Remodel & Home Improvement

The plan stage for repairs and new designs
REPAIRS most baths end up with a leak at the shower or bathtub doors that can compromise the sheathing and sometimes gets into the framing. When that happens we need to demo to confirm the source and assess the extent of the repair. Typically that requires ply repairs that can get into the shower (or below the tub) which can need the entire tile replaced. So to estimate those we try to determine the repair from above but only the demo can reveal the true scope.
NEW DESIGNS we start with a plan then typically strip out to the framing studs for access to the rough in work. Bathroom remodels tend to stay within the existing footprint but when there is room for expansion we can frame for a new layout. I am on site and work with you through out the entire project.


The Bath Remodel Stage Sequence
Framing and blocking | Plumbing rough in | Venting Hvac and Electric rough in | Shower pan flashing and bed or tub, insulation, drywall and backer boards | Drywall finish and paint prime | Tile and grout | Cabinet, door and trims | Final Paint | Counters and Glass enclosures | Plumbing, Electric and Vent finishes | Touch Ups

Trades and Finish Notes Tubs and fixtures should be selected if they effect the framing. The fixtures usually need time to be ordered in and most plumbers will take care of the basic fixtures unless they are specific design models. Tile you select first and the tiler then estimates the amount, orders and picks it up for the project you typically pay for the tile. Glass enclosures need to be measured after the tile is installed and can run 2 weeks out.

Stock cabinet installations and kitchen remodels
STOCK CABINET plans are done by the cabinet suppliers designer. When you have a delivery date I'll schedule to remove the existing cabinets to coincide with their delivery. We go over the plan to check the sizes and order anything that might need to be added or changed. Typically those orders are made to fit with the existing services like plumbing electric and venting. These installations are usually on an hourly basis with an estimated over all time of the project, that can be done once you have the plan.
NEW DESIGNS we start with a plan then typically strip out to the framing studs for access to the rough in work. Kitchen remodels tend to stay within the existing footprint but when there is room for expansion we can frame for a new layout. I am on site and work with you through out the entire project. These type of full remodels are usually estimated on a contract basis.


The Kitchen Remodel Stage Sequence
Design, appliance and finish selections | Framing, blocking and sheathing | Plumbing rough in | Venting Hvac and Electric rough in | Insulation | Drywall board, finish and paint prime | Flooring | Cabinet and trims | Final Paint | Counters | Tile splashes | Plumbing, Electric and Vent finishes | Appliances | Final Touch Ups

Notes Appliances and fixtures like sinks need to be selected for the design stage. Flooring can go in before cabs if wood and after cabs if tile. The counters when they are granite for example are measured after the cabs are in and can be 2 weeks out.

The plan stage for studio & outbuildings
CONVERSION & REMODELS on existing outbuildings starts with an inspection to determine if the services and structure is adequate. If they are then a plan needs to be drawn and the permits pulled when you are going that route. I can help you with the initial inspection and can work with you on a design to take to a draftsman / architect that would be submited for permits. A ballpark estimate can be done from the design but a construction contract is from the final plan.
NEW DESIGNS you need to have a plan first and if zoning allows the new building. The construction estimate for contract is done from the plan for a fee which is partially rebated on start-up. I can also work with you on that stage when you need assitance.


The Building Stage Sequence
Survey | Layout | Excavation | Foundation | Supply services | Framing | Plumbing rough in | Roofing | Hvac & Electric rough in | Exterior close in | Insulation | Drywall | Paint | Flooring | Cabinet | Tile | Trims | Service finals | Paint finals | Touch ups

Plan Notes I no longer draft up the plans for permits like I used to but you would start with an inquiry with zoning to see if what you want would be allowed. If you are on septic then that may require a perk test and if that passes an expansion line. Water flow can also be an issue if you are on a well. Once those initial processed are done I can work with you on design for a plan to have drawn by the draftsman / structural engineer or architect.

Site supervision & interior home remodels
SUPERVISION of your home remodel project with a master carpenter with over 30 years experience being your personal representative on the site. I work with you and your trades from foundation to finish. Assisting you with scheduling and communication of the projects process through inspection of quality and handling the problems that can arise in a remodel. On site daily when needed, on call for the trades, take on the tasks needed to complete the rough ins, and do the finishing carpentry. On a hourly basis to keep the on site time to a minimum.
INTERIOR REMODELS can include from updating a homes trim work to kitchen and bathroom upgrades. Depending on the scope a site visit to determine the work with a basic ballpark estimate then a construction contract from the plans if required. I am on site and work with you through out the entire project.


Historic restoration & replication
RESTORATION of homes like the Craftsman style can include from replacing the trims and adding built-ins historically correct for the period. A lot of the old homes have been stripped of their elements over time and we can determine what we can do to bring them back. We can do that room by room or entire homes.
REPLICATION Many of our projects are adding elements that replicate the styles from the arts & craft movement. Removing the builder trims and adding the missing window trims, base, crown and mantels. Popular are the craftsman built-in look for entertaiment centers with storage.