Understanding Specifications

Understanding Specifications

     Understanding specifications is vital for the homeowner. Plans show the overall scope of the project including  items like wall layout, elevations, window schedules, door schedules, and what kind of flooring (carpet, tile, wood) is being used.  The specifications go into more detail. An example might be a line item called Wood Flooring with the following information:  Armstrong 3 inch engineered hardwood plank in natural cherry, product number EPP3108. With detailed specifications there is no room for error,  you know exactly what you’re getting.

The specifications should be specific to the various rooms in a remodeling or building project like  kitchen, master bath, living room, and dining room. The individual rooms will each have a number of items listed like flooring, fixtures, cabinets, paint colors  and trim. Since understanding  specifications is so important, homeowners might request that a contractor provide specifications in  a format that is easy for them to understand.  In my opinion a specifications book that lists the rooms and includes a detailed description of items like plumbing fixtures, their individual model numbers and pictures are best. These books can be printed or provided in digital form as a PDF file. Understanding specifications will help you realize your dream.

Understanding Plans

Understanding plans is nothing short of knowing  the value of your remodeling project.  I think it’s fair to say that very few clients really understand the scope and complexity that plans represent. That’s why it is important for your  contractor to conduct a thorough plans review session with you before a project actually begins. The plans are also intricately connected to the specifications that accompany them. Every subcontractor who bids on a project where plans are necessary should include the line “As per Plans and Specifications” on their proposal

Understanding your plans and reading all the schedules, notes, and criteria contained on them will decrease the likelihood of unanticipated costs associated with change orders.  A complete set of plans includes a “Demolition Plan, a “Renovation Plan”, an “Electrical” Plan, a “Flooring Plan”, and a schedule of windows and doors if applicable. Other informational items about hardware, casing, baseboards, cabinets and shelving should be recorded in the plans, as well as the specifications. Taking the time to carefully review renovation plans,  will definitely save you money and headaches during the renovation process.

Understanding plans is critical to a successful, well planned project!

Recommendations From Contractors

Picking a contractor is the most important decision you’ll  make during your remodeling process. There are many factors to consider  and  none may be more important than getting recommendations and evaluating them.

What do we mean by this?

Every contractor can find someone that will say something nice about them. I’ve had many letters of recommendation over the years and we  strive  to be better each time we do a project.  While I sometimes  use these recommendations,  I prefer to use references for projects  that are recent or even  in process.

With the challenging economic times it’s entirely possible that a recommendation for a contractor written a year ago or less might be totally irrelevant today. If you really want to know how a contractor is administering  and pricing a project it’s best to ask someone who has the experience fresh in  mind. Many contractors (and I’ve mentioned this before) tell people what they want to hear and not what they need to know, resulting in inaccurate bids, changes orders and ultimately a more expensive project.

Do your homework upfront and you’ll have a much better remodeling experience and a quality, reasonably priced project.

Choosing a Design Professional

An effective design professional (draftsman or architect) is skillful in their trade, listens to their clients, and works to create a beautiful, functional and sustainable project  that realizes the homeowner’s  vision and works within their budget .

In my experience, choosing a contractor who works with such a professional yields a better outcome for everyone.  The contractor will make sure that the plans reflect the entire scope of the project and that the designer creates a set of plans that sub-contractors can read and understand.  When sub-contractors have a clear picture of what they’re bidding on, the price will invariably be more competitive.  This relationship also assures  the client that the design professional will be readily available in case any changes occur.

Cost Versus Value

When making a decision to remodel, you want to get the highest return for the money you spend.  We often hear about “cost versus value” but “value” is a subjective term.
If you are a homeowner and have only enough money to do one project think about where you spend time. Livingroom? Bedroom?  Bathroom? Kitchen? For example, if you enjoy your kitchen, look around and ask yourself some question: are the appliances still in good working order or are they starting to break down? Are the cabinets outdated and showing signs of wear? Would it be more comfortable for you if your countertops were higher?  Remodeling your kitchen might be what creates the most “value” for you.
However, if you are an investor with an eye to reselling in the near future, your idea of value is about what will appeal to your future buyer. In addition to looking at what needs replacement or repair, think about the potential age of your buyer. Do door spaces need to be wider?  Would an easily accessible shower be more user friendly than a tub? These are some of the considerations when putting more money into an investment property.
So whether you are a homeowner or an investor and want to get the most from your time, energy and money have your project done right the first time. While it is tempting to try to do it yourself, or work with someone whose “office” is out of the back of their truck, the value you get for the seemingly lower “cost” may not be the bargain you thought you were getting.

Next Topic: Choosing a design professional