ESTIMATING PROCESS

Estimating Process: Projects

FIRST APPOINTMENT

I will meet you in your home to review your project. I will ask you many questions so that I can learn about your preferences. I will take measurements and make recommendations based on my experience. I will then recommend one of the four ways to get a proposal as outlined below. We will set up the next meeting at this time.

HANDYMAN PROJECTS

Handyman projects are projects that take less than two days. At the end of the first meeting I will give you a rough estimate of the cost of the project. Handyman projects are done on cost plus basis. You will be billed an hourly rate (when we are on the job) and material plus a reasonable mark up. Payment is due upon completion.

Handyman projects must be in our primary service area: Parker, Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch and Centennial.

SMALLER PROJECTS

I will then return to the office to develop a complete and comprehensive cost for project. I will prepare a written proposal explaining the scope of the work including detail specifications, cost, payment schedule, and project schedule. If you have items that you will be selecting (i.e: tile, cabinets, flooring etc.) our proposal will include an allowance page for the items that you will be selecting. (See allowance process.)

LARGER PROJECTS WITHOUT DESIGN WORK

Sometimes customers have plans already developed by an architect or others and want a proposal for the project. Or they are simply updating an existing kitchen or bathroom without redesign. Even when customers have a good idea of what they want, I can add insights based on my 20 years of remodeling experience, collaborating with you to improve the design.

There is a two-step process to develop the project proposal. In the first step I will develop a phase one proposal and budget. I give the key sub-contractors the drawings and specifications. They will price their work from the drawings. I will use average allowances for cabinets and other materials that you will be selecting in his budget. I will then prepare a phase one proposal and budget. This will include a detailed scope of work, the cost allowance page and payment schedule.

Once you agree on the design, scope and cost, the final proposal will be developed. I will bring all the key subs to you house to verify the pricing. You will visit key suppliers (i.e: tile, cabinets, flooring, plumbing fixtures, appliances etc.) making your selections. We have a very talented group of designers at our key suppliers who will help you make selection. Now that we have fixed prices for the sub-contractors and you have made you product selections we have a very tight budget for your project. I will now prepare the contract. The contract will include: detailed specifications, plans, cabinet and tile designs, allowances, payment schedules, and project schedule.

LARGER PROJECTS WITH DESIGN WORK

Larger and more complex projects usually require design work. Some customers have not done much design work, they just know they want a bigger kitchen or a finished basement with 2 bedrooms. Until we have an approved design, we can’t give you accurate pricing.

Design Phase: For projects that have space redesigns (basements, kitchens and larger bathrooms), Bill will do one or more designs on his computer using CAD. This gives the home owner the opportunity to see different options in 3D. Sometimes we will have several design meetings before a design is finalized. There will be a design fee.

There is a two-step process to develop the project proposal.

Phase One Proposal: The first step Bill will develop a phase one proposal and budget. He gives the key sub-contractors the design drawings and specifications. They will price their work from the drawings. He will use average allowances for cabinets and other materials that you will be selecting in his budget. Bill will then prepare a phase one proposal and budget. This will include a detailed scope of work, the cost allowance page and payment schedule. There is typically one to three meetings in this phase. I'm often asked to do some value engineering to manage the budget.

Final Proposal: Once you agree on the Phase One proposal (design, scope and cost) the final proposal will be developed. Bill will bring all the key subs to your house to finalize their cost. You will visit key suppliers (i.e: tile, cabinets, flooring, plumbing fixtures, appliances etc.) making your selections. We have a very talented group of designers at our key suppliers who will help you make selections. Now that we have fixed prices for the sub-contractors and you have made you product selections, we have a very tight budget for your project. I will now prepare the contract. The contract will include: detailed specifications, plans, cabinet and tile designs, allowances, payment schedules, and project schedule.

Our collaboration will result in a firm project proposal and pricing subject to any change orders you later approve.