Livable Remodels - Our Process & Systems
Remodeling homes is a specialty. Unlike new construction, where workers can come and go, homeowners live through the renovations daily.
Respecting Your Home
During the project, every carpenter and every activity in the course of the construction process is on display. Someone once likened remodeling to building a custom auto where the customer sees every bolt tightened and every weld.
It can be an enjoyable process
This requires special concern for the safety, security and privacy of homeowners and their property during a remodel. In addition, there are considerations such as: appropriate work hours; job-site cleanliness; port-a-john location; delivery access; material storage; access to work areas; protection of fixtures and finishes, dust and noise control. More than once we have scheduled noisy work around the baby's nap time.
The challenge for a homeowner is to pick the right contractor for their situation - one who has the ability to make the process as painless as possible. As remodeling specialists, we work to implement company-wide systems that produce known outcomes. It's our insurance that every project could be held as an example of exceptional workmanship and homeowner respect.
Traditional Design and Construction Process
Process Characteristics:
- Because the contractor is selected after the designs are complete, the client must get comfortable with the contractor mid-project.
- It's often a long process.
- The client may need a designer to serve as the "watchdog" over the contractor. When issues arise, finger-pointing may occur.
- A significant number projects never get to the construction phase due to poorly assessed construction costs during the design phase.
abandon project
Cruickshank Remodeling Design/Build Process
Process Characteristics:
- Trust in the relationship is established up front.
- The designer/builder embraces the client's goals.
- Cruickshank is the single source of responsibility for performance. If problems arise, everyone knows who's responsible.
- Communication is clear and easy.
- The same parties are involved from the start of the process through completion.
- Establishment of realistic project goals and budget often results in a shorter overall project schedule.
- The vast majority of projects continue through the construction phase to completion.
Specific Phase Activities
- Develop Project Program, budget and schedule.
- Document existing conditions.
- Develop several design concepts.
- Combine best features from multiple concepts.
- Develop all exterior elevations.
- Refine floor plans and create major interior elevations.
- Define scope of work.
- Establish material, finish and fixture schedules.
- Conduct site visits.
- Gather supplier and subcontractor quotes.
- Develop Cruickshank labor estimates.
- Present preliminary cost estimate.
- Final design changes.
- Reconciliation of changes to construction costs.
- Permitable drawing set.
- Final design details.
- Final specification.
- Material samples.
- Pre-construction conference.
- Weekly jobsite meetings.
- Changes to scope at client's discretion with adjustment of project schedule when appropriate.
- "Oh, while you are here," list.
- Pre-completion walk-through.
- Completion and move-in.
- Two-year coverage for labor and materials.
- Cruickshank does not extend manufacturer warranties beyond what is offered.
- Majority of projects have no warranty issues.
- Prompt, courteous service when an issue arises.