Ready to start designing your dream home remodel? Here’s what to expect when hiring Hunter Kitchen & Bath. Contact Hunter Kitchen & Bath
The renovation process begins at the initial discussion over the phone of the general scope of the project, your dream interior space and your desired timeline. At the end of this call, we will have scheduled a consultation, reserving a 1-hour time slot in your home with a designer from HKB.
This meeting is a great time to have an in-depth conversation and tour the areas of your home that are relevant to the proposed project. We will take photos, videos and measurements of your space, making specific note of soffits, frequented pathways, the electrical service panel and structural walls We will ask many questions to better understand your specific desires, and finally we will provide literature from some of our in-house brands.
Towards the end of this meeting, your HKB designer will provide an estimated pricing range for the project, depending on the scope of work and quality/finish of materials in which you’ve shown interest. If this budget is something you can work with, your designer will present you with a Design Retainer Agreement.
If you retain us to start the design, a design retainer agreement will be signed, along with a design retainer payment, with the cost depending on the scope of your project and size of the room(s). While the design retainer is non-refundable, it will be deducted from the cost of your project at proposal approval.
After the designer receives your signed agreement and design retainer, they will schedule a time to meet with you and our in-house interior designer at either our showroom in Bryn Mawr or a partner’s product showroom.
You and your designer will review the preliminary plan for your project, which includes renderings and an initial set of drawings (layout and elevations). We will also discuss in more detail a scope of work which describes the tasks that will be completed during your project – so there are no questions about which services will or will not be included.
During initial design review meetings, you will begin selecting materials for your project, such as cabinetry door style(s) and finishes, flooring, countertops, plumbing fixtures and hardware. Don’t worry – you won’t be locked into these just yet!
During the design process, we will revisit your current selections and compare it to your desired budget to determine if we are on track. Once you’ve finalized the major product selections going into the proposed renovation, the designer will then update the drawings and pricing in the project proposal.
Next our project manager, engineer and/or architect and various tradespeople will visit your home to inspect the space(s) relating to your project.
If the engineering and/or architectural workups are complete, the design/layout is complete, and our project manager has submitted the labor workup, the HKB designer will present a full set of drawings, a scope of work, a detailed list of product/material selections with pricing and a contract for your approval.
The full proposal will suggest an estimated start date and detail the payment terms for your project. After you’ve approved the proposal and provided the required deposit, HKB will begin the permit application process through your township (if required), take final measurements of your space (one more time!) and begin ordering your finish (selections) and rough materials. It is important to note in this present environment of lengthened manufacturing and delivery delays for many renovation products, that we will provide updates on estimated arrivals as soon as we know them.
At some point in the process we will post permits (if required) at your job site. As the projected start date nears, your designer and project manager will review the projected completion time frame, finalize the start date and answer any questions you might have – such as vehicle parking, which entrance to use, etc. The project manager will review the daily work schedules with you. Additionally, we will arrange for a dumpster to be delivered to your home before construction begins.
Once construction on your project begins, there will be some noise and disruption of your daily routines. For the duration of the construction process, the project manager will be in regular contact with you to provide updates and to answer any questions you may have. Also, the designer will be on site and in touch frequently. There may be questions we will have, or you will have, about details that arise due to unforeseen job conditions. We will address those immediately. As well, we will communicate regarding your upcoming payments in advance, per the payment schedule on your proposal.
As we near the end of the renovation process, your designer and project manager will meet with you to review the remaining tasks to complete, called a punch list. When this punch list is completed, we are ready to release the completed room(s) for you to enjoy. Now you can share your beautiful new space with family, friends and neighbors!
At substantial completion, we will provide a renovation packet for you that includes use and care documents and applicable warranties. Also, the designer will help orient you on using accessories, appliances, plumbing fixtures and other items that may be new to you.
