| Need extra space in your home? Or maybe you just | | | | establish a design program with the designer |
| don't like the way your existing space is laid out and | | | | architect. |
| you want a change. A good renovator can help. The | | | | At the field measurement meeting the contractor |
| Design/Build contractor is one who has the staff or | | | | takes measurements around the home for the |
| the ability to design your project himself. Here I want | | | | preliminary drawings and to determine if a new lot |
| to talk about the design/build process so you have | | | | survey is required. |
| an idea what to expect if you ever get yourself | | | | Preliminary drawing submission meeting is set up to |
| involved in a large renovation project on your home. | | | | discuss and finalize the design and to provide the |
| So you've contacted a renovation contractor to | | | | contractor with his copy of the designs. |
| renovate your existing space with an addition and set | | | | The preliminary design detail meeting is when the |
| up a meeting with him. This is the initial meeting. At | | | | contractor, architect,and the client come together to |
| the client - contractor interview You will want to ask | | | | review the plans and to make changes if needed. |
| questions related to the contractors qualification and | | | | Prepare and submit preliminary design cost estimate. |
| abilities to complete the work you want done. This | | | | Here we obtain estimates from major |
| could include "design to finish" or if you have an | | | | subcontractors, discuss preliminary costs, compare |
| architect and design already just the construction | | | | them to the budget and make any changes. |
| management. Also at this meeting the contractor will | | | | Allowances are discussed and a product selection |
| want some background information on you as well to | | | | guide may be given to the client. |
| qualify you as to how serious you are in getting the | | | | Prepare construction drawings. At this meeting the |
| project done or are you just "kicking tires". | | | | client can begin to make their product selections such |
| Also at this meeting would be the project overview. | | | | as cabinets, bath fixtures, flooring etc.Along with the |
| Here you will discuss your project and the priority in | | | | designer/architect and possibly an interior designer. |
| which it is to be completed. The budget, general | | | | At the prepare and submit final project bid meeting |
| costs and value along with an overview of the design | | | | the major subcontractors provide their final bids |
| build process should be discussed as I am discussing | | | | based on the final drawings, the final costs on |
| with you now. Next item of interest is design choices | | | | allowances and product selections are determined and |
| and the costs for this service. The architect will | | | | the drawings, costs and scope of work is reviewed |
| generally charge a fee of 2 1/2 % of the costs of | | | | with the client. |
| the project. Add to that another 2 1/2% for the | | | | At this point the financing procedures begin. The loan |
| construction drawings(electrical, plumbing etc.). | | | | application is filled out and submitted to the lender |
| Designer fees typically range from $1000.00 and up. | | | | along with the bid and drawings. The loan officer may |
| Small projects such as a kitchen remodel, $500.00 | | | | require an appraisal. In some states the contractors |
| and up. Then you could have interior decorator fees | | | | contract may not be signed for a period of time such |
| as well if you choose to have someone else | | | | as 12 days. Next an appointment will be set for the |
| decorate for you. Finally you will expect to discuss | | | | signing of the loan and the contractors contract and |
| protection efforts and construction guidelines to | | | | you may need to sign a disclosure statement. This |
| protect your home during construction and also your | | | | will take place at the bank or lenders office. |
| living requirements during the process. | | | | Apply for the permit and complete the selection |
| The next meeting you will have is the design | | | | guide. The introduction of the project manager, |
| meeting. At this meeting you will be introduced to the | | | | marketing manager, lead carpenter, and demo/site |
| designer or architect to discuss their qualifications | | | | prep subcontractor will be held at the pre |
| along with the project overview, budget, project | | | | construction conference. Present the client with |
| priorities and special interests. A discussion of the | | | | contractor/project manage phone numbers and an up |
| fees and the design agreement will end this meeting. | | | | graded scope of work narrative. |
| The agreement meeting will come next where you | | | | Begin site preparation and demo. |
| read, discuss, and sign the design agreement and | | | | Submit first draw invoice and receive payment. |