The Lakewood Process

Prepare for the initial meeting

Remodeling your home or building a new home is a financial investment. A smart homeowner doesn't make investments without knowing exactly what is involved. Lakewood Companies can give you a "ball park" estimate based on the size of the project, general information you provide, and by matching Lakewood Companies' historical data to the project.

It is not until we've worked together to assess the full project scope in terms of design, structure and finishes, can we provide a realistic cost. Because we are a design/build firm, that is designers and builders under one roof, we can examine the trade-offs of all your project's structural, financial and design challenges at the same time.

For our first meeting, prepare a "wish list" of issues you'd like to address. Order them by priority. Is it more important to have a larger dining room for entertaining,  a stone fireplace in the great room, a wall of windows for a view of the lake? If costs exceed your allotted budget, which items would you cut first?

Think about why you want to change or add space. Is the kitchen too small for your growing family needs? Do you need to add an in-law suite for aging parents? How will the renovation enhance your lifestyle?

Draw a sketch of what you envision to illustrate your ideas. Look through magazines about remodeling or decorating, noting those items that appeal to you.

Devote serious thought about your budget parameters. Investigate how you will finance the project. Home equity loans, cash from savings accounts and refinancing are common choices.

There are many variables that go into the cost of a project: quality of products, workmanship, service, guarantees of work, material selections. To help you evaluate what different types of projects costs, we've prepared a list of typical projects. These past project costs are not a quote or a bid, but a tool to help you with budget considerations. Periodically we update the information online to better reflect current material prices. Please remember that these are only typical budgets and your project may be higher or lower, depending on your objectives and current condition of your home.

Lakewood Companies will make your renovation or new home construction easier to understand and manage with the following steps:

Step 1: Complimentary initial on-site consultation

During our first meeting in your home, or at the site of the new construction, we listen to your needs, desires, and hopes for your new space. We also ask for a frank response to your budget constraints. There is no point in designing a project that isn't affordable.

• Present Lakewood Companies' credentials

• Establish wish list

• Evaluate the project feasibility

• Establish price range, target design budget

• Determine next step: Feasibility Study or a Design Agreement

Step 2: Feasibility Study

If a Feasibility Study was your choice during Step 1, a second meeting with an estimator/project coordinator is scheduled. Cost will vary depending upon requirements.

• Soil Test

• Surveys and plot drawings

• Municipal assessment (zoning, drainage, septic - if required)

• Assemble an onsite zoning conference to establish possible zoning issues

• Decision whether or not to move to Design Agreement

Step 3: Design Agreement

If a Design Agreement was selected during Step 1 or 2, Lakewood Companies develops the actual fixed project costs by working with you and our team of subcontractors and other specialists. Cost: typically 2% to 5% of the estimated budget which will be applied to the Construction Contract. Draw existing structures and conditions Design refinement Walk through home or site with subcontractors/specialists Request for proposals from subcontractors/specialists Request soil test and surveys - if required Development of detailed Project Specifications Assist homeowner with product selections, materials and finishes Prepare comprehensive construction costs and fixed bid contract Decision whether or not to proceed with construction is made

Step 4: Construction Contract

Once you have fixed costs outlined in Step 3, a decision whether to proceed with construction is made. If you are ready, a Construction Contract is prepared.

• Develop working construction plans/sections/details

• Engineering if required

• Permitting as required

• Detailed schedule

• Pre-construction conference

Step 5: Construction

Finally, it's time to begin the construction phase. It's an exciting time and enthusiasm is high. However, your home will soon become a worksite. Please refer to the accompanying Coping with a Remodel for tips on how to best cope with the remodel process. Communicate clearly with homeowner throughout process Total project management Lead carpenter on-site Coordination of county and city inspections Protection of home/furnishings Daily clean-up of work area Security maintained on-site Employee and subcontractor respect for homeowner's privacy and home/belongings Immediate remediation of any problems that may arise

Step 6: Project Close-out 

While your project may be coming to a close, Lakewood Companies' relationship with you is not. We have built a successful firm by retaining clients for life and relying on them for referrals to family and friends. Our 2-Year Limited Warranty is one way of ensuring complete customer satisfaction.

Conduct final walk-through to determine if all items have been attended to properly Client Satisfaction survey Anniversary follow-up Warranty calls as necessary