| While each project takes on its own unique set of steps and stages, the following represents how a typical project would unfold. Initial Telephone Consultation - We ask that a homeowner aside ten to twenty minutes to talk about the project.
- During the initial phone conversation, we usually ask about the owners' desires and expectations to get an overall feel for what is envisioned.
- We ask about any plans or drawings that have been generated for the project as well as budgets or expectations relative to the investment parameters.
- We encourage homeowners to ask us tough questions about our experiences and how we would approach their project to make sure we have a good foundation for a mutually beneficial working relationship.
- If everyone is in agreement, we schedule a time to meet at the project site to learn more about the project, the existing structure(s), and each other. We may ask the homeowner to jot down their thoughts about the project and their past experiences for us to review when we meet (see below).
Homeowner's Thought-Organizer (optional) - Gather sketches, notes, photos, magazine clippings, and other data that has guided thoughts and inspiration for the project thus far.
- Develop a written list under headings Must Have, Would Like to Have, and Can Do Without.
- Write in one or two paragraphs what the new space will do/be (i.e. be a sanctuary for relaxation after work, be a hub for family gatherings, be a great place to entertain large parties, etc.).
- Prioritize, in writing, quality, price, and size (what order is most important).
- Write down a single statement that describes how involved you want to be in the project (i.e. we will be out of town a lot and want to rely heavily on our contractor, we will be at the site all day, every day making sure the work is done correctly, etc.)
- Write down a budget (for entire project).
- List prior remodeling or construction projects and the results (i.e. hired a good contractor for a kitchen remodel and project came out fine, hired a schmuck to build us a deck and project was a disaster, etc.).
- Put down in writing something about a schedule, time frame, and/or sense of urgency for getting the project completed (i.e. we must the project completed by November 1st, we would like it done soon but are in no real hurry, we can wait until we can get what we want for what we are willing to spend, etc.).
Initial Meeting/Consultation - We meet the homeowners at their home or project site (if two owners, we prefer to meet with both) to assess existing structure(s) and review the Homeowner's Thought-Organizer notes and projects drawings (if they exist)
- We will present as much or as little about us, our experience, etc. as desired to make sure the homeowner is comfortable with us and our ability to meet their desires.
- If project drawings are available, we usually will (with the homeowner's invitation) take a set or two to study and develop an initial, preliminary budget.
- If project drawings are not available, we will likely suggest some sort of design proposal as the next step.
- If the project overview suggests that the budget might not fit the homeowners desires or that the project may encounter other difficult-to-overcome hurdles, we may suggest a Feasibility Study (see below).
Design Phase (assuming use of our design services) - First, the homeowner (usually with our help) decides the extent of the design services desired.
- Then we get to work on the architectural and landscape designs since they will dictate the overall structural elements. See Architectural Design Services and Landscape Design Services for more information on our capabilities in these areas.
- If our Interior Design Services are also selected, we bring in that professional early (and often) to make sure that each facet of the project is considered with the level of importance it deserves.
Feasibility Study (optional) - Most feasibility studies are completed to make sure that a designed project can be built for the budget allowed and that no insurmountable impediments are going to deter the successful completion of the project.
- Our Feasibility Studies usually include hand-drawn or basic computer-generated sketches of elevations and floor plans as well as investigation of local zoning, neighborhood, and set-back requirements.
- We typically produce a set of preliminary specifications along with a preliminary budget.
- If the feasibility study suggests that the project can be built within parameters acceptable to the homeowner, we move forward to completing the design, specifications, budgets, and schedules.
Construction Proposal - Once the design and specifications are completed we are able to produce a Construction Proposal, in which we will detail how we suggest we help the homeowner with the building of the project and/or the management of the design/build team.
Construction Phase - We help the homeowner prepare for the remodeling project by, first and foremost, by communicating what will happen and when it will happen.
- We protect the homeowner's property by installing dust screens and floor protection wherever the home may be susceptible to such and provide floor protection for any already improved area we may need to traverse.
- We usually work weekdays during normal work hours but may ask for permission to work later in the day or on Saturdays as required to keep to the schedule.
- We coordinate all labor, materials, craftspeople, building officials, and engineers.
- We help the homeowner enjoy the process by providing daily updates on progress.
Warranty Phase - We provide a two year warranty on our work and will repair any defect during that period.
- We provide the homeowner with the documents that convey for any warranty provided by material manufacturers or installers (such as roofing or heating and air installations).
This may seem like a lot of work and it is (but for us - not you, the homeowner). Call us today if you are considering most any sort of improvement to your home. You'll be glad you did. |
