So you’ve decided to remodel or build a new custom home.  Now what?

Should you hire an Architect or Designer?  Should you find a contractor first?  Can the contractor provide the plans?  Do you even need plans?

What if you could find all the answers in one place?  That would be convenient wouldn’t it?

That’s where we come in.

I can help you determine your specific project needs.  Each project and client is unique- but the process is almost always the same.  There’s a logical order that a successful project necessarily must follow.  Skip a step and you’re likely to have a more stressful, costly experience.  That’s why I’ve developed my project development process.  I call it-

How to build a great project in 9 simple steps

Step One: Initial Consultation

Let’s meet and determine if we want to work together.  Do we communicate well?  Is the project scope and budget workable?  If yes, let’s go to step 2.

Step Two: Conceptual Phase

Draw preliminary plans

Develop a preliminary Scope of Work (Iterate as necessary)

Create cost estimate (Iterate as necessary)

Step Three: Selections Phase

Make product selections

Add selection information to Scope of Work

Minimize use of allowances as much as possible.  Setting allowances instead of making decisions tends to create problems later with ordering and pricing.  Some exceptions are ok as long as they are documented and included on the schedule with a deadline for making the final selection

Step Four: Detailed Plans Phase

Add details to the plans such as cabinet elevations, electrical layout, exterior details, construction details, engineering, etc.  Plans and Scope of Work should be consistent and support each other.

Step Five: Bid Phase

Decide on potential subcontractors and request bids from them

Hold on-site meeting for subs who need to see the site

Email plans and Scope of Work to subs who can bid from plans

Review bids for accuracy.  Select winning bidders.

Step Six: Contract Phase

Finalize all contract documents- plans, Scope of Work, project cost and payment schedule.

Present contract

Sign contract, receive down payment and go to Pre-production phase

Step Seven: Pre-production Phase

Obtain permits

Create project schedule

Pre-start meeting

Order materials

Work orders to subs

Step Eight: Production Phase

Build the project according to the schedule, plans, Scope of Work

Monitor progress

Arrange necessary inspections

Step Nine: Completion Phase

Pre-completion walk-through (generate written punchlist)

Finish punchlist items

Final sign-off

Complete- ‘All Expectations Met’

Ok, so it’s not all that simple, but it is effective.  Bear in mind that homes are complex systems.  There are a lot of moving parts to any remodel project and you will benefit by working with a Contractor who carefully guides you through the entire process.  We have developed our system based on years of experience- learning from mistakes- and by asking the question, “what does the ‘ideal’ project look like?”.

To find out how you can benefit from our 9 step process, drop us a line here