PLANNING AND BUDGETING PROCESS: 1) Obtain architectural drawings or design documents. 2) Schedule meeting on-site and review project goals and basic design concepts. 3) Submit preliminary estimate. 4) Discuss estimate and determine budget amount. 5) Submit 2% retainer for budgeted amount. 6) Confirm target start date. 7) Confirm target date for architectural/design...
design tips & resources, money & budgets A GOOD GENERAL CONTRACTOR WILL DO THREE IMPORTANT THINGS FOR YOU: 1) PROVIDE YOU WITH A CLEAR, DETAILED, ACCURATE ESTIMATE FOR YOUR PROJECT. 2) MANAGE YOUR PROJECT WELL. 3) BUILD YOUR HOME BEAUTIFULLY. Sadly, too often, they don’t. Sometimes that is...
Considering buying a fixer upper? Or just looking to make some upgrades? Or want to go all out and build your dream home? We recently had drinks with Jeff Pelletier of Board & Vellum, a local architecture and design firm, and got a super rough guide...
design tips & resources, money & budgets It’s the big question, right? You’re dreaming of a new kitchen or bathroom remodel, and YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT IS GOING TO COST YOU. Let’s get you some answers. (BTW, this is a looooong post. Click here to skip to the numbers.) Before...
If you’re planning to remodel your bathroom, you want to update the look, increase resale value, add functionality, amenities and storage or a combination of all or some of these. Simple enough. But the scope of the project depends on a variety factors — most of...
Seems that whenever I meet a potential new client, the first question is, “How much will this project cost?” I then try to explain that this is like asking, “How long is a piece of string?” You see, there are just too many things that will...
So you’re ready to remodel that bathroom. Congratulations! As you probably already know, you’ve got some tasks ahead of you. Even with the help of a professional bathroom designer and a general contractor who will take care of the construction and installation, a lot of...
NARI offers tips in honor of National Home Improvement Month Des Plaines, Ill., May 1, 2015— In honor of National Home Improvement Month this May, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) advises homeowners of the 10 most important steps to take before the remodeling...
Scope of Work Defines Project Estimate Accuracy In any new construction, remodel or renovation project the accuracy of your project estimate is defined by the details presented in your scope of work. Without a detailed project scope, you are leaving it up to the bidding contractors to...