Frequently Asked Remodeling Questions 
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"What is this, project number four? To no one's surprise, just like the previous projects, exactly what we envisioned and under budget. We'll try to challenge you on project five." Ben & Emily - Cherry Hills Village, CO |
Q: Why should I choose Da Vinci Remodeling?
A: The bumper sticker answer is "Quality & Experience" (ours and yours). A detailed answer looks like this:
Quality: We design and build for the long term. While many remodeling contractors would tell you that their craftsmanship will last 20 - 30 years, we believe our efforts will still serve 100 years from now. We are students of our trades. We study and implement the ever changing "best practices" for design, construction and installation. Functional, beautiful and built to last.
Our Experience: We offer over 34 years of combined experience in the residential construction industry - 32 of them as remodeling specialists - 20 of them as design/build artisans.
Your Experience: The remodeling industry as a whole has a poor reputation. When we started this company we analyzed the reasons for this. The following is what we learned:
Communicate... Communicate honestly... Communicate often!
We found and validated that as long as we communicate, your expectations and ours will be met or exceeded. If we communicate, much of the anxiety that naturally comes with remodeling is removed or at least minimized. If we communicate, the project will meet or beat schedule and budget.
The second thing we found and have validated is respect. We will respect your family and property (safety, dust/noise containment and security), respect your privacy (a regular schedule), and respect "down time" (everyone needs time to relax).
Most contractors will discuss their quality and experience. We have found that your experience is much more important when it comes to whether you will refer us, whether you will hire us again and whether you will consider us trusted advisors and maybe even friends.
Note: In 2008 and 2009 combined, 100% of our projects came from previous customers and referrals. We'll try to improve on that number in 2010.
Q: What are the benefits of Design/Build?
A: There are many. Let's just look at a few of the more important ones:
First, with design/build there is a single source of responsibility for quality, cost and schedule. There can be no blaming the other party - it's just us and you.
Secondly, there is significant time and cost savings. The process of estimating runs concurrently with the design process rather than completing the design process, then start the estimate. Also, with both design and estimating happening at the same time, bad design (say, a budget busting element) can be identified on the go, eliminating the need to go back to redesign, then back to re-estimating. Remodeling is no different than anything else - time is money.
Lastly, communication is greatly streamlined. We designed it, we better understand how to build it. There is significantly less risk of miscommunication.
Q: Do you quote a "Fixed Price" or "Time & Materials"?
A: Design is always done as Time & Materials. T&M for design is just more fair to both of us.
For the construction phase of the project, we will offer you the option of a Fixed Price or Time & Materials. There are drawbacks and benefits to both. Once design and project development (specification and estimating) are complete, we'll explain both options in detail and you can choose based on your comfort level.
Q: Are you a "Green Remodeler"?
A: We believe that designing and constructing with our 100 year sustainability attitude is pretty green. We are also experienced with green building products and best green practices. We also know there are many different levels and degrees of green homeowner. While we will always use best practices regarding energy conservation, we will not limit product selection or promote any political view upon our customers.
Q: Can we use our own architect and/or designer?
A: Yes. We are happy to act as the "build-only" team member for your remodel. We do believe that you will be better served by getting us on board very early in the design process. By doing this, we will be more informed (eliminating costly communication errors), we can run the estimating process concurrent with design and we can act as a second set of eyes watching for any budget busting elements.
Contact us or call 303-507-0410
We'll answer any other questions you may have. There's no charge for questions!