Remodeling Is Different
Granted remodeling is technically a type of construction it is nonetheless a unique part. This uniqueness requires contractors to have special skills not found with other types of construction. To be skilled remodeler, a contractor must have:
- Knowledge of past and current construction techniques, methods and materials.
- Knowledge of past and current building codes and how they interact/overlap.
- The ability to sequence and schedule projects to produce minimal interruption to the owner and to eliminate security risks and weather disruptions.
- Fast construction schedules since the client is usually living on the job site.
- Knowledge to accurately diagnose problems and the extent of damages (flood, fire, foundation settlement, etc.).
- The ability to blend the design and aesthetics of the new addition to an existing home. The goal is to never know the home had an addition or renovation.
- The experience to predict potential challenges or obstacles ahead of time so there are no surprises for the owners.
- Access to the right subcontractors and suppliers needed for your job.
- The business knowledge to successfully run a sustainable remodeling company.
The Benefits of Remodeling
The advantages of remodeling are too numerous to list. Here are some of the ones most mentioned by our clients:
- You can customize your home to your exact wants and needs. No more compromises.
- You can get the space you require for your lifestyle. Enjoy larger closets, additional rooms and more storage space.
- You can have the home you want without the inconvenience of moving.
- Remodeling is environmentally responsible versus buying new.
- The process is fun and enjoyable (with the right contractor).
- You can appreciate mature landscaping and trees that only come with older homes.
- You can stay within convenient distances to existing metro areas (shopping, schools, grocery, etc.).
- You can create a luxurious living environment that is relaxing, stress-free, healthier and spacious.
- When it is time to sell, the house will move more quickly and command a higher selling price.
Design-Build Explained
The majority of remodeling contractors fall into a descriptive category called, hard-bid contractors. These contractors will only provide "hard' bids" on projects where the blueprints already exist. These contractors play no role in providing design or construction input while the project is still in the design phase. If asked, they will push the homeowners toward an architect to come up with the design first.
Deign-build is a descriptive term used to describe certain construction firms that have the capacity to coordinate both the design and construction of your project all under one roof. A one-stop-shop of sorts.
J2 Solutions is such a company. Simply put, we coordinate 100% of your project for you. Homeowners no longer need to go through the difficult process of first finding the right architect and then the right contractor.
The benefits of using a design-build approach are numerous:
Overall costs are lower. Read More »
We first develop all designs and floor plans in house for free. You no longer need to pay an architect or designer to do this.
We can offer a variety of cost-saving construction methods and techniques to achieve your overall goal and budget.
Only after we have agreed upon a design and price do we coordinate with the architect to produce the plans. In this scenario, the architect is instructed by the contractor to produce the plans with only the minimum required for the building permits. You are not paying for design services or extensive, over-kill plans.
Since contractors have more day-to-day experience with actual construction costs and methods, they are far more likely to control and estimate overall costs more accurately.
Overall schedules are faster. Read More »
You will not need to waste months of time finding the "right" architect or waiting for design after design.
In the design-build method, the contractor has already distributed the plans to the subcontractors at the bid phase (before construction agreements are signed). Once you and the contractor agree on terms, the subcontractors are ready to proceed immediately.
Producing the blueprints takes significantly less time. The contractor instructs the architect to produce only what is required by the building department. Contrast this approach to an architect who has to create a set of "bidding" blueprints where every single detail has to be incorporated ($$$) so contractors can theoretically bid "apples to apples".
The process is simplified. Read More »
The design-build contractor is the only person you will deal with. Not multiple.
The design-build process utilizes a team approach vs. a hierarchical approach. Each person is more focused on their zone of strengths. See graphic illustration
There are fewer mistakes, surprises and miscommunications. Since the contractor instructs the architect to design the plans exactly to his bid, mistakes and budget-busts are far less likely to occur. Moreover, having a single point-of-contact eliminates many miscommunications construction projects are notorious for.
The Truth About Remodeling
- MYTH: Any contractor is qualified to do remodeling.
FACT: Remodeling is a specific type of construction that requires specific skills, experience, training, and equipment.
- MYTH: Estimating a remodeling is very similar to estimating other construction projects.
FACT: In estimating a remodeling project, there are many hidden costs that other contractors may ignore, forget, or simply not know about (only to show up after the fact). These include temporary dust protection, cleaning, delays due to working around owner schedules and so on. If a contractor does not have a well-stocked portfolio of past remodeling projects similar to yours, how will they know what to expect?
- MYTH: This project is easy.
FACT: No project, regardless of cost or size, should ever be taken lightly. Mistakes happen. People get hurt. Accidents occur. At all times 100% compliance with the law and building codes needs to take place at all times. If not taken seriously, your simple project could develop into a nightmare. Do not gamble with your home.
Tips to Make Remodeling Projects Enjoyable
Remodeling is noisy, messy, and for many, a stressful process. However it is temporary and you can make it enjoyable if you want to. Here are some ideas to make your project memorable.
- Create a photo album of before, during and after photographs. This makes a great coffee-table book and conversation piece.
- Create a time capsule to hide in the new concrete floor slab or wall cavity.
- Have the kids (or you) put their names, date, handprints, etc. in the fresh concrete.
- Have a demolition party! Take turns with the sledge hammer and vent your stress!
- Use the construction project as an excuse to get out of the house:
- Plan on eating out more often. Make it fun by going to new restaurants.
- Join a health club.
- Visit with friends.
- Take walks and enjoy the outdoors.
- Build a secret room or hide a safe.
Choosing a Contractor
Choosing a contractor to remodel your home is a big decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. Done correctly, your project will run like a well-oiled machine. Performed incorrectly, you will find yourself in a financial nightmare lasting months or even years.
Most consumers do not have firsthand knowledge of how the construction industry works behind the scenes. Topics that may seem confusing or vague include:
- Construction techniques and methods available
- Business processes / procedures of the construction industry (communication, payment, etc)
- Different construction materials and options —Pros vs. cons
- Construction contracts and agreements
- Legal liability and issues
- How long construction should take (schedules)
- Creative ways to value engineer their project (i.e., reduce cost without sacrificing quality)
- The ability to accurately diagnose a construction-related problem correctly
For someone who has never worked with a builder or who doesn’t have a construction background, the interview process is very difficult. They simply do not know how to come up with objective ranking system to compare the potential contractors. So instinctively they rely on the things they do understand:
- Cost and
How "nice" the contractor was
Just like all industries, there are always a few "bad apples" out there. Unfortunately in the construction industry, these "bad apples" are aware of this consumer knowledge-gap and are fully willing to take advantage of it.
At J2 Solutions, we want our customers to be informed consumers. And one way we do that is to provide educational materials on how to choose a contractor.
Our Mission Read More »
"The mission of J2 Solutions is to provide outstanding professional construction services to the good people of our community. We accomplish this goal by elevating the standards of the construction industry in ways that are beneficial to all parties involved."
Helpful Documents Read More »
Below you will find a link to a Contractor Interview questionnaire. It is separated into two parts. The first part is the list of questions you will ask the potential contractors. The second part is an explanation sheet (for your eyes only) that provides insight to each of the interview questions.
Good luck in your search!
Videos
Here are some informative short videos for you to browse.
Select a link below:
Helpful Websites
Remodeling Information Sites
Contractor Screening & Background Sites
Financing & Loans
- Mortgage Calculator: Wondering what your monthly payment would be if you took out a mortgage or refinanced your home? Input the figures here to find out.
Local Jurisdiction Websites & Chambers of Commerce
FAQs
What is a ball-park price to…(insert your project here)?
Or what is your "cost per foot" to build?
Estimating a remodeling project is part art and part science. If were just a matter of counting 'bricks-n-sticks', a simple computer program could perform all the tasks with a high degree of accuracy. The reality is every project is different and will involve many factors. You want a contractor who takes the time to look at the project, asks many questions and prepares a thorough estimate. If someone provides a 'ballpark' or 'price-per-foot' be wary. Off the hip estimates are rarely correct and often lead to problems down the road for the owners.
Does J2 Solutions only do remodeling?
J2 Solutions is a full service general contractor that focuses in three specific areas; residential remodeling, detached garages, and interior commercial improvements. You can get more information about these other areas by going to www.J2SolutionsInc.com
I understand you subcontract all of your work. What does that mean?
Rather than employing a large staff of skilled construction workers as our employees, we choose to hire independent subcontractors as needed. We have found this method to be beneficial for the following reasons:
Reduced costs: Because we do not have to keep a large staff on the payroll, our overhead costs are drastically reduced. Furthermore we can competitively bid subcontractors as we need them. This results in lower costs to our clients.
Increased quality: Rather than having a 'jack-of-all-trades', we hire the experts who specialize in their particular area of work. This experience and focus produces higher quality, faster schedules and fewer mistakes.
Efficiency: We do not have to waste our time trying to keep idle employees busy. We devote this "saved time" to our clients' jobs to help them run smoother and faster.
I always hear of "surprises" in construction that cost time and money.
How do we prevent 'surprises' from happening on my project?
Although there is no way to eliminate 100% of the potential 'surprises' on any construction project, there are ways to minimize their disruption to you and/or the overall project. This includes:
First making sure you have the right contractor on the job in the first place. You want to make sure they are qualified and have the necessary background experience to predict most of the "surprises" before they even happen.
You and the contractor should discuss all project assumptions or potential problems before the work begins. Better yet, put all of those assumptions in writing.
Discuss and agree on how all surprises will be handled (if they occur) before any contract is ever signed. Pay particular attention to the financial aspects
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What areas do you do work in?
J2 Solutions works from Tampa to Ft. Myers and as far east as Arcadia. If your project is outside this coverage, call to speak to one of our representatives. Contact Us.
Do I need to get a permit for my project?
Every project is different. Moreover, different building department municipalities have different requirements. The best course of action is to contact your local building department to ask directly (see our Resource section).
What is the "50% Rule" and will it affect my project?
The "50% Rule" deals with construction activities on residential homes in flood zones. If your home is not in a flood zone, the rule will not apply. Or if your home is in a flood zone but your finished floor elevation is above the FEMA base flood elevation minimum, the rule will not apply.
If the rule applies to your project, you can only spend 50% of the declared 'improved value' of your home on your construction project. To get your 'improved value' you must contact your local property appraiser or taxing authority. For a detailed interpretation on your project or property, please give us a call.
Will I have to modify my septic system?
Not necessarily. Many factors go into determining if your septic system needs to be modified. They include what the addition will be used for, how old your home is and how much square footage you intend to add (for addition projects). Please call us and we can give you an exact answer for your particular project.
Will my project increase my property taxes?
Sometimes. For small remodeling projects that do not require a permit, your taxes will not be increased because of the construction. However on larger type projects (additions, major overhauls, etc) your taxes will go up the following tax year. It is important to talk to your local assessor to get exact information for your particular circumstance.
Can you do the work if we are out of town?
Yes. In fact most of the condominium remodels we perform are for out-of-town clients.
The system we have developed keeps you informed while you gone. It involves frequent communication, digital photographs (via email) and coordination/oversight with a local representative (usually one of your friends).