Our Remodel Process
Remodeling has a lot of moving parts, and we know it can be confusing and stressful. We are passionate about providing our clients with a true service: having a contractor who you can trust, who can turn your vision to reality, and who understands the importance of your home. Ongoing project communication, from initial meeting to project completion, is key to a successful remodel experience. Read on for an understanding of how our client-focused process will best serve you. You can also find answers to your questions at our FAQ’s page.
Step 1: The Initial Meeting
Usually takes about 1.5 – 2 hours, but can vary depending on project size | No CostAt the initial meeting, Buck will take a deep dive into your vision for your home and assess the space. He will talk you through different options, tell you more about our business, and typically provide you with a ballpark range of cost. If you are comfortable with this price point and feel that we are the best company to trust with your project, we will enter into our remodel process through a Professional Services Agreement. This allows you to get our full attention during the planning phase of your project, which is critical to having a smooth remodel.
Step 2: The Professional Services Agreement (PSA)
Typically signed soon after the Initial MeetingThrough signing a Professional Services Agreement (PSA), you are allowing us the necessary time to put together a detailed scope of work that assures you a quality, completed project at a guaranteed price. The PSA does not obligate you to enter a final contract with us and you own the results of the design work covered by the PSA. Should you decide to sign a final construction contract, the retainer and any other billable hour charges will be credited toward the first draw of the construction payment plan.
Step 3: The Project Development Plan
Typically received within 5 business days of signing a PSAAfter a PSA is signed, we will create a Project Development Plan. This simple document highlights key steps throughout our Project Development Phase. Steps such as: creating 3D renderings, selecting a preferred layout, making material selections, meeting subcontractors on-site, and refining the scope of work to a fixed bid contract. The execution plan holds all of us accountable to most efficiently use your project development time.
Step 4: The Project Vision Details
Typically completed shortly after the Project Development Plan is submitted
The Project Vision Details is a very short questionnaire that gets to the heart of every project: what are your primary objectives with this project, what are your stylistic goals, and what are your budgetary guidelines. At this point, we likely already know the answers to some of these questions, but this questionnaire provides us, client and contractor, with the opportunity to be on the same page and regroup before spending time on design. For some clients, their objectives may be mostly functional; for others, mainly aesthetic. For some clients, they have a fixed budget we cannot exceed; for others, the budget is more of a general range, or maybe completely flexible. As your contractor, having this budgetary information from day 1 of project development helps us to use our design time wisely, and guide you through the many decisions involved in a renovation.
Step 5: Project Design & Development
Small or medium projects: 4 – 8 weeks
Large projects: 8 – 12+ weeks
Now comes the fun part: designing & planning your project! We will create layout options & 3D renders, walk you through selecting materials, cabinetry design, and create a Scope of Work / Design Package. We will meet with some of our subcontractors on site to get their expert opinion on your project and collect cost proposals from each of them. This allows you to know the price of your project before the first hammer is swung.
First, we will create a few designs or layout options for you to choose from using our 3D rendering software. We will communication via email, Zoom, and in person meetings to present few layout options, receive your comments, and spend as much time as you need to finalize the basic layout of your space.
To complete your Scope of Work / Design Package, we will walk you through selecting materials and finalizing the cabinetry design. We will need to meet with some of our subcontractors on-site to get their expert opinion on your project and collect cost estimates from each of them. This allows you to know the true price of your project before the first hammer is swung.
Step 6: The Price Proposal & Final Contract
Presented at completion of the Project Development phaseAfter project development is complete, we will present you with your final Scope of Work / Design Package, along with your fixed Cost Proposal. In most cases, we will have a good idea of our construction timeline at this point. After a down payment is submitted, we place your project on our construction schedule and begin ordering materials.
Step 7: The Construction Phase
Small to medium projects: 3 – 8 weeksLarge projects: 2 – 4+ months
Finally, we’ve reached the construction phase. Our project manager, David, will be present throughout every step of the remodel. He will coordinate all subcontractors and meet them on site, communicate with you regularly, answer questions, and problem solve when unexpected problems arise. He will also handle all change orders should they be necessary, or should you simply change your mind about something. Our lead carpenters will also be on site regularly, as they complete the demo, cabinetry, trim work, and assist our project manager with on site supervision when necessary.
Step 8: Project Completion: Final Clean & Punch List
Typically the final 1 – 3 days of a projectCleanliness is a BIG deal for us, not only at the completion of a project but throughout the course of the remodel. We have an air scrubber on-site during demolition, protect all surfaces from construction dust and debris, and clean up at the end of every workday. Likewise, before a project is completed, we thoroughly clean your space. You will also put together a “punch list,” a list of all the minor things you want us to address before your project is finished. We will check off every item before collecting the final payment.
Step 9: Final Photos & End of Project Survey
Typically within 2 weeks after project completion
For most projects, we request a time to bring our photographer on site for final, professional photos. High quality images of our projects play a huge role in our marketing, and we are always so grateful for our clients allowing us the time to get them. At this meeting, or at a separate time, we also complete an End of Project Survey with our clients: we are always looking for ways to better serve our clients.
Step 10: Enjoy your new space!