Our Process

During our initial meeting, we meet with the homeowners, walk through the part(s) of the house which need the work, and talk about the work that is desired. If plans have not been solidified, it is always helpful to see a scrapbook of pictures clipped from magazines, sketches of room layouts, or any other idea around which we can ultimately develop a set of reproducible building plans. Using our knowledge of construction and how houses are put together, we may help with design ideas or design the project ourselves. If necessary, we may recommend other designers or engineers. In many instances, we work with plans that have already been developed.

Next we take these plans, and from that, establish a price for the work. Often, the construction portion of the project is a fixed price. Other times, there may be too big a potential of concealed conditions or other unknown factors and the work is priced on a time-and-materials basis. Subcontractor work is typically given in allowances, which are basically estimates. We base these allowances on similar work that we may have done in the past and consultation with our subcontractors, and, from that, develop an allowance so that the homeowner knows what to expect as they evaluate our overall proposal.

If the proposal is accepted, we enter into a contract. A signed contract requires a deposit, which is typically 10% of the total project cost. A start date is selected and we confirm all of our decisions that need to be implemented during the rough-in phases of work. We prioritize needs and wants, based on budget and potential for unforeseen conditions, and set deadlines for design decisions and order-by dates. It may also be important to schedule daily or weekly meetings to cover project status and any other pertinent issues.

Remodeling work is like entering in to a temporary marriage with your contractor, his employees, and the subcontractors on the project. Your normal lifestyle will be temporarily suspended, and your home will take on a strange, unfamiliar appearance. Upon the start of each of our projects, I am certain to give our customers a copy of our “remodeling expectations” letter. Upon reading this it should become clear that we will need to know about your privacy cushions, critical family schedules, and clean zones where the family may eat their meals and perform other important daily routines. At the end of the project, once the punchlist has been eliminated and the NHC Inspections Department’s final inspection is complete, it is time to celebrate. You’ve just opened a wonderful new chapter in the life of your home.