Construction Process
| INITIAL MEETING with your ESTIMATOR / PROJECT MANAGER |
At the initial meeting we will introduce you to Bennett and our services, discuss your renovation, remodel or new construction project: needs, objectives and scope and budget. If we feel our services can benefit you, we will prepare a preliminary budget estimate. This may take up to two weeks. There is no fee for the initial meeting.
| SECOND MEETING with your ESTIMATOR / PROJECT MANAGER: |
At the second meeting we will review the preliminary design ideas, budget figures, the contract documents, payment schedules, change order/additional work procedures, our scheduling process and availability. There is no fee for the second meeting.
Depending on the type of project, Bennett uses a combination of local supplier show rooms, in-house and local design professionals and a licensed architect if needed. In the design phase the client pays for and receives copies of the design work. The following are the terms of our Design Retainer Fee Agreement:
The Owner retains Bennett Contracting (BCI) to design, define, clarify and make recommendations for a remodeling project, consistent with the following project overview.
BCI will create preliminary Contract Documents which may include, but are not limited to floor plans, elevations, drawings, schedules, descriptions, materials and specifications.
BCI will prepare, for the Owner’s consideration, a written Estimate and Contract for the project.
The Owner may or may not accept the Contract, but in either event the design retainer fee is payable to BCI and not refundable.
The design retainer Fee covers the costs incurred by the design team.
Upon payment of the Fee, BCI will provide one copy of the Contract Documents to the Owner for their personal records.
The Owner understands that NYS law prohibits use of these documents by another contractor, designer or architect for any purpose.
BCI is not a licensed Architectural or Engineer and none of the documents prepared are to be used for construction. These Documents are for concept, budgeting and planning use only. Construction documents must be reviewed, approved and stamped by a licensed Architectural or Engineer. The cost of this review is NOT included in the Design Retainer Fee, but would be an additional cost.
Project Overview:
Initial Project Cost Range:
Design Retainer Fee Schedule:
Up to $30,000 estimated construction cost $300. + tax
$30 to 65,000 estimated construction cost $500. + tax
$65 to 99,000 estimated construction cost $700. + tax
Once you have decided to proceed, Bennett will start the detailed design work. This typically will take several meetings and 1–2 months. We will provide you with product selection sheets, a recommended list of material suppliers, showrooms, and contact information. Part of this stage is material and product selection, such as countertops and cabinets. The duration will vary depending on how much time you spend researching and making your selections.
Your Estimator/Project Manager will prepare the Contract Documents and a revised Contract Amount based on the final design. Often the product selection list has not been finalized. The costs of these items are accounted for in an Allowance Amount. The allowance is a budgeted cost and will increase or decrease based on your final selections.
At this time we review the final proposal, company policies and procedures, billing and payment, scheduling options and other questions. Both parties then sign the contract documents and drawings.
Bennett will now order all custom (non-stock) construction materials and begin the permitting process. Both of these may be subject to delays or lead times over which Bennett has no control.
When the construction permits have been approved and the custom orders received Bennett will schedule the start of work. The next step is the pre-construction meeting to introduce you to the Lead Carpenter who will be in charge of your job site. The purpose of this meeting is to “pass off” the job from design to production.
Now the work begins. Your daily contact is the Lead Carpenter, who will work with you to handle all the details. Your Estimator/Project Manager follows the job to the end and is available if needed.
The final step of your custom remodel or new construction project will be a job walk-through, where you can review the project, ask questions and resolve any outstanding issues.
Enjoy your new space and call us if you have any questions. Our workmanship is warranted for one full year and all the materials used have manufacturer’s warrantees as well.
We have been here since 1915!