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What is Design/Build?
It is a streamlined process that saves time & money.
WrightBuilt is a full service design/build remodeling firm. We have over twenty years experience in designing and remodeling residential homes.
We offer both design and construction services under one roof. Our method provides tight control over design and construction costs, flexible scheduling, and single point accountability.
The Design/Build Process
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We invite you to begin with a visit to our showroom where you will see examples of our workmanship and the products that we offer. You will meet our knowledgeable designers, who can help you make selections and plan your project. |
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The next step is to visit your home and evaluate the project. We get a sense of your home and your style. We look at the proposed remodel and talk about a budget range for the project. |
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After reviewing some costs and analyzing your project, we meet with you a third time with a ballpark estimate. Most budgets are flexible until specifics of the project are defined. It is possible to lower or raise the cost depending upon the scope of the project, the quality of the materials and difficulty of workmanship. |
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If the ballpark estimate and the proposed project make sense to you, we ask for a retainer and a Design Agreement to proceed. |
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Under the Design Agreement we begin to develop conceptual plans, create specifications and a firm estimate. Our Lead Carpenter and subcontractors visit your home to confirm the work and job costs. |
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Conceptual plans and rough estimates are reviewed with you to confirm that we are on track. Revisions are made based on your feedback. |
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Completion of the Design Phase results in the Plans, Scope of Work and a fixed price contract prepared for your approval. A ten percent deposit is paid upon signing the Construction Contract. |
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Upon acceptance of the Construction Contract, a Project Schedule is finalized confirming that building permits, engineering and special order items are coordinated with the start of your project. |
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To ensure a smooth start of your project, the Designer and the Lead Carpenter with hold a Pre-construction Meeting with you. The purpose is to review all the logistics of sharing your home with a construction site. |
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The Designer will always be available to confirm details or discuss changes. Change Orders are often a part of the remodel process and will always be put in writing. |
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A mid-construction meeting with your Designer is scheduled before we install the electrical wiring. We will verify all lighting and other utilities before drywall is installed. |
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Completion!! We meet with you at the end of the project for a Final Walk-thru to confirm that we have completed everything to your satisfaction. |
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The job is over, but our commitment to you is not. Every customer receives a written warranty at the completion of the project. |
Why Remodel?
Remodeling your existing home can change the way you live, improve the quality of your lifestyle, strengthen your family bonds and increase the value of your home.
Lifestyle: You may wish you could entertain more often. Maybe you want to create a "hangout" for your teenagers and their friends. Creating an oasis of peace from your daily grind, or a family haven for togetherness may be on your wish list. Remodeling can create exactly what you and your family need from your home.
More Space: Growing families can squeeze the sanity right out of a home. Perhaps you need to run a business, or maybe you think it's time to build that “granny unit” for an aging parent. Adding that extra bedroom, home office or family room will give everyone in your home the room to breathe easier by expanding your living space.
Increased Value: If you plan on living in your home for 5 years or more, remodeling is a cost-effective investment that you can also enjoy right away. A well-designed remodel or bath can pay for itself at sale time, and an updated kitchen can help sell a house in days.
Energy Savings: Replacing windows or adding insulation to an older home makes for a more comfortable, energy-responsible home. Using new technology and materials in your design creates countless options for saving money and creating the space you want.
Personal Expression: Your current home may not reflect your individual style. A comfortable, customized living, entertaining or working space is yours, when you deal with a remodeler that listens carefully to what you want.
Financial Resources: Thinking of moving? Why not just buy a new home? The American Homeowners’ Foundation estimates that it costs about 10% of your existing home's value, to sell it and move. Spending 10% of your current home's worth can go a long way to improving your life without packing a single box.
First Steps:
Do Your Homework
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Collect magazine clippings, sketches and ideas. |
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Consider how long you plan to live in your home. |
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Develop a rough budget. Identify sources of funds: savings, home equity or construction loans. |
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Plan ahead. From design to completion, an average remodel may run four to six months. During busier seasons, there may be a backlog to begin your project. |
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Choose Your Remodeling Contractor
Remodeling is a very personal process, and perhaps one of the most important choices that you will have to make. The remodeler you hire will be part of your home life for several weeks or months, so it's important to make sure that your personalities work well together. If, for example, you want to know every detail as the project progresses, you probably won't be happy with a remodeler given to one-word answers. The bottom line is: Do you feel comfortable with this company? A strong rapport and close communication with your remodeler will help make any job go well. See below for more help in choosing the right remodeler for your project.
Obtain A Well Written Contract
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Be sure the contract includes the contractor’s name, address, phone and license number (if applicable). |
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Insist that the contract detail what the contractor will and will not do. Consider the Scope of Work and make sure that all items you have requested are included in the contract. Never sign and incomplete contract. |
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Your contractor should include a list of specific materials for the project in your contract. This includes size, color, model, brand name and product. |
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The contract should include the approximate start date and completion dates. |
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Study all required plans carefully. Insist that you approve them and that they are identified in your written contract before any work begins. |
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Federal law requires a contractor to give you written notice of your right, without penalty, to cancel a contract within three business days of signing, provided that said contract was solicited at some place other than the contractor's place of business or appropriate trade premises, or has financing provision. |
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Make sure financial terms are understood and spelled out in the contract. The total price, payment schedule, and any cancellation penalty should be clear. |
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A warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum of one year should be written into the contract. The warranty must be identified as either “full” or “limited.” The name and address of the party who will honor the warranty (contractor, distributor or manufacturer) must be identified. Make sire the time period for the warranty is specified. |
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A binding arbitration clause is also a good inclusion in the event a disagreement occurs. Arbitration may enable you to resolve disputes without costly litigation. |
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Thoroughly review the entire contract and be certain you understand all of its elements before signing. |
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Always keep of a copy of the final document for your records. |
Questions to Ask A Remodeling Contractor
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How long have you been in business? Do you maintain a permanent mailing address, phone number and pager or answering system? |
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Are you licensed and insured? Insist on copies. |
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Do you use your own employees or do you hire sub-contractors to perform the work? Ask for names of experienced independent contractors (plumbers and electricians) with whom the contractor has maintained a solid relationship. |
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Ask for a list of suppliers of building materials and contact them to see if the remodeler has and account, or pays for materials on delivery. Most suppliers are willing to extend credit to financially sound, reliable companies. |
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How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year? What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business? Ask for references; ask to see a remodel in progress or recently completed. Contact previous customers. |
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Do you have design services available? Have you earned a designation such as Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler (CKBR), or Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD)? Do you participate in a trade organization such as the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI)? These certifications demonstrate a long-term commitment to education and professional growth. |
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Do you specialize in particular types of projects? Do you offer options when selecting products, materials and techniques? Do you have a working knowledge of the many types and ages of homes in our area? |
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Do you obtain all necessary permits for the job? |
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Do you offer a warranty? If so, what kind and for how long? What is covered and what is not? |
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Can you direct me to or recommend a financing source? |
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Ask how much the project will likely add to your home’s value, and then obtain the necessary additional insurance. |
Questions to Ask Previous Customers
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Did the contractor communicate well with you? Could you reach him when needed? Be cautious when given vague or partial answers. |
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Were you pleased with the quality of work? |
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Did the crews show up on time? |
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Did the contractor stick to the budget and the schedule? |
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Did the contractor fulfill his or her contract? |
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Did you find the contractor flexible? |
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Were ALL agreements in writing? (Never settle for an oral agreement.) |
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Were deposits or payments ever requested in cash? (Always pay by check.) |
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Were discounts offered, for any reason, if you sign today? (Do not be tempted.) |
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Did your contractor seem genuinely interested in the project’s outcome? (If you feel your needs are not being heard, contact a different remodeler.) |
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MOST IMPORTANTLY...Would you recommend this contractor to your mother? |
Make It Happen
You’ve researched, interviewed and hired the best remodeler for the job. Congratulations! The only step that remains, of course, is the project itself.
Having your home remodeled is uniquely different from having a new home built. With remodeling, your home becomes the worksite. You live side-by-side with the project from start to finish. Once construction begins, you'll probably long for simple pleasures like a dust-free home or a fully functioning kitchen or bath. But the end result will be well worth these inconveniences.
The Remodel Process:
Pre-Construction Meeting
One way to ensure the success of your project is to plan for and actively participate in a pre-construction meeting. This allows your remodeler to clarify procedures and explain how the job will progress. It also offers both you and your remodeler an opportunity to prepare for those issues that may arise later. Think of this meeting as a forum for all participants to define their expectations and agree on the anticipated outcome.
Some of the issues you may wish to cover at this meeting include:
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Will you allow your remodeler to place a company sign on your property? Remember that, in addition to being a marketing tool, signs help contractors and suppliers locate your home. |
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How will workers, construction equipment and vehicles get to the job site without damaging outside structures, plants and flower beds? |
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What areas of your home will be off-limits to workers? |
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Do you have a place on-site to store building materials for your project? |
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Who is responsible for removing your belongings and later returning them to the newly remodeled space? When packing, remember that the workers may need access to the electrical panel, the water shut-off valve and areas not being remodeled. |
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Does your house have an alarm system? Will workers need a key or will someone always be there? |
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How will you ensure that your children and pets stay out of the work space? |
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Does the space to be remodeled contain any special items that you would like to save from demolition? If so, where should they be stored? |
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How will trash removal be handled? Where will the remodeler locate the dumpster on your property? |
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Does the remodeler anticipate any interruptions of utilities during the project? If so, when and for how long? At certain stages of construction, the project may affect basic household necessities like water and electricity. Will you need to vacate the house at any time? |
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What are your expectations regarding clean up? Will sweeping be sufficient for a daily cleaning, or will you need a more thorough cleaning in order to use the space? |
You should also use the pre-construction meeting to establish guidelines for the remodeling crew working on the project:
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What times will workers begin and end work at your home? Be sure to consider the neighbors as well as household members. Your remodeler may contact your neighbors and give them a phone number to call if they have any concerns about your project. |
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Where can workers park near your jobsite? |
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Will you allow workers to use your phone for local business calls? |
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Will bathroom facilities in your home be available to workers or will a temporary bathroom be used? |
Keeping the Lines of Communication Open
Consistent and open communication between you and your remodel team will enhance your understanding of the project, provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and ultimately help to make the experience a positive one for everyone involved. To facilitate this process, you need to:
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Determine which member of your household will be the prime contact. This will assist the Lead Carpenter and the Designer when they have questions. |
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Establish a working relationship with your Lead Carpenter. A weekly meeting will keep you informed. Set up a regular meeting time. |
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Your Designer is available to answer any questions or fine-tune the project in addition to the Lead Carpenter. |
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Create a place in your house where the contact persons can leave messages for each other. |
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Speak up. If you are uncertain about any aspect of the project, be sure to let the contact person know. |
Timing & Schedules
The time it takes to complete a remodeling project varies quite a bit depending on the scope of the project and uncontrollable factors like the weather. A simple bathroom remodeling may only take a few weeks, while a two-story addition may take six months or more.
To stay on schedule, you need to plan ahead:
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Be sure to build time into your schedule for obtaining the necessary permits. |
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Expect to set aside time for telephone calls and regular meetings with your Designer and Lead Carpenter to review progress and discuss the schedule for remaining work. |
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Ask your remodeler to provide you with a written schedule. Get weekly updates. |
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Realize that changes you make to the project after work has begun may affect the schedule and the budget. Change orders should include prices, full descriptions and authorization in writing before any new work begins. If additional work is requested or caused by unforeseen conditions, be prepared to add extra days to the work schedule. |
Preventing Remodeling Fever
The train-station atmosphere of a remodeling project can lead to remodeling fever. The main symptom of this temporary affliction is feeling a loss of control that results from disrupted routines and the impact on your personal space.
A few other suggestions from remodeling pros:
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Prepare for inconvenience. A remodeling project can turn your home and - on some days - your life upside down. A kitchen remodel will, of course, affect meal planning. But a little ingenuity and some culinary shortcuts can lessen the impact. Set up a temporary cooking quarters by moving the refrigerator, toaster oven, and microwave to another room. Arrange a dishwashing station in your laundry room. If the weather is warm, fire up the grill and dine alfresco. |
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Designate a safe haven in your home where you can escape from the chaos and commotion. |
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Guard against dust. During a remodeling project, dust has the unfortunate tendency to appear everywhere from lampshades to plates stacked inside your kitchen cabinets. To keep out as much dust as possible:
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Seal off doorways and stairs |
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Turn off central air or heat when workers are sanding and stock up on extra filters so that you can change them often |
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Have deliveries made though a designated entrance |
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Use doormats and temporary floor coverings where appropriate |
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Remove anything that might get damaged by the dust or at least cover it with plastic drop cloths that are taped shut. |
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Maintain a sense of humor. Remember that certain things are out of your control and try to see the remodeling process as an adventure. Remember that “this too shall pass” and celebrate as different stages of the project are completed. |
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