What kind of proposal can we expect from Renaissance South Construction Company?

Renaissance South provides proposals with detailed specifications that read almost like an instruction book for the project. Proposals also include the project price, alternates (if applicable), payment terms, change order policy, guarantee policy and legal information (i.e. the client's right of rescission, a confidentiality notice, and licensing information).

 

What is a change order?

A change order is an addendum to the original contract. Change orders are typically a result of hidden damage, upgrades to the existing project scope by the client or the addition of unrelated projects by the client.

 

Are change orders relatively typical in a renovation project?

This varies on a project by project basis. A good rule of thumb is to expect there to be some surprises, but hope there won't be any.

 

Typically, if good upfront planning has taken place, then the contractor should be able to anticipate where problems might be found and offer an educated guess as to what can be expected (usually as a percentage of total contract price). It is important to note that these proposed "contingencies" are always non-binding since they are only educated guesses.

 

The other type of change orders—upgrades to existing projects or completely new projects—are, of course, completely up to the homeowner.

 

How can clients be sure the price charged is accurate?

Renaissance South estimates projects with accurate results by "building the project on paper."  It’s an old-fashioned method and one that takes more time and effort to complete, but it enables us to offer the following: 

• An accurate time-frame in which the project will be completed
  
  
• Thorough project understanding by client & contractor through a detailed proposal [link to proposal FAQ]
  
  
• An accurate price and predictable project flow
  
  
• Fewer surprises such as change orders [link to change order] since the project has essentially been built already.

Does Renaissance South have past clients who serve as referrals for the company?

Yes, Renaissance South boasts 100% client satisfaction and is happy to provide a list of past clients who have agreed to serve as referrals.

 

Why is the design/build process recommended for larger projects?

Design: Although there are many ways to start the design process, it is recommended that homeowners choose an architect and a contractor prior to any design-work being completed for several reasons:

• To ensure that homeowners accomplish their design objectives and do so within budget. By working with a good contractor throughout the architectural process, homeowners can get accurate pricing updates throughout to make sure they don’t over-design.
  
  
• To ensure accountability by both parties during construction. If both parties have been working together on the plans in a multi-staged process, you should eliminate any misunderstandings that could cost you money during construction.

Build: This, literally, refers to building your project with a contractor you have hopefully established a trusting relationship with. A couple notes worth mentioning:

• Some contractors will agree to work in the above “design” capacity for a reasonable fee that is creditable towards their final contract price.  In this scenario, homeowners who decide to work with another contractor may forfeit that fee, but the loss will pale in comparison to over-designing (and thus paying more in redesign fees and/or construction).
  
  
• Architect presents final set of plans; contractor presents detailed proposal to perform work; project is completed in a predictable manner. This is the goal of design build.  There should be no surprises, and it should make the renovation process as straightforward as possible.

What is an alternate?

An alternate is an optional facet of a construction project that is broken out and priced separately from the base scope.

 

What is an allowance?

An allowance is the budget figure on which a client will base product selections. This allotment is a portion of the total contract price and works like this:

• Costs exceeding the allowance amount are then added to the final invoice.
  
  
• If costs are less than the allowance amount, then the remaining costs get credited to the final invoice.

Allowance wording typically looks like the following example: "An allowance of $350 has been allotted for the kitchen faucet. Allowance figure includes all shipping and tax expenses."

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