| Q: | Where do I begin the construction process? |
| A: | First, you need to decide what does not meet your home needs. Don't concentrate so much on the physical aspects of your home that you are unhappy with, but rather answers like “We're tired of going to the basement to do the laundry” or “We find the kitchen to be cramped come meal time.” Collect magazine articles, pictures, and other materials that will help you decide exactly what changes you have in mind. Also look at features of friends and neighbors houses that you particularly like and imagine how they could be incorporated into your project. Once you have stated your needs, the employees at Cisney & O'Donnell, Inc. will be able to help provide a solution.
Once you have decided on what needs fixed or added, often times you will need to find a plat map of your property. A plat map is a drawing that shows all lot lines with bearing and distance, occasionally including existing buildings and other useful information needed to obtain a building permit. You probably got a copy of a Certified Survey Map in your closing documents when you closed on your property. If you cannot find this document you may need to have one created by a certified surveyor so that we may use it to produce the necessary drawings for your permit. |
| Q: | How do I decide on a budget? |
| A: | One way to create a budget for your home improvement project would be to find out what the homes in your neighborhood are currently selling for. The difference between the current selling price for these homes and the price you paid for your house should be an indication of how much you could spend on the project and get your money back if you were to move within the next few years. If you plan to stay where you are for more than three or four years this becomes less of a concern. |
| Q: | How should I finance my project? |
| A: | Financing can come from various sources. You can use savings, liquidate investments, borrow against retirement funds, or use one of the many options from a full-service bank. |
| Q: | Will we be able to live in our home during construction? |
| A: | Typically you will be able to live in your home during remodeling or addition projects. Cisney & O'Donnell, Inc. will discuss the details entailed with the project prior to each phase, and workers will aim to minimize disruption of your routines caused by construction. |
| Q: | What zoning information should I be aware of? |
| A: | This varies from different counties and towns. We recommend that you talk to your local government officials. Cisney & O'Donnell takes care of the zoning and building permit process for our customers. |
| Q: | How can the construction process be less frustrating? |
| A: | Choose a good contractor! The idea behind any construction project is to improve your living space and lifestyle. The way you go about it makes all the difference in the world. Know what you want; decide on a reasonable budget and stick to it; take time to plan; and find a contractor who can manage the project as well as do quality work.
Also as a homeowner you can make the process easier for both yourself and your contractor. Designate one person to be the contact with the contractor and keep informed about the job's progress. Ask questions as they arise, and if changes need made to the original contract have it put in writing with the specific cost. Plan your project carefully in order to avoid unnecessary delays.
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| Q: | How do I choose a contractor/remodeler? |
| A: | There are several ways to go about this; the most important thing to keep in mind though is to take your time. Most problems occur when consumers fail to investigate contractors before hiring them. Asking neighbors, family, and friends who have had remodeling work done before can also be helpful. Look for a contractor who can provide references and determine how long the contractor has been in business. Ask the contractor for an insurance certification, if they have received any remodeling awards, and if you can see some of their work in order to evaluate the quality. It can be helpful to ask local hardware and building supply stores who they would recommend, as well as making sure the contractor has a good reputation with local banks and lenders. Be wary of unusually low bids or low advertised prices; if a contractor cannot pay for labor, materials and overhead, you are both in trouble. Discuss starting and completion dates with contractors, but understand some delays are unavoidable. Look for a contractor who incorporates warranties, guarantees or other promises in the written contract. Lastly, select a contractor who you are comfortable with, who is easy to communicate with, and who understands your tastes and needs. |
| Q: | What is a CGR? |
| A: | A Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) is a remodeler who has met the National Association of Home Builders prescribed standards of business practice. This ensures that the contractor has had a proven track record of successfully completing projects, has completed relevant educational requirements, and will uphold the CGR Code of Ethics. CGR's must re-certify every three years by attending remodeling or business related seminars, trade shows, educational programs, and provide proof of insurance. |
| Q: | What is a Design/Build General Contractor? |
| A: | A design/build contractor is a company that provides professional design, management and building of a project. Instead of a separate architect preparing detailed plans and specifications for bidding by several different contractors, the same team handles design and construction of the project. Using a design/build contractor ensures your project's design to be compatible with the existing structures, your building site, and your neighborhood. |
| Q: | What are the advantages to a Design/Build Contractor? |
| A: | Time, money, and direct communication are three key advantages to a design-build. A design/build contractor offers you a chance to participate more in the design process of your project, provides a greater consistency of service, and assures better efficiency through the combined design and construction experience of the team. Design fees for the project are typically a fraction of those charged by architect firms. Also the process of design/build is not nearly as lengthy since engineering and subcontractor bidding takes place during the initial design phase. Only one contract exists in a design-build project, with one team that works on the project, so there is only one responsible party. |
| Q: | What if I want to make changes to something during construction? |
| A: | Through experience we realize that changes are part of the construction process. Therefore, we will make every effort to implement your requested changes as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. To aid in this process, it helps to have change requests made in writing. |
| Q: | Is there any job too big or too small? |
| A: | Not typically. The best thing would be to call and discuss your project with one of our representatives. |
| Q: | What kind of warranty would be offered for my project? |
| A: | Cisney & O'Donnell offers a two-year workmanship warranty. Plus, many of our manufacturers offer warranties on their products. |
| Q: | Are estimates free? |
| A: | For the most part the only chargeable estimates are those pertaining to insurance claims. Some insurance companies have a policy where they will compensate you for estimates, the best thing to do would be to ask. |
