Every construction project has its challenges, but home improvement projects require the most attention and detail. For this reason, we want to be clear at the outset about what you can expect from us and what we will need from you.

Step 1: First Call

Every job starts with that first phone call. It’s important that you give us as much information as possible. After just a few questions, we should have enough information to establish whether your job fits our field of expertise. After this has been determined, both you and your contractor will need to be on the same page regarding budget. The sooner the budget is determined, the better.

A.ESTIMATE REQUEST FORM

In order to determine that your job fits our parameters for new projects, you will be prompted to answer a series of questions.

What kind of job is it?

• Bathroom Remodel
• Kitchen Remodel
• Whole Home Remodel
• Addition
• Accessory Dwelling Unit
• Garage Conversion
• Custom Home Build
• Deck
• Subcontractor Work – work needed on a project for which there is already a Project Manager or General Contractor.
• Demolition
• Framing
• Finish Carpentry
• General Shell – all of the above plus
• Foundations
• Windows & Door Installation
• Roofing
• Siding

If your job doesn’t fit into one of these categories, we are probably not a good fit. If it does, we would then need to determine your budget. 

B. BUDGET#00153A

The MOST important question for both client and contractor is, “How much will it cost?” Because there are so many factors involved, it’s very hard to give an iron-clad answer. However, ballpark numbers can be helpful. If you are considering adding on to or improving your home, you should know how much is needed to pay for the improvements. The following ranges may give you an idea:

BATHROOM REMODELS

Smaller bathroom repairs/shower replacement can start as low as $10,000, but typical pricing for a full remodel and upgrade will likely range anywhere between $25,000 to $80,000. Factors such as flooring type, shower/bathtub tile and surround, vanity, toilet, and other finishes are the largest ticket items.

KITCHEN REMODELS

On a tight budget, a small kitchen facelift may start as low as $25,000. More typically though, costs for a kitchen remodel will run $50,000 – $150,000. As expected, your cabinet choice will be the biggest factor, followed by appliance selection.

ADDITIONS

A detached new construction ADU (accessory dwelling unit), or any new construction build, will usually start out around $300/sqft.

DECKS

A mid-size redwood deck (roughly 15’ x 20’) will cost in the neighborhood of 25k. As a rule of thumb, $75/sqft can get you a single level, standard-detail redwood deck over level ground.

SUBCONTRACTOR WORK

Subcontractor work will vary depending on the length of the project and skill level necessary, but you can ask to see our Time & Material rate sheet for pricing.

Though these numbers may not seem scientific, it is crucial for your contractor to understand your limitations and expectations. He will know best where costs can be most effectively allocated to increase the value of your project or minimize costs without reducing the functionality of your space. Everyone is different: where one client may elect to run heated floors and line their shower with the highest quality tile, a DIY-minded client may opt to paint the project himself/herself to bring down costs. Whatever the budget may be, oftentimes altering the scope of work and selection of fixtures can bring the overall price under the target price. It’s always best that we understand the budget first and tailor our proposal to the customer’s means and preferences rather than deal with surprises down the road.

Step 2: Estimating

Once we have determined a working budget, we will proceed to the next stage: Estimating. In this stage we will get down to the nitty gritty details to produce a thorough quote for you to either approve or decline. If all the variables are determined before work starts, the likelihood of changes later will be dramatically reduced.

A. PLANS & DESIGN

Planning should proceed based on your budget. The last thing any client wants to hear is that his/her project is too expensive to build after investing in estimates, design fees, and planning. Some projects need a full set of plans drawn up by a draftsman or architect, while others may not. If your project does need plans, we will guide you through that process. We will bring in one of our architects to create accurate drawings for your new space. You will be able to visualize your project and make edits as you see fit throughout this fully customizable process and we will provide you feedback, making suggestions from the builders’ perspective to maintain the target budget and achieve the desired effect. We will ask for your preferences on every anticipated step to ensure you will be satisfied with the end result. Once you are satisfied with the plans and design, we will have defined the scope and are ready to submit plans to get permits.

B. PLAN CHECK & PERMITS

The next step is to ensure your plans align with city and/or county ordinances. Your plans (if applicable) must be submitted and approved by the governing authorities, and once they are approved you will be required to purchase a permit before work can begin. We will not be able to give you a final quote until your project is approved, as procedures, local code, and material requirements may ultimately change.   

C. FINISHES

The last step before the final quote can be produced is the selection of finishes. This selection has perhaps the biggest impact on the final price as there is quite a range of products to choose from. Flooring, cabinets, toilet, vanity, sink, faucet, appliances, etc. all vary drastically from one product to another and can change the overall cost.

D. CONTRACT

Once all the finishes are chosen, the scope of work is finalized, and permits are in hand, you are ready to sign the contract. Your contract will include an anticipated start and completion date as well as a schedule of payments. We will guide you through our contract to explain the details before asking for your approval.

Step 3: Execution

Once all the finishes are chosen, the scope of work is finalized, and permits are in hand, you are ready to sign the contract. Your contract will include an anticipated start and completion date as well as a schedule of payments. We will guide you through our contract to explain the details before asking for your approval.