Our Process
Our seven step process from contact to completion will let you know what to expect when you do business with us. Step 1: Introductions Fill in the free consultation form on this site and tell us a little about yourself and your project. We will then offer you an appointment time and request more details. Step 2: Free consultation Meet to discuss your design project (allow at least ½ - 1 hour). At this initial, no-charge consultation we will look over your existing plans, designs and photos (if available) and will discuss with you the design criteria, structural considerations, the quality of the fixtures and options available. This meeting is also your opportunity to assess Hot Chippies. It is important that you feel there is a ‘match’ between you and your chosen builder as, after all, you will be seeing a lot of them. You will learn that Hot Chippies are sensitive to you concerns about security, construction dust and debris, communication and safety. Step 3: Ballpark Estimate
This free of charge estimate is typically a feasibility tool for you to use to benchmark the project budget. Please allow ½ hour for a meeting at our office. After several days we will give you a follow-up phone call to discuss your estimate. Note:
· In some cases, the project’s cost ends up within a +/- 20% range of the original estimate.
· The range may be greater for very old homes or where there are many unknowns such as high level of detail or severe complexity.
Step 4: Design stage
After acceptance of the ballpark estimate you will give Hot Chippies permission, via a simple design contract, to begin the design stage. Charges for this service are based on a schedule of rates. Depending on the amount you are willing to invest in the design, we will offer options:
· Option one – use our basic in-house design and drafting package where a practical solution to your need is found.
· Option two – a Hot Chippies consultant will work with an architect or building designer with you or on your behalf.
Once the concept is finalised, we prepare a development application to relevant authorities (where necessary) and then prepare the final specification which is used for a fixed price quote. When the quote is accepted we prepare the construction contract.
If you have already had your plans drafted and/or approved, we use this stage to discuss the finer details that you would like included, and then proceed as above.
Step 5: Preparing to remodel
A pre-construction meeting will take place. We will review all documentation together and decide on a forecasted start date. Other topics covered in this meeting include:
· How you should prepare your house for remodelling
· Setting up a temporary kitchen
· Location of the portable toilet
· Location of the material staging area
· Waste control
· Dust and damage control
· Asbestos hazards
· Home security and project safety
· Children and pets and their safety
· Parking for our construction crew
· How production schedules and working hours will impact your family
· Payment schedules
· Delays incurred and why
· Phone use
· Job signs
Step 6: Construction phase for remodelling and renovations Hot Chippies will draft a production schedule that is shared with all parties involved. Then the real work begins – it’s time to turn your vision into a reality!
We never let a homeowner operate under the illusion that a remodelling project is a ‘walk in the park’. Remodelling will be a major disruption in your family’s lives. Hot Chippies will take precautions to minimise your level of stress. With good communication and a contractor who is sensitive to your expectations and needs, the experience can be what it is meant to be – exciting, fun and rewarding.
Step 7: Project completion
The construction process follows through to completion of the project and completion of the final ‘to do’ list. It is preferred that this is done before the project is handed over.
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