Whole Home Remodeling and Additions

Whole Home Remodeling

A whole home remodel can be tackled in several ways. The easiest of course is to move out of your home for the 4-6 months it might take to remodel. But that is not always possible so another approach is to remodel in stages, taking a short break between each stage.

When completing a whole home remodel in stages we still design the entire home first so we have a complete plan of action. Then we typically remodel the master suite first as once that is complete you have a ‘sanctuary’ to escape to while we work on other parts of the house. We’ll create a custom schedule during the design process.

Home Additons

We specialize in interior design so when we do addition projects we partner with the experts at Fineline Design to do the architectural drafting for us. We use the same design software they do so it makes collaboration easy. 

Additons can be complicated by HOA rules, zoning laws and even soil and drainage conditions so we like to start with a ‘feasibility study’ to determine what is possible before we get into the actual details of the design.

ADUs

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are detached buildings on the same lot as the primary home. They are restricted to certain sizes based on the size of your home but the can be a great way to add space for guests or even an office. Planning for an ADU is very similar to an addition.

A lot of people debate whether to build a new home rather than remodel, add on or move to a different home. There is a lot to consider when making this decision. 

Building new used to be a better option but as Tallahassee has grown there are fewer lots located close to town and they are getting expensive.

Older homes are usually located in well established neighborhoods with a rich history and close to shopping and services. They usually provide a better sense of community and place. Whole home remodleing is becoming a better option for most people.

Planning A Whole Home Remodel

The process for a whole home remodel starts the same as our other projects. If you want an addition to your home as part of the remodel we just need to add an extra step.

Start with A Discovery Call and Consult

We start with a discovery call to learn more about your project and tell you a little about us and how we work. After the call we will schedule a design and budget consult (read more about that here).

After your consult you’ll have a detailed budget and 3D concept for your whole home remodel. The next step is to approve your budget so we can move into the design process.

To Start Planning a Home Addition

There are two options for starting a home addition project. The simplest, and least expensive option is to schedule a Design and Budget Consult to explore options and costs. The budget we create will be pretty rough as we would not have explored the engineering or architecutral elements of the project but it give you a starting point to decide if the project is worth pursuing. Consult fee is $575. 

The other option is to do a complete feasibilty study and we will have architectural drawings done and explore all the details of the project so we can estimate it more exactly. This approach can cost $4000 – $6000 or more. 

Approve Your Budget, Start Design

After the initial consult is complete and you have your budget the next step is to approve the budget and pay a 5% design retainer. 

The design process for a whole home remodel or addition is similar to a kitchen or bath project except longer. We’ll also start the permit process to make sure there won’t be any issue with things like set back, drainage or any issues with the HOA.

No Allowances, No Unexpected Delays

A common mistake when tackling a large project like whole home remodeling is using allowances instead of choosing all materials up front. Starting the project without all materials selected inevitably leads to delays and increased costs.

There are enough unknowns in remodeling without introducing more. We make all material selections in design, down to the last light switch. We then order everything and store it in our warehouse until the project starts. That way there are no delays due to backorders, shipping damages or mistakes.

After Design – Keeping You In The Loop

Once design is done there is waiting period until the project starts. It can take 8 to 16 weeks to get cabinets, windows and other fixtures.

During this period we will send you regular updates to let you know that things are on track, what materials have arrived and what we are still waiting for.

About Three weeks before your home remodeling project starts your project manager will schedule a Pre-Construction meeting with you at your home to discuss site prep, the project calendar and what to expect during the first week of the project.

Managing the project

Your project calendar, created during design,  will outline what to expect every day of the project. Your project manager also sends you updates each day using daily logs in our project portal. 

These daily logs are sent at least three times a day:

• • at 8 am to let you know who to expect on site that day and what will be done.
  • Mid day when your project manager is on site they will do a daily log with progress pictures
  • At the end of the day they will update you on what got done and the plan for the following day or days.

For a whole home remodel or addition you will have dedicated proejct manager for the duration of the project. Their sole focus is your project and they will be on site multiple times throughout the day.