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.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 15th, 2011 at 9:54 pm and is filed under Remodeling, Remodeling Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.