Restoration & Renovation Reports

Bid Specification & Budget Reports

Determining the cost is a critical element of a successful renovation project. We have the necessary experience and knowledge to provide sound advice and accurate prices. The final price is the result of discussions between us to develop a plan for your renovation at a price level you are comfortable with. The pricing process begins with a thorough inspection of the property, followed by a description of the work and cost estimates which will help you select your best options. It ends once we have a written, firm bid outlining the terms and conditions of engagement to undertake and complete the project with a competent contractor of your choice.

Estimates are opinions or judgments. As consultants, we can often provide budget amounts based on our experience. For a more accurate estimate, we must develop specific information - dimensions, a list of materials and products, along with plans and specifications. An estimate is often presented as a cost range to help you refine your plans and make choices about what to include in the renovation. Usually, estimates are part of the service provided in order to determine a budget. It is important to remember that estimates are not binding. To get firm prices, you need written bids.

A bid is an offer to perform your renovation for a specified price, based on a detailed description of the work to be done. It will specify a scope of work to be completed. A bid is legally binding and becomes part of the contract between us once you accept it. Depending on the type and scale of your renovation, designs, blueprints or engineering reports may be required before a proper bid can be prepared. These documents may also be required for municipal permits. If your renovation involves more than one trade, a complete inspection of your building is also needed. We charge a fee for these out sourcing services if required.

Quality & Budget Control Management

Without competent supervision, restoration and renovation contractors whither they are approved nor not approved and the usual construction problems that arise during a project can quickly cause the restoration or renovation to get out of control. Most projects are site managed by the contractor. Letting the contractor have a "free rein" to make decisions may seem harmless, until you realize the consequences.

When a contractor is placed in a bid situation, this usually means stripping away details that could be considered frivolous but are still part of the quality of construction that the owner had or expects to have before the process started. Saving money on the project costs is now the contractor's priority. The contractor has to make money on the job or he will not be around for long, approved or not.

Although the most accepted method of pricing is unit costing, component costing is probably the fairest method for the larger projects. Even though detailed demolition strips away most of the building components in the affected area, there still is the costs associated with the retrofitting and restoration of these building components that have to be replaced.

"We offer peace of mind through knowledge and expertise"