If you’ve had any home renovations done, you know the design and construction process can get a little terrifying. From ghosting contractors to unforeseen (and substantial) costs, that’s only the entryway of the haunted house in an industry that is unfortunately known for a bad reputation.
How do you as a client navigate which company to choose when you’re looking to remodel your home? Here’s a few things to keep in mind:
1. Ghost Contractors and Miscommunication
One of the most common fears for homeowners who are embarking on a renovation is the horror story of a contractor who disappears midway through the job. This may happen abruptly, or with disjointed/irregular communication. When deadlines get missed and crucial details are thrown by the wayside, what started as a promising project can turn into a nightmare.
In Seattle especially, with unpredictable weather and older homes that require extra TLC, having poor communication during these long winter months can be painful.
How to Stop the Ghosting:
Before you sign on the dotted line, look for a company that prides themselves specifically in communication with clients. This can be found through reviews online (Do reviews use phrases like “They communicated with us throughout the project”?), through the company’s values which are on their website in the “About Us” section, or by asking questions during initial meetings on how they keep clients in the loop. If there’s a tried-and-true method built into their company structure, you know communication is as important to them as it is to you.
2. Scary Costs and Budget Overruns
Another frustrating aspect of construction is the unexpected financial burden of hidden costs and budget overruns. Homeowners may receive an initial quote, only to be hit with additional charges once the project is underway. Whether it’s due to unexpected material costs or poorly estimated labor, it can lead to immense stress and financial strain.
How to Avoid Budget Overruns:
Especially in older homes, there is always going to be an unknown element once a team starts breaking through walls. There may be water damage or unsafe electrical work that prevents the project to move forward without some serious considerations. Working with a team of qualified professionals means you can get creative during these moments and create a “plan B” in case the original project idea goes awry.
You may also want to find a company that offered guaranteed pricing structures. Schulte tackles this issue by offering transparent budgeting and clear cost breakdowns from the start. We provide a “Fixed-Fee Guarantee” for your project, meaning once you know what it’s going to cost, that is what you’ll pay, guaranteed. We get to this number by detail-oriented assessments and decades in the business. Our dedication to maintaining budget integrity means you won’t be in the dark about where your money is going.
3. Mediocre Materials and Cutting Creepy Corners
Not all materials are created equal, and unfortunately, some contractors may try to save money by using low-quality materials or cutting corners in ways that affect the final project. Sure it may look pretty upon first glance, but poor quality materials lead to premature wear and tear, safety hazards, and the need for future repairs.
How to Prevent Subpar Materials being Used:
Finding a design build firm that specializes in not only craftsmanship, but wanting you to be along for the design process of picking out materials makes all the difference in the world. When looking for a firm, one can narrow down their options by finding businesses that have a designer on staff to walk you through material options (and tell you the pros and cons of each material we use!) have won industry awards, and receive high praises and repeat business from clients.
Since 2001, Schulte Design Build is ready to tackle your home project with experience and decisiveness only found with a dedicated and passionate team. With trust and clear communication, along with 13 industry awards and over sixty 5-star reviews, Schulte is committed to align with the character of your home, along with your wants and needs as a homeowner.
Whether we are working on Mid-Century Modern designs or crisp and clean aesthetics, we prioritize longevity and craftsmanship above all else. We even have a five-year warrantee that gives our clients peace of mind that we’ll be there in case something needs to be fixed.