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Tag: Seattle remodeling

FAQ: How do I begin my remodeling project?

Tips on starting your Seattle remodel from Axiom Design Build

It might have started when you saw your neighbors’ gorgeous new kitchen. Maybe you binge-watched some home improvement shows. Or maybe you’ve wanted a change for years and are finally ready to take the plunge. Whatever the cause, you’ve got remodeling on the brain. But where should the remodeling-curious Seattleite begin?

Get your dream home

Your first order of business is to spend some time thinking about your dreams for your house. What would it look like? What would it feel like? Would it have more space? Another bathroom? A chef’s kitchen?

Ask yourself what you love about your house and what you’d like to change. Are the changes you’d like to make simply design upgrades? Or do you have functional needs and concerns you’d like to address? Make a list of everything you need and everything you want in your Seattle remodel.

Find inspiration for your remodel

The best way to nail down your vision is to explore other projects. Browse through home magazines, check out home improvement shows, attend open houses and look through websites like Pinterest and Architectural Digest or inspiration. Take note of everything you’re drawn to, from layouts and flow to design finishes, fixtures and cabinets. It’s also important to identify what you don’t want, as that will help any designer you work with steer clear of those elements.

This phase of your exploration is a great time to make sure you’re on the same page with other members of your household. It’s best to get any surprises into the open before you start working with your Seattle remodeling firm.

Set a budget for your remodel

Now that you’ve got your dream, it’s time to bring in an element of reality. Sit down with your finances and determine the absolute maximum you’re willing to spend for your remodeling project. It’s important to have 15-20% set aside to cover any unexpected expenses, so remove 20% from your maximum spend to determine your project budget.

It can be helpful to research rough cost estimates for your project type in your area. If your budget lines up with the scope of your project, you’re in luck! If there’s a huge discrepancy, consider scaling back on the size of the project. When in doubt, reach out to Axiom Design Build, or a trusted remodeler in your area to answer your questions and help you determine what’s possible with your budget. A professional building firm should know the ins and outs of local regulations, the permitting process, environmental considerations and the latest costs for materials and labor.

Are you considering updating your home and need a top Seattle remodeling contractor or Design Build firm? Let’s talk

FAQ: How long will my remodel take?

Demystifying the building and remodeling process

One of the top questions we get from our clients is, “How long will my remodeling or building project take?” While every home is different and a lot depends on the size, site, scope and nature of the project, here’s a rough idea of what you can expect from a design build project in the Seattle area:

Client Engagement: 3-4 Weeks

Initial call. Site visit. Office visit.

After you contact us, we’ll give you a call to find out more about your project and schedule a visit to your project site. During the site visit we’ll chat more about your vision and take measurements and photos of your property. Then we’ll invite you to the Axiom office in Ballard so you can meet your team, review the proposal and discuss the process.

Design: 3-9 Months

Signing the proposal. Pre-design + client inspiration. Design meetings 1-3. Permit intake. Fourth design meeting.

When you’ve signed the design proposal, we’ll begin the pre-design process, at which time we’ll ask you to send your wish list and inspiration photos. We’ll set up a first design meeting to review initial conceptual design, site plans, floor plans, exterior massing and budget estimates.

During the second design meeting we’ll review any design changes as well as budget and schedule development. For the third design meeting, we’ll review the plan, budget, electrical, interior design, materials and cabinetry, if applicable. Axiom will then submit your permits for review. In the fourth design meeting, you’ll review the plan and the budget; and select your fixtures, finishes, windows and doors. Permit corrections will be addressed as needed in the coming weeks.

Buyout: 8-12 Weeks

Sign off on drawings and specs. Review buyout budget. Contract documents. Permit approval.

When you sign off on the drawings and specs for your project, we’ll put together the buyout budget, which includes contracts and agreements with our suppliers and any subcontractors. After you sign off on the buyout, you’ll enter into a construction agreement, when you’ll review the construction contract and submit your deposit. We’ll sit tight while we wait for your permit to be approved by the building department. As soon as we receive the green light, we’ll be ready to begin construction.

Construction: 4-12 Months

Pre-construction meeting. Bi-weekly site meetings. Final walk-through.

With the contracts signed and permits in hand, we’ll meet with you to establish site-specific expectations before we mobilize our team. Once we begin construction, we’ll meet with you every other week at your project site to review active work and project milestones. When the project wraps up, we’ll do a final walk through with you, get feedback on your experience, and toast to a successful project!

Maintenance & Service Warranty: 1 Year

Ready to get started? Let’s talk