While getting a construction partner lined up is crucial to starting a renovation or remodel, wouldn’t it be nice if you had a crystal ball and could know how the process and the experience of working with that builder would play out? Continuing our conversation with Derek Funkhouser from DEGROOT CONSTRUCTION, he shares more insights around how they work just as hard on the quality of their craftsmanship as they do on the steps they take to try to account for and address any bumps along the way.
Hear his guidance from our interview:
1. What steps do you take to help make the construction process go smoothly?
Well, every project is different, but our first step is to clearly understand the clients needs/wants. That is huge. When we know that, we can implement a design and construction process that works well for the client. Another huge component is the utilization of skilled and personable trades, from concrete to finish paint. Clients come to enjoy having our people in their homes. Let's be real, having your kitchen ripped apart isn't fun the entire time, you should at least be able to enjoy the people that are in there ripping it apart (and putting it back together :) - Oh yeah. Protection, protection, protection. Lots and lots of site protection (floor protection, dust walls, air scrubbers, etc.). Construction is messy no matter what, at least minimize it as much as possible!!!
2. Talk to us about unforeseen issues - do they really happen that often and is there any way to get ahead of them?
Yep - There can always be unforeseen issues. But they can be heavily mitigated with a concept development walkthrough. We utilize a process where we perform walkthroughs of a home after we have gone through a preliminary concept development phase, but before we are into a fine design and planning phase. When we do this walkthrough we bring everybody through that is necessary in order to help pinpoint project challenges. Then we finalize the design and project pricing based on all the information gathered during the walkthrough. It’s incredibly helpful in guiding the design and pricing process.
3. How are construction material costs and timelines doing now? How far out are you planning?
At the time of this response, some pricing is starting to stabilize, where others are still in fluctuation. We are still regularly surprised by lead times on some random materials like pre finished hardwood, interior doors, tile, etc. It’s very difficult to guarantee timelines, that is for sure. As a company that is firmly dedicated to delivering on timing expectations this is extremely challenging for us. We cushion our schedules to help make it more possible to meet timing expectations as best we can.
Right now, we are encouraging clients to begin the process of getting started as soon as possible - There is a lot of work to do in the concept development phase. Due to the unpredictable nature of building supplies we have shifted more towards a process where we have all the details ironed out, all materials ordered and on their way before we even break ground on a project. We do our best to give realistic project timelines as well, specific to how long it will take to get to the starting point, as well as how long it will take to complete the project.
