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The remodeling process

Prepare for the initial meeting

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. Project Plus Builders can give you a "ball park" estimate based on the size of the project, general information you provide, and by matching PPB'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. To help you evaluate what different types of projects costs, we've prepared a list of typical projects. These past project costs are not a quote or a bid, but a tool to help you with budget considerations. Periodically we update the information online to better reflect current material prices. Please remember that these are only typical budgets and your project may be higher or lower, depending on your objectives and current condition of your home.

While a renovation or new home construction may seem daunting, when broken down into steps, it is easier to understand and manage.

Step 1: Complimentary initial on-site consultation

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.

Step 2: Feasibility Study

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.

Step 3: Design Agreement

If a Design Agreement was selected during Step 2, PPB 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.

Step 4: Construction 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.

Step 5: Construction

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 a Remodel for tips on how to best cope with the process. Please read During the Remodel for more information about this phase.

Step 6: Project Close-out

While your project may be coming to a close, PPB'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.

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