Talmadge Construction, Inc.: Process: Cost To Estimate

In this company, estimating projects properly takes anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks or more. We don’t like to guess at what various aspects of the project will cost, so we request fixed pricing from all our trade contractors and material suppliers based on a set of complete plans and specifications. If you don’t already have a complete set of plans and specifications for your project, then you will want to use our Design/Build service. This service ensures your design and your budget are in alignment from the start. You don’t have to worry about designing a project that you can’t afford or don’t want to pay for.

During the estimating process, we do a thorough job of obtaining details about all aspects of the job. Many hours go into producing a detailed scope of work document that describes the various methods, materials and steps needed to complete your project. We look for alternate methods and materials to provide even more value to your project. We advise you if we see missing information or anticipate problems with your plans. We provide a preliminary schedule for the project as well.

We make it our top priority to present a realistic, complete proposal that minimizes unanticipated extra costs. We will take the time to have a job-site trade contractor walk-through and call the architect or designer for clarifications.

Estimating is considered part of our overhead here at Talmadge Construction, Inc. We don’t believe it is fair to ask our existing clients to pay for this portion of our overhead, so we request to be paid for it up front. The fee for the estimate can be used as a credit toward the construction contract, if used within six months. The fee to estimate is usually based on the size and scope of the project and the level of completeness of the plans. You will receive a complete written scope of work with a lump sum cost for the work and a printed schedule.

If you already have plans and specifications and you want a high quality remodeler to give you an estimate, set up a free consultation with Jeff Talmadge.

Phase One: Pre-production

A. Consultation
Fee: There is no charge for the initial consultation.
Time Frame: 1-2 hours

Our estimating team meets with you in your home to discuss your budget, your plans, what you hope to achieve in remodeling your home and how Talmadge Construction can work with you to achieve your vision.

B. Project Estimate
Fee: The fee for this service is based on a rate of $85/hr and you will be given a range of the expected cost for the work. (For a period of 120 days, this fee is applicable to a construction contract with us.)
Time Frame: 3-6 weeks

During this phase, we review your plans and prepare an initial scope of work for all trades. A meeting is set up for our trade contractors to review your plans and the site. Input is received from the trade contractors, the scope of work is adjusted, and costs are obtained.

You will receive a written scope of work with a list of allowances and a lump sum cost of the work. We will discuss with you what the allowances represent, how you can save on costs, and what areas of concern we may have.

Phase Two: Construction

When the design and estimating process is complete and a contract is signed, we will transition the project to our production department, assembling all the project data into field binders. We will schedule a pre-construction conference with our production manager, John Anderson, and the project manager who will be responsible for supervising and coordinating your project. During this meeting we will discuss the remodeling process with you, as well as ways we can minimize disruptions to your family’s lifestyle. A copy of the agenda for this meeting is in your Client Resource Guide.

During construction, one of our project managers will be placed in charge of your project. He will be on the job every day to make sure the work is done safely, and done with the quality and spirit that we are well known for. The project manager is your first line of communication and he will handle all aspects of the work. The project manager will be backed up by our production manager. And the company president, Jeff Talmadge, will also be checking in frequently at the job site. There will probably be a site meeting at least every other week to discuss progress and any decisions that need to be made.

Once construction is nearly complete, we will schedule a walk through with you, making a detailed list of remaining tasks. Our job is not done until every item is completed and you are satisfied with the results.

Phase Three: Post-Production

Once we have finalized your project, we provide you with a close out package, which includes warranty information on all appliances and products, a list of all the finishes and materials that went into the project, a CD containing photos of your open walls showing plumbing and electrical wiring, and a list of all the sub-contractors and material suppliers used in your project. We provide a generous two-year warranty on all labor and materials provided by us or by our subcontractors.

We will be there for years to come, even after the warranty has expired, to make sure you continue to be happy with your remodeling project.