Beginning of the Road...

We are about to begin the design phase of a major house remodel. We are working with a design/build firm for this project. We live in a late 60's split level. Our kitchen needs a bullet put in it and we would like to expand our current space on the main floor to allow for a porch that opens into the back yard.

We decided to go with a design/build firm since both our job our demanding and we don't have the time to put too much own our own sweat into the job...not to mention the fact that we'd like this project to be completed before I turn 40 (I'm 32).

The vendor selection process was pretty simple for us. We looked four firms that were all found on the NARI web site. All of the companies had been in business for over 20 years. Each company came out to my house to talk with us about the project. Pricing a remodel project is a tough one. There are a number of variables that can have a significant effect on the final price of the project.

This is where the design/build firm comes into play. You'll notice that "design" is listed before "build". That's done for a reason. The whole purpose of the design process is to nail down all the details before a tool is touched. Also, once partly into the design process, accuracy of cost estimates becomes much closer. An added benefit here is that you are only financially obligated for the design services provided, which for design/build firms can run 4-6% of the overall cost of the project. It's better to be out 4-6% of six figures than get 60% of the way through a project and realize you can't afford it. :o\

Here is the current status of our project:
- as built measurements have been taken
- we are having a design meeting with the design/build firm tomorrow so they can get a clearer picture of what we want for our kitchen & eventual new space.
- as built drawings of the house should be completed within a week and top-down floor plan views of the new space (schematics) should be available shortly after that.
- Design process should take approximate 2 months and construction for this project should be 3.5 - 4 months.

I'll post pictures of what the existing space looks like and some details of what we want to do.