Our Step By Step Process
We feel it's important for our homeowners to understand the construction process. We believe our process will ensure that your new project will be completed on time, for the price quoted, and that it will meet your expectations.
1. Phone Consultation
- Phone conversation that goes over preliminary questions to see if there is the potential for a good working relationship.
2. Onsite Consultation
- Meet at project location to pull measurements and get an idea of the space and working environment.
3. Design and Estimating Process
- Go over project layout and design. Depending on the project’s complexity we will provide a basic plan view and electrical layout (i.e. basement/small remodel) or for more complex projects (i.e. additions) we will have our architect/engineers draft up a full scale design (after a design contract is executed). Once drawings are completed a final estimate will be provided.
4. Contract Execution
- Sit down and go through the contract language. We will sign the contract, estimate and drawings to ensure everyone is on the same page.
5. Permit Submittal and Preparation Phase (after contract is signed and deposit is paid)
- Plan layout and dimensions are reviewed and approved, allowances for materials and labor and any other changes are reviewed and approved, and then materials are ordered. Lead times for major items can be very long depending on the product.
- Building permit applications will be filled out and submitted to the proper municipalities.
- Based on the anticipated receipt of your building permits and material lead time, a tentative project start date is provided. In rare circumstances our start date may be delayed due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control but in those cases we will notify you in advance.
- We take before, during, and after pictures to document our work and show our quality.
- Trade contractors are notified and provided with up to date plans and specifications.
6. Demolition Phase
- Demolition will typically be completed in one day for single rooms like kitchens and baths. It will potentially be loud! It’s a good idea to be out of the house during this phase of work, including pets if possible. We also perform the demolition in a specific and designed process so that we can see how things were constructed, which can help us build your project better and to our quality standards.
- We may bring a dumpster or truck and take all materials with us at the completion of the demolition, otherwise we will only leave a dumpster onsite for the time needed and will let you know how long that should be.
- We cover everything around the work area to protect from damage, scratches and dust. This includes installing tents, heavy plastic at doorways (with a zipper system for easy entry), and covering items to be saved such as fixtures, countertops, glass, and flooring with professionally made products that protects against drops, spills, and foot traffic. Anything that is of value needs to be moved prior to us starting on your project.
- We may take down all the wall and ceiling drywall in the room. This makes it easier, quicker, and cheaper to install or relocate electrical and plumbing items, and results in a uniform finish on the new drywall (no visible patches or seams).
7. Build Phase
- We frame all walls to ensure all framing is level and plumb. We install solid 2/6, 2/8 or ¾” plywood backing between wall studs for cabinets, shower doors, and accessories such as towel base, grab bars or TV mounting locations. This will give solid wood behind the sheetrock to mount accessories to rather than using hollow wall anchors, which eliminates the problem of searching for studs after the wall is finished and allows placing accessories where desired rather than restricted by stud location. This is not common in the industry but is an extra step that we believe ensures your accessories will perform for years to come free of problems. All required fire and draft stopping is done during the insulation process. A licensed engineer may need to specify a header and support requirements for new window and door openings.
- We use licensed plumbers, electricians, and heating and air (HVAC) contractors to complete the mechanical systems installation according to the design. While some contractors may say this isn’t required they are wrong or they are lying. We will do a walkthrough with you and the trade contractors to make sure everything is placed in the correct location. If there are any changes, we will provide a new quote and fill out a change order before the work is done. We will also perform final walkthroughs with the trade contractors to ensure all systems are operational and working correctly.
- After HVAC, plumbing and electrical rough-in work is complete and the inspections performed and approved by your municipality, the room (if required in the specifications) will be insulated to code or better. Your project manager will be on site during the inspections and handle any questions by the inspector.
- Drywall will be installed at all areas and finished with the chosen texture. Denshield waterproof wallboard is installed at all wet areas such as showers and tubs, and then all seams will be taped before applying extra waterproofing materials such as Redgard or other waterproofing systems.
8. Project Clean Up and Other Items
- Remove all protective coverings from cabinets, countertops, flooring, and other surfaces.
- Clean all surfaces using the recommended product for each one.
- Sweep/vacuum/mop all floor areas.
- Remove all construction materials and tools.
9. Final Installation Quality Inspection (beginning 5-10 days before job completion)
- Provide you with final walk-through and complete the Punch List.
- Provide you with certification of completion and warranty certificate after work is completed.
- Completion photos are taken before customer moves in furniture and again after the area is furnished.
- Upon your acceptance the contract final balance is due.
Baker Builders had a great deal of respect for our space and sincerely cared about our satisfaction of the project