Doing thorough research on the your project requirement is essential and a good way to get the right kind of people to work for you. At Design Everest we make that job a little bit easier and save you time on finding these people individually. We are a structural engineering company and partner with top architects, contractors and all sorts of people that you would need to make your project successful saving you time and money. On top of that, we have an amazing team working behind to respond to all your questions as fast as possible so you never feel left out.
We simply ask that they maintain their end of the schedule (moving belongings and cars, and making selections). That way, we are able to keep things going at a steady pace and can finish the project within the time frame agreed upon.
I always tell my clients that it’s imperative they have their full expectations (project scope, price, and timing) outlined and communicated prior to kick off. Change orders and miscommunications, which are sometimes necessary evils in this industry, and expensive and also have a negative impact on the overall project satisfaction.
Clients can be be open and forthcoming with the contractor about all of their expectations. After all, a successful project is only achieved when the client and the contractor work as a team.
Clients should utilize the services of qualified, competent and experienced contractors and designers. Then, they should work hand in hand with them, and listen to their advice as much as possible. These professionals should have the client’s best interest at the forefront of all the decision making for that particular client.
Clients should have a very good idea about what they want and what there expectations are and make sure they are communicated, understood by the contractor and acknowledged in writing.
Provide a good set of plans
Always use a licensed contractor for your remodel. An unlicensed contractor may cost you less in the beginning, but more in the long run and there are no repercussions for those who do not have licensing and insurance. Having a clear cut plan also helps; once you have an idea of what you like, get a few estimates. Many times, your gut instinct is right – the most expensive guy isn’t always the best. The least expensive guy isn’t always horrible. You really have to get a feel for your contractor and make sure that they do have great reviews, and if they work off of referrals almost exclusively, that’s a GREAT sign. Ask for references. A good contractor will have many from previous projects that are credible.
As far as remodeling, make the decision if you are doing it all at once, or in installments. Also, living in a remodel can sometimes be challenging. Consider how long your project will take and how in depth it is, and if it’s something your family can handle while going about their daily lives.
Make sure you hire a licensed professional with good references. If possible, ask to see some of the work they had done. A company with reputation matters.
I recommend keeping the homeowner up to date with progress, make sure everything promised is done, don’t ask for money outside payment terms/make sure all milestones are met prior to requesting payment as per payment schedule, quality work and completing on time as per contract
Before you hire your contractor, make sure to find a licensed, bonded, and insured business that has a good reputation - that way you’re off to a good start.
From there be a part of your remodel. It is your home after all, double and triple check the plans and make sure you get what you are getting. A good contractor may get irritated by this but a great one will be willing to stand with you and get the job done!
Be certain you hire a licensed contractor, and that you check him out online. In Maryland contractors are required to carry a copy of their license on them, or you can go on MHIC website to make sure the contractor is licensed and in good standing. Make sure you have a written detailed contract, not just his written proposal. Ask lots of questions, concerning who will be doing the work, and ask about the quality of the materials. Go over how the project is going with the contractor everyday, and let the contractor know if you have concerns. Don’t wait until the end of the job.
Ask questions to understand how certain things work/what the proper sequence of events are; hire licensed and insured professionals (do your homework - check reviews, ask for references, etc.), get several comparable bids, keep communication open and honest.
Check out your contractors!
As a homeowner, to ensure a remodel to be successful, there are a few steps to follow.
1., have a budget on how much you are willing to spend, so when in the planning stage, you know a rough idea on what your project may cost considering material only. For example,a bathroom remodel would need lets say new floor tile, toilet, shower, sink and vanity, Sheetrock, hardy-board, medicine cabinet wall tile, mosaic tile, decorative moldings,etc. Prices vary on everything, so try to get an idea of what materials alone will cost. Depending on how the contractor does their pricing, if you had a 10,000 limit,I would allot 5,000 for material and leave 5,000 for labor, extras, possible, issues or changes to be safe.
2. Once you have a general idea on what you would like , get a few estimates. Find a licensed and insured contractor so that the work being done is covered, and so are you.
3.MAKE SURE you sign a contract and check the credentials of the carpenter you choose to ensure they have the knowledge/ experience to complete the project as you expected.
Once you have gone over the contract, make sure you understand everything so there are no surprises for you or the contractor.
4. Make sure you feel comfortable with your contractor to ask questions, and make sure you are both om the same page if any thing occurs.
5.Do not pay the final payment until the work is complete!
5 Essential Keys to Every Successful Remodel or Renovation
1 Remarkable Design
2 Detailed Specifications
3 Appropriate Bid & Budget
4 Proper Scheduling
5 Great General Contractor
When starting a remodel or renovation project many people jump in and hire a general contractor to carry out the whole project. The challenge for most homeowners is to understand at this early phase exactly what is entailed to realize their vision. While most general contractors are good at what they do – construction – they cannot offer the creative vision, or planning expertise required to develop and manage a successful remodel/renovation project from start to finish. This is where Provanti Designs comes in – the 5 Essential Keys™ covers all aspects of the project and supports a successful remodel or renovation for every client, every time.
Remarkable Design – Essential Key #1
Remarkable Design is a blending of project assessment, material research and interior design to address the scope and meet the needs of the remodel project. We work with passion, conviction, and exacting attention to detail and project flow. We listen carefully and move forward with thoughtful and measured deliberation at each step. Our goal is to meet and exceed client expectations every time.
Stylistically, whether clients prefer a Pacific Northwest look, traditional or European styling, or a motif that reflects distinct, contemporary flair, at Provanti Designs we delight in researching perfect fit finishes and materials that generate stunning results.
Detailed Specifications – Essential Key #2
Exactly what goes into your remodel or renovation project – materials, appliances, fixtures, architectural detail and layout designs – are the specific building blocks indispensable to defining your remodel. It is only with this definition – a specific list of building blocks – that you will be able to obtain valid estimates of both cost and time to completion. The detailed specifications give basis to the level of contractor and subcontractor skill required to successfully accomplish your remodel.
Click here to see an example of a specification sheet.
Appropriate Bid & Budget – Essential Key #3
Your project bid is only as good as the assumptions that are priced out. The most efficient and effective bids are built upon a detailed specification list. Submitting a detailed specification list to contractors bidding on your project gives you common ground upon which to make an apples-to-apples comparison of the bids coming your way. A detailed remodel/renovation specification takes away the grey areas where assumptions creep in – assumptions that may or may not meet your expectations. A detailed specification will give you an appropriate bid – it will cover all costs associated with your specific design desires and timeline expectations. Most important, it will give you line-by-line costing. Line-by-line costing gives you power over your budget. If you want to reduce the bid by 10%, you will have the detailed information you need to make the compromises and trade-offs required to reduce your investment to a level you want.
Proper Scheduling – Essential Key #4
Once all the designs are approved and decisions are made your materials can be ordered prior to demolition of your home and reconstruction. The planning that goes into design and material decisions is instrumental not only in obtaining a valid bid and budget – but it is also pivotal to the construction schedule. You have an expectation of when your remodel/renovation will be completed and you will be disappointed and frustrated if it is not done on time. A vital component to being done on time is to have the materials on hand, ready to go.When all materials have been specified prior to the bid process, it is straightforward to get those orders in process early.
Great General Contractor – Essential Key #5
You’ve got to have a great general contractor. Their skills and the quality of their subcontractors are both going to determine the outcome of your remodel. You are going to spend a lot of time with these people. The cost of their bid is only one consideration. Their ability to communicate and work together closely is critical to the sanity of all involved and the smoothness of your project. Choose your general contractor well – you need him (or her) – they work for you – and they are accountable to you. This is the 5th and last of the Essential Keys to Your Successful Remodel or Renovation.
Be in constant communication with your crew. Please feel free to ask all the questions you need to have a peace of mind. Remember you are working with a trusted crew of professionals, if problems come along the way, the contractor is qualified to know the best course of action to take. We know remodeling can be stressful, be we are working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Know what it is you really want and can afford. There are a lot of wants but they get pricey when there are a lot
The best way to ensure a successful remodel is planning. Make sure you choose a contractor who is established in your area and can be found easily with an online search. Make sure you and your contract have exhausted the design plan before beginning any work begins. The better you and your contractor understand each others expectations the better the job outcome will be.