The Remodeling Process
Remodeling projects seem to have some common high and low points for many homeowners. If you are a seasoned remodeling veteran, you may already know what to expect. If you have not lived through a remodeling project before you are probably approaching your project with some degree of both anxiety and excitement. The purpose of this is not to cast a shadow of doubt on your project before it starts, but rather simply point out some of these high and low points that naturally occur in the course of most remodeling projects. This way, you will have a realistic idea of what to expect. We know that your remodeling project is more than just a job to you, it’s a major impact on your life. This is something that will be permanent to your home. Natural Breeze strives to make this as painless as possible for you.
We promise to maintain an orderly and organized jobsite and we strive to give you back as much of your home as possible with each passing phase. Daily jobsite clean up is followed by a thorough cleaning upon completion. On large projects such as full floor or entire home remodels we will include a professional cleaning of your home upon completion. Our goal is to work through your project while keeping your home as clean and orderly as possible.
First, every remodeling job creates some degree of disorder, dust, uncertainty, and inconvenience. People will be tearing apart your house and putting it back together again – many of the people you haven’t met before. We understand that this can be an unsettling experience and, accordingly, we expect our crews and trade-partners to respect the fact that this is your home they are working in. We want you to know that if you have any problems in this area we will take immediate steps to correct them.
Second, remodeling proceeds in stages. One of the most difficult stages is working through the planning and design process. It is critical that the necessary time be spent early on to ensure a successful outcome. Architects are necessary for some projects and interior designers can be very helpful. We have a team of people we work with regularly for these specialties. We are here to assist you in developing and spelling out your ideas and wishes.
Another difficult early stage is the demolition phase. The insides of your house will be exposed. Electrical, heating, or plumbing services may be intermittently interrupted during this time. Dust, dirt, and debris piles will be visible in and around the work area. You may be asked to clean out cabinets, take pictures off the wall, or even empty entire rooms. All of this can be rather stressful.
However, don’t worry – the demolition phase goes quickly, and will be cleaned up just as rapidly. Once the framing nears completion, people usually feel optimistic and start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. After the framing is completed and the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work are underway, the project can appear to slow down because the progress is not as dramatic and visible as in the framing phase. However, a lot of detail work is completed at this time. For instance, there are many required inspections by building officials. It’s critical that the work be done thoroughly at this point prior to insulating and closing the walls with drywall.
Next, comes the drywall stage which, most people are excited about. When the walls are covered with drywall, suddenly the rooms take on their true proportions and people start to imagine what it will be like to move back in. This phase is usually messy though we take a number of precautionary steps such as plastic walls, HEPA air filters, etc. Even so the dust is fine and some dust can filter throughout the house regardless of all the steps taken to minimize the infiltration.
The final stage is the finish work – grading and exterior concrete flat work, interior and exterior painting, installation of all interior doors and finish work, installation of cabinets, tile, and floor coverings. installation of finish plumbing and electrical fixtures, installation of shelving, closet poles, mirrors, glass shower doors, hardware, appliances, etc. This work requires a fair amount of time and the efforts of many different trades. Despite our best efforts and procedures some difficulties may arise. Plumbing leaks, rain infiltration, delays due to scheduling conflicts, and accidents may happen. Remember this is a human endeavor.
Nevertheless, thanks to a well-planned and coordinated scheduling efforts the day arrives when your project is completed. Finally, your house is once again your private residence, free of constant construction activity that has transformed your ideas and plans into the new spaces that you will enjoy for years to come.
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Whether you want to simply give your bathroom a facelift, expand your bathroom, or add an entire bathroom suite, we can help. Imagine coming home after a long day to a spa-like bathroom where you can unwind and relax. Luxury additions like walk-in steam showers, showers with multiple shower heads, whirlpool tubs, his-and-her vanities, and heated towel racks will transform your bathroom into a room you won’t want to leave.
Additions
From design to final touches, we can help you put together all the details of you addition.