Remodels and Additions

Remodels and additions are extremely varied and also very difficult to predict the amount of work that is going to go into them.  For this reason we bill all remodels and additions as hourly projects.  

Examples of past projects we have done include:  kitchen remodels, master bath remodels, staircase and entryway redesign, garage conversion, attic conversion, multi-purpose room addition, closet design, facade redesign, sun room addition, bedroom and bathroom addition, and more.  If you have a question about a project and whether we can do it, please ask.

Other Types of Projects

There are always a few projects out there that don't fall into any specific category, such as as-built plans, any type of visualizations, and any general design work.  Any projects we take on that aren't specifically new construction are treated as hourly projects.  We must point out if you hire us for any type of design and conceptual work it can be very time consuming to explore different options.  There are many types of projects we are comfortable and capable of handling (as long as it is residential in nature).  However, if you don't feel confident in our design skills and simply want to use us for drafting services you are more than welcome to use a licensed architect for your conceptual designs.  We do NOT do any sort of commercial or industrial work, so you will have to use a licensed architect for any commercial design or drafting.

The Process

The process for most additions and remodels is a bit different than for new construction projects.  First of all, a site visit is typically in order.  We will generally come do a site visit and if you're ready to get started right away we will collect your contract and retainer fee at that time and get started.  We will take measurements for any necessary areas, or the entire home if needed.  We will discuss design options and usually draw several sketches.

Then when back in office, we will first draw whatever portion of your as-built home as is needed.  If we are just doing a kitchen or bath remodel, for example, we may just model the walls for that room.  If adjacent areas come into play we will also model those.  If it's an addition, we will usually model the entire home, but keep it as simple as is reasonable.  If none of the existing interior spaces are coming into play, we will simple model the shell of the home so you can see the addition from the exterior.  We will usually send images from our starting point, then continue to send images as the project progresses.

Then the project progresses much in the same way as a new construction.  We go back and forth with us sending images to you, gathering your feedback, and making changes as we go.  Detail is added over time and we eventually reach a point of completion.

Each project is unique, so the process for each is a bit unique as well.  We tailor our services to what is needed for each project and also to the needs and desires of the client.  Some clients may be fine with very basic visualizations to keep the cost down while others really like to see a high level of detail and don't mind paying for it.  We will do what you need us to do.  Just bear in mind that design work and details are what take a lot of time and it can get expensive quickly.

Billing

We bill all additions, remodels, and anything else that's not a new construction project hourly.  Our current rate is $38/hr.  We bill on the 1st and the 15th of each month for all work done through the end of the previous day.  Invoices are due upon receipt.  

We charge a $100 non-refundable retainer fee with a $250 minimum.  Your retainer fee will count towards your project work including any initial visits, measuring, etc.

As it is very difficult, if not impossible, to judge the scope of work and amount of time needed for these type of projects we do not give estimates.  If you are on a tight budget, you are free to set a limit for us and we will not go over a certain number of hours.  We cannot, however, guarantee that your project will be completed in that amount of time.  It will simply prevent you from receiving a bill that you cannot afford (or do not wish) to pay.  When we do our site visit, or possibly with talking on the phone we can give you a general idea of how much other similar projects cost in the past so you will have a general idea.  However, this is only possible if we have done other projects similar to yours, and isn't a guarantee.  It's simply a point of reference.

As with new construction projects, your decisiveness (or lack thereof) plays a major role in the length of time for the project and for your cost invested.  Please contact us to discuss if you have questions and we will answer the best we can.

If you have previously had a design consultation with us and then pursue an hourly project your consultation fee doesn't overlap and they will be treated as separate projects.  We generally won't do any measuring during a consultation.  However, if you've had a consultation, it may slightly cut down on some time getting your hourly project started, as we've already discussed and become acquainted with the project.

Points to Consider

It is always a good idea to talk with both your real estate agent and your builder prior to meeting with us.  The real estate agent is going to be able to give you advice on how potential changes may affect the value of your home.  Usually we do things that will increase your value, but there is also always the possibility of over-improving for your neighborhood.  It's ultimately your decision what you want to do, but almost all of our clients like to keep resale value in mind whether they ever plan to sell or not.  It's just good practice.  

Your builder is also going to be able to give you some information about what you can and cannot do and also some ideas of cost.  Most clients come to us with a general idea of what they'd like to do and we help work out the particulars.  Other times clients come to us with specific problems and we help come up with solutions.  We usually have a good idea of what is acceptable structurally, but sometimes we run across things we need to check on.  If you've already discussed then we are a step ahead of the game.  If your project is very extreme in nature, it may require the services of a licensed architect or structural engineer.

If you don't have a real estate agent or a builder yet, that's ok, too.  These are things that aren't absolutely necessary in most cases, just a good idea if you'd like to check with them.