Our Process - The PSW EDGE

 
The EDGE Logo

Introducing the PSW EDGE

For over 38 years, PSW has been developing and perfecting a detailed and systematic client fulfillment process to educate and guide each of our clients from concept to completion and every step in between.

The PSW EDGE is a structured system designed to provide Exceptional living through a Detailed process of Guidance and Education.

Every member of the PSW team has a specialized role in the process and will guide and educate you every step of the way. As you move from one step to the next, you can be certain that your experience with PSW will be seamless.

Every goal MUST be accomplished prior to proceeding to the next step of the process. One step starts where another ends. Each successful step provides our clients with a deliverable and earns another layer of trust.

 

STOP THE CHAOS!

Building that living space you've been dreaming of is exciting. A fresh start for your family's story. A refuge where you can live, grow, and love, and make memories that will last a lifetime. But it's easy to underestimate the upheaval this journey will bring to your life.

Breaking Through the
Typical Experience

Thinking about all of the moving parts involved in planning, organizing, and managing a project can be extremely overwhelming. In fact, it is one of the main reasons that homeowners don't move forward.

 

Homeowners typically end up asking themselves the same questions over and over...

  • What will it cost to have an amazing space?

  • Will I spend too much?

  • Will I hire the right firm?

  • Will I get what I paid for?

  • WHERE DO I START?

Unfortunately, typical companies either can’t or won’t provide you with a good answer to these questions. That’s simply not right.

  • Phase I - Discovery

    Phase I

    The Discovery Phase

  • Phase II - Conception

    Phase II

    The Conception Phase

  • Phase III - Coordination

    Phase III

    The Coordination Phase

  • Phase IV - Creation

    Phase IV

    The Creation Phase

  • Phase V - Fulfillment

    Phase V

    The Fulfillment Phase

Phase I: The Discovery Phase

Phase I - Discovery
 

Step 1: The Introduction

Your first point of contact with PSW is our intake specialist. Their primary goal when speaking with you for the first time is to learn about your vision. They will lead you through a series of questions developed to ensure we have a thorough understanding of who you are, what you are looking for, and how PSW can assist you. All details from your conversation will be entered into our project management system and assigned to the appropriate project director(s) who specialize in the type of project you are looking to complete.

Step 2: The Discussion

Once we have a better understanding of you and your vision, your project director will schedule a 30-60 minute phone conversation to discuss the elements of your vision in more detail and answer any questions you may have about our process.

Once they have a more detailed understanding of what you are looking for and have educated you on the process and next steps, they will schedule an on-site visit to get a better understanding of the space.

Step 3: The Visit

With a detailed knowledge of your vision, the project director will visit your residence (or the project site, if different) to get acquainted with the layout of the property, further discuss your vision, and discuss, in detail, options and price points based on the property and your feedback.

Once both parties agree that the vision can be accomplished in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and within your budget, a Vision Agreement will be developed. The PSW Vision Agreement is an agreement that PSW will create a detailed and accurate design (with lifelike 3D renderings) to the exact specifications of your property. PSW designs are not “pretty pictures”; they accurately represent the project and provide a detailed 3D overview of your vision.

Phase II: The Conception Phase

Phase II - Conception
 

Step 4: The Creation of the Vision

Accuracy is essential to a great design. The PSW design team leaves nothing to chance. Through the use of advanced site data technology and information from your property plan, the design team will create a detailed and accurate 3D model of your home and property.

They will then collaborate with your project director to develop a concept that is to scale and completely unique.

Step 5: The Cost Breakout

To provide you with the most accurate and detailed estimate, our project directors wait until the preliminary design is completed before they compile any cost estimates. Because the design is created to scale, your project director will be able to produce a detailed and accurate itemized cost breakout.

Each estimate is fully customized, and all elements are laid out and priced separately to ensure clarity and transparency.

Step 6: The Presentation

Once the preliminary design and estimate are completed, the project director will set up a virtual or in-person meeting to present the design. The design team will walk you through each element of the project and explain the thoughts and reasoning behind every design decision. With the 3D rendering, they will be able to show you the project from any angle you wish and make changes on the fly based on your preferences and opinions. During the presentation, the project director will discuss the costs and material options for each individual element and answer any follow-up questions you may have.

It is important to note that the design is not set in stone at this point and changes can still be made moving forward.

Phase III: The Coordination Phase

Phase III - Coordination
 

Step 7: The Signing

Once the preliminary design and proposal have been agreed upon, your project director will develop a project contract that includes the complete scope of work, schedules, warranties, stipulations, and any other relevant information pertaining to the project.

As with the vision agreement, all documents can be reviewed and signed digitally. A retainer will also be collected at this point to reserve your place on the construction schedule.

Step 8: The Coordination

Once under contract, you will be introduced to the Supply Chain Manager. Their role is to educate you on the process of coordinating all logistics and material selections for the project. The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for working with the design team to manage and organize all logistical items prior to the creation of your new space. They also coordinate permit approval (HOA and/or township), material & product selections/deliveries, and the PA One Call (utilities).

The importance of detailed coordination is something that is often overlooked and can lead to significant delays and additional costs.

Step 9: The Preparation

While you, as a client, are not involved with this step, it is an extremely important part of the PSW process. Roughly a week before the scheduled start of the project, all specialists involved in the project, along with the trade partners contracted to bring your dream to reality, meet to ensure all parties are on the same page to ensure a smooth and efficient project work flow.

Phase IV: The Creation Phase

 

Step 10: The Layout

Just before groundbreaking, your project manager will reach out to you to introduce themselves and schedule the job layout.

During the job layout, the designer will walk the entire site and lay out the project by marking the areas of each element of the project.

With the layout in progress, the project manager will review the overall layout with you and discuss the projected construction schedule and relevant milestones to be aware of during construction.

Step 11: The Creation

Once construction of your project has begun, the project manager is your primary point of contact. To streamline the process and save you the hassle of speaking to several different crews, the project manager will serve as a liaison between you and the field crews. The project manager is responsible for addressing any questions or comments you may have about the project.

All projects are constructed by PSW Trusted Trade Partners. These skilled contractors are contracted based on their skills and reputation. Because PSW continuously evaluates and educates our partners, you can be confident that they are professional, complete work to the highest industry standards, and work well as a team.

During the project, the project manager will ensure crews are conducting themselves in a professional manner and completing all work to industry standards and according to the contract.

As the project nears completion, you will join the project manager, the trade partners, on a final walk through of the project to determine what final items still need to be completed. It is important to note that every element in a design was chosen to work together with the other elements. As certain milestones are completed, elements may not “look right” or may appear to be “out of place”. Rest assured that, once the project is completed, the elements chosen will complement the overall look and functionality of the project.

Phase V: The Fulfillment Phase

 

Step 12: The Result

Once the project is completed and paid in full, you are now part of the PSW family. We want to be a resource for you and your family moving forward. If needed, any warranty items will be addressed during this stage. We can also provide our partners as references for other products and services you may need down the line.