Each Monday on the DesignQuotient™ blog, DesignCoach™ James Swan answers readers’ questions. Post your design dilemma. DesignCoach™ can help you find the solution.
This week the DesignCoach™ discusses how you can plan for a design project that requires construction.
Q: I have a question about order. Not the gospel of ridding my life of clutter that you preach so well, but rather order of a project. My husband and I are thinking of going forward with some home updates and renovations (even some repairs) and we’re thinking that it might be more financially prudent to be our own general contractors or at least be very involved in the project. We’re working on budgets and even pricing out some materials. (We think we also can handle some of the prep work, like small demolition and removal of the old fixtures etc.– yes, we’ll cut the power and utilities to the rooms.) What we’re stumped at is first steps and order of hiring and bidding etc. We have some connection to a local designer who will give us some direction — which we’re happy to pay for — on colors, materials, and particularly the kinds of choices we make that could add — or subtract — value from the house. But our friend the designer can’t take on the job of overseeing the project. Any guidance you could give to us? Do we bring in contractors and ask what their schedules look like? Does each contact the local inspectors? Would we have to get inspections? I just want to know how much we should or can do in advance to keep the project moving and save a few bucks.
Photos: If you want a successful BEFORE & AFTER story for your construction-involved design project, make sure you start by doing your homework.
A: First let me congratulate you on your desire to keep your costs low on the work you are contemplating. In today’s economic environment this must guide many of our decisions as it seems to be guiding yours. Next allow me to guess a bit on the scope of work you are considering. You mention the possibility of “local inspectors,” which tells me you are considering work which might fall beyond the range of a “typical” weekend do-it-yourself project. Here is my homework for you as you work to understand your best options for the order of your project.
1. Write down, in complete detail, the scope of the work you wish to accomplish. Be as detailed as possible.
2. Break this master list down into smaller lists defining category of work, i.e., all plumbing tasks on one list, all carpentry tasks on another, etc.
3. From the lists of work by category develop a list of product which must be purchased for each task to be completed, i.e., purchase toilet, sink, tub, faucets and fixtures for plumber in Guest Bath.
4. With this information documented speak with friends and develop a short list of contractors (2-3) of whom you have positive referrals.
5. Ask these contractors to bid the project as outlined by your master list. Request that they include product purchases as well as all labor costs broken down in line-item format. This way you will understand what they will charge to do demo, trash removal, etc.
6. Confirm with each contractor that they are prepared to handle all required permits and city inspections.
With all bids submitted it is time for you and yours to sit down and review the real costs of this project. Understand how much time you REALLY have to devote to the work and use your contractors’ bids to reflect on the cost realities. In the end you may discover that, given the scope of work, you are either completely prepared to tackle great parts of this project OR you may realize how much value is attached to the services of a professional contractor and elect to use some, or all, the services offered by a G.C. The point is to have as much information as possible at your disposal so you can make the best decisions possible for your unique situation.
Let us know if we can help with your design dilemma. Send us your questions.
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