FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
While it is impossible to cover every question that may arise, we will do our best to address the more common questions. It should be noted that these answers are general in nature and are not meant to specifically address your project. Therefore, it is important to always thoroughly review your specifications, proposal, plans, and contract to have a clear understanding of the process, as well as work being performed.
- 01
The short answer: no, we do not design in-house.
The better answer: We like to take an active role in helping you with your design and plans. Although we do not draw plans in house, we have a number of draftsman, designers (plans and interior), as well as architects we work with. We are happy to help with this process. In fact, we prefer to be a part of this process.
- 02
We do not have a set number of crews. Since we are identified as a construction management company, we subcontract most of the work. We ensure our subcontractors meet state and local standards on the following:
Licensed in their field.
Carry insurance. This may include General Liability, Worker’s Compensation, Commercial Auto, and umbrella.
Additionally, Gage takes an active role in cultivating relationships with our trade partners to ensure we are striving to produce the best product possible. We do this through on-site coaching, weekly activity communication, and quarterly meetings – just to mention a few.
Most of our trade partners we have been working with for many years and we do everything within reason to continue these relationships.
Gage does have the following employees:
Matt Gilpin – Owner
PJ Calcutt – Operations/project manager
Robin Gilpin - Accounting
- 03
There are three primary documents used throughout the process.
Plans (blueprints) – these should be as detailed as possible. Plans should include foundation/footers, elevations, floor plans, mechanical, and any detail sheets necessary.
Specifications – This document is a written document created by Gage Construction, and contributed to by the client. This should be very specific and fill in any gaps that may be missing from the plans. If there is discrepancy between the specifications and the plans, Gage will always defer to the specifications as taking precedence.
Contract – this document will detail the requirements for all parties involved. Simply put, this is the legal document.
During the bid and permitting phase, the main documents will be the plans and specifications. The contract will be executed when all parties decide to proceed with the project.
- 04
During the due diligence phase, you will typically be dealing directly with Matt. Matt will handle the initial meeting(s), rough estimates, document creation, bidding, and proposal.
If a proposal is accepted and a contract signed, we then will transition to the “hand-off” phase. This is where we will set a time with you, Matt and PJ (Project Manager) to meet and review the specifications/plans and any other relevant documents. This will be to familiarize PJ with the project and ensure all information is conveyed so we can start your project as efficiently and smoothly as possible.
After the hand-off, the project manager will take lead on the project. Matt will transition to an advisory role and handle all billing.
- 05
As with any project we undertake, Gage will take the following approach:
We will meet the current IRC, as adopted by the municipality the project takes place in. The IRC is code. Keep in mind, code should be viewed as the minimum requirement to meet Life/Safety for a home.
If applicable, we strive to meet Energy Star standards for new builds.
Gage uses the adopted South Carolina Residential Construction Standards.
Of course, most of the work Gage performs will far exceed the minimum standards required by code. Yet, each home is unique and the level of those standards will be dictated by the plans and specifications.