Our Process

1. Initial Consultation

After inquiring about a project, you can expect to hear back from us in a couple of days. During our initial phone call you will have the opportunity to share your ideas. We will then set up a time to meet in person. Depending on the size and scope of the job, the initial consultation will be a time for us to view your project and listen to your intentions. For smaller projects such as bathrooms, we will take measurements, pictures, and notes so we can start on the process of writing a proposal. On larger projects, the first meeting is a time for you to present your vision and budget to Seydel Group. (Usually about an hour) We want to make sure your timeline aligns with ours. We understand that sharing a budget is a difficult notion for many clients. Every renovation project has its own special circumstances and there is no ‘price sheet’ for the work. Communicating a budget will both save time and money.

Shortly after our initial meeting you will be sent an email with a summary and estimated cost range for your project. For smaller projects that do not require designs or drawings, you can expect a finalized proposal in a few weeks. This type of project will then move forward to the construction phase. Upon deciding to move forward on a larger project, we will schedule a time to return with our architect to develop the project further. Post meeting, you will be sent a design and project development contract. If the contract is accepted, we will move to the pre-construction phase. (Please note that design and development contracts are refundable on signed construction contracts.)

2. Design Service

Seydel Group provides you with full Design-Build services. Design-Build is the process in which we manage everything from your original conception to the finished product. Our architect and designers will guide you through the different decisions that go into your final project. From kitchen and bath design to choosing wall paint color, our staff is ready to ease any apprehension you may have about making the “wrong” selections. Our staff works with you to create a cohesive design while collaborating with our estimators and technical specialists to ensure the design is buildable and engineered in a cost effective manner. We do not require our clients retain us for design, but we do believe having everything under “one roof” results in a better, less stressful process.

3. Pre-Construction

This phase begins by meeting with the architect. The architect will provide a house survey along with preliminary floor plans and elevations. Once the general design and elevations are created, you will be sent a questionnaire. This will give us a feel for the types of finishes you are looking for. We will use all of this survey to create an initial design aesthetic for your project. You will meet with our design team to review, modify and approve the initial design ideas. When this is completed, we will create a schematic estimate based on the information we have agreed upon. If the schematic cost aligns with your budget, we will move forward with the completion of design and construction drawings. This completed design will be for the scope of the project including the selection items used in the project. Where it is impractical to make selections prior to the contract being finalized, we will include allowance items.

4. Pricing and Design

Seydel Group will use all of the information and drawings from the previous phase to create a building contract for you to sign. Once the contract is signed, a down payment/retainer will be charged. Seydel Group will prepare and submit all permits necessary for your project. The permit process takes 5 weeks, including township review and approval of 3 weeks. We are then ready to begin your project.

5. Construction

Prior to the start of construction, a project manager will be assigned to work with you on a daily basis. An introductory “hand off” meeting will take place prior to demolition to ensure you have a chance to meet your project manager in person. Once construction commences, it is our goal to keep the project moving as efficiently as possible. It is important to note that some phases of construction may seem to have more tangible progress than others; for example, it is often hard to see progress during the mechanical phase of the project, but very easy to spot it the day drywall is hung. Renovation construction has many variables, and in the unforeseen we do our best to plan, adjust, and adapt while seeking to move the project towards completion and keep you informed along the way.

At the beginning of construction, most/all of your selections should be made. This will help move your project along and stay on schedule. In your proposal there will be a line item budget for allowances (a budgetary tool that will allot a monetary value to an item not yet selected). You are welcome to spend more on these items, but there will be an extra charge for what is not included in your proposal. Any changes made to the original proposal will be put into our cloud based construction management software. A change order will be made and sent digitally to you through this software. Any change orders will require your approval.

*Please note any changes made to the work will impact the time schedule for your project.

6. Communicating with the Project Manager

Your project manager will be your main point of contact through the construction phase of your project. They are there to bring clarity to any questions or concerns that you may have along the way, as well as oversee the day to day construction and job site communication throughout the duration of the project. They are the point of contact for all our in-house labor and subcontractors, as well as the project quality control.

Communication will be done face to face on site, and through our cloud based system called CoConstruct. This communication will consist of budgetary updates, daily schedule and general selection/ project detail items. Throughout the project, you can always communicate your questions or concerns to you project manager and they will work to seek clarity and resolution.

SOFTWARE:

Co-Construct is a user friendly software that helps you see where we are in the process of your project. It is also how we communicate to you through throughout your project. The software is available both on the computer and as an App on your phone.

Some features are:

All emails can be stored here for future reference
You can track the progress of your project
Your budget is available and you are able to review it
The daily schedule and schedule progress is viewable
This is where any changes orders are made
Pictures and drawings and pictures are kept
Warranty requests are made on here as well

7. End of Project Punch List

You and your project manager get together for a final walk through. At this time you will make a formal punch list. Once all items are agreed to and complete final payment is due.

WARRANTY:
Upon completion of the project, your project manager will walk you through the warranty process. A warranty form will be provided and will require a signature to ensure both parties are in agreement. Seydel Group fully warranties any products we supply and all labor we perform. For any products/materials not supplied by Seydel Group, only the installation labor will be warrantied.

Let’s connect!

Whether you are in the beginning stages of considering remodeling your home or you’re hoping to move forward, we’re here to offer our expertise on your project.

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