Home Page> Building and Remodeling Checklist

Good planning makes for a successful construction project and prevents many pitfalls, whether that project is building a brand new home or remodeling or renovating an existing home.  There are some basic steps associated with most successful building and remodeling projects.  Some don't apply to every project, but the "basics" remain the same.

This check list will give you an idea of the stages, steps and time-line involved in a building or remodeling project before you start.  Remember, these aren't necessarily set in stone and some may or may not pertain to your circumstances or may be completed out of the order listed here.  

The Planning Process

Here is where you should decide what you want/need in your project.  

• Start gathering ideas from magazines, other homes you've seen, even the Internet.  
• Make a list of "Must Haves", "Would Be Nice if at All Possible", "Not Necessary" and "Don't Know, Need to Think About It"
• Keep a notebook or expanding folder containing your ideas, notes, photos.
• Don't be afraid to dream a little!

The Budget

Set a budget early and review it along the way.  Remember that changes in plans and/or materials can change your budget.  Try to allow a "back up fund" to add to your budget for those changes - 10 to 15 percent of your projected budget figure is a good place to start.

Remember to include items in your budget figures that you might not have thought of:

• Design assistance

• Permits

• Utility hookups

• Loan fees 

• Special insurance

• Place to stay while building/remodeling if necessary

If you don't have any idea what your project may cost, this is the time to consult with some builders, architects and/or designers, even loan officers at your bank.  If you have a good idea of what you are looking for and can present these folks with photos, drawings or magazine articles, it will give them a place to start with your design.  Although all the items you desire aren't yet "set in stone", you will have a starting cost which you can then build upon by adding/removing features.

The Design Process

• Decide whether to choose a professional designer/architect or design your own project. 
• Get preliminary designs and schematics to help you visualize how the project might look and to help in identifying any early problems.
• Get extra set of preliminary plans to present to the local building authorities.
• Refine your budget.

The Timetable

You should develop a timetable/schedule for the project.  This can be accomplished in the same manner as your budget. Work with your "construction team" (designer or architect, loan officer, interior design specialist, general contractor, specialty materials supplier, etc.) to document your needs. 

• You should strive for a realistic completion date. 
• Considering time for the design phase, securing permits, utility work if necessary and the construction phase. 
• Identify periods of the year when certain construction projects are appropriate or totally inappropriate, especially for components of the project like roofing, pouring of cement, etc.  For example, take into consideration holidays, the Christmas season, likelihood of rain or sleet/snow (translation - winter in New England!)

Detailed Project Drawings and Specifications 

Now is the time to finalize your project plans and get detailed drawings and specifications that show the design, dimensions, sizes, structures, locations, shapes and some of the material selections - details are important now! 

• Drawings must be clear and complete and should conform to established architectural standards and meet code requirements.
• Specifications should include material descriptions, model numbers, colors, construction methods, standards and techniques.

The importance of this step in the process can't overstated. It is the key to a good contract and a good job. Failure to have good drawings and specifications is one of the main causes of construction disputes, cost overruns and problems. The details should be clear and on paper.

Building Permits

Most municipalities and counties have requirements for permits when building, remodeling or renovating.  Property owners are usually required to apply for a permit, but sometimes contractors may do so on behalf of the owner.

• You should check with your town hall, town office, selectmen or local governing body concerning permit requirements and prices.  Many require that you submit at least preliminary drawings to them for their use in consideration for the permit.  
• Check with your contractor on who will secure the permits and when.
• Make sure to apply for any and all permits ahead of time to allow for processing.

Selecting a Contractor

If you have not needed the assistance of a contractor up until this time, you definitely need one now!  Your plans are ready, your permits are issued and you want to get on with the project!

• "Pre-qualify" a contractor.  This is the first step before selecting the actual contractor for your project.  Use the resources available to you.  Some, like George Neuwirt Construction, LLC have websites like this one where you can read testimonials from previous clients, view the history of the company and, best of all, view a portfolio of projects that the contractor has completed - all before even meeting the contractor himself.  Websites are a terrific way to help you decide whether or not you'd like to work with a contractor or contact him/her for an estimate. 
• Check references.  Ask for a list of previous customers who have authorized "drive-buys" or have given references to the contractor from their own project.
• Consider the skill, quality of work and reputation of a contractor before soliciting a bid.
• Once you see and hear what you like about a particular contractor, it's time to solicit a bid from between 1 to 3 contractors you have pre-qualified.
• Ask for bids from contractors based on one set of plans and specifications so everyone is bidding on the same job. 
• Select your contractor based on everything you have learned in your research about the contractor, not solely on the price.

George Neuwirt Construction, LLC makes it easy for you to request an estimate.  Simply fill in the handy Request an Estimate form here on our site.

The Construction Contract

The complexity of a contract can vary depending on the project.  Be sure to read and understand the construction contract and the bid document. 

• Take your time, ask questions, get everything in writing.
• Review your planning list.  Make sure the contract fulfills your needs This is the time to make any final changes. 
• Ask how changes are handled.  These are normally addressed in writing via a "change order" or addendum to the original contract.  Good plans and clear communication between you, your designer and your contractor will keep change orders to a minimum.
• Ask how payment for additional work or changes will be handled.  Sometimes unanticipated work is done on a "time and materials" basis.
• Included in a contract will be a timetable for payments.  Make sure you understand this timetable.  It is the responsibility of the client to make payments as required in the contract. 

The Construction Process

Throughout the process, architects, designers, and even home inspectors may be employed to oversee the construction process. This can be written into contracts to follow a schedule.  For instance, if a designer is involved, they may meet with the builder once a week.  It's important to make sure all concerned understand their roles and the lines of communication involved. 

• Set up a final, pre-construction meeting with your contractor to go over any final details.
• Determine meeting schedules with your contractor (once a week, etc.)
• Determine how to stay in touch and explain any final concerns. 
• Stay in contact with your contractor during the construction process. We make it easy for our clients to do that through our website.  You can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using our convenient Contact Form.  Try to maintain a middle ground between attention to the work in progress and breathing down your contractor's neck. A great way to do this is by using pre-arranged review meetings to discuss progress and expectations or any problems or special arrangements.
• If you are building in one area, but living in another, our website will allow you to view the progress on your project via photos in our Project Gallery section.  You can even share the progress with family and friends who live miles away! Just check in periodically to see photos of the progress.
• The contractor should provide you with a timetable for final decisions on any specifications not decided upon during the design process. For example, if the style of your kitchen cabinets were not decided in advance, the contractor should provide you with a date by which the style needs to be selected. It is the responsibility of the client to meet those timetable requirements.

The general contractor is the manager, scheduler, organizer, supervisor of crews and sub-contractors and the party responsible for carrying out the construction contract - the one to communicate any problems, concerns and questions to.  Remember, it is not necessary for you to supervise the crew and sub-contractors - that is the job of the general contractor.

• Make a list of any concerns, questions or issues you may have.  Present these to your contractor on a regular basis.
• Make a final inspection of the project.  This is usually done before final payment is issued to the contractor.  Make a list of concerns, questions or issues to present to your contractor.
• Once everything is completed - enjoy your dream project!