Remodels
It is surprising to learn how frequently homeowners plan to hire contractors for a remodel without actually having
Out With the Old, In With the New
plans. When planning a remodel of your home, remodel plans are absolutely important. Equally important are as-built plans. Even if you have a copy of the original plans for your home, what is built in the field will rarely perfectly reflect exact conditions. New field measurements and as built plans are inexpensive insurance.
Why not just use a free design service from my contractor?
Although many are creative, a contractors design focus is normally aimed at fulfilling a clients request in the most straightforward manner possible. Often that means that the design solutions come from you. Their interest is in keeping things simple to avoid confusion or spending any more time than what is required to close a deal. Regardless of the contractor, getting a job under contract and started is always going to be priority number one. This is how they feed their family. By contrast, it is my job to listen to my clients and research new ideas and solutions daily. My goal is to work out your design puzzle in its entirety. My emphasis, while working on your project, is to find the best solution unique to my client, rather than the first easy solution that fits in the box. Helping you understand the complexities of the project fully before it goes to bid (or worse, gets built) prevents misunderstandings and possible regrets about your choices.
Aren’t your residential design services expensive?
Not at all. Proper planning ahead will always be less expensive in the long run. It will also ensure that you are getting exactly what you asked for. If you were to ask a dozen contractors to give you an estimate on a project without a well documented set of plans, you will get a dozen bids. All of them will be different as they are based upon hundreds of assumptions about the amenities and quality that they assume you desire. You may rest assured that the least expensive bid probably made assumptions for you that were far below your real expectations. How much more expensive will his price be at the end of the project when change orders were issued to correct every wrong assumption or ommision? Sadly, I have seen home owners discover that they were stuck with the highest price contractor, using the lowest quality of workmanship and materials. My remodel plans are the insurance, and method to allow my clients to maintain control of the bidding and construction process.
Most contractors are thrilled to get well-documented, professionally designed plans. They recognize that detailed plans with full specifications and drawings result in a smooth-running project. They also recognize that it gives them an opportunity to bid on a level playing field – everyone is bidding on exactly the same materials, brands, and models. Also, having hammered out what you want will save the contractor from the potential barrage of change-orders, time and money overruns, and bad feelings on both sides.
Please take a look at my gallery of work online here. I invite you to interview me. i would be happy to discuss the needs of your project.