Construction with Chris

2011-11-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

Before You Renovate… construction questions to ask yourself, con't:

2010-08-27T09:05:00.001-06:00

Before You Renovate… construction questions to ask yourself, con't:

Your Money's Worth?

Over time, the money you save on heat, light and water by making your home more energy efficient may actually pay for the upgrades. Safety also pays. Insurance companies often decrease premiums when you improve wiring or fire prevention and improve or add a security system.

On the other hand, you can overdo a good thing. If you plan to move within a few years, is the renovation worth it? Will it pay to put on an expensive new addition when your house is in an area of more modest homes?

CONSTRUCTION WITH CHRIS SAYS : **** kitchen and bathrooms !! and through experience , I can tell you , the KITCHEN and MASTER BED ROOM CLOSET, believe it or not , can be two huge factors in selling your home , ...........

....... " who did you say wore, the pants in the family " :) Check out these stats below :

Payback Range of Typical Renovations

Bathroom renovation (75 – 100%)
Kitchen renovation (75 – 100%)
Interior painting (50 – 100%)
Exterior painting (50 – 100%)

Roof shingle replacement (50 – 80%)
Furnace/heating system (50 – 80%)
Basement renovation (50 – 75%)
Recreation room addition (50 – 75%)
Installing a fireplace (50 – 75%)
Flooring (50 – 75%)
Constructing a garage (50 – 75%)
Window/door replacement (50 – 75%)
Building a deck (50 – 75%)
Central air conditioning (25 – 75%)

http://constructionquestions.posterous.com/

Renovating a Home ...... continued.

2010-08-27T08:57:00.002-06:00

Renovating a Home ........ continued:

Why Renovate?

Everyone has a different reason for wanting to renovate. Sometimes it's the simple need for a change. Other times, the motivation is more practical. If you wake up one day with a puddle in the basement and a water-stained ceiling, you know you have to act fast.

Construction with Chris says: take a minute and review these comments,

From the planning stage to the final touches, this guide shares our experience and knowledge with you. And it tells you about some of the first-rate resources we've developed to deal with all kinds of renovation issues. In general, there are three types of renovation: lifestyle, retrofit, and maintenance and repair.

Lifestyle renovations improve your home and your way of life. They might involve building a sun room for pleasure, or converting unused attic space into living quarters to meet your changing needs.
Retrofit projects usually focus on your home's shell or mechanical systems. Examples are upgrading your insulation, replacing your furnace, or putting on new siding.
Maintenance and repair renovations protect the investment you have made in your house through activities such as caulking windows, reshingling your roof, or replacing your eavestroughs.

Key Questions Before You Start

A successful renovation can be a dream come true, but without careful planning and management, it can be a nightmare.

Be informed. Before you pick up a hammer, pick up a book or a video on home renovation. Talk to friends and neighbours who've renovated. Explore all the options, and remember the carpenter's creed: measure twice, cut once. Mistakes on paper are easy to fix and inexpensive. Mistakes on the job are not. The following questions will help make sure you're heading in the right direction.

TODAY, LETS START WITH ... #1

Is Your Renovation Practical?

While maintenance renovations aren't really a choice — they're part of owning a home and protecting your investment — lifestyle renovations and even some retrofit plans may not be practical or do-able.

Be clear about your expectations. Learn when to draw the line between what's desirable and what's essential.

Almost any renovation will add to, or at least protect, the equity in your home, but kitchen andbathroom renovations and painting normally provide the greatest payback when you sell. If your property taxes and insurance premiums go up, the increase is usually small.

........ give this some thought and remember we're here to answer your construction questions !

Home Renovations

2010-08-25T11:20:00.000-06:00

Renovating a Home

Planning is the key to a successful renovation.

To help you plan your renovation project, Lets have a look at some information and easy-to-understand tips that can help you assess your requirements and learn the key questions before you get started.

Before You Renovate…

Assessing the Renovation Project

Over the years, we’ve developed a good understanding of how buildings perform. Construction techniques for new homes have changed rapidly. Most of these improved techniques also apply to renovations.

If you plan carefully, you can renovate your home to make it look better, work better, last longer and be more comfortable. Before renovating, it’s important to assess the condition of your home to determine if there are any significant underlying problems that must be addressed before or during your planned renovation project.

Figure 1: Problems that should be addressed

Slow Times = Inexperienced Renovation Companies

2009-07-26T15:30:00.002-06:00

Since the slow down in New Home Sales we have witnessed the "Contractor / Renovator" section of our local paper swell to 3-4 pages ...... unreal.

The problem is that these new "renovation" companies consist of framers, drywallers , labourers and painters that have been laid off and assembled their own crew.
Well let me tell you, there is such a vast difference "framing" for a general contractor / renovator and running your own renovation company !
With RENOVATIONS ......... its "experience" that makes a job run smoothly, not doing things twice, not wasting the clients money . That only comes with experience, I can't stress that enough.
I give the guys a salute for being creative and making work,
........ but ........ I'll give it month, till I hear, ....... "why did I hire that jerk" !

**Tips from Chris ;
Do your homework before hiring a renovator, ask about the company's history ( be careful, if there isn't any ), ask how long they have actually been in business, the size of the company, do they belong to the local builders assoc. Does the company have a particular focus or area of expertise, ie; kitchens or bathrooms.
........ and the big question that separates "the craft from the crap"......ASK TO GO SEE THEIR PAST PROJECTS . Should be no problem at all for them to supply a list of previous clients, NONE.
.... use your common sense while looking to hire someone for your project. The lowest price is NOT always the best price. ( do they have licenses , insurance ) Compare "apples to apples", you have to give both contractors the EXACT SAME list, with exactly the same "scope" of work, you have to compare the same work being offered by each company.

Be careful out there ! ................... need me , ask me ...........................Chris.

BASICS....."Get it in writing"

2009-07-19T10:25:00.002-06:00

....... lets talk about a problem you could have ...... "misunderstandings".

A major reason for disputes and headaches over renovation work is the "lack of a contract". Which in turn creates a lot of gray areas. The contract helps put things in black and white.
So, head problems off before they start by drawing up an agreement that describes the work to be done and its cost. This contract then becomes a legal document, binding both parties once they have singed it.
But what should that contract include ?
In Canada, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation checklist, it should include :
* The correct and complete address of the property where the work will be done;
* The home owner's name and address;
* The renovator's name, address and telephone number;
* A detailed description of the project, plus sketches and a list of materials to be used
( once again, all we are trying to do is eliminate the gray areas, ...... ie: "baseboard to be used is profile # 123 , 4", pine"....... now its in black and white, and there to refer to , if needed.)
* The right to retain a construction lien holdback as specified under provincial law ( Canada) ;
* The type of work that will be subcontracted;
* A clause stating that work will conform to the requirements of all applicable codes;
* The start and completion dates;
* State "who" is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, licences and certificates;
* The requirement that the renovator be responsible for removing all debris as soon as construction is completed;
* A statement of all warranties, explaining exactly what is covered and for how long;
* A statement of the renovator's public liability and property damage insurance;
* Price and terms of payment.
Unfortunately, no matter how well-planned a renovation is , changes will be necessary, and they'll often result in increased costs and delays. In the interest of protecting "both" the homeowner and the renovator, however, changes should be made only through a written change order detailing what's involved and the associated cost differences.
Do not accept verbal assurances - .......... GET IT IN WRITING.

Play fair,......Chris.

Renovation Questions

2009-06-19T07:43:00.002-06:00

Good Morning,
.......... just wanted to keep in touch and comment on the questions I have been asked.
First off, there are no stupid questions. You are not professional contractors or renovators, how could you possibly be versed in this arena.
Secondly, I respect you for attempting to put the "puzzle" together. There are a lot of pieces.
As you can see in the article on this blog page, we have strong feelings regarding .............
"Do-It- Yourselfers" and SAFETY. Please be very cautious while working in your new environment......... " the job site ".
Keep the questions coming, and stay safe,
Best regards , Chris.

"BUDGET" Numbers

2009-06-14T07:19:00.002-06:00

"Cost Plus" ....... anyone ?
Well, you can either price the job .... or.... can work on a cost-plus basis.
Lots of times when you're dealing with "renovations", its a difficult task to arrive at a accurate price for the project. The unforeseen challenges will ...... no doubt , play a part ! The contractor will inevitably incorporate some "cushions" in his/her number to compensate for the unknown.
Without knowing the "exact" location of your mechanical routes, its hard to determine what is lurking behind the drywall, in your walls or beneath your feet. "Guess-timates" play a big part.
O.K., our experience does help, but you are constantly holding your breath hoping the previous
builder "did it right", most times its ....... surprise, surprise !! Can't believe your eyes !
Because we do a lot of "renos", ....... "cost-plus", is a common road to take. BUT, with cost-plus, comes the "evil"....... "BUDGET-NUMBER".
(Don't laugh, because I'm usually right)...... When we first meet a client to discuss a proposed project, I often say ...... " before you mention any of your numbers or your idea of what this job will cost, ..... DOUBLE IT ! " That comment usually garners a laugh.
When our estimate is handed in , we ask the customers to reveal "their" idea of the costs ....... and what do you know, the amount is "about double of what the home-owner thought".
Two of our projects that we completed last week ,............ were over our "budget-numbers",
NOT GOOD !
It is always better to ...... " under-promise and over-deliver". We're lucky to be well known for our integrity and our accounting is very , transparent, we show it , like it is . But, you can't help like feeling, that you let the client down, instead of .... $30,000. ..... its $36,000. ...... you get the idea. Be careful with "budget-numbers", better to start off with a higher number and come in below budget for your renovations .
Aaaaaahhhhh, let the learning, begin.
Later, Chris.

Work hard, Play harder !

2009-05-17T12:13:00.003-06:00

Hi, just finished a cruise on the seven seas :)
...... well not all seven, just one really .... and .... it was an ocean.
..... Port Canaveral to Nassau, Bahamas ..... St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands..... then St. Maarten ....... except for lining up for "everything" ..... it was fun ! ( I didn't plan on a cruise until I was at least a "100" :) , ..... but the swine flu put an end to our Mexican vacation, so I had to be creative, quickly. )
I must say , I'm a little concerned with the number of people that were , lets say ...... a little overweight, I think we were lucky that they didn't announce they saw something special on a particular side of the ship , the onslaught of ...... weighty souls would have flipped us over !!
..... don't misunderstand me , there is nothing wrong with enjoying a good meal , but for gods sake ..... take enough for just ONE person and choose something healthy !
With this construction game I'm involved with , I work hard ............ and I make sure to play harder !
Drop us a line when you need me , you know the drill.
take care .......... Chris

Yes, you May ! ..... anytime you're ready !

2009-05-07T15:00:00.003-06:00

Already May 7th 2009, ...... we are "still" waiting for the spring to arrive here in the Rockies !
We have a very short season to do a lot of exterior work, the winters are tough on the buildings here, and they do need maintenance. If you need any advice regarding your construction or renovation projects , please don't hesitate to drop us a line .
I'm taking off for a couple of weeks ....... will be back on May 25th.
take care and think safe ........... GOOD BUILDING !! ....................... Chris

Trials n' Tribulations

2009-04-21T07:14:00.002-06:00

Well,.... that took some patience, seems Blogger.com has made some changes without letting anyone know. I finally figured it out, and got to my blog page.

Hope the upcoming spring season is motivating you to undertake a new project around the house. Some renovations, or an addition ...... ( We'll be waiting a little longer than most of you, living in the mountains, supposed to receive 15 cm' s of the white stuff tomorrow ! )

If you need any advice regarding your renovations , or help with your design ...... please drop us a line. Glad to help with your construction concerns.
Thanks for visiting " Constructionwithchris " ......... be careful .......... Chris.

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers.

2009-04-02T21:35:00.002-06:00

Another day , another dollar ( or two ).
Happy to say the construction projects are continuing in the valley ! The more the "sales" level off for new homes and condos, the more people are renovating. And that's one of the areas that we are very experienced in. Not quite as straight forward but always interesting ...... and challenging !
We have a good mix of drawings on the board, and I'm crunching numbers. Luckily we have done quite a few "trim jobs" and I reflect back on those numbers to speed things up.

The new renovation projects include : .... a hotel lobby and bar in Banff (Alberta), a hotel lobby, ... all new bathrooms in a golf & curling club, and an entire remodel of the interior of a condo in Canmore (Alberta)
..... also working out a price for a large "trim" job.

numbers, numbers, .... numbers, gotta love 'em !

April Fools Day :)

2009-04-01T05:17:00.002-06:00

..... Should I or shouldn't I ? hhmmmm.
Renovations can be a stressful ordeal, a lot of pieces to a sometimes confusing puzzle. Decisions have to made , .... many times that alone can drive the clients , mad. Mad at each other, mad at the suppliers, ..... mad at themselves for picking a color that looked great on a stamp-sized sample, only to walk into a room that now ..... looks like the inside of a .....pumpkin ! Aahhhh !
..... should I lighten up the scene , with an April Fools day prank ?
Ahuh,.... ahuh.....ahuh..... I think I will ! :)

Lighten up , pour your spouse a glass of wine , walk through the project and laugh at a few things.
Celebrate the fact that you both had the creative gusto to undertake a renovation, ..... and will still be together after it ! :)

Stop Listening, You Stop Learning !

2009-03-07T09:00:00.002-07:00

The latter part of 2008, I seemed to be taken by all the information out there !
I have become a part of the Internet community ...... websites, blog pages, soon to be presenting online videos on a number of Construction related subjects, and on another site called ..... "FEED ME CHEAP AND EASY .COM"
we are making life simpler for our.... "future-shapers" ,.... "students" !!!! making sure they eat properly and have the energy they need to succeed ! I happen to have quite a few friends that are "chefs", and they are going to help me make videos that will help these kids of ours
EAT CHEAP AND EASY !! :)
..... it is mind-boggling, when you realize how many people are .... online, twitting, googling and facebookin' ..........
So much to learn and share. It took me too long to realize .... "I" am an expert, ...... and I am going to share that expertise with anyone who needs help with any DESIGN and CONSTRUCTION related projects. Thanks for visiting CONSTRUCTION WITH CHRIS !!
I'm here to help !
There are some great courses and seminars available that can really motivate you , get out there
....... and remember, ..... YOU STOP LISTENING, .... YOU STOP LEARNING !!
I've been to Calgary for a weekend seminar that changed my outlook on quite a few aspects of life, ..... Palm Springs ..... twice, ..... and Los Angeles on Tuesday .......
..... aaahhhhh I'm turning into a human "sponge" ........ bring it on !
Stay positive ! Talk soon . Chris.

busy, busy

2009-01-10T20:05:00.002-07:00

Well so much for the "slow down" in our economy, while we see sales in real estate almost at a stand still, the renovation business is steady. We are enjoying mild weather out here in the Rockies, which made it easier on the guys working outside on the "Lepper Project".
Still have a lot of details to add, but small addition is taking shape. The largest part of the job is "finishing" the basement, ... all the elements of a new home, new heating system, new hot water heater, big bathroom with steam-shower, work-out room, entertainment/family room, complete with wet bar, computer/homework centre , storage room and a couple of bedrooms, when completed it will double the size of the home, increasing the living space for three growing children ( soon to be three teenagers ) ..... gives mom and dad a little more peace too ! :)

Another year

2009-01-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers , renovators and the like.
Another year is upon us , of course it will include new challenges, battles ..... and "victories". Don't get caught up in all the "doom n' gloom" .... keep positive and persevere, meet all your trials with ferocity and new found energy, there will, no doubt be times you feel like dropping your sword ( or skilsaw ) and letting your body fall to the floor in a heap ..... yelling "I surrender" , that's when you have to muster all the strength you have , get up and yell at the sky ...... " I WILL PREVAIL "
On the "construction" front I am sure I can help you be victorious !

Happy New Year ....... talk to you soon , Chris