Monday, February 25, 2013

Online Design & Estimate Process | Maryland & Virginia

Design Builders offers a convenient online design and estimate process for homeowners in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA. Our digital-first approach lets you explore screened porches, decks, and outdoor kitchens from home, then receive a detailed estimate without scheduling an in-person consultation. Perfect for busy homeowners ready to start their outdoor living project.

Preparing for an Online Meeting with Design Builders

You don’t need Skype or even FaceTime to make your online design meeting happen. Clients will receive an intuitive online meeting invitation direct from Design Builders – just click on a link and follow the brief instructions to arrive at the online meeting.

Because the goal of conducting the initial meeting online is to save time, cover more information, and dramatically reduce the turnaround time for an estimate, we need to collect some important information from you before the meeting actually takes place:

Step 1: Email us five photos of the area of your house that is under consideration for new construction or renovation. This step can easily be completed with a smartphone in just a few moments.

Step 2: Send us a copy of your property plat, sometimes referred to as a site plan. Scan the document and email it, or simply snap a photo of it and send it to us.

Step 3: Design Builders will contact you to schedule an online meeting. Ten minutes before the meeting begins, you’ll receive an email with the invitation to connect online.

What Clients Learn in an Online Design Meeting

The Design Builders expert that you meet with online will be prepared to present a mockup of your house, drawn to scale, using CAD software.

To aid us in making this design come to life, be prepared to discuss your vision: What is your project timeline? Budget? Desired materials? Purpose for the space? Warm weather or year-round use? Have your questions ready, but know that your design expert will first go through a list of standard questions to get a complete idea of your project goals. As your designer receives information from you during the online meeting, he or she will begin to draw the design – you can follow along from your computer and watch your desired home enhancement being “built.”

Once a design is created and agreed upon, the designer will use estimating software to provide you with a final estimate for your project. You will receive the design and estimate within one hour of the end of the meeting.

Are you already building your home addition in your mind? Don’t waste anymore time. Contact Design Builders today to get your project in motion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Online Design and Estimate Process

How does your screen porch contractor process work online?

Submit five photos and your property plat, then join a virtual design meeting where our expert presents a CAD-drawn mockup of your screened porch. We discuss your vision, timeline, budget, and materials before providing a detailed estimate.

What should I prepare for an online design meeting with your screen porch contractor?

Have photos of your space, your property plat (scanned or photographed), your project timeline, budget range, material preferences, and usage goals ready. Our expert will guide you through questions to refine your vision.

Do you serve screen porch contractors in Maryland and Virginia?

Yes. Design Builders serves Montgomery County MD, Fairfax County VA, and the greater DMV including Bethesda, Potomac, McLean, Vienna, Arlington, and Alexandria with premium screened porch solutions.

How long does the online estimate process take?

Our streamlined online process dramatically reduces turnaround time. After your virtual design meeting, you'll receive a professional estimate quickly, allowing faster project planning and approval.

Can I discuss custom design ideas during the online meeting?

Absolutely. Your Design Builders expert is prepared to present CAD mockups and answer all your questions about materials, warm-weather versus year-round use, and your specific outdoor living vision.

Online Design and Estimate Process