We plan and review every aspect of the construction process before we begin any project. Once the drawings & designs are approved for construction and all materials & finishes are selected, the planning process begins. Depending on the size and scope of the project, we may schedule an on-site subcontractor walk-through. This allows our subs and suppliers to view the project first hand in order to accurately estimate their costs. It also allows the client to meet some of the folks who will be working in their home. Once the subcontractors and suppliers have submitted their prices, we will assemble the Scope of Work. The Scope of Work is a detailed explanation of the work to be completed, the materials to be used, and the price associated with each phase of the project. A meeting to review the project budget with the client is the next step. If needed, budget modifications can easily be made at this time. The scope of the project or material selections can be changed in order to increase or decrease the price of the project, based on the client’s needs. Once the project budget is approved by the client, the plans and scope of work will be reviewed once more by the Lifestyles’ production team. After the project manager and lead carpenter review the project details, the final Plans & Details, Material & Finish Selection Sheets, Scope of Work, and Construction Contract are printed out. The Lifestyles team then meets with the client for a final review of all documents. Lifestyles’ detailed project planning means fewer surprises for both the client and the contractor once construction begins.

How long does the Plan process take?

The length of the planning process depends mostly on the size of the project. Clients typically can expect to spend somewhere between 4 to 12 weeks on the Design and Plan phase of the project. Obviously, it will take longer to design and plan a large room addition than a small bathroom renovation. Some clients also prefer to explore more material or design options than others. Lifestyles’ design agreement is very flexible and can be formatted to fit the needs of each individual client.

Will the cost of the project increase once the work begins?

Lifestyles uses a “fixed price” contract for all projects. That means the price stated in the Construction Contract is the final price that will be paid unless the scope of the project is changed. By selecting all materials and finishes during the Design phase, Lifestyles can assemble a very accurate budget for any project. The Lifestyles team will assemble a detailed, itemized Scope of Work that describes exactly what is going to happen and what materials will be used in each phase of construction. This allows us to establish a precise Contract Price for each project. However, changes to finishes and materials may still be made by the client once the project begins. Each change is documented, priced, and authorized by the client before the scope of work is altered. It’s important to keep in mind that changes will not only effect the price of the project, but will likely affect the project schedule as well.

How long will the construction of the project take?

Construction time is affected by factors such as the complexity of the project, availability of materials, impact on the client’s lifestyle, and the time of year. Lifestyles’ clients are provided with a copy of the production schedule at the completion of the planning phase and will receive updates throughout the building phase of the project. Most projects, without any change orders, are completed within several days of the original scheduled date. Occasionally, projects are completed ahead of or behind schedule due to changes in material availability, weather, or subcontractor schedule changes.