Project Development for Homeowners

The purpose of Project Development is to compile all the necessary components and pricing to execute your specific project.

This includes providing you with the knowledge and tools to manage your project or hire the right people to do so. My goal is to serve the community seeking to remodel their homes by educating them on all aspects of the project, ensuring they can manage it confidently.

My job is to provide all the tools, knowledge, and puzzle pieces to get your project to demolition day. By then, the complete scope of work, trades, with their defined scope of work, scheduling (along with all the do’s, don’ts, and musical chairs involved), permitting, material selections, and ordering will all be lined up and ready to go.

This process generally involves multiple meetings: two in the project area and two via Zoom or in the office.

The purpose of this meeting is to create the foundation for the desired project.

It will consist of

  • Evaluating space and project needs (e.g., determining if an engineer or designer is needed for project execution)
  • Taking pictures of the space
  • Measuring the affected space
  • Recommending prioritizing 1 or 2 areas to splurge on while allowing other areas to be less extravagant to maintain the budget
  • Creating a general scope of work for the project to set up a Site Evaluation for the next meeting

This meeting will be scheduled once the project layout and drawings from the designer/engineer (if applicable) have been solidified.

Each trade will have the opportunity to see the space in person, review the desired scope of work, and ask any relevant questions.

In turn, the trades will be able to provide accurate quotes for the desired scope of work. These quotes will be due within two weeks of the Site Evaluation and sent to me to review for accuracy and alignment with the project scope of work.

A pull and replace project involves no major components being relocated (e.g., appliances, gas lines, plumbing).

  • An engineer letter will not be necessary.
  • Drawings may not be necessary.
  • Not having designer and /or engineer drawings means additional work for the project developer to define every line item for the project. This will result in an additional $500 fee for defining the work and acquiring accurate quotes.

  • An engineer letter may be necessary depending on the scope of work.
  • A designer will need to be hired to assist in selections, layout input, and provide drawings for the desired work.
  • I can recommend a few designers with the necessary skill sets involving actual building design, not just interior design.
  • Once layouts are finalized and provided in writing, we can proceed with the Site Evaluation meeting.

A designer can be chosen by the client, with a few recommended known entities that provide the detailed space information needed to plan the project accurately.

Depending on the project scope and your ability to make selection finish decisions, a designer may not be necessary. Selection finish decisions include everything from plumbing finishes (sinks, faucets, etc.) to tile selections, countertops, flooring, paint colors, etc.

The purpose of the final meeting is to review the project scope, provide guidance on preconstruction processes, and discuss any additional services or support needed. The meeting will cover:

  • Project Scope Review: Address any changes that may have arisen.
  • Total Project Estimated Cost: Provide a rough cost estimate based on the current project information (note that last-minute changes may not be included).
    • Preconstruction Guidance: Help start the project on the right track.
    • Follow-Up Reminders: Ensure all trades are scheduled and initial invoices are paid.
    • Total Project Estimated Cost: Provide a rough cost estimate based on the current project information (note that last-minute changes may not be included).
    • Additional Guidance: Offer support for additional costs (if desired), including:
      • Permitting Help: Assistance with the permitting process.

      • Schedule/Sequence of Events Help: Provide a general sequence of events template to keep the project moving.

      • Punchlist Development: Assist in creating a punchlist for project completion.

      • Project Material Ordering Guidance: Offer guidance on ordering project materials.

      • Project Management Consulting: Options for assisting you in managing your project.

Industry standard fees for project development, all the planning, materials sourcing and pricing, subcontractor meetings and quotes, up to the point of being ready to pull permits, are 10% of the project total.

Most design/build firms charge an upfront deposit of 10% of budgeted total. Because my goal is to save you money on your budget, I don't calculate the final project development fee amount until we know the actual total for labor and materials.

Project development fees are split into initial origination fees and a final invoice for delivery of entire project plan. My final fee total is calculated at 10.715% of the total for labor and materials. The already paid origination fee is credited towards the final invoice.

Origination fees

  • The origination fees are due on commencement of the onsite meetings.
  • The feet total is based on the areas selected for the project and is calculated by the project quote form.
    • 50% Due for initial onsite meeting (due at meeting start)
    • 50% Due for Site Evaluation Meeting with subcontractors (due at meeting start)

Final invoice

  • Final Balance Due is determined at final meeting based on the Project Total from all subs & materials less payments already made
    • Plus any Pre or Post Construction deliverables desired

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