We specialize in high-end, custom residential construction in the Fort Worth area. From new ground-up estates to large-scale finish-outs, we partner with discerning clients, architects, and designers to deliver timeless, detail-driven homes.
Pre-construction is the planning phase before building begins. During this time, we:
· Establish and refine your budget
· Create a preliminary schedule
· Coordinate with your architect and designer
· Identify scope gaps and value opportunities
· Manage the bid process for trade partners
This process lays the foundation for a well-run project and minimizes surprises during construction.
Yes. Our pre-construction services are offered independently or as the first phase of a full build. This gives you the flexibility to plan your project thoroughly before committing to construction.
Our goal with pre-construction is to be completely transparent throughout the process, but to do this correctly, it takes hours of phone calls, meetings, estimation time, and research to get you these correct estimates for the budget and schedule. Our team will be completely invested in your project with skin in the game, so you can trust that we are not going to just give you a bid number to win the project and then deal with the real cost later. We will factor your wants, needs, and non-negotiable to help build a beautiful, safe, and comfortable house for you and your family that is within budget and built within a reasonable timeline.
CONCEPTUAL PLANS
Tiered Level Budget
General Scope Narrative
Phase Schedule
DD SET OF PLANS
Detailed Take-offs and Cost Estimation
Information Gathered from Trade Partners, Vendors, Designer, Architect and Client.
CD SET OF PLANS
Scope clearly defined and signed off by Trade Partners.
Hard bids and selection costs used to create final budget.
Budget created.
Construction Contract Signed.
DELIVERABLES:
Final Scope & Specifications
Budget Report
Project Schedule (finalized after final contract signed).
The key first phase of a construction project before any physical work begins
Establishing financial feasibility, managing risk, and making informed decisions.
From flooring to tile to the kitchen sink there's many decisions to make.
Weekly, bi-weekly or virtual meetings to review project progress and modifications.
A report sent every Tuesday with job photos and three week schedule timeline.
Our Friday video updates are a client favorite and a great way to end the week!
At key milestone phases to review real-time Job costing budget in BuilderTrend.
We use a cost-plus transparent invoicing model with clear documentation. Clients see every vendor invoice, fee, and markup. We track actual vs. estimated costs regularly and hold budget update meetings throughout the project.
We use BuilderTrend software to keep everything organized and visible—from schedules and approvals to invoices and daily updates. From your computer or phone, you can easily log into your personalized portal to see how your project is progressing. We believe the home building process should be easier, faster and more transparent for us and our clients. That’s why we use Buildertrend.
Buildertrend is the leading residential construction management platform trusted by builders, remodelers and contractors across the globe. Their technology brings order and efficiency to the building journey by providing an all-in-one solution for running a better construction business.
With Buildertrend, we can:
• Stay on top of all job details and files in one place
• Keep clients in the loop every step of the way
• Avoid surprises and costly mistakes
Investing in your home is a huge decision – and you should feel confident when picking the team for the job.
By working with a contractor who uses Buildertrend, you’re choosing someone who:
• Creates precise timelines and runs efficient jobs
• Delivers accurate estimates and convenient contracts
• Stays on budget and performs quality work
• Communicates progress with clients throughout the build
You can log in from your computer or phone, and it’s free for you to use. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about your project and how it’s progressing – and you can send us messages directly in the portal whenever you have a question or concern. We’re proud to be a Buildertrend user and know you’ll enjoy the experience when you choose to work with our team.
Absolutely. While we don’t offer in-house design, our project coordinators work closely with your interior designer and architect to track selections, manage timelines, and help ensure no detail is missed.
Yes. Most of our work is with clients who already have a design team in place. We excel at collaborating with established professionals to execute their vision with precision.
Yes. J Kellam Builder is fully insured, and we carry general liability, workers comp, and builder’s risk policies for every project. We also ensure all subcontractors are properly licensed and insured.
· 50+ years of combined luxury building experience
· Deep collaboration with architects and designers
· Transparent, organized systems
· Thorough client communication
· A reputation for trust, integrity, and delivering on promises
Final checklist of incomplete tasks, fixes, or repairs that must be completed.
JKellam stands behind our work with responsive post construction care.