Good remodeling systems and processes make things easier for both contractor and homeowner.
We use AI to search through hundreds of review sites and contractor forums 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 homeowner complaints about contractors can be avoided with good remodeling systems that address their concerns.
A lot of common contractor complaints about homeowners can also be avoided with good remodeling systems that set clear expectations.
Our remodeling system is based on proven best practices that are taught in training programs across the country. There are 4 Core Systems we have created, each system has a number of steps or processes.
These systems have two simple goals:
1. Set clear expectations so you always know what to expect and
2. Ensure we meet or exceed those expectations.
1Get a realistic estimate with 3D concept drawings
2We finalize all the details and order all your materials.
3Your project team prepare everything for project start.
4Project manager is on site daily for quality control.
56 month ‘tune up’ visit and a 5 year warranty on all work.
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.
1The 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.
2After the call we’ll follow up with a summary of what we discussed, details about next steps and an appointment confirmation.
3We start with a home visit to get measurements and then invite you into our showroom to review your ‘good-better-best estimate’ and 3D design concepts.
Are based on historic data. We track costs on all our 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 5. HVAC plan 6. Cabinet plan and 7. General before/after plan. For smaller projects these can be combined.
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 above.
The better the planning, the smoother the project.
1Typically 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, engineers and review plans.
2During 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.
3Also during design, our project managers are reviewing the project to troubleshoot potential issues and create a detailed project schedule.
4After each design meeting we send an appointment summary with updated pricing and a summary of decisions made so there are no surprises.
The project schedule should outline what happens every day on the project and your payment schedule should be linked to project milestones.
Ordering everything right after final contract signing avoids surprise cost 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 provide daily updates with project photos every day.
One person should be in charge of all ordering and storage of materials to avoid confusion or miscommunication. 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 materials but some contractors/designers will ask you to handle this.
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…
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 through 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 process is not done when the job is done. The best contractors also have a detailed follow up and warranty process.
1It’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 our clients.
21 year warranties are common. We offer a 5 year warranty on our projects. Each year on the anniversary of your project’s completion date we will send you an email asking if anything needs to be addressed.
Our remodeling estimates aren't guesses or "good starting points." They're based on real material numbers and historic costs, and include a design consult in our showroom.
This is the right way to start: with a realistic budget and a clear remodeling plan.
If you're struggling with an outdated kitchen or bathroom, schedule a call with the owner, Paul McManus, to discuss options and see if we can help.