Anatomy of a Remodel – Build Phase
Written on March 17, 2010 by Monica D. Higgins
Management of your remodel kicks into high gear during the Build Phase, because at some point during this phase actual construction takes place.
Be prepared to spend up to 30 hours a week once construction begins managing your remodel. Proper management is key. Without it…you’re virtually guaranteed construction delays, cost overruns and sleepless nights.
Build Phase
After identifying 3 contractors that you would be interested in working with, request bids from each of them based on the same set of construction documents and confirm the build schedule for your remodel project.
Throughout construction maintain a punch list, a list of outstanding corrective work or work slated for completion after occupancy and give this list to the contractor for completion prior to final payment.
As you can see, there is more than meets the eye during the remodeling process. Fortunately, there are construction managers available to help you successfully navigate the process.
Anatomy of a Remodel – Design Phase
Written on March 13, 2010 by Monica D. Higgins
During the Design Phase you’ll want to create a clear, precise design and assemble a dedicated project team to ensure every detail is thought out before construction begins. Here’s what to expect during this phase:
Design Phase
This phase consists of assembling a project team comprised of a designer and/or architect, contractor(s) as well as an engineer or other consultants. Existing building conditions such as site and floor plans will be documented by your project architect/designer and will serve as the basis for further development of your proposed remodel concept. During this phase, the overall scheme of your project will be created based on your functional and aesthetic requirements, as well as your budget. Work closely with your project architect/designer to ensure the design aligns closely with your vision.
Once you have approved a rough plan, the design will be developed further under consideration of structural, mechanical, and electrical requirements with the goal of meeting applicable building codes and zoning laws. You will want to review images of your design in 3-D to help align visual expectations with your project’s completed appearance and also review these images with your project team to confirm alignment with your vision as well as the scope and budget of your remodel project.
Construction documents are ultimately produced for submittal to the governing city or county authority for approval. Once approved, these same documents will be used by the contractor to build your project. This is another opportunity for you to re-confirm the scope and budget of your remodel project based on the construction documents.
If you lose control during this phase, you’re virtually guaranteed budget busting surprises later during construction.
Anatomy of a Remodel – Envision Phase
Written on March 8, 2010 by Monica D. Higgins
The process of remodeling appears deceptively simple because “it looks easy on TV,” As a result, the majority of homeowners who are not familiar with the remodeling process often end up with remodeling projects gone bad. Some are catastrophic and almost all the others are emotionally and financially draining.
Let’s dissect the four important phases of a remodeling project – Envision, Design, Build and Continuous Oversight/Management – to better understand how the remodeling process works.
Envision Phase
During this critical phase you set project goals and expectations that will establish a clear plan for your remodel vision. This plan will help you avoid making a HUGE mistake that costs homeowners BIG time…lack of proper pre-planning, which leads to construction delays and budget overruns that significantly increase remodeling costs.
Spend time during this phase to make sure you get ‘it’ right. During this phase you will also want to formulate a realistic budget based on the scope of work desired.
10 Tips for a Successful Remodel – Part 3
Written on March 4, 2010 by Monica D. Higgins
We’re almost finished with laying the foundation for a successful remodel. Here are the last four tips:
7. READ YOUR CONTRACT THOROUGHLY
It should call for the work to be performed in accordance with all applicable building codes. It should also specify all materials to be used. For example, “Install trough sink, manufactured by Company ABC, model xyz, as per the plan.”, not just “Install bathroom sink, as discussed.” Written change orders should reflect additional work not in the original scope of the project, substituted materials, etc.
8. STAGGER PAYMENTS
Pay for work as it is completed. Payments should not get ahead of the work. Keep a running list of open items that need to be addressed before making final payment.
9. START WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE
Enlisting the help of a certified construction manager from pre-design through completion helps ensure your remodeling project stays true to your vision and is completed on time and within budget. A construction manager is also a valuable resource when selecting design pros and general contractors.
10. ENJOY THE PROCESS
A remodeling project does not have to be unnecessarily stressful. Educating yourself about the process will enlighten you as to what to expect thereby reducing anxiety.
10 Tips for a Successful Remodel – Part 2
Written on February 28, 2010 by Monica D. Higgins
Let’s continue laying the foundation for planning your project successfully by sharing three more tips for a successful remodel:
4. SPACE PLAN
Create a simple space plan early in the design process that can serve as the basis of your remodel project. Since placement of every element (i.e. lighting, outlets, furniture, plants, shelving, etc.) is important, continually update and reality check your plan before construction begins to avoid costly change orders.
5. TEST PAINT COLORS
Don’t just buy a gallon of paint and hope the color is right. Test several colors on an area of the room you’ll be painting and live with your choices for a few days before making the final decision. You no longer need to buy several quarts of paint to test paint colors since many paint companies offer sample-sizes.
6. INTERVIEW AT LEAST 3 CONTRACTORS
The obvious points to check are references, license(s) and insurance coverage. However, when checking references also ask behavioral questions about ease of communication, interaction with neighbors and clear lines of responsibility for every detail (i.e. who selects and/or purchases fixtures?).
I’ll share the remaining tips in my next post.
