REMODELING

Dreaming about your home improvements? Now it is time to convert your ideas and wishes into a working plan.

• Deabenderfer Construction Design/ Build, LLC will help you make a list of things you like about your home, things you would like to change and any other thoughts you have about your project.


• Think about problems you hope to solve by remodeling. For example: Does your home need more rooms and or different types of rooms? Do people run into each other because of the poorly planned hallways and corridors? Does your home get enough sunlight? Do you need to change the windows?


• If you are thinking of adding an addition, where would the new space be located? Are you willing to give up unused spaces in order to minimize the size of an addition?


• Finally, jot down as many ideas as possible about features you would like the new space to include. Would you like vaulted ceilings? Do you want a fireplace in the bedroom or family room? Would you like built-in bookcases in a family room?

If some of your ideas are vague, don’t worry. The more ideas you can supply to Deabenderfer Construction Design/Build, LLC, the more successful the outcome of the project.

RESOURSES

Deabenderfer Construction knows the only way to earn your business and trust is to develop a plan that meets as many of your remodeling goals as possible within your financial resources.

So, first you need a budget. Sharing your financial concerns can be scary. But keeping it to yourself will only lead to frustrations later on, especially if the design solves your remodeling concerns but destroys your financial plan.

Establishing your financial plan

• Deabenderfer Construction will share a list of past clients for references.


• Deabenderfer Construction will happily share ballpark planning figures.


• The general rule of thumb is to spend what it takes to satisfy your remodeling wish list if you plan to live in the house a long time. If you are looking towards resale, respect the standards of your neighborhood.


• Always keep some money in reserve. Deabenderfer Construction will give you a fixed price and stand by it. Most homeowners add items onto jobs as their remodeling projects progress. This would be additional charges over and above the fixed price.


• Decisions must be made on product selection prior to beginning work on your project as well as during the project. These selections will greatly impact the project cost. Deabenderfer Construction will assist you with these selections and work closely with you to develop a set of plans for your project. Deabenderfer Construction will make sure the decisions you make show up in the final construction contract. Listed below is a list of common products needed for your project.

SHOPPING

The biggest obstacle to overcome is choosing the exact materials to be installed as part of your new or remodeled home. We offer the following tips for your decisions making.

• WHERE TO SHOP



Catalogs:

Deabenderfer Construction has access to manufacturer’s catalogs

Retail Showrooms:

Deabenderfer Construction has arrangements with retailers so their clients will be able to select materials easily.

Trade-only Showrooms:

Deabenderfer Construction has arrangements with local businesses so they can take or send you to select materials.

Remodelers Showrooms:

Deabenderfer Construction has some stock samples of products they install.

Web Pages:

On line is a great source for manufacturer’s products and price comparison.

Buying and supplying your own materials:

Deabenderfer Construction stands behind their work. They provide materials with warranties. If you, the client, supply the material, be prepared to forgo any warranty coverage through your contractor.



• HOW TO SHOP



Deabenderfer Construction advises all clients to, be prepared! Deabenderfer Construction will tell you in advance what you will need and provide a time line for the purchases. Always, keep track of your budget allowances as outlined in the construction contract.

If more than one homeowner is involved in choosing materials, pay close attention to each other styles. Remodeling can be stressful and you do not want to miss a deadline because the two of you cannot agree.

• WHEN TO SHOP



Know your schedule! Deabenderfer Construction documents will include a written schedule on when you must make material selections. Your remodeling job can come to a screeching halt if materials selections are not made in a timely manner. Deabenderfer Construction will keep in touch with you on changes in the schedule.

Always ask showrooms, if the material selected is in stock. If not, be sure to ask how long it will take for delivery. Some special orders take months to receive. This will impact the construction schedule tremendously. Deabenderfer Construction will be with you at the showroom.

CONTRACT

Deabenderfer Construction insists on a written contract guaranteeing what you will get for your money. Deabenderfer Construction contracts include the following:

• Blueprint or sketches showing what section of your home is to be remodeled.
• A list of written details for the work to be performed.
• A list of materials noting allowances for some items.
• Cleanup provisions.
• Timetable.
• Change orders.
• Responsibility of any sub-contractors.
• Laws pertaining to building codes as well as hazards.
• Payment schedule.
• Fixed-price contract, a contractor agrees to do the work for a price specified in advance.
• Resolution of difference if something goes wrong.
• Cost-plus pricing, the contractor passes expenses on to you as the client with a markup for overhead and profit, or a guarantee maximum price.
• Retain some money until the job has been completed. This makes sure that the end of the job details are handled correctly.

TIMING

Timing is everything! It is not uncommon to spend six months or more planning a remodeling project. Deabenderfer Construction will be able to assist you in this process and offer the following guidelines.

• Expect to meet with Deabenderfer Construction as many as a half-dozen times to iron out design details. This will be followed with phone conversations, and/or e-mails between parties.
• Once a design and a contract has been signed, work may not begin immediately. Orders must be placed and materials must arrive before work can begin. For example, kitchen cabinets can take up to six weeks for delivery.


• How long will construction take? Be prepared to live with a construction crew for two to four weeks for a typical kitchen remodel. It may take two to three months for an addition depending upon the design. Deabenderfer Construction will treat your home like their own.


• On most jobs activity is in full swing early with the crew doing the quick work of demolition and framing. Later, as workers wait for drywall compound, paint and other finishes to dry, or special orders to be delivered, work is at a much slower pace.


• Deabenderfer Construction will keep you up to date on all activity on a daily basis.

SETBACKS

On every job there will be mistakes and surprises. Dealing with them will involve decisions on your part. Deabenderber Construction will be there to assist along the way and offer the following tips to assist you as well.

• Maintain close contact with Deabenderfer Construction on a daily basis. Walk through the project once a week with the foreman and take a close look at each day’s work after the crews have left.
• When something is wrong, bring it to the attention of Deabenderfer Construction immediately. Most construction mistakes are not intentional but a result of a mix-up in communication.
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• If a mistake has not been made, but you do not like what you see based on the original plans, what are your options? Deabenderfer Construction will help you decide if you can live with it or not. If you cannot, you may be responsible for any changes.
• If you decide to add more details than originally planned once the work begins, a change order comes into play. The change order is in addition to your contract. These additions may increase or decrease the cost of the job. Deabenderfer Construction will assist you with all changes in the plans.

Deabenderfer Construction hopes you will use this information to assist us with any and all remodeling projects you have in the future. If we can be of further assistance, please contact our office.