The BIDS System™

“Budget Informed Design Services — Our proprietary 5-phase process that protects your vision, time, and budget from day one.”

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Why Most Plans Never Get Built

According to the Association of Professional Builders, 80% of construction plans are never built.

Why? Because clients often design homes with no clear understanding of what it will cost to build. Traditional drafters work in isolation, disconnected from real-world construction costs — especially when it comes to variations in size, complexity, or finish quality.

That’s where the BIDS System™ steps in.

Instead of starting with a blueprint and hoping the budget fits, we start with the budget and design within it. As a result, this shift saves time, money, and frustration — and makes sure your dream home doesn't stay a dream.

"80% of construction plans are never built." - Association of Professional Builders

We Start With the Budget, Not the Blueprint

Carroll Construction created the BIDS System™ (Budget Informed Design Services) to solve one of the most expensive problems in homebuilding: planning a house you can’t afford to build.

Rather than rely on assumptions, we guide clients through a structured, five-phase process where every decision connects back to real costs. For example, we help you understand how square footage, structural choices, and finish levels affect your total investment.

In other words, we match your vision to your budget at every step.

As a result, your design feels grounded — and your budget stays in control.

The 5 Phases of the BIDS System™

Phase 1: Conceptual Estimate

We begin with a budget consultation and create a conceptual floor plan. You’ll receive layout ideas and a rough pricing snapshot — all before you invest in full design work.

Phase 2: Preliminary Budget Estimate

Next, we refine your layout and align it with actual construction considerations. As pricing gets clearer, we work with you to test scope and make informed choices. In doing so, we help prevent costly surprises later.

Phase 3: Finish Selections

You’ll meet with our in-house designer to begin selecting finishes. At this stage, we compare your preferences to vendor quotes and align them with your allowances. Therefore, you stay within budget while still achieving your personal style.

Phase 4: Site Visit and Vendor Walkthrough

We schedule vendor visits to your site to gather accurate numbers for dirt work, utilities, and any scope-specific needs. To clarify, this includes costs for house pads, gas lines, sewer connections, and more. These details help us fine-tune your budget and prepare for construction.

Phase 5: Final Plans and Budget

Finally, we produce your construction documents and collect trade bids. The package includes REScheck (for energy compliance), finalized specifications, and everything your lender needs to approve financing and permits. In the end, you’re fully prepared to build.

Why the BIDS System™ Works

  • Designs that get built – Every plan is shaped by real-world pricing from day one.

  • Budget clarity – You know what you’re spending as the design evolves.

  • Better use of time and money – You avoid wasting effort on unbuildable plans.

  • Contractor + designer teamwork – Our team supports you through every phase.

Ultimately, the BIDS System keeps your design, expectations, and budget working together.

Acadian Farmhouse for Carroll

Design Smart. Design Informed. Build With Confidence.

Don’t start your project in the dark. The BIDS System™ gives you clarity, control, and confidence from the very first sketch.

Whether you're building your forever home or right-sizing into your next chapter, our team helps you make informed decisions — with design that feels personal and pricing that feels grounded.

Above all, we help you build something worth building.

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Carroll Construction, Building Contractors, Zachary, LA

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IMPORTANT LOAN CONSIDERATIONS

Your budget is the foundation for every other decision you will make while preparing to build a home because it provides context for what is possible. Most people attempt to answer the question of “What is my budget?” by simply deciding how much they would be comfortable spending. Unfortunately, while this is a crucial part of the process, it ignores the rest of the picture. We advise our clients to answer the following questions in the order below. However, if you are self-financing the project, skip to question #3.

1. How much will a financial institution lend me?

This sets what we refer to as your Maximum Loan Amount.

2. What type of loan will I need?

This is where many people get confused because if you ask the wrong questions when interviewing lenders, you’ll get vastly different answers. We recommend reviewing the information in this article on the loan type you will need before meeting with your lending candidates.

3. How much am I willing to spend?

Just because a lender is will to lend up to your Maximum Loan Amount, this does not mean you will be willing to borrow and spend that amount. Consider the monthly payments as a starting point and adjust your Budget amount from there. Your chosen lender can help you with this.

4. What can I reasonably expect to build for what I am willing to spend?

This answer will come from a qualified builder during your preliminary meeting. Be prepared to discuss your budget so that the builder can help you get a better idea of what size home to design to meet your goals.

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7 things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home


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