What to Expect
The most stressful part of any project is not knowing what to expect. We would like to offer some helpful tips on making the transition through your construction project.
THE BEGINNING
Where Do I Start?
We recommend gathering examples of ideas you like from magazines. Make a notebook of these pictures to help you get started. Determine your budget and then give us a call at (440) 257-2561.
We're glad to discuss your project and review all the possibilities with you. If you have a project that requires a structural change, we can recommend an architect or work with one you've already selected. We feel the most successful projects are a team approach and First American Contractors likes to be involved early in the process to understand a clients vision and advise on feasible and cost effective options.
What Type Of Jobs Does First American Contractors Do?
Whether your project is large or small please contact us to see how First American Contractors can assist you. We specialize in new construction homes, additions and renovation work to your existing home. We build glamour bathrooms, update kitchens, decks, accessory buildings, commercial work, small repair jobs, excavation and much more. Contact us at (440) 257-2561 or email us at facinc@windstream.net
What About Financing?
The most common options for financing a remodel are a line of credit based on your existing assets, a home refinance, or a construction loan which converts to a permanents loan when the project is completed. Not sure what bank to use? Contact us for bank referrals.
What If I Don't Know Exactly What I Want?
First American Contractors works with our clients to realize their sense of style and to find out their needs for the project. We offer in-house design services that allow you to review options and help make choices to ensure the finished product reflects your unique style.
Should I Remodel or Move?
A good way to determine this is to add your estimated remodel budget to the current value of your home and look for houses in that price range to discover what is available and what your home may be worth after a remodel. After doing this research, many people find a remodel is the best option. A trusted real estate agent can help validate that your planned remodel won't price you out of your neighborhood.
Keep in mind that remodeling is both an emotional and financial investment. If you plan to move in less than 5 years, consider what will give you the best return for your monetary commitment. This typically would be kitchen and bathroom remodels and siding replacement. However, if you plan to remain in your home for more than five years, consider the emotional investment and identify the aspects that will improve your quality of living.
How Much Will The Remodel Cost?
The average cost per square foot can range from roughly $85.00-$300.00 depending on the design and specifications of your project. Visit completed projects to get a sense of varying levels of quality and scope that influence the budget. First American recommends that you anticipate paying more for your project than originally planned, because even with detailed estimates, people often add elements as the project evolves. For instance, you might decide to upgrade from laminate countertops to granite while the remodel is underway, or add an extra bathroom in the basement as pipes are already being routed. The good news is these periodic adds typically result in a better investment then was originally planned.
How Do We Get The Project Started?
First American Contractors will work with you on your existing plans or provide in house design drawings. We will perform site visits to the location of the proposed work. We will then provide you with a proposal for the cost of work. Once the proposal is signed, permits are pulled and work begins.
Should I Live In My House Or Move Out During the Remodel?
First you will want to determine the areas that are being remodeled and how that will effect you on a daily basis. Living in your home during a remodel can be challenging especially with small children and pets. Also, if you do live in your home during a remodel, it can take longer and may cost more to complete the project as consideration for the homeowners safety and comfort does affect the projects efficiency. However, many of our clients have survived while staying put, but we advise that you relax your normal cleanliness standards as dust and dirt is present despite daily sweepings.
How and When Will Decisions Be Made?
It can be overwhelming to think about all the decisions that need to be made during a project. The good news is they don't all have to be made at once! We believe the whole job, from initial concepts to finished product, is an evolving process, one that First American enjoys helping clients through.
Our process is to present decisions at the appropriate time during the project. Decisions that impact structure need to be made before framing begins, while paint colors and appliance choices can wait until much later. Our premier related trades and suppliers provide a variety of options to choose from. Decisions will need to be made in a timely manner to keep your project on schedule, but keeping you up to date on what needs to happen when will be part of your regular progress meetings.
What's the Communication Process?
First American Contractors holds weekly or monthly progress meetings with clients dependent on the project scope. Our site supervisor will manage the job sites day-to-day operations and any immediate issues that may arise.
What About Changes To the Original Project Scope?
Ideally, major changes to the original scope will be documented on a Owner Change Order Request Form (OCOR) estimated and signed by both the client and First American
Contractors. Changes may be authorized verbally, but should be documented at least by email so all parties have a record.
Unexpected changes or upgrades to the initial project can combine to put the project over the original budget. First American does its best to anticipate the impact of changes, but we also encourage clients to take the time to understand their statements and be aware of progress on the job. This will minimize surprises during a billing cycle.
How Is First American Held Accountable For The Quality Of It's Work?
First American Contractors implements a variety of factors to ensure quality: hands-on project management from start to finish; long -term relationships with related trades; one year warranty on all work; liability insurance, and most importantly our desire to meet our client's expectations for excellence.
THE END OF THE PROJECT
Just when First American's crew begins to feel like "family", the project nears completion. First American conducts a final walk through with the homeowners, confirming that the job has been completed to their satisfaction and noting any details that need to be finalized. At this point, the one year warranty begins, so clients can be assured that First American is there to help with any questions or concerns that may arise.
First American is proud of the fact that a large percentage of our work comes from referrals and repeat clients inviting us back for additional projects.
BEFORE
Moving Out Day
AFTER
Moving In Day
