Planning Your Project - A Step by Step Guide
Are you wondering what it looks like to plan your remodel or custom home? “How do I determine the cost of my project?” “How are you going to solve my problem?” These are common questions that are all answered during the Planning Stage of your project. While an initial phone call can provide a starting point, it won’t cover everything you need to know. You also don't want to start a project without understanding all the details, costs, and timeline. That's why careful planning is crucial!
Step 1: Jobsite Visit
The first step in planning your project is a jobsite visit with our Project Manager. This visit is essential for us to see the site in person and discuss every aspect of your project. During this hour-and-a-half meeting, we'll cover your design preferences, project details, and potential changes (like moving appliances or positioning the house on the lot). We'll also take measurements and photos to reference during the rest of the planning process.
This visit helps us develop your Scope of Work, which is a detailed list of everything included in the project's cost. The Scope of Work is part of your contract with us and explicitly states what will be done. If it’s not in the Scope of Work, it won’t be included in the project and isn’t in the initial price. Keep this in mind when the planning stage is over so you can remember how important that document is.
Step 2: Engineering and Design
Engineering and Interior design are not required on every project, but they are especially important for a House and Room Addition. Bathrooms and Kitchens will have a level of design during the planning and then selections will be made before construction begins. When we’re planning a house, the actual plans and your design are really the greatest factors in determining the Scope of Work. We will invest a lot of time up front working on these two things.
Engineering is the process of having your house plans drawn by an Architect and/or Engineer that meets all of your needs and desires. This is where you’'ll discuss how large the kitchen needs to be and how many bedrooms you want in your home. We’ll offer our suggestions along the way, but your dream for your home is what will drive what actually gets put in it.
Design is often the most enjoyable and stressful part of the process for homeowners. This is where you collaborate with an interior designer to select everything you see after drywall, including cabinets, lights, plumbing fixtures, siding, and more. This process may involve an external designer or an in-house design consultant, depending on the project's needs.
For remodels, we typically determine the design and material choices during the planning stage. After the contract is signed, we finalize the specific selections, such as flooring, tile, and fixtures.
Step 3: Developing the Scope, Schedule, and Quote
With the design and plans in place, we create a detailed plan to execute your project. This step includes developing the Scope of Work, a Job Schedule, and a Quote.
Scope of Work: If you remember from earlier, this is THE document that carries all of the details for your project. If an item isn’t in the Scope of Work, it isn’t in the price of the project. That is why it is so important for us to pay attention to all the details we discuss and for you to review this Scope of Work thoroughly before signing it.
Job Schedule: Based on the Scope of Work, we estimate the time required for each project phase and create a timeline. This schedule helps everyone stay on track and manage expectations.
Quote: When we know all of these details on the front end, we are given the ability to accurately price the project. Too often in the construction industry people are surprised when they get the Final Invoice for a project. By investing time in the Planning Stage, the guessing game is removed and we can guarantee an exact price before the project ever starts. Can the price change? Yes, but only by unforeseen expenses like hitting rock when digging footings or by the homeowner changing the Scope of Work. Otherwise, the price is set from the beginning and you can rest easy knowing exactly what you are getting yourself into before starting the project.
Alongside the Quote, you’ll receive a Selections List, detailing all materials and finishes to be chosen for your project. This list helps ensure no delays during the project by finalizing all decisions beforehand, allowing us to have everything ready when work begins.
Step 4: Finalizing the Contract
The very last step of the Planning Stage is to sign the documents! When everyone has decided they’re ready to move forward, we ensure that we are in agreement on every document that we have prepared. Why do we do this? We want to make sure that everyone is genuinely on the same page. This step ensures there is no ambiguity or confusion once the project begins. If any issues arise, we can refer to the signed documents to clarify expectations and maintain a smooth project experience.
Why the Planning Stage Matters
The Planning Stage is all about teamwork and communication, ensuring that everyone is in agreement before the work begins. By thoroughly designing, planning, and pricing the project upfront, you’ll clearly understand the journey ahead. This level of preparation sets us apart and guarantees a positive experience for every homeowner. You can make an informed decision, and we are committed to executing the plan.
If you’re having trouble finding a contractor who offers this level of detail and organization, give us a call. Start the process with a Ballpark Estimate phone call, where we'll discuss your vision, ideal timeline, and provide a range of what you’re project could cost. Let us help you bring your dreams into reality!