Prospective clients want to know what it’s like to work with us. First, we will have a phone or Zoom call, then a home visit, then we will present an estimate. Once a consensus has been reached on the details of the project we sign a contract for design and/or construction services. Once all materials are received, we renovate your home. After the job is completed we check in periodically to see how you are enjoying the final product.
CAPTURING YOUR VISION
Our process begins with a conversation. When you first call our office, we will want to learn about your remodeling goals. We will ask you questions about your project, timeline, and any specific challenges which may be present. We want to get to know you and you to know us. If we set up a home visit, we ask that anyone who will be involved in the decision making be present.
HOME VISIT
Often we will want to sit down and have a conversation before actually seeing the area to be remodeled. At this early point in the process the ‘why’ is often much more important than the ‘what.’ Ultimately, we do want to walk through the home, see the space you want remodeled, and hear your ideas. We will confirm that the scope of work is within our capabilities and that the project is possible within the budget and time frame.
Our goal is to develop a renovation project which meets your needs, most of the time this includes budgetary restrictions as well. Once we have a thorough understanding of what we are to build we need to establish a budget in which to build it. As uncomfortable as it may be, we want to have this discussion right up front to make sure the project is feasible. At this point we are looking at broad, round numbers and ranges rather than specific costs.
NEXT STEPS
If the scope, budget, and timing match up we will present a Preliminary Opinion of Cost (POC) and timeline for your project. This document will clearly outline the scope of work Wendel Klein Design Build will is proposing and a price range for it. If all parties are in agreement, we will proceed with a design agreement or a construction contract, depending on the complexity of the project.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PHASE
The Designer, Project Developer and You (the client) will work closely on designing. This collaborative process relies on mutual communication and feedback between the team (WK and You).
As the design progresses, we involve key subcontractors and field staff to review any potential challenges. As the design comes together, we begin working on selecting the products and finishes which will be installed. Once all plans and materials have been selected, we’ll confirm the final budget. Of course, this entire time we have been designing to meet the budget goals established in the Home Visit and set out in the POC.
BUILD PHASE
Kick Off
Before any building begins, carpenters and sub-contractors are brought in again to review the space and identify any challenges.
Pre-construction Meeting
At a Pre-Construction Meeting you’ll meet with your Lead Carpenter and talk about specific project and site requirements like workflow, location of tools, equipment and material storage. Most of our clients live in the home while we work. We understand that this is both exciting and very stressful. The Pre-Construction Meeting is a great opportunity to discuss what the experience will be like and how we can make it as easy as possible for you to live in. We’ll treat your home with the utmost care and mindfulness, your input helps us succeed.
Your Lead Carpenter is in charge of ordering and receiving materials, managing the team of craftsmen and trade experts, coordinating building department inspections, and ensuring overall project quality. If you would ever like to discuss upcoming tasks or ask a question, the Lead Carpenter is your go-to person.
Weekly Check-Ins
We will set up a reoccurring time for a Weekly Client Meeting during business hours. This is a scheduled time for you, the Lead Carpenter and any other key members to sit down and check in. Sometimes there’s much to discuss while other times it’s more of a ‘Hi, how are you?’ Either way this structured time is important and a key component of a successful project. When the project is nearing completion, we’ll generate a Project Completion List. You are encouraged to add to it and the project is not considered finished until the list has been completed.
OUR PROMISE
Quality, attention to detail and open communication are at our core from when you welcome Wendel Klein your home until we wave a last goodbye. We’ll treat your home with the utmost care and respect, completing the project on time and within the budget. Speaking of last goodbyes, once a project is finished, we schedule 6-, 12- and 24-month check-ins. We want to self-audit our work, address any warranty items before they happen and have a chance to learn about how our projects age. Our goal is to eventually be the company who gets to remodel our previous projects 10 or 20 years down the road and be there for our clients in all of the moments between.