KITCHEN ESTIMATING PROCESS

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 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 specifications,scope of work, the cost allowance page, payment schedule, and project schedule. 

Once you agree on the design, scope and cost the final proposal will be developed.  I will bring all the key sub-contractors 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 your 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.

Sometimes customers want to remove walls and/or borrow space from other areas to make a larger kitchen.   We have even moved the kitchen to a new area (dinning or living room that gets very little use).  Until we have an approved design, I can't give you accurate pricing.

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Design Phase: For projects that have space redesigns (basements, kitchens and larger bathrooms), I will do one or more designs on my 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.

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

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Phase One 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.  There is typical one to three meetings in this process.  I'm often asked to due some value engineering to manage the budget.

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Final Proposal:  Once you agree on the Phase One Proposal (design, scope and cost) the final proposal will be developed.  I will bring all the key sub-contractors to your house to verify the pricing.  You will visit key suppliers (i.e: tile, cabinets, flooring, plumbing fixtures, appliances etc.) making your selections.  I have a very talented group of designers at our key suppliers who will help you make product 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.

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