So, just what is a remodeler?

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Sheila Bruce
6 years ago
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So, just what is a remodeler? Remodelers take your dreams and aspirations and transfer them into reality. We change an intangible concept into a substantive result.

1 So, just what is a remodeler? Remodelers take your dreams and aspirations and transfer them into reality. We change an intangible concept into a substantive result. Please understand that we do this without the luxury and benefits of prototypes or the ideal environment of a factory. We must bring our manpower, equipment, and extremely diversified materials to your home. In addition, we depend on as many as a dozen or more different subcontractors, plus many material suppliers. Acting as the facilitator of the entire process is an enormous and complex task. Furthermore, as you see the project taking shape, you will initiate changes to bring it more in line with what you want. Changes are to be expected and are controlled with change orders. Each of us, including you as the client, act as part of a production team and share the responsibility for making timely decisions to ensure that the project stays on schedule. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of working together with all parties to make sure your desires are realized. Frequent communication, by telephone, , documentation and in person are the heart of this project. The following pages will describe the process in more detail. By following these accepted industry practices, we can eliminate disappointments and make this a pleasant and educational experience for you. 1

2 t h e p r o c e s s O.K. Where do we go from here? First Meeting This is a mutual interview we want to make sure that we're right for you and that your project is right for us. We're both looking for a comfortable fit. We will consider the following, discussed in greater detail below: 1. Your ideas and desires. 2. The project budget. 3. Possible designs. 4. Basic materials. 5. Potential scheduling. 6. The SCA (Specification and Cost Analysis) fee. Second Meeting 1. We obtain a fee for the SCA. 2. We take exact measurements of the area(s) to be renovated -- this may include the entire home --and we transfer these into a new CAD-generated floor plan. We create a set of existing plans and one including the changes. These plans take from a few hours to over a day to create. On some difficult or large designs, we may bring in an outside architect or engineer. 3. We will direct you to several showrooms for product selections. Third Meeting 3. Firm up the final design, material selections, color selections, and the remaining details. 4. Possibly invite specialty subcontractors (SC) to view the site for their comments. 5. Discuss and change any other minor items. Final Meeting 6. Prior to this meeting we create the contract and modify the plans and specifications. 7. Go over the final plans, materials, colors, etc., in detail. 8. Set a schedule with start and completion dates. 9. Sign and initiate the contract. We receive a commencement payment. 2

3 So what is an SCA? A Specification & Cost Analysis is a definitive comprehensive document stating the final costs, allowances, material selections with brand names, and all particulars of the project as agreed upon. All SCAs include a complete set of CAD drawings and plans. Preparation for an SCA includes evaluation of existing construction and current building codes. If a room addition is involved, site planning is needed as well. An SCA can be compared to a brief in the legal profession, which is defined as a document containing all facts and points of law pertinent to a specific case. Creating an SCA takes from several hours to several days, when taking into consideration designs, meetings with specialty contractors (SC), material suppliers, estimating, plus the time mandated by permitting requirements. The estimating process of an SCA involves many hours of line item costing for every single operation of each phase to reach the final cost. It is also based on each SC s fixed bids as well as fixed bids from the suppliers. Depending on the project and its particulars, the fee for an SCA can be $250 or more for a major bathroom remodel, $500 or more for a complete kitchen remodel, to over $1,000 for a major project or one costing well into six figures. As the cost and square footage of a project increase, so does the time needed to create an accurate SCA, and accuracy is critical. The SCA eliminates nearly all surprises and ambiguity, ensures an agreed upon contract that is realistic and viable, and discusses everything on paper. Upon acceptance of the SCA, we credit you for that fee toward the initial commencement payment. 3

4 What do you have in mind? First, give us an overview of what you want to accomplish and why. Let us know what you don t like about the existing space(s). We will talk about your lifestyle and how we can make your home better. We ll generally discuss what materials or products you d like to use to change colors and designs and improve spaces. Tell us your ideal scenario your desired finished look. After ascertaining the general scope of what you would like to do, we ll make the CAD-generated set of plans of your existing home and a set of revised plans showing the proposed renovation. Let's consider all options. We can change them or eliminate those deemed not viable. This is an exploratory time. Let s talk about your budget. Budgets are the foundation from which we proceed. Therefore, nothing can continue until a budget is established. We provide a ballpark price at no charge, but since there is a fee for the SCA and design work, this is another reason to discuss budget. By talking about budgets up front, we ensure that the project scope is within the realm of your desired budget. Time is saved for both of us. When you look at a new car or home, the price category you select allows the salesperson to know your financial commitment. We don t have that information unless we talk about it first. As any remodeling project materializes and walls are being built, electrical is being run, etc.; there are always things the owners want to change. These changes are important to make sure you get exactly what you want. Also, when the time arrives for an inspection by the permitting department, the inspector may mandate one or more minor changes; each inspector has his own druthers. Consequently, plan your budget to include at least 10% more for changes. It s all part of the process. 4

5 Designing the fun part. This part is trial and error. Imagine the possibilities. Consider form and function. Think in terms of traffic patterns, sound transmission, lighting effects (natural and artificial). Visually walk through each area that's affected. Don t forget ventilation. Look for at least one area, if not the entire project, to offer a dramatic effect, while still being usable. The designing part should be fun for you. If you need more help we can recommend decorators or interior designers. The role of subcontractors Subcontractors are those who provide their own specialty services to your project. In addition to those folks, we must also consider the various material suppliers involved. They are all part of the production team. Raleigh/Wake County issues a large number of building permits. To that fact, add two more: Kids are no longer entering the trades, and the average age of the person getting out of the trades is at the lowest ever 33 years old. Consequently, the construction industry has had a skilled labor shortage for several years, and it's getting worse. So add to the above the good local economy and you can understand why all contractors are literally swamped. That means we must allow for what we call lead times, just how long it will be before a subcontractor can start on your project. The delay of one subcontractor can mean several more delays down the line, like a domino effect. In addition, special-order materials may take as little as a week, or, in the case of cabinets, up to16 weeks. Special countertop materials like Corian and granite may take several weeks to obtain, not including installation timeframes. 5

6 Materials & Products: Boy? There s so much to choose from. We know but we ll help you along the way. Again, keep in mind colors, textures, maintenance, individual design, coordination, and ease of use. Just like selecting a contractor does it feel like a good fit? Think in terms of drama, or a little pizzazz. Let s coordinate the colors and textures. What trim and accessories work best? A little at a time it will all come together. Try to visualize the finished area(s). O.K. On to the almost finale: Bringing it all together. The scheduling is decided, not by a pending special occasion or when we want it done, but by the process. Remember however, that this process is also subject to Murphy s Law. Once the necessary decisions have been made, we contact each subcontractor and check their lead time and their deposit and payout requirements. We also check with the material suppliers and their lead time for any special orders. Finally, we create the contract. It will contain several sections, and its financial arrangement is based on the requirements of the subs and vendors as well as our own requirements. Adhering to the payout dates is crucial to maintain our relationships with your subcontractors. When payouts are delayed, subs may start another job. Then we must wait for them to return on their terms. In other words, when payouts are delayed, a major interruption occurs in the process. It s not unusual for work to come to a halt. The contract also includes all material selections, model numbers, colors, etc., and the agreed upon schedule see the next section. 6

7 Finally, the schedule: When will it be finished? Because of the critical labor shortage and Wake County s tremendous construction activity, we allow plenty of time for each project. In addition, the following other factors must be taken into consideration: 1. Emergencies. A sub might be detained on another job due to the bane of all contractors change orders. As we mentioned earlier, you will initiate some of them as well. It s just one more part of the process. 2. Miscommunications from one employee to another. Remember, we re not building washing machines in a factory, where hundreds are made daily on the assembly line. We re building a single, customized prototype that s never been made before. 3. Delivery of a defective product. 4. Waiting for building permit inspections as many as a dozen. 5. Mistakes they happen both yours and ours. 6. Our changeable weather, if exterior construction is involved. 7. Change orders. As the project takes shape, you may decide to make a change, or you may say, While you re here, can you also? Contractors call them, appropriately, the While you're heres. Hidden problems or a building Inspector s demands may also require a change order. No change order work is initiated until you have approved and signed off on it. Prior to starting your project, we create the schedule and give a copy to everyone involved including you. 7

8 Glitches & changes As we mentioned earlier, they happen. That s why a project that would normally take 6 weeks is scheduled for 8 weeks. We don t want to make unreasonable promises or deceive you, and being above board is critical to establish our limited partnership. Communication is imperative. This can be a fun venture, but only if we are all realistic about the entire process, its highs and lows, and understand the entire process in advance. When building a prototype, which every remodeling project is, please keep in mind that changes and delays are not unusual but typical and especially when involving so many companies and people other than our own staff. One of our #1 problems involves clients who do not make timely decisions about product selections. Planning is crucial and cannot be dismissed in a cavalier manner. We hope that we have explained the process to your satisfaction. Please be neither apprehensive nor anxious about it. We will guide you step by step through the entire journey. The purpose of this synopsis is to provide you with the basics of standard practices in the remodeling industry, as well as our own preferences, to ensure a smooth flow of the work to be done. As kids we were taught to be nice, fair, and honest. Some things shouldn t change as we become adults. In fact, The Renovation Specialists are committed to conduct its business in a manner reflecting the highest standards of the NAHB Remodelers Council. Upon completion, the thing we want to hear from you is: I m thrilled with everything. It s been swell, and here s your final check. We ll see you In a couple of months for the first warranty inspection. These documents, and all other Renovation Specialists materials, are the sole property of The Renovation Specialists. They are not to be shared with or shown to any other parties, except with the express permission of The Renovation Specialists or its principals. Thank you for your cooperation. 8

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