Project Life Cycle

A BAFE Group Home project is divided into six stages.  We group these stages into three phases: Feasibility, Design and Build. Please review these steps fully so that you have a realistic expectation of the overall time frame.

Feasability

STEP 1: Basic feasibility assessment

What you provide us:

The address and Assessor Parcel Number for the lot you are considering building on - whether you already own the lot or are considering buying.

What we do:

We ensure the land can accommodate a BAFE Group Home and what governing agency requirements might impact your project.  We visit the building department and/or other governing agencies and review planning department regulations.  We investigate constraints imposed by Homeowners Association restrictions (CC&R's) extraordinary land use regulations (such as coastal commission) etc. We visit your land and check that trucks and other heavy equipment can access your site for delivery of your BAFE Group Home.

Our general goal is to determine constraints on the use of your land. For example building envelope, maximum allowable height, lot coverage, parking requirements, local specialties etc.

What we provide you:
We will provide a written Stage 1 Feasibility Report which summarizes our investigation findings and outlines your options for use of the land.

Timeframe: 
This stage takes approximately three weeks to complete

Fee: 
The cost for this stage is $1,500.
If you proceed to build a BAFE Group Home then we will credit the cost of this stage towards your home.

STEP 2: Specific site assessment.

We conduct this analysis on all projects, whether you own your land or are considering purchasing a specific lot. Typically we undertake this stage when you own the land you plan to build on.

What you provide us:
You need to supply us with a soils and geology report by a Geotechnical Engineer or equivalent as required by local law.  You need to supply us with a site survey by a Civil Engineer, Surveyor or equivalent as required by local law.  Your reports must include some important criteria that we will define for you. If you would like us to arrange for the production of these reports on your behalf, we would be happy to do so.

What we do:
In this stage we conduct a more exhaustive assessment of your site. We review various reports and surveys to determine the complexity of foundation system that will be required for your site.  We determine access to utilities and infrastructure at your site. For example gas, water, electric, waste, telephone, cable. We also clarify vehicular and pedestrian access to your site.

What we provide you:
We will provide you with a written Stage 2 Site Assessment Report.

Timeframe: 
This stage takes approximately four weeks from the time we receive all of the required reports.

Fee: 
The cost for this stage is $3,000.  Additionally, if you would like us to organize surveys and reports on your behalf then we charge $300 for this service. As a general indication your soils and geology report is estimated to cost in the range of $1500 - $4,000. As a general indication your site survey is estimated to cost in the range of $2,000 - $4,000.

Design

STEP 3: Design

By this time you have determined that your land is suitable for a BAFE Group Home. Our objective in this stage is to help you to decide which Logical Home is appropriate for your site, your needs and your budget. This stage covers building placement on your land, landscaping and design personalization options.

What you provide us:
You will need to complete a design questionnaire that we will supply.  After submission of the questionnaire you will meet the design team at BAFE Group Homes and discuss your objectives and options.

What we do:
Based on our discussions with you and a review of various reports we will determine the best placement of a BAFE Group Home on your site. We also make suggestions for options, site features and landscaping. 

What we provide you:
We will supply you with a Stage 3 Design Recommendation report. This report includes basic plans, elevations, sections and renderings of your BAFE Group Home on your land.

Timeframe: 
This stage takes approximately 4 weeks to complete after we receive your completed questionnaire.

Fee: 
The cost for this stage is $4,000.  
If you proceed to build a BAFE Group Home then we will credit the cost of this stage towards your home.

Build

STEP 4: Permits and Engineering

This stage involves producing required drawings/engineering for the submittal to governing agencies that oversee the homeowner's property/site with the goal of procuring building permits and all required approvals.  

What you provide us: 
You need to provide application/permit fees made out directly to the governing agencies for Standard approvals which include: Planning and Zoning, Building and Safety, Public Works and Fire Dept.  

What we do: 
We assist in the preparation of all required standard documentation and submittals to the respective governing agencies having jurisdiction over the property/site.  Any Variances, Conditional Use Permits, Environmental Impact Reports, Special Use Permits, etc. that are required above and beyond these standard approvals will be obtained at this stage. If any additional service fees are required based on your project, you will be advised of these in advance.

What we provide you:
We will supply you with a set of all approval letters/sign-offs and the Building Permit

Timeframe: 
Please note that the time frame required to obtain any approvals is contingent upon the jurisdiction/city in which the project is located. Depending upon location, this stage takes from aproximately 1 to 12 weeks to complete. 

Fee: 
The cost for this stage is $50,000 which is dedicated towards the final construction cost of the project (i.e. indicative prices we provide for our homes include this cost). All fees assessed directly by the governing agency, as discussed above, are an additional expense.

Payment Schedule:
Non-refundable deposit of $1,000 upon signing of Contractual Agreement. 
Within one week of contract signing, Initial Payment A is due - 40% of total fee payment that is held to be applied to final payment.
Within one week of contract signing, Initial Payment B is due - 40% of total fee payment to fund client's operating account.
Funding requests will be made every 7 days and require a minimum balance in the account that is approximately 40 percent of the total fee.
Upon completion of this project phase, 100% of the Permitting/Engineering fee is paid and the Site Preparation/Fabrication phase follows.

STEP 5: Site Preparation and Fabrication

This stage of the project includes the preparation of the construction site and the off-site fabrication of the home and it's components. 

What you provide us:  
Signed contractual agreement to proceed with work and progress payments. 

What we do:  
Site/property grading, access/driveways, foundations, terracing and sculpting of the land is completed at this stage.  Fabrication of the home takes place off-site and a large percentage of the project is constructed prior to delivery to the site.  The off-site installation of walls, insulation, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and a multitude of other construction materials/systems takes place and all components are delivered for final installation at your property/site. 

What we provide you: 
Progress report and photographs of the prepared site and prefabricated components of the project/home.

Timeframe: 
Approximately one to three months. Fabrication timing, along with unique site conditions, will dictate the final schedule for delivery to the site.
 
Fee:
Required at beginning of this stage:
Initial Non-Refundable Payment A is due - 10% of total projected job costs payment that is held and to be applied to final payment.
Initial Payment B is due - 10% of total projected job costs payment to fund client's operating account.
Funding requests will be made every 14 days and require a minimum balance in the account that is approximately 10 percent of the total projected job cost.
Upon completion of this project phase, 65% of the total project cost is paid and the structure is then approved for delivery to the site.

STEP 6: Installation and Completion

What you provide us:  
All existing utility company account information for transfer to permanent/updated accounts. 

What we do:
The home will be delivered to your site via truck and set in place via crane, forklift, or/any other means that is dictated by access conditions to the site.  The various components, large and small, that comprise your home will all be delivered and our team will assemble the home to create a final and finished product. This stage includes on-site installation and construction of remaining trades, tie-in and finishes of the home and site/landscape.   

What we provide you:
Progress reports and photographs of site and project during installation phase and finally a home and site with all governing agency approvals - ready for move-in.  Completion will include final project sign-off, a review of all warranties for products, a project walk through and delivery of keys to your new home.

Timeframe: 
Approximately Two to four months to reach final completion. On-site construction timing, along with unique site conditions, will dictate the final schedule for move-in into the home.

Fee: 
Funding requests will be made every 14 days and require a minimum balance in the account that is approximately 10 percent of the total projected job cost.
Upon 100% payment of the total project cost along with any requested additional service charges, the final certificate of occupancy shall be delivered to the new homeowner.