The remodeling process: Steps for Northern VA homeowners
The remodeling process is a series of steps, milestones, and decision points. By taking it one step or decision at a time, this sometimes daunting undertaking can be managed, and as a result, can be much less stressful.
Where do we begin?
The process begins with a need or a want. What do you need done to your home to make it the most comfortable it can be? What do you need to increase its value? Or what do you want to have?
Wants and needs are two different things. You may need a new roof, but you may want a new french door leading to a beautiful spacious deck with a hot tub.
1) DECISION POINT: What do you need or want?
The first step is to decided what in your home will be changed. Make a list of those that "need" to be changed, and those that you "want" to change. Obviously the "need" list will be given a higher priority when it comes time to budget for the project(s).
2) DECISION POINT: What you can afford to spend?
There are several ways to finance a remodeling project—cash, credit, a home equity loan, or a finance company—but for most homeowners, it's not open-ended. Find the amount that you can afford, knowing that whatever you invest in your home will be recouped in a few years or longer, when you sell it.
It is reasonable to invest 10-15% of your home's value on a kitchen remodel or master bathroom suite. So if you have a $350,000 home, $35,000-$50,000 for a kitchen budget is realistic.
3) STEP: Initial consulation in your home
At this point, you're ready for a free, 2-hour, in-house consultation with one of our staff. During this meeting, we will listed to your needs and wants, discuss budget and evaluate the project(s) feasibility. From this discussion, we can present you with a "ball park" price range. This is NOT an estimate, but rather a rough guideline to determine if what you want/need meets your budget.
4) DECISION POINT: Move forward to Feasibility Study
If the ball park price range meets your budget, then a decision to move forward to signing a Feasibility Study Agreement can be made. Fees apply.
5) STEP: Feasibility Study
During this step we take photos and measurements of existing conditions; do a preliminary check of existing structural and mechanical systems; check zoning, drainage, septic and other municipal assessments; draft conceptual drawings; generate preliminary specifications; prepare preliminary cost estimate.
6) DECISION POINT: Move forward to a Design Agreement
If the Feasibility Study meets your needs and budget, a decision to enter a Design Agreement is made. Fees apply; deposit required.
7) STEP: Design Agreement
During the Design Phase, we develop the actual fixed project costs by working closely together and including our subcontractors and other specialists. Existing structures and conditions are drawn; the design is refined; subcontractors and other specialists review the home, after which they submit proposals for their part in the project, including materials costs; a detailed project specification is written; assistance is provided to help you select products, appliances, finishes etc.; a comprehensive construction cost and contract is prepared.
8) STEP: Construction Contract
Once the design is completed, it is time to sign a construction contract. We develop detailed construction plans and elevations; draft engineering plans if required; secure permits; schedule the work with our team and our sub-contractors; and set up a pre-construction conference between you, your project manager and our designers.
9) STEP: Construction Phase
Your project manager will oversee all phases of the project, including: communicating clearly about what will happen on what day; coordinating all subcontractors, county or city inspections; delivery of materials; protecting your home and furnishing; securing your home for your safety; and daily clean-up before leaving the premises each day. Your project manager will be always available to answer any questions, address any concerns, and advise you on any issues you may have.
10) STEP: Project Close-out
Once the construction is complete, you will have a final walk-through with your project manager where you may point out any oversight to be corrected. A "punch list" is created for any of these minor items, to be corrected immediately. Once the punch list is satisfactory, the project is considered complete. You will then be asked to take our online Customer Satisfaction Audit. You will receive a project book with all your product warranty information, necessary contacts, etc. If any warranty calls are necessary, you will receive prompt attention.
11) STEP: Follow-up
From time to time, we'll give you a call or send a note to check on your full satisfaction. Our satisfied customers are our best advertisement!
Remodeling vs. Moving
(courtesy of NAHB.org)
If you want to change your home, your other option besides remodeling is to find a new one. But more and more American families are deciding to stay put and improve their existing home. Here are some of the reasons:
- Remodeling allows you to customize your home to meet your needs and desires. The only similar, but much more costly alternative, is to have a brand new custom home designed and built.
- Remodeling means that you don't have to give up a familiar neighborhood and schools.
- Remodeling is a more efficient use of your financial resources. According to the American Homeowner Foundation, selling your home and moving typically costs about 8-10% of the value of your current home. And much of this goes into moving expenses, closing costs, and broker commissions - items that have no direct impact on your home's quality.
Remodeling can be stressful, but few experiences are more stressful than moving. While there are many reasons that people choose to remodel, the bottom line is that remodeling makes your home a more enjoyable place to live. The intangible value of this pleasure needs to be considered, along with any resale value you hope to gain. But there is no doubt that, as far as improving the sale of your home, all remodeling projects are not created equal. The general rule of thumb is that any remodeling project that brings your home up to the level of your neighbors' is a worthy investment. But it doesn't pay to be the most expensive house on the block - real estate experts recommend that a remodeling investment should not raise the value of your house to more than 10-15% above the median sales price in your neighborhood. Remember that potential buyers will compare your home to ones newly built. Therefore, you'll want to look at the design trends and amenities being built into new homes. Great rooms (open kitchen/family room arrangements), master bed and bath suites, and higher ceilings are a few of the features sought by today's home buyers. Each year, Remodeling magazine conducts its "Cost vs. Value" report to assess which remodeling projects create the greatest return on investment. Not surprisingly, kitchens and baths regularly come out on top. These are two of the most used rooms in the home, and they receive the most scrutiny from potential buyers.