Conquer Your Renovation: How to Develop Your Target Budget and Avoid Budget Surprises
Welcome, brave souls who are embarking on the exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) journey of home renovation! We've all heard the horror stories—the exploding budgets, the communication black holes, the endless parade of change orders. But fear not, for we are here to guide you through a calm and collected transformation of your beloved home.
Our secret weapon? Transparency, collaboration, and clear expectations. Forget the construction chaos; we're all about smooth sailing (well, smooth hammering, at least).
Key #1: Defining the Vision:
Before the bidding frenzy begins, let's paint a crystal-clear picture of your dream project. We'll meticulously craft a detailed scope of work document, outlining every element from materials to timelines. This becomes the blueprint for the project, so if you are going to get multiple bids then everyone will be pricing out based on the same project vision. No more apples to oranges, confusing costs, or hidden surprises lurking in the fine print. Through in-person design meetings, site walk throughs, and collaboration, we will ensure that your project is designed and priced before any hammering begins.
Key #2: Let's Talk (and BuilderTrend):
Communication is not just a buzzword at Viking Construction, it's our lifeblood. We pledge a 24-hour communication guarantee. Ask a question, get an answer. Need clarification? Consider it done. We believe you deserve to be in the loop, every step of the way. Communication must be a two-way street between the Owner and Builder where each side receives a prompt response. Before the project begins, the primary communication vessel (texting, email, facetime, etc..) and available times for contacting must be discussed, so there are no irritations during the project -- this is where clarity is key! At Viking Construction, we use Buildertrend for all of our communication throughout the project, and answer all communication within 24 hours, and always during our communication window of Monday through Friday 6am - 6pm.
Key #3: Change Orders? Hold Your Horses:
We all love a little spontaneity, but not when it comes to renovation budgets. That's why we champion minimizing change orders. By meticulously planning during pre-construction and open communication, we strive to nail it right the first time. Of course, the occasional curveball can fly, and when it does, we'll work with you transparently to find the best solution, without blowing your budget out of the water. While we plan to work with a change or two during the project, working through all of the selections at the beginning will ensure that change orders are kept to a minimum.
Key #4: Clear Skies Ahead (No Surprise Storms Allowed):
Gone are the days of scrambling to accommodate surprise parties that suddenly "pop up" during construction. We believe in setting clear expectations from the very beginning. Deadlines will be discussed, potential snags anticipated, and neighborhood considerations addressed upfront. Our goal is to eliminate last-minute demands or incurring extra costs because, "Oops, we forgot about the HOA noise restrictions!". These schedule surprises add unexpected budget costs to the project, and frustration for everyone involved. Transparency and planning pave the way for a smooth sail, not a white-knuckle roller coaster ride. All schedule expectations must be clearly communicated at the beginning of the process -- Clear is Kind!
By embracing these four keys, Viking Construction will transform your renovation experience from a potential nightmare into a dream come true. We're not just building your dream, we're building trust, clear communication, and a partnership that lasts long after the final paint dries. The goal is to have a beautiful project completed at the end, so let's try to enjoy the ride also!
