There are a few things you should know before starting a home remodeling project. Embarking on a home renovation project is exciting and daunting. From envisioning the perfect design to selecting the right materials, countless decisions must be made. However, one crucial element that often gets overlooked is the home remodel timeline.
Planning your home renovation project like a pro requires a thorough understanding of the time and energy it will take to complete. That's why we've created this insider's guide to Patrick A. Finn’s home renovation timeline to help you stay on track and avoid unexpected delays. Whether tackling a small bathroom remodel, a kitchen renovation, or a full-scale home renovation, this guide will provide expert tips and tricks to keep your project running smoothly.
So, what does it take to complete a home renovation project on schedule? We'll examine each phase of Patrick A. Finn's approach to help you gain detailed insight into the entire process.
Step 1. Exploration Consultation Call
During the home renovation exploration call, we engage in a thorough discussion with the potential client. Our first step is to identify any areas of their home that lack functionality, paying close attention to any frustrations or safety issues they may have.
Next, we delve into their desires and goals for their dream living space, clearly understanding how they envision their ideal home. We also discuss their expectations for the project timeline and budget. In addition, we encourage the client to share any questions or concerns they may have, including any negative experiences they may have had with past remodeling projects or general contractors.
The main purpose of this meeting is to determine if we are a good fit for the client. We want to stress that remodeling is a relationship, not just a transaction, and our goal is to ensure that our values align with theirs to achieve the best possible outcome.
Step 2. Site Visit: In-Home Consultation
During the in-home site visit, we thoroughly tour the client's home to assess the existing conditions. This one-on-one face time is important for our team to better understand the homeowners on a personal level and their preferred communication styles.
Additionally, it enables us to evaluate the home's existing conditions and determine how the materials would be transported to the construction site, as this can impact the project's feasibility. If the client is looking for a home addition, we use this opportunity to identify access points, lot lines, and setback lines. We also discuss any changes that may have occurred since the initial exploration call.
Step 3. Feasibility Study
The primary objective of conducting a feasibility study is to establish a budget range for the different phases of the client's home remodeling project. Our main focus is determining whether the client's desires, goals, and financial resources align with the project's feasibility and investment.
This step allows the client to progress further in the process without incurring substantial design costs. It is a crucial "homework step" that enables the client to plan and allocate funds more effectively for the project.
Examples of activities we undertake during this stage include assessing the available space on the electrical panel, inspecting accessibility in the basement (whether it is finished or unfinished), evaluating the condition of the foundation, roofing, and siding, and considering the age and condition of the mechanical systems, such as HVAC and water heater.
Step 4. Present the Feasibility Study
In this step, the Patrick A. Finn team will share the feasibility study with the client at our office. We will assess whether the client is prepared to proceed with the project.
We will go through the entire home remodeling process and discuss pricing, the scope of your project, and the timeframe. We will also showcase how we worked with past clients on similar projects to transform their spaces.
Patrick A. Finn working on drawings of a client's floorplan.
Step 5. Design
During the design phase, the Patrick A. Finn team will revisit the client's house to gather precise measurements and take additional photos of various elements, including trim profiles, doors, hardware, siding, windows, and roofing. This ensures that everything aligns perfectly when we provide a pricing estimate.
In the design phase, we will generate a 3D model of the current space and the proposed design, including a floor plan with dimensions, to allow the client to visualize the full transformation.
If the client intends to keep their existing furniture, we will go the extra mile to measure and incorporate it into the 3D model, ensuring a seamless fit and appealing look. This also applies if the client plans to purchase new furniture for the space. Overlooking a detail such as furniture layout can create hassles down the road, so having these discussions early on creates a seamless project.
To thoroughly understand the client's aesthetic and design preferences, we ask them to share their Houzz idea account with us. From there, we can incorporate their design aesthetic into the 3D model, helping them to visualize their future space.
Once the design is finalized, we will determine the pricing and develop a comprehensive job scope, encompassing all the necessary details such as demolition, framing, plumbing, electrical, drywall, trim, and more.
3D model of the Sheridan Transitional Kitchen Remodel.
The final outcome of the Sheridan Transitional Kitchen Remodel.
Step 6. Present Design & Scope of Work
In this stage, we'll unveil the design and scope of the project in detail. Using a 3D model, we'll take the clients on a virtual tour of the proposed space, visualizing the layout from different angles and providing an opportunity to explore the design's functionality.
Additionally, we'll present a comprehensive fixed-price proposal outlining the project's scope of work, timeline, and associated costs. This ensures transparency and allows the client to ask any questions they might have before moving forward.
If the client has any additional preferences on their ‘nice to have list’ (which we refer to as 'alternates'), we will separate the scope and pricing of these alternates so they can decide whether or not these ‘nice to haves’ make sense at this time. For example, skylights, radiant floor heating, and fireplaces often fall under many people's list of ‘nice to have’ features.
We are looking for feedback from the client during this meeting. If any revisions are requested, we will make those changes and repeat steps 5 and 6.
Our proposals are highly detailed, and whenever the client requests any design changes, we will re-evaluate the pricing and adjust the scope of work accordingly. This ensures that there are no unexpected surprises or change orders in the future.
Often, people obtain 'firm' pricing from contractors without going through the design phase. In such cases, numerous surprises and change orders can be expected. You can not accurately price a project for large-scale renovations without clearly understanding the design. The design impacts the amount of material you need, the requested finish materials, and the labor it will take to install that material properly. By conducting a thorough design process, these common challenges can be eliminated.
Free home renovation estimates? Think twice! They often miss crucial details, leading to inaccurate costs and unexpected changes later. Read this article to avoid these common pitfalls: "How Free Home Renovation Estimates Can End Up Costing You More Than You Think."
A Guide to Home Renovation Pricing: What You Need to Know
In the world of pricing options for construction projects, there are two main approaches: fixed pricing and cost-plus (time and material) pricing. Fixed pricing involves receiving a bid from a design-build contractor that includes all subcontractor pricing based on a detailed design. On the other hand, cost-plus pricing includes the hourly labor cost and the cost of materials with the general contractor’s markup.
Fixed pricing is a guaranteed price for your project. The general contractor is responsible for conducting thorough pricing to create a detailed package with costs specifically tailored to your job.
This approach ensures that the builder accurately estimates costs upfront and commits to completing the job within that budget.
In our fixed pricing proposals, we include a contingency line item in the budget to cover unforeseen issues that may be discovered in the demolition phase of the project. When obtaining estimates from multiple contractors, be cautious of significantly lower quotes compared to others. Signing an agreement based solely on a bid can lead to problems. Some contractors may initially offer a lower price to secure the job but end up charging change orders to make up for the price difference after starting the work. This situation leaves you with limited options and often higher overall costs. The work must often be reworked, which costs more time and money in the long run. In some cases, hiring a more expensive contractor from the beginning may actually be more cost-effective than dealing with unexpected expenses from a cheaper contractor.
This blog post, "How To Successfully Budget For A Home Renovation In The Greater Chicago Area," provides more information about budgeting for a home renovation."
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The above image is a kitchen remodel by Patrick A. Finn in Arlington Heights, IL. See the full project portfolio here.
Step 7. Proposal Acceptance & Contract Sign-Off
By accepting the proposal and signing the contract, the client agrees to the scope of work and the pricing. This allows the Patrick A. Finn team to obtain the necessary permits for the project. Our contract clearly outlines the payment terms and timeline, with 15% of the payment being due at this stage.
Homeowners Beware: Do not hire a contractor who demands 50% payment upfront (unless it's a small job), as this could potentially lead to the client being taken advantage of. A reliable design-build contractor will structure their payment terms to allow the client to withhold a final payment until all work is satisfactorily completed. This empowers the client to address any concerns they may have.
Step 8. Obtaining the Proper Permits
When it comes to home remodeling, one cannot underestimate the importance of permits. These permits are not just a piece of paper but a crucial aspect of the entire process. They are a legal safeguard to protect you, your property, and your investment. Your project may be subject to fines and delays without the proper permits. Patrick A. Finn is well-versed in the intricacies of acquiring home remodeling permits and the nuances of the permit application process.
We handle all permit applications, communicate with the villages, and ensure your project's code requirements are met. Additionally, we take care of any changes, paperwork, and contractor license information. If your project needs to go through a design commission board, we will handle the paperwork, design information, and village hearing for that process. The same is true if your project needs to meet historical requirements. This step involves a significant amount of administrative work and time.
By choosing to work with a design-build company like Patrick A. Finn, clients are relieved of the responsibility of navigating through the maze of regulations and paperwork, saving them time and stress.
Step 9. Pre-Construction Hand-Off
The pre-construction hand-off is the final meeting with the client before construction begins. It is the transition from the design phase to the project manager and construction team. This meeting also introduces the project manager to the client.
During the pre-construction meeting at the house, we will discuss various logistics with the client. This includes determining the materials' staging area, the dumpster and porta-potty placement, and the construction team's access points. We will also review the homeowner's schedule and any planned trips to ensure no surprises during construction. Additionally, we will address any concerns the client may have regarding pets, children, and safety and determine if there are any materials homeowner would like to keep.
This meeting aims to establish clear communication and alignment between all parties involved to start construction on the right foot.
Step 10. Construction Phase
It’s important that you feel comfortable during the construction phase. We want to help your home remain as livable as possible. On the first day of construction, the house is prepared by implementing floor protection and plastic coverings. The team at Patrick A. Finn ensures that the space is left clean at the end of each work day, and an additional thorough cleaning is done before each weekend.
To keep the neighbors informed and address any concerns, 'pardon our dust' letters are sent out, encouraging them to contact the Finn team rather than the client should they have any questions or concerns. If any invasive or loud work will affect the neighbors, the team will personally notify them and provide contact information for any additional communication needed regarding the project schedule updates.
Throughout the construction process, weekly check-in meetings are scheduled with the client. Updates will be sent weekly through the project management app, where the schedule, photos, materials, and finish details are available. Any necessary changes to the work schedule or scope will be made accordingly, and milestone payments will begin at this time.
The image above is an example of a 'pardon our dust' letter that is sent to neighbors.
Step 11. Project Completed!
The Patrick A. Finn team prepares an internal ‘punch list,’ which includes the finishing touches before the project's completion to ensure smooth operations and avoid delays. We then collaborate with the client to finalize the punch list. Once it is done, we conduct a final walk-through to ensure client satisfaction before receiving the final payment. If the client agrees, we arrange a professional photo session to display our work and the client's satisfaction. Thanks to our excellent relationship with clients, they frequently invite us to upcoming events they hold in their newly designed areas.
Before and after photos of a kitchen renovation in Arlington Heights, IL. See the full gallery of the project here.
Summary
A top-notch design-build firm will systematically approach home building and house remodeling using a defined home renovation process. This guarantees that all expectations are not only met but surpassed and that the project is finished within the agreed budget and timeline. A well-documented process ensures our client's satisfaction and fosters long-term relationships with them.
Discover the strategies Patrick A. Finn employs to effectively manage home renovation timelines in the eBook "The Ultimate Step-by-Step Home Renovation Transformation Guide."
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