahead Reports: Every week, we provide a detailed overview of completed activities and what to expect in the coming days.

• Weekly Stakeholder Meetings: Our project managers host and document regular Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings, fostering a collaborative environment where every voice is heard and valued.

We are dedicated to maintaining a regular flow of project updates, enhancing transparency, and facilitating collaborative decision-making. This approach keeps you well-informed and deeply involved in the construction process, ensuring that you feel completely in control of your project. With Aforma, you are not just watching your dream home being built—you are an integral part of the creation process.

A note on Portland’s FIR Program for remodeling:

If you live in Portland, Oregon and live in Multnomah County, Aforma may be able to obtain a permit for your project almost instantly because of our company’s participation in the Portland Bureau of Development Services FIR Program.

FIR stands for the Field Issuance Remodel program and many custom home renovations, including additions, extensions, and basement conversations can be permitted extremely quickly under FIR. FIR inspectors can evaluate proposed projects on-site. In some cases, depending on the complexity of the project, inspectors can approve immediate start up of the project by providing job site consultation, approve work to begin and also issue approved plans and inspection record cards the next day.

The FIR advantages are clear: obtain your permit and start working on your project within days as long as architectural plans and engineering documents are complete.