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The New Year is off to a great start! At this month's Monona Terrace and NARI remodeling expos, we visited with new and existing clients to discuss upcoming projects. It appears that remodeling and handyman projects are on many to-do lists this year!

Our existing clients are well-versed in our process of developing an accurate proposal, which is why they return to us time and time again. When visiting with new clients, we found them to be intrigued with the details behind how we develop a proposal for a project. It is this process that instills trust with clients who choose to work with us.

The Sweeney Proposal Process

Step 1: Contact Sweeney Construction

Once we gather the typical items such as name, address, phone number and age of home, we begin a conversation about the specifics of your project such as scope of work, budget, what you're looking for in a general contractor and other contractors. We'll also discuss any previous remodels and your experiences with them.

We then walk customers through the Sweeney Process. Although this conversation does take time, it helps us determine if our company will be a good fit for you and your project. Some people love to "DIY" in their free time, while others would rather be doing their hobby or enjoying a favorite pastime and let someone else do the work. Our goal is to deliver a consistent level of client-first services, from a simple handyman fix to a complicated project. If it sounds like dating, in effect, it is! But there are several key differences. Your project could include a large outlay of your money. We will be working in your home with your family for possibly several months. We will convert your remodel into a finished product to be enjoyed for years to come. So, this initial conversation is an important match-making endeavor!

Step 2: Meet with an Estimator in your Home

This is a face to face meeting - a first date! We come to your home to discuss the scope of the project, goals, budgets and time frames. We may also have to investigate structural, mechanical and code issues during our visit.

Additionally, in this meeting we will provide documentation to show that only honest, trustworthy people will be allowed in your personal space and around your family. Remember, the contractor you select will be supervising subcontractors, carpenters and technicians performing the work. You need to trust your contractor and feel confident that the company has your best interest at hand. This meeting is also the time to request references: licenses, lead safe certifications, insurance and background checks on the contractor.

Steps 3 and 4: Sweeney Design Team Develops Plans and Documents

As we discussed in prior newsletters, the construction documents or CD's are a recipe for the construction of your project. They detail your ideas, selections/finishes, demolition and construction for the total project. Once completed, these documents will be used to develop a proposal/contract, apply for building permits and do the actual project work. If you are comparison pricing, this will ensure that each of the contractors are using the same products, square footage and construction techniques.

Step 5: Subcontractor Walk-through and Final Review of Project

As part of our due diligence to deliver an accurate contract, we invite our subcontractors and vendors to a site visit (your home). This is a perfect time for introductions, reviewing the site and trouble-shooting possible construction issues.

This key step ensures that the contract includes and addresses all possible issues, which may eliminate surprises that could result in change orders. Our subcontractors and vendors are licensed, insured, skilled and up-to-date on the newest trends and products. And they are good business people. They have kept their suppliers and employees current, which prevents possible liens on your property. They have also proven to us over the past 25 years that they show up on time and work seamlessly and collaboratively with our clients and others.

Steps 6 and 7: Sweeney Compiles Subcontractor Estimates and Assembles the Contract; Clients Sign Contract

At this time, the costs for materials, labor and the subcontractors are compiled into a final accounting program called a Takeoff. A Markup is added to cover overhead, such as insurance, licensing, equipment and job supervision. The final written contract details tasks done in each of the phases of the project, along with costs for materials, labor and subcontractors, so you can clearly see the source of all the fees and how they add up to the bottom line. The contract itself protects all parties involved and should include the following:

A physical address of the contractor and their license, which shows that the contractor is in good standing with the state and is playing by the rules.
Insurance information, which may hold you liable if your contractor does not carry the proper insurance for his employees as well.
Scope of work, which states what is to be done and the time frame in which it will be started and completed.
Any exclusions, which might be related to items hidden behind walls such as asbestos and mold.
Lead safety certificates, which are required to minimize and contain dust in homes built prior to 1978 and keep you and your family safe.
Payment schedule, which is tied to milestones in the project such as after demolition, prior to framing, etc.
The warranty, which states what is covered and for how long.

Once clients are satisfied with every part of the contract, customers sign on the dotted line and we become partners with you in fulfilling your remodeling dreams!

With quality construction documents, dependable processes, detailed contracts and solid communication, planning a construction project will be enjoyable and highly rewarding. Give us a call, and let's see if we're a match!

Sincerely,

Tim and Linda Sweeney