The decision to remodel or renovate your home may start with the need to make a space function more effectively for your family, the desire to update how your home feels or usually - it is a combination of both. Either way, once you’ve decided to take on a project, chatting with a few builders to get more information, guidance, estimates, timelines and an overview of the process usually follows in short order. We recently chatted with Derek Funkhouser from DeGroot Construction about the tips he would offer someone looking to get started. In this journal post, we’ll share his thoughts on the very beginning of the process. Then, stay tuned for a second post where we’ll dig into more thoughts on mitigating issues and navigating current timelines. With that, here is some guidance from DEGROOT CONSTRUCTION:
1. When someone is considering a renovation or addition, what are the first questions you ask?
There are a variety of questions we ask during an initial conversation with a potential client. One of our key questions is “How did you hear about DeGroot Construction?” As a business we are very relational, so it’s very important to know how the client came to know about us. The majority of our clients are referred by family and friends, so regardless of the project size or value, we place an extremely high value on being very responsive to potential clients that have been referred by friends and family. Not to say we don’t give equal consideration to potential clients that have come to us via other means. Many people find us on Google, and our key questions for these clients is “What are you looking for in a contractor?” Pinpointing the clients budget and project needs/wants is critical in order to ensure we are a good solution for what they are wanting to accomplish.
2. What questions should someone ask when reviewing multiple contractor bids?
In the end it all comes down to three things: how much does it cost, what is the quality of the work, and what should I expect to experience? And if there’s a designer involved, like say, oh, I don't know, maybe Two Hands Interiors… How does all that work? If the client's priority is quality and experience, project cost will likely be on the higher side. It costs money to maintain staff and utilize processes and systems to ensure top-level quality as well as a great client experience. But if the client is budget driven, they can always choose a builder that is more budget friendly, but who potentially does not utilize systems or skilled trades/staff that help ensure the same quality of work or experience as the higher end builder.
3. When in the process do you find it helpful if a client engages with a designer?
Can’t stress this enough. Immediately. As soon as possible. Now. Yesterday. 8 months ago. You get the idea. Builders are NOT designers. Our skill sets are different. Look and feel is such a HUGE part of the final product. It can shape the entire project. Our best projects are with clients that equally value awesome design and awesome construction skills.
