Our Home Remodeling Process
Professional Services Agreement
Remodeling your home is a significant financial investment. A wise homeowner doesn't make investments without knowing exactly what is involved. Many remodeling projects are pretty straight-forward in terms of establishing pricing. However, there are a few projects that require many hours of design time, material selections, product selections, on-site conditions inspection and review. These types of projects are usually kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, basement finishing, and additions.
In cases where we are unable to provide our clients with an exact price to complete your project to your specifications, we enter into a Professional Services Agreement. This is a two phase agreement. Phase one requires a retainer of 1% of the anticipated budget for the proposed project. Phase two requires a retainer of 10% of the anticipated budget for the proposed project.
Our initial conversation with prospective clients is usually by phone.
During the course of this conversation, we want to learn a little about you and your home and what you would like to accomplish in terms of a remodeling project. This conversation typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. Our goal for this conversation is to discuss the scope of work to be reviewed, determine the best course of action, and to schedule an appointment to meet you at your home.
On-site consultation.
This meeting is always at no cost or obligation to you. During our first meeting in your home, we want to accomplish the following:
- Present our credentials and further explain our process
- Take a tour of your home
- Establish your wish list for remodeling or improvements
- Evaluate the feasibility of the project
- Establish a budget range for the project(s)
- Establishing a budget for your project is an essential part of our process. Too many times we have seen plans developed and specifications prepared for a remodeling project that did not meet the clients' budget. Then the plans sit on a shelf collecting dust. Once a budget is established, every aspect of the process revolves around this goal.
Feasibility Study.
If it's concluded that a Feasibility study is the course of action necessary at the on-site meeting, we will take the following actions:
- For additions, we will verify the set back property lines, zoning regulations, determine if home owner association regulations apply, and verify permitting requirements.
- For kitchen, bathroom, and basement projects, we will take photos of the existing conditions, take measurements, and examine the existing electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems.
- Prepare preliminary generic specifications based on one concept.
- Prepare conceptual drawings limited to one concept.
- Make a decision whether to move to the next step which is a Professional Services agreement.
Professional Services/Design Agreement - Phase One.
If we agree to proceed with this agreement through the Feasibility Study, we will develop actual project costs by working with you and our team of suppliers and trade specialists. During this phase we will:
- Refine the designs
- Obtain preliminary material and trade quotes
- Prepare detailed scope of work and specifications
- Assist client with product selections
- Prepare comprehensive construction project quote sheet
Professional Services/Design Agreement- Phase Two.
This phase is used for additions and bathroom projects that are heavy on product selections. During this phase you can expect:
- Refined design drawings
- Confirming all material and product selections
- Confirm material and trade quotes
- Prepare comprehensive construction agreement
Construction Phase is Scheduled.
Once the construction agreement has been executed, this phase includes obtaining the building permit, scheduling a pre-start project review with all of the key players, including the client, production manager, lead carpenter, designer, etc.
