#1 Money Saving renovation tip
So, you’re ready to renovate your house, but where do you start? Call up some general contractors, designers, architects? Get some people to your house and do some large arm waving gestures at walls, pull up some Pinterest photos, give them an “idea” of what you want? Then, wait for them to make an “off the cuff” estimate for you. You know you should get multiple estimates, so you call a few more contractors. But, did you gesture at that wall last time? Did you tell each contractor the exact same thing? ugh… those estimates may not be accurate…
This is the first place a Scope of Work is important. This is a document that lists out every part of the project you want done. This document attempts to encompass as many of the details of the project as possible.
Let me show you an example:
After you have a Scope of Work you can start calling contractors. Have these printed and email them a copy. Supplemental as-is photos help too. Make sure each contractor receives the same document to do their estimate based on. This will ensure you are communicating the same information to each contractor. Then choose the one you want to work with. If you want more info on how to choose the right contractor and how to make sure you are getting a good deal? Check out my post How to Choose The BEST Contractor for selecting the best fit for your project.
You have selected your Contractor, congratulations! Have the contractor match your Scope of Work to their line item estimate or attach your Scope of Work to their signed proposal. Make sure the whole team starts on the same page.
You are not done with that amazing Scope of Work. This is when it becomes your best friend. Changes happen, I have yet to be involved in a renovation that some amount of change doesn't happen. These can be anything from a last minute addition to…while you are doing that can you also do the rest of the house? This is where a lot of renovation budgets get blown. It usually comes down to poor team communication between the designer, client and contractor. The Scope of Work will save you from unexpected bills at the end of the renovation.
When you decide on a change big (add a second story to the house) or small (please install the trash compactor I ordered in the kitchen) add it to the Scope of Work and put a date next to it. Find out how much it will cost and add it to the budget. Do not allow work to be done until the change is estimated and approved. If the contractor decides they can do the additional task without increasing cost, ensure that is documented in the Scope of Work, and give the contractor a hug (and a six pack).
If you need more help designing this document we can help! Check out our Scope of Work design service. This could help save you time, money and help you advocate for your project.
Happy Hammering,
A.Woods