Design Ideas
Through the years the remodeling process has changed and evolved. There was always the hope that the finished remodel would turn out the way you imagined it with colors and materials working and flowing together. This month we are featuring Jill Rahrig, owner of "Design Ideas." Jill is a talented interior designer with creativity and flair. Sound Builders is very fortunate to be working closely with Jill during our design phase to bring your dream into a reality.
Remodeling
Success 101
Q: How long should it take to complete the punch list?
A: Every remodeler is different, but quality remodelers address the punch list as quickly as possible to ensure your overall satisfaction with your project and reduce any inconvenience to you. We work closely with our clients to schedule the completion of punch list items. High-priority items are dealt with immediately, while less-critical items are satisfied through a mutually agreed upon time frame.
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The Language of Remodeling, Part 2
We were delighted at the positive response we received from several of our subscribers about the recent article we published on the language of remodeling. Thank you! We consider clear communications essential in achieving a successful remodeling project. Construction industry jargon can cause confusion and muddy the waters, so here are a few additional terms to help bridge the language barrier:
- Allowance. In almost every remodeling project, there are specific finish items that are to be selected by the homeowner. An allowance is simply a line item amount -- within the negotiated budget for the project -- to be spent on a particular item or category, such as lighting fixtures or cabinet styles. The remodeler provides a variety of options from which to choose, instead of assuming the homeowner's preferences.
- Cost Plus. A "cost plus" contract is a type of construction contract in which the homeowner pays for the cost of materials and labor plus a specified amount for the remodeler's markup (overhead and profit margin). Other common types of contracts include "time and materials," in which the homeowner pays for hourly wages and costs of materials (including markups) as those expenses occur, and "fixed price" contracts, in which a fixed price for the entire job is stated in the contract.
- Investment Schedule. This schedule, specified by contract, sets out when, how and why payments will be requested (or billed) and paid during the project. The payments are tied to the commencement or completion of different stages of the project.
- Punch List. Although we closely monitor each phase of a remodeling project, there are always a few details that need to be addressed before we and our clients are completely satisfied. These non-emergency details are typically discovered and documented during a "walk-through" or inspection of the work when it is near completion. A list is made -- called a "punch list" -- of those items requiring attention, often in order of urgency. Occasionally, we also develop punch lists during construction for a particular phase of work, such as plumbing or electrical, before moving on to the next phase.
- Implied Warranty. By state law, an implied warranty makes us, as the remodeler, responsible for building code compliance and the completed condition of each project we complete. Put another way, an implied warranty provides assurance that the remodeled feature, such as a room addition or updated kitchen, has been built to basic safety and health standards.
- Expressed or explicit warranty. Professional remodeling contractors usually offer an express (or explicit) warranty that states the terms, procedures and conditions under which the contractor agrees to be responsible for maintaining or repairing any aspect of the remodeled area after the project is completed. This warranty is effective for a specific period of time, generally for one year.
These terms only scratch the surface of the builder's vocabulary. You can add to your language skills at 'Contractor's License' website, for a free online glossary... and keep those cards and letters coming!
Warm regards,
Jay DePhelps
Sound Builders Inc.
(206) 246-7100
info@soundbuilders.com
c. 2008 All rights reserved.
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Sound Builders Inc. 23528 110th Place SE, Kent, WA 98031
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