A common remodeling question we get is, “Where do we start?” You have the need to remodel and have ideas for your space, but how do you get the ball rolling? Here is a brief overview of the Bartelt remodeling process to help you understand where to begin and what to expect as your project progresses.

Initial Meeting

After your first phone call, we set up a complimentary meeting with a project designer to discuss your needs, wants, and wishes for your home, helping you define your priorities and budget. Check here for the “Needs, Wants, and Wishes” template to get started.

Design Agreement and Field Measure

Once a fee is paid and a preliminary design agreement is signed, the project designer schedules a second meeting, or a field measure. During the field measure, we review the project goals and measure and photograph the existing conditions of the project site. The design process also includes a mechanical walk-through to coordinate the electric, HVAC, and plumbing systems.

Design Review Meetings

The first design review meeting is scheduled three weeks after the field measure. Over the course of these meetings, your design will evolve from a general concept to specific details. Elevations, hand-drawn perspectives, and a 3D rendering help you visualize your project. We also continue to develop your budget, discuss materials, and revise the design.

Client Full Presentation

After reviewing the specifications and plans, the project designer schedules a client full presentation appointment to review the paperwork. The designer then works on the construction documents, obtaining engineering calculations, municipal design approval, and permits.

Ready to Build

The design team works with the production staff to discuss details and unique challenges. Shortly after signing the construction agreement, you begin meeting with our on-staff interior designer to finalize selections of finishes, products, and materials.

Pre-Construction Meeting

The project designer and production staff walk through the remodel site with you. This meeting is a great time to meet the team and ask any questions you may have regarding the logistics of the project. Our goal is to set up a communication system that will guarantee a smooth, safe, and timely completion of your project.

Construction Phase

Our production team works diligently to keep the lines of communication open. To ensure all of your expectations are met, an on-going relationship with the production administrator and manager is vital. The production administrator handles day-to-day schedules and accounting and coordinates all subcontractors. The production manager and lead carpenter oversee the crew and field work.

On most projects, Rick Bartelt, your designer, and the production manager meet with you onsite on a weekly basis to review progress and discuss the next steps.

Completion

When the project nears completion, the production manager walks through the project with you and forms a “punch list” of items that need to be addressed before we leave the site. The project coordinator makes a final visit to receive feedback, give you warranty and product usage information, and offer operation tips. Then it’s time to enjoy your new space!