We're excited to share our nine-step remodel process with you through our client's eyes. We will showcase each step within succeeding newsletters until we cover all nine steps. Please contact us with your questions and comments as we go through the process.

If we were to have multiple bidders, we would soon damage the relationship we have worked so hard to build over the years. We have found that a multiple-bidder process may save a few dollars on the front end, but you can then expect to incur multiple change orders. It's challenging to establish solid relationships with trade partners when you're not working together consistently. We pride ourselves on working with proven, quality subcontractors who charge fair prices.

There is always a lot of energy on subcontractors' day. We like to have the homeowners present for their input. The Designer and Project Coordinator guide the subcontractors through the project, each posing a set of unique questions and sharing insights into their craft. For a whole-house remodel with an addition that may include foundation work, we have had up to 14 tradespeople, resulting in a fully packed day. In the case of the Jones’, there were 5 (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, painting, & drywall).

For subcontractors and vendors who don’t need to participate in the walk-through, the Coordination team sends them the design documents. These include vendors who provide windows, doors, flooring, countertops, cabinets, tile, and other materials. For these people, the walk-through wouldn’t be helpful. The Project Coordination team compiles 15-30 incoming costs and specifications. The figures are systematically entered into the project software to develop the Time and Materials Contract, budget, and schedule.

Following the subcontractor day, we set a meeting date three weeks out with the Jones family. The meeting was held at the Shirey Home Pro offices to discuss the findings in relation to the feasibility aspect of the design agreement. We presented 30-50 cost codes that represented every aspect of the project. The project's scope of work was documented within the Construction Specification. If something doesn't appear in the Construction Specifications, it's not part of the project. We strive to leave nothing to chance, relying on neither verbal agreements nor handshakes. Not because people are dishonest, but because we all have the tendency to forget, which can easily lead to problems that could have been avoided if we had only had it in writing.

As we finalized the construction budget, we sent out a copy of the construction specification to allow the Jones family to read through it in its entirety before our office meeting. We purposefully left out the project cost in an attempt to allow the Jones family to focus on the detailed scope of work. It is always more efficient if we can address the client’s questions and comments on the project rather than needing to legitimize each line of the costs.

When the Joneses visited the office to review their project, we were prepared to answer any of their questions and dive into the project's finer details. We lay out all of our notes from the beginning, the design specification that contains the finishes, 3D renderings from our Designers, line drawings, elevation drawings, photos, vendor and subcontractor documents with associated costs, and the construction schedule. It was important to convey to the Joneses the amount of work that was involved in crafting their dream project. Doing so aids the client in justifying the price tag.

It was then time to present the estimated construction cost. At this point, we had been partnering with the Jones family for about 12 weeks. Our relationship was increasingly more comfortable and positive. As we knew this was going to be a big investment for the Joneses, we empathized and stressed right along with them when we revealed the numbers.

Even with our best intentions, we can sometimes land outside of our client’s preliminary construction estimate range. The cause of this is often due to inflation, shortages, other market conditions, regulations, and/or because the client's wish list and dreams have grown during the design process. In such cases, we compile a spreadsheet that outlines the potential areas for cost reduction. This helps to minimize expenses while continuing to deliver a spectacular project.

We always consider every aspect of the project. Many of our considerations depend on the client’s priorities. The Joneses decided to postpone the replacement of the exterior concrete steps with a ramp and retaining wall, the installation of the new concrete walkways, the reduction of the size of the porch, and the exterior paint refresh until next spring. Once they have some time to rebuild their remodeling account, they can choose to tackle these items in the future. The new siding we have installed will be pre-primed and caulked, so it is safe to wait until next spring to paint.

In Jones’ situation, other factors that contributed to the increased construction cost were the addition of new heating and air conditioning, an expanded laundry cabinet plan, a replumb of the entire home, most of the electrical work with a new service panel, crawl space and attic cleaning, a new vapor barrier, and insulation throughout. The Jones family felt these items could not be compromised on and pushed their budget up over $350,000. With our insight, the Joneses came to an understanding that it was best to have 10-20% in reserve for anything unexpected, and this before tax. With excited anticipation, the Joneses put their trust in us, and we signed the construction agreement.

The next question was how soon can we start? That depended on how soon we could obtain our approved permits.

In our upcoming quarterly newsletter, we will discuss the Permit Approval process.