The Process
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How it really works:I’m going to use Kitchen Remodels as an example, but take this to refer to any project you’re working on:
I can describe myself like this: I am completely capable of building and installing a $50k kitchen all by myself. That's my skill level and experience level. But let’s talk about you. If you haven't done any remodeling before, I think I can give you some useful help. I'm not quite a project manager. I'm not quite a designer. I'm not quite a carpenter. But I think I can give you some useful help especially if you're having that lost in the wilderness feeling. There are guys that do kitchens in a few weeks and at an almost acceptable level of quality. And there are guys like me that only do incredibly high-level stuff. Higher end stuff takes a lot more overhead than you would take on if you're not going to hire an architect and/or a designer (usually you will have a cabinetmaker and a contractor at least for high end job that will cost a lot more than the pickup truck cabinetmaker guy). And I know that guy, if you want his phone number, just let me know and I'll get you in contact with him. So much depends on the budget and what’s possible with that budget. But I can tell you what I know and help you talk it out so that you know a lot better where you stand and what you need. It starts with the owner (you) and the "design" (sometimes with a designer and/or architect). You need to know what you want ! It start with you. The owner should have torn out pictures of cabinets or woodwork from magazines (see the links page) or you need to be able to describe what you want. Asking for ideas is fine, but you need to make decisions -- -- now. BECAUSE: There is a budget, then there is the estimate. So, this is the important part! Adding changes in the "design" part of the process is included in the budget. Adding changes after the job has been bid, you will get WHACKED with big add charges. Then comes the building and install schedule and finding a contractor(s). So, the question is finding and getting the good contractor. What you’re depending on is not only a contract with them (between you and them), but also their character. I can help with recommendations and referrals: but you have to do your due diligence yourself. Get more than one bid and always check references (and contractor's license). Always talk with the last client of whom you want to hire! If they don't give you the phone number of that satisfied customer, be very suspicious. Go and see it if you can! [It makes a difference if it is their last client! Some shops get into a bad situation and are going to fix it with money from their next client. Don't let that be you! You could be the last client without your cabinets when the music stops - when that cabinet shop finally runs out of time and money. So make sure you talk with the last client of the cabinet shop, or contractor you intend to hire.] So, figure out your design, draw it up, get an estimate, get answers to questions about what and how you want details, and then everything will be set in motion when you sign the contract. See the sample contract. The rest is running the job. I would say, this is mostly a question of experience and learning from mistakes (yours, mine and theirs). If you could pay someone to tell you all the mistakes you’re going to make, before you make them, you wouldn’t have any worries. I can tell you what I know.... thank, -Roland |