Here’s Our Proven 10-Step Process…

A Step-By-Step Snapshot Of Exactly What To Expect From Upscale Remodeling.

At Upscale Remodeling, we’ve developed and implemented a detailed process that we follow for nearly all of our remodeling projects that virtually eliminates oversights and mistakes and helps ensure that we leave no stone unturned.

The 10-step process below is for more complex projects that require some level of design/engineering. We’ll follow modified versions of this process for less complex jobs such as basic kitchens and bathrooms, countertop replacement, window and door replacement and simple handyman/repair work.

Give us a call and we’ll be happy to consult with you about the particulars of your project.

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Step 1: Phone Meeting – Mutual Qualification

• Give us a call or visit our kitchen and bath showroom (preferably by appointment) to discuss your project in broad terms
• You’ll get a feel for who we are and how we conduct ourselves
• We’ll get a feel for your project and if it’s a good fit for our company
• If both parties feel like there’s a match, we’ll schedule a face-to-face meeting

Step 2: Complimentary Consultation & Preliminary Estimate

• We meet at your home to determine your specific needs and evaluate your project’s feasibility
• We’ll listen to your wants and needs and share our professional advice, ideas & suggestions
• We’ll discuss your anticipated budget or comfort range and compare it to what you’re trying to accomplish
• If possible, we’ll provide a “broad range ballpark estimate” or “recommended budget/investment range” for your project based on our experience to see if we’re on the same page
• If this is not possible, we’ll document existing conditions and take basic measurements as needed to prepare ballpark pricing or a preliminary estimate range for you (generally within one week depending on the size of your project)
• Invite you to visit similar projects we’ve completed so you can see our work first-hand; up close and personal so you’ll know exactly what kind of work you can expect from us
• You are not obligated to continue with us at this point

Step 3: Project Development Agreement

• If you feel comfortable with us and with the “estimate” or “recommended budget range” discussed and want to continue with us, you’ll sign a basic 2-page “Project Development Agreement”
• This document simply confirms that you are serious about exploring this project and are willing to pay the actual costs to design it and/or work out all the details necessary for creating a clear set of specifications and a firm price for the work
• You will pay a retainer fee equal to 5% of the higher end of the “estimate” or budget range
• This does not commit you to doing the project with us and unless otherwise discussed, this retainer gets applied to the cost of your project provided that you move forward with us for construction/installation
• Your project is then tentatively placed in our production schedule
• You may drop out of this process at any time during the design phase and receive a refund of your retainer, minus any costs incurred to that point for designing, specifying and/or estimating your project

Step 4: Design Development & Product Selection

• Review the project with our designer at your home
• We’ll have a more in-depth conversation with you about your project and specific design needs
• Thoroughly photograph and document existing conditions and take careful measurements
• Investigate building codes and lot restrictions as they relate to your project
• With your budget in mind we’ll begin designing your project following our detailed Design/Build Process
• Provide sketches and various design options and begin basic material and product selection that’s tailored specifically to you.
• Review design options and get your feedback
• Discuss pros and cons of various design options
• Modify and revise the design as necessary to suit your needs
• Finalize your design
• Finalize your material and product selections; roofing, siding, exterior trim, windows & doors, plumbing, electrical & lighting fixtures, wall & ceiling finishes, decking, interior doors & trim, cabinetry, appliances and countertops, hardware, flooring & tile, paints & stains, etc… (all normally done in our kitchen and bath showroom with the professional guidance of our design team)
• Review the investment range based on final design and product selections
• “Value Engineering” – If necessary and practical we’ll revise the design and/or selections to help meet your budgetary needs
• You decide if you want to move forward with the project or not – It’s completely up to you. If not, we will refund your retainer fee, minus any costs incurred to this point for designing, specifying and estimating your project

Step 5: Formal Specifications & Construction Documents

• Prepare and sign the Formal Specifications and Agreement (the contract)
• This document describes all the details of the project and will state the total investment amount as determined in the previous step along with an equitable payment schedule
• At this point you are obligated to move forward with the work and, unless otherwise discussed, your initial retainer fee will be credited as a deposit on the actual construction costs
• Complete Final Construction Drawings including Structural Engineering (if needed)
• Revise the pricing if needed to reflect any changes due to Structural Engineering
• Process and hand off to our production team; making sure everything is in order to ensure they have everything they need to complete your project accurately and in a timely manner

Step 6: Pre-Production Planning And Preparation

• To minimize delays, we create a complete production plan for your project BEFORE any work begins
  • Obtain Permits as needed
  • Create a project schedule
  • Order special order materials ahead of time to avoid unnecessary delays once work begins
  • Test for lead and other hazardous materials when and where applicable (if not done already)
  • Assign your project to one of our Lead Carpenters that’s best suited for your project
  • Review your project with our various trade specialists that will be involved in your project
  • Schedule a start date for the work to begin
• No detail is too small; we plan for EVERYTHING… to ensure a smooth and stress-free remodeling experience

Step 7: Construction Phase

• Pre-Construction meeting to review your project:
  • Introduce you to your Lead Carpenter (the person in charge of your project)
  • Introduce you to our Production Manager (the person in charge of all our jobs in progress)
  • Review all the details of your project together
  • Discuss the plan and work schedule
  • Discuss dumpster, port-a-john and material storage locations
  • Discuss any special needs related to working in and around your home, family and pets
  • Answer any questions and address any concerns you may have
• We simply follow our plan and complete the job according to the pre-determined specifications and schedule
• With few exceptions your Lead Carpenter will be on-site daily and our Production Manager is on-site at least weekly
• Your project will be completed by talented, friendly craftsmen dedicated to producing top quality work
• All materials are typically hand selected; defective material is rejected and returned to our supplier
• You will be constantly updated on our progress every step of the way; no unpleasant surprises at the end of the job

Step 8: Final Walk-Through & Sign-Offs

• Upon completion of your project, your lead carpenter and our production manager sign off that the job is complete and flawless
• You will then be taken through a final walk-through; the project is not considered complete until you say it’s complete by signing our “Certificate of Completion & Acceptance”

Step 9: Client Feedback & Survey

• After the project is complete, we will have a third-party survey team contact you to get any feedback you have about the project
• We ask that you give us any and all feedback, positive or negative. As industry leaders, we are always striving to improve and your input is vital to that process

Step 10: Warranty & Follow Up

• We warranty our workmanship for a period of 5-years after the completion of the project
• We’ll come back annually for 5 consecutive years to inspect the work we’ve performed for you to ensure that the work we’ve done stands up to the test of time

Already have plans or currently working with an architect? We would welcome the opportunity to provide an estimate on your project and discuss the possibility of being your Ithaca remodeling contractor. Just contact us today for a complimentary consultation.