OUR PROCESS
Our Design/Build Remodeling Process in Germantown, TN
When it comes to remodeling a home, there are a lot of factors that go into creating a beautiful and functional finished product. That’s why you need to choose a design/build remodeling company that is organized and efficient.
At Heritage Builders, our process is proven. We have successfully completed many projects throughout the Memphis and Germantown areas of Tennessee; and we credit much of this success to our effective communication strategies and well-organized plan of action.
Before you decide to work with us, let’s take a look at our process
Consultation
At Heritage Builders, we believe communication is the key to a successful project, which is why we begin every remodeling endeavor with a consultation. At this meeting, we are here to listen. We want to get to know your family and understand your needs. Some of the questions we may ask in this meeting are:
- How do you use your home?
- What are your concerns?
- What are your needs?
- What are your wants?
- How much do you expect to invest?
What are your expectations?
This meeting typically takes a couple of hours depending on the complexity of the project. We will review your ideas, examine your current home, take photos, measure, and discuss various costs associated with similar projects. If you like what you hear, we will set up a second meeting in our office.
Budget
At the second meeting, budget will be our key topic. We will provide you with a list of comprehensive costs based on our experience and project history. However, your selections and overall designs will directly affect the cost of your project. Our “value engineering” will help you get the most out of your budget. We will focus more on the areas of your home that are most important to you, so you get greater value from your investment.
If you like what you hear during this meeting, and feel that our numbers are in line with your expected investment, then we can move forward with a design agreement. The design agreement will include the proposed budget and any creative elements previously discussed. To go through with the design agreement, a design fee will be associated which typically runs between 4% and 10% of the project budget. This fee covers our time to explore options and develop plans, elevations, and perspective drawings. The design process can take between 3 to 12 weeks, depending on the scale of your project.
Design
Our designs are more than simply a floorplan and a couple of elevations for you to decipher on your own. Our team puts together a completely detailed set of drawings and schedules that clearly detail every component of your project. By using our in-house design tools, we can show you 3-dimensional, colored renderings of your new home, which can help eliminate confusion and answer many of your questions.
During the design phase, while drawings are being completed, we will meet with you several times to review the progress of the plans and begin the selection process. During selection, we help you create the look and feel of your project by coordinating colors, textures, and materials. The design phase typically will run between 3 and 12 weeks depending on the site and complex nature of your project.
Authorization
When designs are complete, we will invite you back into the office for the approval process. We will begin by presenting you with your final architectural drawings, final interior design decisions, an accurate proposal/contract, a schedule with a tentative start and completion date, and final pricing. We will thoroughly review everything with you and answer any and all questions.
If you like what you see, and authorize us to move forward, we will initiate a contract. Within three days, we will submit for all permits, order long lead-time items, schedule a pre-construction meeting, and schedule all resources and trades for construction.
Contracts typically include a standard operating agreement, detailed proposal, payment schedule, copy of a blank change order, and a first draw for the initial deposit. The initial deposit for most contracts is 15% of the final contract price.
Construction
Before we begin construction, we will hold a pre-construction meeting to “hand-off” the project to our project manager and staff in the field. At this meeting, we will answer any questions you may have concerning site issues, dust control, and daily activities. We will also ask you a series of questions about your daily habits, family flow, parking arrangements, dumpster location, and more. This meeting is to make sure all individuals are on the same page prior to the start of construction.
During construction, you will communicate with your project manager on a daily basis. He will be coming and going throughout the day to keep the team on task and answer your questions. Your project manager coordinates the construction project from start to finish, so daily communication is critical.
On occasion, a client relations coordinator will stop in to check on progress and monitor the project from your perspective to help us maintain a quality client experience. We encourage you to tell this person anything that concerns you, as it relates to your comfort and experience, so that we can address those issues head on.
At the end of every day, you can expect your project to be swept and vacuumed. All materials should be stacked neatly and tools should be stored away from wondering hands to prevent injury. We realize that we are guests in your home and we aim to respect your environment and inconveniences.
Completion
When your space is ready for its intended use, we will schedule a pre-completion meeting to walk through your home and ensure you are completely satisfied with the final results. You will receive a packet of information explaining the closeout procedures and completion process.
Ideally, we aim to have a “zero-punch list”, but understand that there may be a few things to complete or take care of during this process.
Warranty
The packet you receive upon completion will include product warranties, care instructions, and our personal warranty letter. Our “best-in-class” two-year warranty ensures you that your project will maintain its beauty and functionality long after we leave.
We may schedule return visits to check details such as caulking and grout, cabinet adjustments, waterline connections, and more to ensure you are completely satisfied with your final masterpiece. We take the time to follow this process because we want you to be happy with your project and with the choice that you made in Heritage Builders!
Contact Us for Design/Build Remodeling in Memphis & Germantown
When you choose Heritage Builders, we make design/build simple with our professional in-house design services and expert construction teams in the field. You can trust us to be honest, reliable, and there for you every step of the way.
To learn more about our design/build remodeling process, contact our team online or at 901-737-6220!