FAQs

Working with BONSAI Design + Build

  • Every project is different. Based upon your scope we can inform a ROM (Rough Order of Magnitude) at no cost. Concept Services offers a more in depth look at project costs. Our Concept Services are designed to define the scope of your project and provide a more informed estimate. This is done in prelude to full scope Architectural services or obtaining all Construction Documents.

  • As industry standard, Architecture and Construction fees are derived based off of a percentage of the cost of the work. Typical stand alone Architecture fees can be 10%-15% of total construction costs. While General Contractor fees can be 20%-30% for a single family home. In a Design + Build synergy our fees generally range from 25%-30% for both Architecture and Construction. We will propose a fee post concept once the scope is defined. The Concept Service fee acts as a deposit towards our Design + Build services.

  • BONSAI Design + Build is a General Contractor, as such we contract with consultants and subcontractors to complete our projects. We also have the ability to self perform certain scope, schedule dependent.

  • Yes, BONSAI Design + Build is a Class C Residential General Contractor. We have current licenses in Denver, Jefferson County, Wheat Ridge, Greenwood Village, Lakewood and Aurora. As a Class C Supervisor Certificate Holder, we can obtain licensure and perform work anywhere in the Denver-Metro area.

  • Yes, in a turn-key Design + Build contract, BONSAI Design + Build handles permitting and regulatory issues as the clients' single point of contact.

  • BONSAI Design + Build is able to accept payment via traditional methods such as check, ACH, wire or Credit Card. We are also looking towards the future and have implemented a Crypto payment system and accept the current major cryptos such as BitCoin, XRP, Etherium, and USDC!

Design-Build General

  • Unlike typical projects where the client contracts with both the General Contractor and Architect separately, BONSAI provides a single contract and single point of contact throughout the project. This improves communication, speed of information exchange, and shares knowledge between the trades and designers.

  • In an Architect-Led Design-Build project delivery method, the Architect manages both the project’s design and construction, serving as the client’s representative for the lifetime of the project. This allows the Architect to follow through on design intent while balancing the budget and schedule. Having complete oversight of the project’s lifespan also allows BONSAI to break out the conceptual phase of an Architect’s traditional scope and pair it with the estimating phase of a Contractors traditional retainer scope and offer it as a stand alone service via our Concept Service. This is an invaluable stepping stone prior to taking on a project.

  • Yes. Concept design is done via our Concept Service. From there, Architecture and Engineering documentation is initiated. These are the documents required for us to bid, permit and build your project.

  • A Design-Build Contract improves communication, speed of information exchange and knowledge sharing between all trades and consultants. This synergy equates to significant cost savings that can be directly passed onto our clients via our cost plus fixed fee contracts. All costs are transparently passed on. Because of our Concept Service, construction costs are significantly more predictable.

Green Building

  • A Passive House is a high performing Structure that is defined by its extreme efficiency, minimal energy use, and harnessing of the earth's natural resources.

  • There are 5 basic principles in Passive House design and construction. BONSAI is well versed and applies the Passive House principles to all of our projects. There are certification standards done by PHI and PHIUS which can be pursued if the client and budget allows. BONSAI is a Certified Passive House Designer through PHI.

  • LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a high-performance building certification that is generally popular in the commercial sector. Passive House is recommended for residential homes and is held to a higher standard of performance and comfort.

  • BONSAI uses the Passive Building Principles; Highly insulated building envelope, Airtight construction, High performance fenestrations, Reduction or elimination of thermal bridging, and Moisture/Heat recovery + Whole building ventilation. The result is a revolutionary home that requires minimal energy input, while offering unparalleled building comfort and a healthier indoor air quality.