The Best Remodeling System For Consistent Results

Top Complaints About Remodeling

We use AI to search through hundreds of review sites and contractor forum to find the most common complaints about the remodeling process. 

Then we made sure we had systems in place to avoid these common issues and more. 

A lot of common contractor complaints about homeowners can also be avoided with good remodeling systems that set clear expecations. 

The Best Remodeling System

Our remodeling system based  on proven best practices that are taught in training programs across the country. There are 4 Core Systems a we have created, each system has a number of steps or processes.

These systems have two simple goals:

1. Set clear expectation so you always know what to expect and

2. Ensure we meet or exceed those expectations.

Our Estimate System

An estimate is not just a quote, it is not just about ‘making the sale’. It is where the first expectations are set and met, exceeded or not met.

1. The Initial Phone Call aka ‘Discovery call’

The initial call is where we first learn about your needs, answer your questions, explain how we work and then schedule your estimate, what we call a design and budget consult.  

2. Follow Up After The Call

After the call we’ll follow up with a summary of what we discussed, details about next steps and an appointment confirmation. 

3. Our Estimate Process – The Design and Budget Consult 

We start with a home visit to get measurements and then invite you into our showroom to revew your ‘good-better-best estimate’ and 3D design concepts. 

Our Estimates

Are based on historic data. We track costs on all out projects and use that information to keep our estimate database updated.

Use detailed measurements  that we get in your home and use 3D modelling of the proposed design to make sure we don’t miss anything. 

Are reviewed with you in our showroom so we can answer questions, review material samples and customize the estimate to your needs.

3D renderings are helpful to visualize the final result but you also want detailed plans that specify exactly where things go. Typically you should have a 1. demo plan, 2. Framing plan – often you need separate plans for walls, roofs, floors etc…  3. Electric plan 4. Plumbing plan 6. HVAC plan 6. Cabinet plan and 7. General before/after plan. For smaller project these can be combined. 

The Design & Planning System.

A successful project is all about details… the exact location of plumbing and electric fixtures, the tile pattern, cabinet height etc… exact material selections, color and pattern. 

Too many contractors rush the design and planning process and that creates a lot of the common issues discussed about.

The better the planning, the smoother the project.

1. Design meetings and home visits

Typically we have 2-4 design meetings for a kitchen or bathroom remodel. We also will visit your home 2-3 times to meet with installers, engineeers and review plans.

2. Bids and Scheduling

During design we are choosing the exact materials for your project, getting exact labor costs from our installers so we can create a fixed price proposal.

3. Scope Review

Also during design, our project managers are reviewing the project to troubleshoot potential issues and create a detailed project schedule.

The project schedule should outline what happens every day on the project and you payment schedule should be linked to project milestones. 

4. Communication

After each design meeting we send an appointment summary with update pricing and a summary of decisions made so there are no surprises.

A detailed project schedule is a critical part of any successful project. 

Ordering and Construction Systems

Ordering everything right after final contract signing avoid surprise costs increases and unexpected delays from shipping damage or backorders.

During construction the best contractors will have a project manager on site every day to manage quality control and jobsite organization. They will is provide daily updates with project photos every day. 

1. Ordering / Permits / Scheduling

One person should be in charge of all ordering and storage of materials to avoid confusion or miscommuncation. When materials arrive they should be checked for any damage and to make sure the color, size, type etc… are correct before storing them until needed on site

Ideally your contractor would manage all materails but some contractors/deisgners will ask you to handle this.

2. Pre-Construction

The preconstruction process is where permits are submitted, schedules are confirmed and everything is lined up for the project.

About 3 weeks before the project start your contractor or project manager should arrange for a ‘pre-construction meeting’ at your home to discuss things like job site set up, parking etc…

3. Construction

During construction your contractor or project manager should be on site every day to review plans with installers, do quality control checks, make sure the work area is kept clean and to keep you updated.

They should provide daily updates with progress pictures via email or though a project management software.

In addition to daily updates your project manager should schedule formal walkthroughs of the project with you so you can look things over together and make sure you are both satisfied. We schedule 3 formal walkthroughs on most projects. 

The best contractors use a purchase order system to keep track of all material orders and delivery dates. 

Follow Up and Warranty Systems

The process is not done when the job is done. The best contractors also have a detailed follow up and warranty process. 

1. Follow Up

It’s important for the contractor to have a plan to follow up with you a few months after the project is complete to make sure things are working as expected. We like to do a 6 month ‘tune up” visit with out clients. 

2. Warranty

1 year warranties are common. We offer a 5 year warranty on our projects. Each year on the anniversary of your projects completion date will send you an email asking if anything needs to be addressed.