During our Initial Consultation, one item of discussion is the contractor that will be performing the work on your home. We strongly recommend that our clients use one of our preferred contractors, also known as our A-Team. This is for many reasons.
In this article, we will outline what you can expect from our A-Team contractors and what you can expect to avoid. We will also talk about the impact that can have on your entire renovation for years to come.
First, let's talk about one thing we do differently at AMR Design - we don't go out for RFPs.
Why not?
An RFP in the home renovation industry is a "Request for Proposal." This is a document that outlines the scope of work to be completed and is sent out to multiple contractors to provide their pricing.
The problem with this approach is that the cheapest contractor is not necessarily the best contractor. Your home is too important to take such an approach.
Our A-Team represents the best of the best here in Edmonton. They aren't the cheapest, but they are the best. They are truly the A-Team!
When we recommend a contractor, we also want it to be the right fit. We want you to feel comfortable with the people working inside your home. Our A-Team are contractors that we have worked with on previous projects. We know their style, their unique strengths and how they will complete your project.
While we don't do RFP's, we do follow a process that provides you a detailed Conceptual Design budget before you move too far along in the process. This allows everyone involved to determine a true scope based on real numbers. The next step of the Detailed Design then provides you with an in-depth design plan, as well as a very detailed budget with your contractor based on true finishes, concrete floorplans and all the leg work in the back ground already completed on your behalf.
Avoiding renovation horror stories
It's a story we've seen play out many times before.
A homeowner chooses a contractor who comes in with a lower price and is thrilled with the cost savings (because who doesn't like to save here and there?!)
However, it turns out it wasn't just a low price. It was an unrealistically low price. There tend to be communications issues from day one - between the contractor and the homeowner and between us and the contractor. This trickles down to the other trades and vendors.
The trades have also been inexpensive, which usually means a lower quality end product, like not doing proper waterproofing behind shower walls. Or the plan isn't followed - the contractor overrules the project in order for it to fit that low price.
Inevitably, there are problems.
So the homeowner calls the contractor to correct the issues. If the contractor returns (and they don't always return), they charge for the repairs. Or, the issues don't become apparent for years down the line. By then, that contractor may not even be in business anymore.
The excitement of saving money at the outset has long since disappeared, as the true cost is much more than the homeowner bargained for.
Let's compare that with what you can expect from our A-Team.
Our A-Team communicates well
We've all been there. You're trying to renovate your home and you feel like you're being left in the dark. No one is returning your calls or replying to your emails promptly. It's frustrating, to say the least.
This is not what you can expect when working with our A-Team contractors. One of their defining characteristics is that they communicate well. If there's an issue, you will know about it. If there's a change in schedule, you will be updated.
We believe in building long-term relationships with the contractors, trades and suppliers that we work with - in fact, some have been with us since the very beginning. That means that we only want to work with those who will treat our clients well.
Our A-Team follows the plan
As mentioned, one of the issues that can arise when working with a less reputable contractor is that they don't follow the plan. They take shortcuts or override decisions in order to save time and money - even if it's not in the best interest of the homeowner or the project.
This is not what you can expect when working with our A-Team. We work hard during the Initial Consultation to build a design that is right for you. We know that you will have to live and work within this design, and we make sure that it represents your style, needs and budget.
Our A-Team respects the work that we do together and will follow the plan that we have put in place.
Our A-Team stands by their work
Remember that contractor that you couldn't get a hold of when there were issues? That's not our A-Team.
Our A-Team stands by their work and they will make things right if there are any problems. They have returned to projects years later to address any concerns that arise.
Our A-Team costs you less in the long run
When we do a project together, we are constantly making sure that everything is running smoothly. We want to avoid any potential problems that could arise.
When we work with our A-Team, we know when things are going smoothly, when there are issues and we are confident that things are going according to the plan. By communicating well with us and by having that relationship, we are confident that we do not need to micromanage every little detail. We are confident in our contractor's ability to do the job well.
A full-scale renovation has a lot of moving parts. Unless your contractor is keeping a close eye on those details, it will quickly fall apart. Using a contractor that excels in project management means that you will save time and money in the long run.
Our A-Team are true professionals
There are many safety and insurance requirements when renovating a home. When you work with our A-Team, you can be confident that they have the proper insurance and are up to date on all of the latest safety requirements.
In addition, our A-Team members are true professionals. They take their work seriously and they understand that this is your home. They will treat you and your property with the utmost respect.
They are, in short, a true A-Team (absolutely accommodating, amazing and able to bring your design to life!)
When you're ready to renovate your home, we hope that you'll consider working with our A-Team. We are confident that you will be happy with the results.
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