Hi all,
I’m looking for a check list i can use as a walk through pre-construction tool to help me make sure I haven’t missed anything as I’m writing up an estimate. I’m trying to get it all down in the contract teh first time and avoid add-ons.
Thnaks for the help
Steve
From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.
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Replies
You're funny. I think I'll post this on the Site Bulletin Board!
F
First of all Frankie, you should cut him some slack according to the quote in your profile.
Steve it's a good question, a checklist is a valuable tool to have. I'm not sure where you would find one, its kind of just something you figure out as you go, although I have seen them in a couple of magazines(Log Home Living maybe) Good Luck.
pre-construction for what?
new const house?
everything starting from "there's a hill" to the ridge caps and landscaping ...
or .. remodeling ... additions ...
what is your specific project?
I'll have to dig thru the computer ... I have a "list" for estimating remodeling.
might help. Printed out a bunch years ago ... but it's still in there somewhere.
I usually find a copy of that print out right after I realize I left something out of a bid ....
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
other than my typing skills I didn't think it was that funny. OK to be more specific, remodeling construction. I do a lot of it in my head but there's always something I miss or something new I haven't seen before.
what I do now as I visit the home for the first time is do a walk through and take note of items such as flooring species, mouldings types, service ( how many amps) heat, hot water tank size etc. Other examples would be lot size, set backs and such. The next list would be items such as, for example from today, how many shutters and if there are any shutters that would be up against an inside corner ( on a "L" shaped house). What rooms get crown mouldings, or how many 3 way switches do you want.
If anybody has walk through/interview list I'd appreciate it
Thanks
steve... since we do mostly design /build..our prints become the checklist
i've found that a good digital camera can be the biggest help
also.. we work with 25 field categories, and our worksheet has a breakdown that follows those categoriesMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
I'd guess that Mike has developed his own over many years.
It's not hard to do, just sit down and do a mental walk through. Or do it in your own home pretending that you are making an initial sales call.
I had one when I was doing kitchens only. As good as you may think one is, you will find a need to tweak it all the time I would think.
Camera is a good idea, but the client has to know you or trust you enough to be comfortable with that.
I was just at Borders and fingered a book of nothing but construction checklists.........I can't say much about it as I only thumbed it. I have no idea who the author is.
Maybe it rings a bell with someone else here.
EricI Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
[email protected]
I take my digital camera on my walkthrough. Sometimes I shoot picutres with my tape measure extended and laying beside details.
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Holy Canoli! Sorry. I really thought you were joking! All you stated was that you needed a checklist as a pre-construction tool. No hint of whether it was residential or commercial, bedroom or bath addition, kitchen or basement remodel. Since you were concerned about missing anything and you missed these fundemental generalities I was certain it was a joke.Please accept my apologyPost #5 of this thread would have better served you as the initial post.Since you are truely asking:Lists can be misleading and/ or limiting. Try to think in terms of your methodology. Come up with a process to assess a project. Bring a camera. It's amazing how much we don't remember when compiling a Proposal. It's a great referance tool.For each room have an area on your pad for each trade. I find it easier to "wear one hat" at a time while assessing each room.Pay attention to the customer. Sometimes these lists can get you in trouble by overstepping the scope of work in your efforts to be thorough.Shake the customers hand while looking them square in the eyes - when you introduce yourself and when you leave.Hope this is helpful,F
No offence taken, I shouldn't write messages in the middle of the night when I should sleeping, yes the second note was better. Thanks for the advice, I basically do that now. Tell you the truth no matter how detailed I get , the client always changes their mind anyway!
I like the "Complete Guide to Contracting Your Own Home"
It has a very comprehensive estimating cost list and it breaks down the job into managable catagories.
ANDYSZ2
I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.
Remodeler/Punchout
This may not be a help but it's worth a shot.
Jon Blakemore
Steve, email me at [email protected].
Back in Michigan I had many of them. We did bathrooms, kitchens, decks, roofing division, siding/window replacement division, even took roofs off ranch houses and put second floors on them, plus built a few Lindal Cedar houses. Anyway, if I can't find any of them - had one for each type of project I'll collaborate with you to get them created.