Our Process
Building and renovating should be an enjoyable, collaborative, and hugely rewarding experience. Lynch Construction and Remodeling works to make the process as stress-free as possible for the client so they can focus on the design and selection decisions that will make the project their own.
You will be investing much time and money into your home. Regardless of the scope of your project, your home is a central part of your family and daily life. Finding the right partner is essential. You want to make sure that you find a builder who can use your vision to understand your wishes and needs – and ultimately turn them into reality.
Getting Started
The first step to getting started is just to give us a call. During our phone conversation we can discuss the type and scope of the project you have in mind. We may be able to provide a rough idea as to the cost based on similar projects we have completed in the past. Next, we would meet at your home to go through the proposed work and begin the Design Phase so a full and accurate estimate can be created.
The Design Phase
During the Design Phase, Lynch Construction and Remodeling aims to help the customer optimize every dollar spent. We offer guidance in the selection of quality materials and products that are within the homeowner’s budget. In all, our goal is to help you spend your money in the right places.
The initial design typically reflects a collaboration between Lynch Construction and Remodeling, the homeowner, and the architect. It is impossible to create a detailed estimate for a project that has not been fully designed, but you do not want to fully design a project until you have a confident understanding of the costs. This is the inherent difficulty of early pricing. In order to resolve this, Lynch Construction & Remodeling will help create a budget in which to design towards, offering pricing feedback as the design and scope evolves.
Once a design is selected, our team generates an initial estimate of general costs based on our knowledge of prior projects of similar scope. Based on the pricing feedback, Lynch Construction and Remodeling, the homeowner and the architect will produce revised, more detailed design drawings that include a finalized floor plan, elevations, basic material selections, and trim work details. These plans will reflect the full scope of the project.
Next, we will provide a detailed estimate with fixed price quotes from suppliers and subcontractors. Allowance amounts will be carried for any materials that have not been selected yet. Once the final price has been agreed to, our team will create a contract outlining the full scope of work, a detailed timeline, and payment schedule. After the contract has been reviewed and executed, a production schedule will be generated, permitting will be secured, and the selection of materials, finishes, and products can be finalized.
Should I propose my project to multiple contractors or work with one builder through the design process?
Every contractor brings something different to the table, so it can be intriguing to shop multiple offers. However, we believe that going too far down the design road with multiple bidders is not the best use of your time. Often, at this early stage, the scope and design are not developed enough for a true itemized estimate to be created, so the pricing is still budgetary, and you will be unable to select a contractor based on cost. Because of this, we recommend talking to several builders to get some rough pricing, timing, and process info, then narrowing your list to one contractor to work with through the design process––someone you have done your homework on and who has earned your confidence.
We believe that the best project outcomes happen when the builder is selected early in the design process and can therefore offer pricing feedback throughout the bulk of the architectural design. Do your due diligence early, vetting several contractors, then settle in with a trustworthy partner to plan and build your home.
Questions every homeowner should ask before hiring a contractor
- Ask yourself if you will be able to develop a good working relationship with the contractor. Even the most well-planned renovation will present unique challenges and unexpected surprises. Does this person strike you as the type who will be reasonable, calm and open to compromise?
- Ask for references and make the time to get and check them. If there is positive feedback out there, it will assist you in deciding who to hire. If there are red flags, heed them and look closer before you sign a contract with this person.
- Ask the contractor to see a couple of completed projects so you can assess their level of workmanship. Look closely at the finishes and small touches – do they reflect an attention to detail?
- Don’t be afraid to ask whether the company you are considering is profitable. You want your contractor to be economically healthy and possess the ability to weather ups and downs in the economy.
- Ask your contractor if he carries a warranty. A warranty not only helps you protect your investment, it also shows that the contractor is not afraid to stand by his product and the work he provided.
- Be sure you have full understanding of the company you will be working with:
- How long has the contractor been in business?
- What types of projects does the company have experience with? Have they completed projects similar to yours in the past?
- How many people are in the company?
- How long have they worked with their plumbers, electricians, plasterers, painters, masons, etc.? How long have these individuals been in their respective fields?
- What is the owner’s role in day-to-day operations? Can you expect to see him frequently on the jobsite?