Process
STEP 1: START A PROJECT PROFILE
We complete a PROJECT PROFILE SHEET, typically over the phone or you can complete it yourself HERE, gathering specific
information as to the scope of your project. The more details you can provide, the better we can create the space you envision.
STEP 2: SITE VISIT & ROUGH ESTIMATE
With the Project Profile Sheet completed, next is a FREE ON_SITE VISIT at your home by one of our experienced designers.
Please allow up to 1.5 hours for the meeting. We also request that all interested parties be in attendance.
During the consultation, we discuss all topics related to your project such as:
► Design criteria and options
► Window, door styles and brands
► Bath fixtures, tiling and flooring
► Structural considerations
► Cabinetry and countertops
► ROUGH ESTIMATE to complete project.
The on-site visit is your opportunity to get to know us. Before selecting our company, we want to make sure you like our ideas and feel at ease with us on a company and personal level as individuals. Upon request, we can provide you with a list of previous clients to give you an opportunity to speak with them directly or visit completed job sites.
You’ll discover that we are sensitive to safety, security, construction dust and debris, and most importantly, good communication.
We treat your home as if it were our own.
STEP 3: DESIGN & DETAILED ESTIMATE
Upon approval of the rough estimate, you give us the “go ahead” via a Letter of Intent and the DESIGN PHASE begins. We take photographs, measurements, sketch concepts and finally, utilize computerized 3-D renderings to produce design visuals. Our state-of-the-art software allows you to see what your finished project will look like and be viewed from many different angles before construction, avoiding potentially costly mistakes!
If you like what you see, we then work with our suppliers and trade professionals to develop the most accurate cost estimate. We include all permit costs and any other job related expenses. Depending on the complexity of your project, a consultation with a structural engineer may be necessary.
Once we’ve established a DETAILED ESTIMATE, we then schedule a meeting with you, again at your home.
Please allow up to 2 hours for this meeting.
You are able to review floor plans, elevations and pricing for the proposed project. Together, we analyze them for space planning, suitability and construction feasibility. The best ideas are redrawn and reviewed again. Once a concept is finalized, we print the preliminary drawings and draft the construction documentation.
STEP 4: CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION
With the approval of the design and detailed estimate, we then draft the CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION. Final design plans are given to our professionals for their review. Depending upon any issues or questions they have, we may need to schedule another meeting for clarity.
Using prepared calculations, we compile a DETAILED CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT that includes the following:
► Project Specifications containing allowances, footing definitions, structural data, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, finish components,
options and any work that is performed by someone other than Cowdin Design & Remodeling.
► Legalities and Payment Draw Schedules.
This document is very important for the protection of both the client and Cowdin Remodeling & Design.
A meeting of up to 2 hours allows the client to review the Construction Agreement and ask any questions. If everything is acceptable at this point, a deposit is made, authorizing us to produce the plans for construction. We obtain any building permits as well and schedule project start and completion dates.
STEP 5: PRE-CONSTRUCTION
At the PRE-CONSTRUCTION MEETING, we review all documentation with you and confirm a start date.
Other topics covered include:
► Preparing your home for remodeling
► Setting up a temporary kitchen (if required)
► Use of toilet facilities
► Location of material staging area
► Debris location and control
► Dust and damage control
► Lead paint hazard for homes constructed before 1978
► Home access, security and project safety
► Children and pets and their access to the job site
► Parking for our construction crew
► How production hours impact your family
► Payment schedules
► Delays- when they occur and why
► Phone use
► Job signs and permit locations.
HOME PREPARATION FOR REMODELING
We recommend discussing with family members about the renovation project and what is to be expected. Without proper preparation, remodeling can be very stressful – particularly for small children and pets. The workmen, noise and dust can be a real annoyance.
We understand this, and make it a priority to keep any inconvenience as minimal on your life and schedules as possible. We also provide you with instructions prior to beginning that includes details about the removal of any valuable items such as paintings, decorations, rugs, drapes and furniture.
Our trade professionals make extensive use of drop cloths, plastic carpet covers, plastic room dividers and vacuums. But, with sheetrock and plaster, dust is very difficult to control. Our professionals set up a temporary work area and make sure they clean up at the end of every work day. If we are doing a kitchen remodel, we help you set up a temporary kitchenette for your coffee pot, microwave, refrigerator and hot plate.
Depending on the scope of your project, your landscaping and yard maybe disturbed. When the job is completed, we rough grade, seed and straw grassy areas if landscape replacement is not part of the job. We do our best not to extensively damage any shrubbery. If we feel there is a concern, we will let you know prior to beginning any renovation.
STEP 6: BEGIN CONSTRUCTION
When CONSTRUCTION is ready to start, we draft a production schedule. Then the real work begins. During this phase, there typically are 4 – 5 financial draws, all of which are specified in the Construction Documentation and approved by you.
Remodeling can be exciting, but it is also time consuming, chaotic, messy and sometimes challenging. It is a major disruption to your family’s lives. Strangers will be in and out of your house for weeks or months at a time. That is why we stress the need for proper preparation with your family members.
Again, we do our best to make this transition period as smooth as possible. The good news is, you are able to see your dream become a reality. With good communication, the experience can be what it’s meant to be: exciting, fun and rewarding.
STEP 7: PROJECT COMPLETION
Once all construction is completed, the final payment is not due until the to-do list is completed.
The final payment also initiates your two-year project warranty.
Workmanship Matters!
With any project, there are small details that may need addressing. For this reason, we prepare, with you, a to-do list for items to complete to your satisfaction. This list includes items in need of repair, adjustment or completion. Here are some typical to-do list items to check for:
► Painting and/or caulking flaws
► Hardware adjustments
► Trim flaws or missing pieces
► Inoperable electrical fixtures and outlets
► Plumbing fixtures that need adjustments
► Appliances that need adjustment
► HVAC issues
Cowdin Remodeling & Design guarantees our quality of workmanship will meet or exceed the Home Builders Residential Construction Performance Guidelines published by the National Home Builders Association.
Our reputation and your confidence in us is very important to us. It is always our goal for total client satisfaction. We thank you for the opportunity to make your renovation dreams come true!
