A: On typical remodeling projects, a BrentMore Design/Build Specialist meets with you at your home for an initial consultation to discuss your project and gather site measurements. That information is used to generate a preliminary cost. This estimation is presented, free of charge, with our Partner Plan Agreement.
A: The BrentMore Partner Plan Agreement is our design agreement and is a formal contract that indicates the preliminary anticipated cost for the proposed project. This cost estimate is based on other recent, similar projects and information gathered during the initial consultation. The Partner Plan Agreement is not a construction contract.
A: Yes. To advance into the design phase of the project, the Partner Plan Agreement must be signed and a design retainer fee collected. This is the first charge incurred for the services provided so far, and it equals 3% of the preliminary project budget. The fee covers the costs associated with design and product selection, and is credited back to you when a Construction Agreement, which calculates the project costs to the penny, is signed.
A: Yes. Situations change, and though we hope you will hire BrentMore to complete the construction of your project, the Partner Plan Agreement is not the Construction Agreement. If you decide not to hire BrentMore to complete your project, you may walk away without any additional contractual or financial obligation.
A: Yes. You are provided a comprehensive Construction Agreement that calculates the cost of your project to the penny, based on specific selections you made in the design stage under the Partner Plan Agreement. The Construction Agreement also includes proposed start and completion dates, a complete payment schedule and detailed lists of the specific products and services you chose.
A: BrentMore provides all necessary design services. Once you contract with BrentMore, you meet directly with our Designer. In most cases, you are present as the design is generated right before your eyes! Should your project plans require engineering or architectural approval, those services are also available through BrentMore.
A: No. BrentMore provides professional design services to support our own potential design/build clients. Therefore, we do not offer design services exclusively.
A: It is our goal to complete preliminary project cost estimates within 2 weeks of the original site visit. However, this time frame may vary depending upon the complexity of your specific project. Your BrentMore Design/Build Specialist provides a response time at the initial site visit.
A: We seek to honor and work within your budget. As a full-service design/build contractor, BrentMore may not be the ideal company for all projects. Your BrentMore Design/Build Specialist asks you a series of questions regarding your proposed project, budgets and financing, as we have found that open discussion early in the relationship avoids potential frustrations later.
A: Yes, BrentMore, including its employees and trade partners, has full liability coverage.
A: A down payment is required when the Construction Agreement is signed. Your Construction Agreement outlines the payment schedule for the duration of the project. Ask your BrentMore Design/Build Specialist for more details.
A: BrentMore typically does not accept credit card payments for remodeling projects.
A: Any project that requires a building permit or zoning approval will not be started until all necessary documents and approvals are granted. Building code requirements and zoning ordinances are designed to protect the interests and safety of the homeowner. We acknowledge and honor the authority of those officials in public trust. There are some projects that do not require building permits and zoning approvals. Ask your BrentMore Design/Build Specialist for more details.
A: It has been our general experience that all aspects of comprehensive remodel projects should be left to professionals. As the general contractor, BrentMore is best able to manage the schedule, the job budget and the quality of the project when we are given responsibility for all aspects of the job. Please ask your BrentMore Design/Build Specialist for more details.
A: BrentMore is best able to manage the schedule, the job budget and the quality of the project when we are given responsibility for all aspects of the job. However, we are always looking for good, high-quality trade partners. If you would like to have a specific contractor complete an aspect of the project, please make that known during the design phase of the project. We will evaluate that contractor based upon our trade partner contract criteria and make every effort to fulfill your request.
A: The BrentMore Partner Plan Agreement and product selection process is designed so that there is no need to make changes once the Construction Agreement is signed and the project is started. However, BrentMore does have a change order process to accommodate changes needed after the project is underway. A change order fee is assigned to all client-initiated changes, and a quote and change order contract is prepared.
A: There are certain tasks that are considered specialties and are best performed by dedicated contractors. However, we have specific standards that we require of our trade partners. At a minimum, each trade partner must carry sufficient liability insurance, have current professional license status where applicable and have a demonstrated ability to deal respectfully with our clients and on-site employees.
A: Measures will be taken to secure the areas of your home under construction. Remodeling is dirty work, and though we install plastic dust barriers during construction, containment efforts are not 100% effective. Prior to the start of the project, you should remove and protect valuables in areas of your home surrounding the project site.
Regarding safety, we ask that you remain outside the work site while work is ongoing. This is particularly important for clients who have pets and small children. When necessary, we also provide temporary security barriers over window openings and doorways.
