Renovation Process
Step 1: Meet
Scenario 1
Over the years the house that worked very well for you and your your family just doesn’t seem to meet your needs. Maybe your style has changed. Maybe your tastes have changed.
Thinking about taking the steps to renovate your beloved home is exciting, and a little scary. You may have been thinking this over for a long time, have poured over design magazines, and you feel ready to reimagine and redesign your home.
This is an exciting step, and Capstone Custom Homes would love to partner with you on making this a reality for you.
Scenario 2
You bought a beautiful property with lots of potential and you want to renovate it before you move in. Maybe you would like us to come with you to the property to have a look and get our opinion.
We can help you with that too!
Our large-scale renovations are done with the same level of minimum specifications as our new custom builds. When you walk into a Capstone Custom Home, you see the quality that these minimum specifications create. We take the architectural plan and design details seriously, because we know it makes a difference to the end result. We work with you and your designers on making sure all of the details are taken care of.
In our first meeting, we gather as much information as we can about your home and what you are trying to achieve with your renovation. We also share why Capstone Custom Homes would be an excellent choice to partner with.
We want to transform your home into a beautiful space that will invite gatherings and memories for you and your family for many years to come. Most of all we want you to love your Capstone Custom home.
At this point, we will only be able to talk in very high-level general terms about the project.
We can move forward once we have approved building plans or blueprints, and applications for necessary permits have been initiated.
Step 2: Design
If you have not yet engaged an Architectural designer, and would like input on a renovation project prior to getting the plans drafted, Barry can attend a preliminary site visit. During his visit, he can advise you on the constraints of the original structure, assess how to maintain original features, offer suggestions on floorplan revisions. He could also give you suggestions on maximizing energy efficiency in the design of the HVAC systems, or anything else that you might be considering.
After Barry has a better understanding of the scope of your project, and if you have not selected an Architectural designer, Barry will try to pair you with a designer best suited for you project. He will continue to be involved with you and your Architectural designer in finalizing the plans.
If you have contracted an Architectural designer, this is a good time for us to be involved.
Collaboration between your Architectural Designer and your builder is very important. It is desirable to initiate and establish the collaboration early in the design process.
With Barry’s architectural training, he sees the plans from a technical architectural perspective. He also sees the plans from a builder’s perspective.
The reason he looks over the plans so carefully, and so thoroughly is to make sure that he understands what the Architect’s vision is. At the same time, he needs to make sure that he can build it the way the Architect had envisioned it. By working with the Architect on the plans, there may be opportunities for cost savings. Barry will not wait until construction has commenced. Barry’s technical knowledge and practical building experience is what gives Capstone Custom Homes a distinct advantage particularly with complex renovation projects.
If the project is largely cosmetic, it can move forward sooner, than a project that is more complicated. Changes to rooflines, the removal of load baring walls or the inclusion of physical additions may require additional permitting and the engagement of a structural engineer.
If you require design services, Capstone Custom Homes offers those services. Brigitte has several years of practical interior design projects under her belt, along with multiple award-winning collaborations with Interior Design practitioners for a number of Capstone Custom Home Projects. She loves to have the opportunity to work with clients to help them define their personal sense of style and color, and to create spaces that they love to be in. This offering is something that Capstone Custom Homes is able to provide as part of their service. Brigitte is passionate about design and architecture, is know for her clean design esthetic and stays up to date on current materials, products and design trends in the industry.
If you have hired an Interior Designer, we will collaborate with your designer to ensure that the selections you have made are included in the budget, ordered, delivered and installed as required.
Step 3: Quote
Once blueprints are approved, and development permits are issued (if required), design selections are made, a formal “Trade Day” is set up our lead estimator and our preferred trade partners.
There are a lot of design related decisions to be made. We understand that not all of them can be done up front. It is important to set aside an appropriate cost allowance for items yet to be determined, otherwise, your budget is under projected. At Capstone Custom Homes, we provide you with a comprehensive and detailed estimate. It is important that you have a good understanding of the initial budget for your large-scale renovation.
The budget is reviewed and if agreeable, the Capstone Custom Homes Construction Agreement is presented and signed.
Step 4: Construct
Once the Construction agreement is signed, the construction schedule is formalized.
Barry and Brigitte are on site on a regular basis working with our trade partners, suppliers and city inspectors. They ensure that you are kept up to date on all costs and schedules as the renovation continues.
Step 5: Complete
Once your renovation is completed, a pre-occupancy walk through is set up. At the same time, the warranty is reviewed and formally transferred as is possession.
