FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s the first step in our home improvement project?

Finding a design professional and a general contractor. All of our projects are by referral. We’re available for introductory interviews during which we’ll share our portfolio and other project documents, submit our references, and listen to your ideas. If you choose to retain us we’ll participate in the Cost Planning for your project. If you’re satisfied with the resulting budget, specifications, and schedule we’ll enter into a Prime Contract and schedule a start date.

What’s our next step?

Often, by the time homeowners or tenants contact us they have an architect and a set of plans. Ideally, we’re included earlier in the process as the plans are being developed, which allows us to offer budget direction and contribute technical design advice. We foster a harmonious collaboration with you and designers, which is essential over the span of the project. Once the scope of work is defined by a set of plans and specifications, we’ll submit a budget and schedule. You can then make adjustments in order to coordinate the design and budget. Once you’ve accepted our Estimate we can formalize our agreement with a project contract.

What type of contract do you use?

We offer either a Lump Sum or Time & Materials contract. We’ll review every clause with you to ensure that you’re comfortable with all the terms and conditions.

Will we need a building permit?

Yes. Typically, the architect submits the plans to the Building Department to obtain a building permit. On smaller jobs we often obtain the permit or the owners handle this task.

Will we have to move out?

If your project involves substantial renovation you’ll be more comfortable with other accommodations. For a partial home improvement project you may continue to occupy your home. We’ll carefully separate the work area from the rest of your home. Once personal belongings have been removed from the work areas temporary walls and sheet materials will be installed to protect existing finishes and isolate the construction zone. We’ll also take care of any logistics at the street such as parking permits and barricades. We notify you of our daily work schedule once construction begins. For tenant improvement projects we’ll coordinate all project activity with your neighbors.

How about security?

We may have to create significant openings to the envelope of your home or place of business during the course of the project. We remove and replace any materials necessary to secure your property daily.

Should we expect construction-related traffic?

There will be lots of vehicles and workers in and around your property. We supervise all this activity to ensure that you and your property are protected and respected at all times. That goes for your neighbors as well.

It’s going to be messy, right?

Yes, it can’t be avoided but it can be managed. We’ll provide for your comfort and safety by holding the noise levels as low as possible and containing construction dust and debris with temporary walls that isolate the work areas and by maintaining a clean, organized site at all times.

What’s it like when the work actually starts?

This might be an emotional as well as an exciting time for you. We’ll start with demolition. The transformation will be dramatic as we rapidly remove major components of the structure. It’s normal to expect that the rest of the project will not show such sudden progress.

You mean the work’s going to slow down?

We’ll work your project from start to finish as efficiently as possible. The foundation and framing are next. You may feel frustrated that this phase will take longer than the demolition but it’s more complex and labor intensive. As the framing proceeds the plan will begin to reveal itself. The envelope will take shape as the exterior doors and windows, siding, and the roof are installed. Then comes the rough-in of the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems that will eventually be covered by wall surfaces.

What’s next?

The rough-in inspections will take place and we’ll install the wall surfaces. You’ll feel relieved by this sudden transformation. With the wall surfaces in place you’ll finally get a full sense of the impact of the changes. This usually represents the mid-point of the schedule. Emotionally, it’s also a turning point. The job-site, your home or business, once again feels like a safe, comforting enclosure.

Great! So, we’re almost done?

We’re getting there. Once the building envelope is complete and the wall surfaces are up, you’ll be ready to have the finishes applied and get your home back or open for business. It’s our job to help you to remain patient and continue to participate in the process as we carefully install the finishes. These are the details that you’re going to experience and enjoy forever. We’re going to get them right. We’ll consult you and the designer during this phase to help with your choices of paint colors, floor finishes, and fixtures decisions.

Is it true that change orders can drive up the cost?

Adjustments to the scope of work are a normal part of any project. Most changes to the scope of work are simply features that you’ll choose to add. These choices will be completely within your control. Other changes may arise because of undiscovered conditions or code requirements. When changes are necessary, we’ll always present and document the cost or credit in the form of a change order to you before performing the work.

What else will you need from us?

It’s customary to defer design decisions such as tile, paint colors, sometimes appliances or fixtures until the project is underway. We’ll provide written requests for information needed from you and your designers to allow you the time that these decisions deserve. A budget placeholder, an Allowance, will be included in the original budget for any items to be included but not specified.

Will the project stay on schedule and within budget?

We’ll maintain the budget with scheduled invoices that track all construction costs cumulatively. Likewise, the schedule will be updated to measure the progress of the project and incorporate any changes to the original scope of work.

Anything else you’ll do to keep us informed?

You’ll be given continual updates about all aspects of your project through site meetings, progress reports and any other communications necessary to ensure your comfort and control over your experience.

So, you think it’s possible to realize our dream?

Absolutely! And you’ll enjoy it for many years to come.