[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” full_height=”yes” columns_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1515094377105{background-color: #004f8b !important;}” el_id=”introduction” el_class=”white”][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”fix-width”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

Planning Your Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel:

A Step By Step Guide To Your New Space
(and why it costs so darn much!)

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” css=”.vc_custom_1515094202438{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_class=”fix-width”][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”1780″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1515119613041{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text]There are a lot of remodeling guides out there. Unfortunately, they all tend to say the same thing: “You should remodel because it adds value to your home and improves your lifestyle. But you better pick the right contractor, or you’ll be screwed!”

What these guides don’t give you, though, is a step-by-step, realistic plan that tells you how to avoid common pitfalls so that your remodeling project is a successful and satisfying experience.

That’s why we created this unique resource for you. This isn’t a “style guide.” It’s a blueprint for asking the right questions, choosing the right process, and working with the right people for your kitchen and/or bathroom remodeling goals, needs and budget in Tallahassee.

Not that we have anything against a good style guide! We have two available and are happy to send one or both your way – just drop us a line or take a look at them here.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

The 4 most important questions to ask when starting a remodel.

Why does it cost so much and how do you compare quotes?

A start-to-finish timeline of a typical McManus Kitchen & Bath remodel.

 

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Table of Contents

Tip: Click on the icons to go directly to your desired chapter!

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PART 1:

4 Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering a Remodel

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PART 2:

The 3 Most Common Causes of Remodeling Stress

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PART 3:

Why Does It Cost So Darn Much!?

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PART 4:

Common Problems with Estimates, things to watch out for

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PART 1:
4 Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering a Remodel

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1514464360364{background-color: #ebebeb !important;}” el_class=”white-bg”][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”fix-width white-back gray” css=”.vc_custom_1515042960941{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;padding-top: 30px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]It’s a good idea to mull these questions over a bit before visiting our showroom. It will save time and make your first meeting with our designer a more productive one. It’s ok if you don’t have answers to every question – part of the designer’s role is to help you answer them.

1. Why do I want to remodel?

What are my goals? What do I like/not like about my current kitchen or bath. Be as specific as you can.

2. What is my budget?

You need to create a budget very early in the process in order to control costs and design project that works for you. We’ll help you create your initial budget on your first showroom visit using our Good, Better, Best budget process.  Always add a 10% contingency to your budget.

3. When do I want it done?

Don’t forget to take into consideration holidays, school schedules, vacations, or other family events. Expect a full kitchen or bathroom remodel to take 6 to 8 weeks. Add another 2-4 weeks for planning and design work..

4. How do I want to start the process?

You can get started in one of 3 ways:

• Visit a showroom or designer – This is a good approach if you are not making a lot of layout changes and want to get started choosing cabinet styles and colors. If you are trying to make structural changes or move plumbing and electric the designer may not be able help with that.
• Call a contractor– Starting with a consult with a contractor is useful if you are moving walls or plumbing and you want to know if what you want done can be done, and at what cost. Most contractors do not get involved in design decisions though and you will need to visit a showroom to select your cabinets, tile and fixtures.
• Visit McManus Kitchen and Bath and do both at the same time. After more than a decade designing and installing kitchens and baths we have opened our first full service showroom. We did this specifically to streamline the design and selection process for our customers and to help save them both time and money. We also carry a unique mix of products you most likely won’t see anywhere else in town.

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PART 2:

The 3 Most Common Causes of Remodeling Stress

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1514464360364{background-color: #ebebeb !important;}” el_class=”white-bg”][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”fix-width white-back gray” css=”.vc_custom_1515042983140{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;padding-top: 30px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]No matter how you get started, watch for these common issues, or as we like to call them, “The Big 3.”  

1. Cleanliness
2. Communication
3. Job Site Organization

If you get the “Big 3” right, the rest of the project should run pretty smoothly.

Cleanliness

Most people aren’t aware of just how many dangers lurk in remodeling dust. We make sure your home and family are protected in a variety of ways:

• Our BuildClean HEPA filters drastically reduce airborne jobsite dust.
• The Zipwall dust barrier system for blocking off construction areas.
• We tape off air returns and regularly install new filters.
• Drop cloths are frequently replaced, especially after demolition.
• Minimal sweeping – it kicks up the dust!

Here’s a favorite cleanliness tip. Try the “quarter trick.” Leave a quarter on a flat surface just outside the work area. At the end of the day, pick it up and it will demonstrate how much dust escaped the work area.

Clear Communication

The vast majority of construction projects that wind up in court could have been avoided with proper communication. It’s not easy keeping track of all the discussions and decisions that need to be made during a remodel. Miscommunication can lead to real problems.

Your relationship with your contractor and designer is about trust. You should feel comfortable asking about anything you don’t understand or may be worried about.

A Good Communication Plan Ensures:

• Regular meeting are held to review the project
• All conversations, emails, etc.. are recorded and notes are available for anyone involved to review
• The scope of work and schedule are clearly outlined
• Payment schedules are clearly outlined
• All parties are easy to reach

We use a cloud-based project management system so you have instant access to job schedules, subcontractor info, payments due and project pictures, specs and designs.

We also submit a daily log at the end of each day that states what was done that day, what is planned for the following day, who to expect on site and at what time.

Organization

Jobsite organization is an often overlooked component of a well-run project. A well-organized job site keeps things safe for you, your family, guests, and pets, not to mention the crew!

Components of an Organized Jobsite:

• Identify specific area for material and equipment storage prior to job start
• Identify parking areas for crew and sub contractors
• Identify Clean up areas (with access to water and safe from pets or children)
• Remove all personal items from work area and pathway to work area
• Protection Plan – plastic barriers (some permanent, others removed each day)
• Daily Clean up routine – Dust, Sweep, Vacuum, Mop – be specific about how clean the jobsite should be at the end of each day
• Trash Removal – how often? Dumpster on site or will trash be removed daily?

Tools, equipment, and materials should always be safely stored away and there must be a clear path from the point of entry to the work area. The jobsite should be thoroughly cleaned at the end of each day[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1515094676633{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;background-color: #86c4d8 !important;}” el_id=”part3″][vc_column][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” el_class=”fix-width”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

PART 3:

Why Does It Cost So Darn Much?

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1514464360364{background-color: #ebebeb !important;}” el_class=”white-bg”][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”fix-width white-back gray” css=”.vc_custom_1515043000204{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;padding-top: 30px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]For sure, remodeling costs have increased over the last 10 years. And all signs point to costs continuing to increase due to labor shortages and material cost increases.

Fewer young people are going into the trades and there’s a shortage of trade schools, apprenticeship programs or union training. So not only is it there a shortage of construction workers in general, there is a real shortage of skilled workers.

Another reason for the increase in kitchen and bathroom remodel costs is something you could call the “HGTV Factor.” Homeowners have become much more design savvy and are demanding higher quality materials, better storage options, and a higher level of service. This is fantastic because it is resulting in much better kitchen and bathroom design. But all those added features and luxury materials naturally cost more.

Comparing Quotes

Creating an accurate, well designed proposal is time consuming. It can take 8 to 12 hours to develop an accurate quote for a kitchen or bathroom remodel, not including the design work, which can take even longer.
Most contractors (ourselves included) are reluctant to do that much work for free; after all, only about 1 in 5 quotes we do actually turns into a project.

So what usually ends up happening is contractors or designers create “quick quotes” which may or may not be accurate and are often confusing. The contractor or designer is forced to “guess” what your needs are, what quality of materials you want to pay for and what level of service you want.

When remodeling mistakes are costly. If a contractor is wrong about the cost of the work that needs to be done or the wrong materials are specified it can cost much more to change the scope of work mid-remodel.

Over the years we’ve developed a two part approach to our estimate and design process that we think allows us to understand your needs and provide you with an accurate idea of the cost of your project.

We call it the Good, Better, Best Process.

Our Estimate and Design Process

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Step 1: Showroom Visit: Start with A Good, Better Best Budget

Our whole showroom is designed around the GBB process. When you first come in we’ll sit down to look over pictures of you exiting space and any inspirations photos you have. We’ll go over our GBB budget process with you and complete your personal GBB sheet.

In the showroom we have cabinets, tile, fixtures etc… at each price point (good, better and best) and while we are competing your GBB budget we can show you the difference between different products. For example, the difference between a “good” cabinet and a “better” one.

This way you can choose which products are best for you project and full know the details of the materials you are choosing.

The initial visit is free and takes about 90 minutes. At the end you walk away with a an estimate for your project at 3 different price points and a custom quote based on your preferences.

Step 2: Home Visit, Design retainer and Fixed Price Proposal

Once you have decided to accept a GBB budget and would like to move forward we will ask you to sign a design agreement and pay a small deposit.

We will then earmark space on our schedule for your project, visit your home to review the project scope again and take measurements.

We will request bids from our subcontractors, finalize your design work and help you make your product selections.

When this process is complete we will present you with a fixed price proposal. When you sign that proposal we will collect a deposit and schedule your start date.

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PART 4:

Common Problems with Estimates, and Things to Watch Out For

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Materials and Fixtures

Problem

• Many contractors will state ”all labor and materials included” on the proposal, but what they mean is rough materials like 2×4’s and drywall, not sinks and faucets, etc.
• Similarly, many showrooms will only include cabinets and fixtures in their bids and leave out the rough materials and labor needed.

Solution

• The materials section of a bid should have two sections. One for the rough materials (this could be a single line item, not necessarily itemized) and a Fixtures sections, often referred to as allowances. These are items you need to select before the can be priced accurately.

Scope of Work

Problem

• Kitchen and bath remodels are complicated and it’s easy to leave something out when you are creating a proposal.
• Some contractors and showrooms use vague language in the description of work to be done and you may assume something is included that is not.

Solution

• Make sure the scope of work is detailed and ask for clarification if you don’t see something you expect.

Quality of Materials

Problem

• Material quality – You can buy a kitchen sink for $100 or $4000 … or a bathroom vanity for $900 or $3500 … both products might even look the same to the untrained eye but their durability and function will be very different.

Solution

• Make sure materials of similar quality are being used in each quote you get. The quote should list all model numbers andbrands
• We address this by using what we call a Good Better Best Estimate. Every one of our estimates offers 3 price points:for good or budget quality materials, for better, or mid-grade materials, and for best or high-grade/designer materials.

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What to Expect: Start to Finish with a Typical McManus Kitchen & Bath Project

McManus Kitchen & Bath is the only state-certified contractor in Tallahassee with a full-service design center.

It allows us to assist you on your project from initial design and estimate all the way to the final clean up. Our project management process is straightforward and comprehensive.

Total Time from initial showroom visit to project completion: 9 – 12 weeks.

Getting Started – a 90 Minute Showroom Visit

 

• Start with a showroom visit. We’ll email you a measuring guide (don’t worry its very simple) and ask you to send us some pictures. That will allow us to create your initial budget and design.
• You’ll walk away from your first showroom visit with a Good, Better, Best Estimate and an initial design of your project.

Next Steps: Creating a Fixed Price Proposal – 2 to 4 weeks

• After you’ve had time to consider the options outlined in your initial GBB estimate, we work with you to make all your materials selections and we  request bids from our subcontractors so we can create your fixed price proposal and final design.

Construction and Installation – 6 to 8 weeks

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Pre Construction

• 7 to 10 days before your project is scheduled to start we will host a pre construction meeting at your home to review the project, identify the best place to store materials and equipment, where to park, etc

Day 1: Set Up and Dust Control

• On day one we protect the floors and walls in the work area, as well as the travel path from the work area to the outside. A Zipwall dust barrier is erected and our BuildClean HEPA Air Scrubber is installed.

Day 2 – 45: Exact scope of work varies but some common tasks are:

• Demo
• Rough Framing
• Rough Plumbing
• Rough Electric
• First Inspection
• Drywall
• Waterproofing
• 2nd Inspection
• Prime coat of paint
• Top coat of paint
• Tile and flooring
• Cabinetry, doors and trim
• Final Electric (install fixtures)
• Final Plumbing (install fixtures)
• Paint Trim
• Install accessories, shower glass etc…
• Final Touch up paint, punch list items
• Final Clean up
• Final walk thru and completion
• Final Inspection

Daily Communication and Project Management

• We are on site every day M-F
• We use daily logs and weekly progress reports so you can catch any issues as soon as possible.
• You have full access to the project schedule online and we touch base with you daily.

Wrapping Up

• A final walkthrough ensures your complete satisfaction. We also touch base at one-week and one-month intervals to make sure there are no outstanding issues.

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Why You Should Choose McManus Kitchen & Bath

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1514947538182{background-color: #ebebeb !important;}” el_class=”white-bg”][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1515043057045{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;padding-top: 30px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}” el_class=”fix-width gray”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]As a local business, we’ve been designing and remodeling kitchens in the greater Tallahassee area since 2005. We focus only on kitchen and bath products which allows us to bring you the latest innovations and techniques you need for a successful remodel. We’re one of the few remodeling firms in the area that offers both framed and frameless cabinets and have a huge selection of products in our showroom for you to choose from. And all our clients can view virtual reality versions of their completed designs.

From initial consult to final walk-through, we treat your home with the respect it deserves. Whether you’re an empty-nester ready to update your kitchen, or a growing family in need of more space, our one-stop approach can bring your kitchen vision to life!

At McManus Kitchen & Bath, we strive to make the remodeling experience an enjoyable one, and our #1 priority is finishing your remodel on time and on budget. The testimonials, repeat business, and referrals we receive from satisfied clients is how we define our success.

We invite you to visit our website to see examples of the work we do . We look forward to meeting you at our showroom and welcome the opportunity to answer any kitchen remodeling design questions you may have.

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