We love working with homeowners and especially the friendly folks who live in and around the Charlotte, NC area where we also live and work. Over the years we have found that the simple exercise of writing down the “pros and cons” of each remodeler you are considering really helps you in the decision-making process. You may wish to use a spreadsheet so you can check each of the following criteria against the individual contractors you are considering to ensure you’re getting the best company for the job. This will also help you understand what questions to ask during the interview process.

• Experienced in custom residential projects.
• Only involved in custom residential projects.  (This gives you focus and attention to detail.)
• Structured communication program to clients. (Returned phone calls, timely meetings, etc.)
• Payment terms based on progress.
• Licensed and bonded professionals and trades.
• Policy for protecting job site and your home.
• Photos and references from previous projects.
• Remodeling company owners on-site and actively engaged in the daily project.
• Remodeler provides a detailed quotation and handles  the business process with respect and leadership.
• Remodeler listens to you, the client, and involves you  through each phase of the project.
• Remodeler can do the project on my time and budget.
• Insured with both General Liability and Workers Comp.
• Remodeler has a plan to accommodate my active  family and household during the construction process.
• Remodeler really cares about me and my family because they have taken the time to listen and  respond accordingly.

Overall, who do you feel has you and your family’s  best interests at heart? Who do you feel will do the best job? Put a big check mark in their column!

Have I forgotten anything? Tell us about it. We’re here to help. Good luck!

– Doug

You want to remodel your home, but you’re unsure where to begin. We covered steps 1 and 2 in previous posts. Now it’s on to steps 3-9.

STEP 3: (Design/Build Only: from Step1)  Select the team and tell them what you want. They will usually charge separately for the design and for the construction.

STEP 4: Develop the Scope of Work. This includes drawings and a list of what will be done and why.  This is critical because what is done (Scope of Work) directly affects the cost of the work.

STEP 5:  Refine the Scope of Work. Once the “walls stop moving” you can move on to the details like:

• Selecting types of lighting
• Under floor heating
• Type of cabinets
• Type of trim, etc.

STEP 6:  Sign a production contract. Never start a major project on your house without a legal contract that  includes at least the following items:

• A clear written scope of work along with drawings or sketches.
• Allowance items listed with cost and a mechanism for reconciling at the end of the project.
• Options that were discussed, but not included in the base price.
• A list of items that are specifically excluded from the project.
• A clear start date.
• The contract amount and payment terms.
• A standard by which you can objectively evaluate the quality of work and craftsmanship.
• Clearly defined change order process and a transparent approach to pricing changes.
• An agreement on closeout, retention and payment of retention at the conclusion of the project.
• Warranty.
• Termination rights.
• Resolution process.
• Treatment of unforeseen conditions.

STEP 7:  Finalize the selections.

STEP 8:  Build It.

STEP 9:  Enjoy it!

We hope you find this information helpful. Post a comment if you have questions, or use our contact form.

Last week we covered the first step to getting started on your home remodeling project by helping you develop the “Why and What.” Now it’s time for…

Step 2:  Choose what type of process you will use: Design/Build or Design-Bid-Build

Design/Build
With Design/Build, you choose the designer/architect and construction team at the same time.  They can be from the same company or not.  This team then designs your project with your input.  The team will come up with a  preliminary design and budget.  Since the construction team is generating the budget it will be more accurate.  In addition, the team will generate a list of questions and concerns.  If there are any technical or construction
questions during the process, the construction team is available to answer them.  The benefts of Design/Build is a smoother and usually shorter design process and a smoother construction process.

Design-Bid-Build
With Design-Bid-Build you design the project with the architect or designer.  Then you have several contractors bid on the design.  If there are question or you have to adjust the scope of work, you take the design back to the  designer and have it re-quoted.  You repeat this cycle until you are satisfed with the design and costs …  Then you build it.

Next week: Selecting a team and other steps to completing the project.

Imagine having a wine room in your home.

Remodeling your home can be a daunting prospect, but it doesn’t have to be. There are hundreds of questions like:

• How do I start?
• How do I choose a contractor?
• How do I know what to do?
• What’s the best __________ to use for my application?
• With all the product claims, how do I know what is best?
• How do I choose a contractor?
• How can I get an “apples to apples” comparison of different contractor quotes?

Our first series of blog posts will attempt to outline some basic steps to get you on your way to the home of your dreams.

Step 1:  Why & What
Write down why you want to change your home and what areas you think you need to change.

• What do you like about the space?
• What don’t you like about the space?
• How do you currently use the space?
• How will you use it in the future?
• How many people will be using the area? How often?
• Do you want a casual or formal feel?

Clip pictures and articles you see that best describe what you are looking for and what elements you like in each.  Then make a quick note of what you like in each photo and attach it.

Next week: Design/Build or Design-Bid-Build?