First contact
The remodeling process begins when you reach out to us. When you email through this website, we ask for your contact information and a brief description of your remodeling project. Rob will respond via email within one to two business days. He may have further questions for you to help determine if we are a good fit for you. If we are, he’ll set up a time for a Zoom or in-person visit. Click here to contact us!
free, in-home or zoom consultation
The conversation begins by getting to know each other better. Rob will listen to what you have in mind, give some advice, and talk through your goals, ideas, desires, the problems you are trying to solve, and any fears you may have regarding your project. We won’t get into too many details, but we will talk about your vision and potential solutions. We will discuss the feasibility of your ideal budget range. While we won’t know the exact cost of your project at this point, talking about some practical numbers will go a long way in helping us decide on the best way to move forward. Rob will also talk about our remodeling process and what it’s like to work with us. We want to make sure that Reliable Renovations is the best fit for you and your project. This meeting usually last about 30 minutes.
The final step is to determine if design services are necessary to establish a clear scope of work and an accurate construction estimate. If you already have a design, or we don’t think design work is necessary, we move straight to the Construction Estimate. Otherwise, we can set up a separate design consultation with Dina.
FREE design consultation
Dina usually provides design consultations via Zoom. At your meeting, you’ll discuss your ideas, wants and needs for the space in terms of design. She’ll provide feedback on what’s feasible based on your budget, and provide an estimated cost to complete the design work. She’ll also explain how her process works and what your finished design drawings will include. If you decide to move forward, she’ll provide you with a design contract, and establish a date for your initial in-home consultation.
remodeling Design process
Our design process is creative, interactive, thorough, and really fun!
interview, Photos and Measurements
Once a design contract is signed, you’ll meet with Dina for an in-home initial consultation. She will interview you to identify your needs and wants for the space, and how you envision using the new space. She will also present and discuss possible design solutions, and measure and photograph the space.
design and drawings
After Dina takes photos and measurements, she will prepare an initial design for your project based on what you shared with us at the initial in-home consultation. It usually takes her one to two weeks to prepare drawings, depending on the complexity of your project.
Next, Dina will schedule an appointment at your home to review the design work together. This is where you contribute most to the design process by offering feedback, asking questions, and clarifying wants and needs. She’ll also share budgetary numbers during this meeting to ensure your project stays within your budget.
For smaller projects, one design review meeting may be sufficient. Larger projects may require two or three design review sessions before we are ready to proceed to the construction estimate. Click here to see a few of our design solutions.
free remodeling estimate
Once your design is complete, Rob will prepare a free construction estimate that provides a detailed list of the proposed work, a list of allowance prices for items that you’ll be selecting, and a total cost for the entire project. If you decide that you’d like to move forward with us, Rob will ask trade partners (electrician, plumber, etc.) to visit your home to provide exact costs for their part of the work. Upon your final approval, we’re ready to sign a construction contract and the project can officially begin!
Remodeling contract
Our construction contract is an agreement that provides a fixed price for the specified work, a list of allowances for items that you’ll be selecting, a timetable for progress payments, and some fine print about warranty information, change orders, lead-based paint, etc. that you should read and understand.
Once you sign your contract and send us a downpayment, your project is added to the construction calendar. Click here to see a sample copy of our remodeling contract.
Selections
Once you have approved the design or layout of your space and the scope of your remodeling project, you can start selecting all of the finer details and finishes your remodeling project will need.
At least three months before construction is scheduled to begin, Dina will meet with you to help you finalize selections for any allowance items in the contract — things like flooring, cabinets, countertops, tile, faucets, etc.
Some of your selections can be made from samples Dina will bring or from online photos, but you might also visit one of our suppliers to make further selections.
When you make your selections, we document how much over or under you are on the price of each allowance item. With your approval, we will order your selections, and your adder or credit will be applied to your next invoice.
All of your material decisions are made before construction begins, making the remodeling process smoother for you.
Construction process
This is where your remodeling ideas become reality. Rob will manage and complete the entire construction process, keeping you up-to-date on progress, answering your questions, and generally making the entire project as hassle-free as possible for you and your family.
Ordering and Permitting
After your selections are approved, we order many of the materials required for your job. If your job requires permits (most do) we will apply for and secure those permits. The ordering and permitting process can take a few weeks to a couple of months depending on the materials and complexity of the project.
Pre-construction meeting
About a month before work begins in your home, Rob will meet with you to review all of the details of your project. This includes how the remodeling process will proceed, how long things will take, the daily routine, work hours, access to your home, dumpster placement (if needed), and any special accommodations you may need (such as a temporary kitchen).
Construction
Unless something about the job requires us to wait, like an inspection, you should see daily progress on your job until it is finished. Some items that require templates before fabrication, such as countertops, may also stretch the schedule. Rob will coordinate his own hands-on efforts with our trade partners to ensure that the job is completed as efficiently as possible. Rob will keep you informed of the schedule and answer all of your questions as the job unfolds.
enjoy
Punch List
As the job nears completion, Rob will involve you in the process of making a final punch list to make sure the last detail is finished to your satisfaction. You will not be invoiced for the last contract payment until the punch list is complete.
Warranty
Even after we officially complete your project, we are just a phone call away. If anything comes up during the first two years after construction, we’ll inspect it and if necessary fix it at our own expense.