The remodeling process in the Richmond Virginia area

Remodeling your home or building a new home is a financial investment. A smart homeowner doesn't make investments without knowing exactly what is involved. Remodeling Resources of Richmond can give you a "ball park" estimate based on the size of the project, general information you provide, and by matching RRR's historical data to the project.

It is not until we've worked together to assess the full project scope in terms of design, structure and finishes, can we provide a realistic cost. Because we are a design/build firm, that is designers and builders under one roof, we can examine the trade-offs of all your project's structural, financial and design challenges at the same time.

For our first meeting, prepare a "wish list" of issues you'd like to address. Order them by priority. Is it more important to have a larger laundry area or a fancy French door off the bedroom balcony? If costs exceed your allotted budget, which items would you cut first?

Think about why you want to change or add space. Is the kitchen too small for your growing family needs? Do you need to add an in-law suite for aging parents? How will the renovation enhance your lifestyle?

Draw a sketch of what you envision to illustrate your ideas. Look through magazines about remodeling or decorating, noting those items that appeal to you.

Devote serious thought about your budget parameters. Investigate how you will finance the project. Home equity loans, cash from savings accounts and refinancing are common choices.

There are many variables that go into the cost of a project: quality of products, workmanship, service, guarantees of work, material selections. Not all contractors will provide estimates that show "apples to apples." If a contractor provides a bid that is much lower than others, then he's missed an element that you'll pay for later, and your budget won't be what you had anticipated.

During our first meeting in your home, or at the site of the new construction, we listen to your needs, desires, and hopes for your new space. We also ask for a frank response to your budget constraints. There is no point in designing a project that isn't affordable.

• Present RRR's credentials
• Establish wish list
• Evaluate the project feasibility
• Establish price range, target design budget
• Determine next step: Feasibility Study or a Design Agreement

If a Feasibility Study was your choice during Step 1, a second meeting with an estimator/project coordinator is scheduled. Cost: Minimum fees apply up to 2% of the estimate, which will be applied to the Construction Contract.

• Photos and measurements of existing conditions
• Preliminary check of existing mechanical and structural systems
• Municipal assessment (zoning, drainage, septic issues)
• Conceptual drawings (floor plans, elevations, computerized images, limited to one concept)
• Preliminary/generic specifications (limited to one concept)
• Preliminary cost estimate (limited to one concept)
• Guaranteed budget within 10%
• Decision whether or not to move to Design Agreement

If a Design Agreement was selected during Step 2, RRR develops the actual fixed project costs by working with you and our team of subcontractors and other specialists. Cost: 5% of the estimated budget which will be applied to the Construction Contract.

• Draw existing structures and conditions
• Design refinement
• Walk through home or site with subcontractors/specialists
• Request for proposals from subcontractors/specialists
• Development of detailed Project Specifications
• Assist homeowner with product selections, materials and finishes
• Prepare comprehensive construction costs and fixed bid contract

Once you have fixed costs outlined in Step 3, a decision whether to proceed with construction is made. If you are ready, a Construction Contract is prepared.

• Develop detailed construction plans/sections/elevations
• Engineering if required
• Permitting
• Detailed schedule
• Pre-construction conference

Finally, it's time to begin the construction phase. It's an exciting time and enthusiasm is high. However, your home will soon become a worksite. Please refer to the accompanying "Coping with remodeling" for tips on how to best cope with the process.

• Communicate clearly with homeowner throughout process
• Total project management
• Lead carpenter on-site
• Coordination of county and city inspections
• Protection of home/furnishings
• Daily clean-up of work area
• Security maintained on-site
• Employee and subcontractor respect for homeowner's privacy and home/belongings
• Immediate remediation of any problems that may arise

While your project may be coming to a close, RRR's relationship with you is not. We have built a successful firm by retaining clients for life and relying on them for referrals to family and friends. Our 5 Year Limited Warranty is one way of ensuring complete customer satisfaction.

• Conduct final walk-through to determine if all items have been attended to properly
• Client Satisfaction survey
• Anniversary follow-up
• Warranty calls as necessary

• Prepare for inconvenience. If your kitchen area is involved in the project, we will help you prepare a temporary food preparation area by moving your refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven to another room. Arrange a clean-up station in the laundry or spare bathroom. An outdoor grill, even in winter months, is a lifesaver, as is the trusty crock pot.
• Designate a safe haven. Set aside a room in your home where you can escape from the commotion.
• Guard against dust. RRR will reduce the impact of dust and dirt by sealing off doorways and stairs; use floor protections; create temporary walls with sheet plastic with zippered doors. By removing as many valuables as possible, the risk of damage from dust is reduced.
• Maintain a sense of humor. As with all things, this too shall pass. Try to focus on what your new home will be like when the project is complete.
• Consider a vacation. If you've always wanted to visit Great Aunt Matilda in Chicago, this would be a good time to schedule a get-a-way.
• Enjoy the adventure. Tell your children you are "camping in." Celebrate completion phases with photos, creating an album of each step of the process.

A successful remodeling project depends on mutual trust and respect. You need to count on our technical expertise and ability to complete the job as promised. We, in turn, count on you to carefully prepare for and understand the remodeling process. Having your home remodeled is uniquely different from having a new home constructed. Both have their challenges, but with a remodel, you are living in a worksite. You will need to adjust your daily routines to make way for the construction that will transform your home into what you've always wanted it to be.

Communication:

• Consistent and open communication is critical to a positive experience. You will be introduced to your Lead Carpenter (project manager) who is responsible for daily decisions, safety and any after-hours emergencies.
• A "communication board" will be established in your home to be used by you and your Lead Carpenter for messages.
• Speak up! If you are uncertain about any aspect, bring it to your Lead Carpenter's attention.

Timing

The time necessary to complete a project is dependent on the scope of the work and uncontrollable factors such as weather. To help keep your project on schedule, keep these points in mind:

• Permits are time consuming, so remember to build the permit process into your expectations. The permit gives RRR legal permission to proceed.
• We will give you start and completion dates for each phase of your project.
• Many products you select can take weeks to deliver. To avoid construction delays, a selection sheet with deadlines is prepared for you. Selections must be made for each deadline.
• Any changes you make after the construction phase begins will result in changes in the schedule and the budget. Change orders will include prices, full descriptions and authorization in writing before work begins.

Site Preparation

In our pre-construction meeting we discuss the following details:

• Job site signage. Our company sign on your property helps subcontractors and suppliers locate your home.
• Job site access. Determine and agree upon a pathway for workers, construction equipment and vehicles to use in order to avoid damaging landscape or structures.
• Work and storage areas. Your privacy is important to us. Determine which areas are off-limits. Remember we may need access to electrical panels, water shut-off valves, and other areas not being remodeled.
• Personal belongings, furniture. Who will responsible for removing your belongings and returning them to the newly remodeled space.
• Security. Will someone always be home to answer door, or shall your Lead Carpenter be given a key? Is there an alarm system?
• Safety. Children and pets must be prevented from entering the work area. Some phases of your project may also require you to avoid the work area. While we will do everything possible to maintain a safe worksite, the nature of remodeling lends itself to hazardous conditions.
• Pets. Doors opening and closing presents the problem of pets escaping into traffic. During the work day, secure your pets in a safe area; workers can not be responsible for watching pets.
• Salvaging materials. Are there any special items, such as lighting fixtures or cabinets, that you would like to save? If so, designate where you'd like them stored. Unless otherwise designated in the contract, we will dispose of all demolition materials.
• Debris. Designate where the dumpster is to be placed on your property. Note that only construction materials can be placed in the dumpster, not household garbage.
• Utilities. At certain phases of your project you may be without water, a flushable toilet and/or electricity. The timing of these outages will be noted in your schedule, and if of any length of time, you may need to vacate the house.
• Clean up. Each day the work area will be thoroughly swept and picked up. If that is not sufficient for using the space, arrangements will be made. If at any time, the clean-up isn't to your satisfaction, bring it to the attention of your Lead Carpenter.

Worker guidelines

The following worker guidelines will help you define your expectations and establish mutual cooperation between you and our crew:

• Start/stop times: What time will the workers begin and end work at your home? Be sure to consider other household members and neighbors.
• Parking. Where may the workers park?
• Bathroom. Will bathroom facilities be available for the crew or is a porta-john on your property preferred.
• Smoking. Smoking is prohibited in your home. If smoking is permitted outside, we will provide containers.
• Language. Profanity is forbidden on the job site.
• Radios. Will you allow workers to play radios at a reasonable volume? Is there a certain time of the day you prefer they didn't?

Licenses Remodeling Resources of Richmond is a Class A contractor, qualified to perform or manage construction, removal, repair, or improvements when the total value referred to in a single contract or project is $120,000 or more, or the total value of all such construction, removal, repair, or improvements undertaken by such person within any 12-month period is $750,000 or more.

Beware of contractors with only a Class C license as they can not exceed projects of $7,500. Some dubious practices of unethical contractors include breaking a larger project down into a series of $7,499 to avoid the restrictions.

Permits

Virginia requires permits for building projects, even for smaller jobs such as decks. A professional contractor will obtain all permits. If a contractor asks a homeowner to obtain a permit, he may not be licensed or registered.

Subcontractors

All of Remodeling Resources of Richmond subcontractors have current insurance coverage and licenses.

Insurance

All Virginia contractors are required to carry general liability insurance and workers compensation. Ask for copies of insurance certificates and check that they are current. If a contractor does not carry the appropriate insurance, a homeowner could be held liable for injuries and damages that occur during a project.

Project management

Remodeling Resources of Richmond employs a Lead Carpenter model of management. A Project Manager, who is a master craftsman, is the homeowners primary contact throughout the entire project.

Project Schedule

Remodeling Resources of Richmond is committed to staying on schedule, finishing in a timely manner. Homeowners receive a detailed schedule to monitor progress.

Payment Schedule

A payment schedule is provided that notes when milestone payments are due. This prevents surprises and delays in the projects progress.

Warranty

Remodeling Resources of Richmond stands behind its work with a Five Year Limited Warranty, in writing, within the contract.

Job Site

Remodeling Resources of Richmond employees and subcontractors are trained to treat a home as if it were their own. While no one can promise that a home will be 100% dust free 100% of the time, dust curtains are employed to seal off the area under construction. Floors are covered with protective materials specific to the type of floor. Work areas are swept at the end of each work day. At the end of the project, maid service is provided for the work area.