Renovation Roadmap - Sneak Peak

July 1, 2015Copyright 2014 Synergy Design & Construction, Inc.All rights reserved.Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of thispublication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in anyform or any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying andrecording for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use without thewritten permission of Synergy Design & Construction, Inc.Synergy Design & Construction, Inc.11703 Bowman Green Drive, Suite 100Reston, Virginia 20190Phone 703-766-6333

About the Author After working in the real estate, sales, and design fields, Mina Fies experienced first-hand the frustration and dissatisfaction of homeowners during the remodeling process. She and her husband developed a unique system (the Renovation Roadmap™), which alleviates frustration by choreographing all aspects of the remodeling process – from concept to completion. Passionate about home renovation, Mina creates spaces that nurture and empower clients through a methodical and holistic approach to remodeling. Also a Certified Practitioner of Interior Alignment® (Instinctive Feng Shui) and Certified Green Professional (CGP), Mina believes understanding and embracing the spaces around us is the key to living healthier, happier, and more environmentally friendly lives. Mina speaks regularly at industry conferences and seminars and is seen in national, local, and online media outlets. As Past President of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Greater DC Chapter, Mina is committed to helping women business owners create successful businesses they’re passionate about. Mina is a native Virginian who lives and works with her husband in Reston. She enjoys biking, camping, yoga and is an avid golfer—with the accomplishment (luck) of an 83 yard hole-in-one. | Page 2

About Safety, Codes, & PermitsEvery reader has a different degree of experience regarding construction. Thisbook is designed to guide you as you work with licensed professionals to ensureyou have a smooth renovating experience.Please be mindful that most states or localities regulate the kinds of projectsdescribed in this book. These regulations exist because poorly designed or poorlyimplemented work tends to lead to bodily injuries (including death) or propertydamage (including complete destruction of the subject building and neighboringproperties). The authors assume no responsibility for bodily injuries, propertydamage, or other losses relating to your decision to undertake any project.The building, plumbing, electrical and other construction-industry codes that paidcontractors are expected to follow also apply to do-it-yourself homeowners.These codes are designed to protect homeowners from design flaws that couldlead to bodily injury or property damage.In addition to codes, most states or localities require a government issued permitbefore starting a project involving electrical, gas, plumbing, mechanical, orstructural systems. If a paid contractor would be expected to obtain a countypermit before starting a particular project, odds are a homeowner would need thesame permit.The permit process usually includes your locality’s review of plans for compliancewith code and/or the locality’s inspection upon completion of the project. Thelocality’s involvement is, once again, designed to protect homeowners fromdesign or implementation flaws that could lead to bodily injury or propertydamage. Failure to obtain a necessary permit could result in a fine or otherpenalty even if your work is fantastic; and in some jurisdictions the penalty mightinclude removal of all the work done without the permit.Regulations differ from one state to another; and sometimes differ from onecounty or town to another within the same state. Regulations also change overtime, which means the guidance in this book will at some point become out-of-date. Please check with your local government before you start any project todetermine precisely what, if any, code or permit conditions might apply to yourproject idea. Even if your project does not require permits, you may wish to havea qualified home inspector check the completed work for code compliance andsoundness. | Page 3

CONTENTS 6 8 Introduction 10 Getting Started 11 BEFORE you get on the road 13 Ways to Renovate 14 16 STOP 1: Customize Your Itinerary 17 Make your lists and check them twice Now the \"Why\" 17 Example Project Scope 17 18 Existing Problems New Features 19 How We Will Use the Renovated Space 19 Time to Interview Contractors 20 20 Before you meet 21 The Meeting 22 Supplements Must Have List 23 Your Project Scope Worksheet 24 STOP 2: Get Your Bearings 25 Supplements 26 27 Measurement & Drawing Checklist 28 Photo Checklist Sample Floorplan Sketch with Dimensions 29 Sample As-Built Floorplan Drawing 30 STOP 3: Create Scenic Views 31 Supplements 34 Sample Design Concept Drawings | Page 4 Sample Lighting Plan Drawing

STOP 4: Set Your GPS 35 Supplements 36 Preliminary Material Price List 37 Preliminary Material Price List (Cont'd) 38STOP 5: Make Time for Shopping 39 Supplements 39 Preferred Vendor List/Contact Information 40 Sample Finish Schedule 42 Template 43 Sample Selections Sheet 44 Sample Selections Sheet (Cont'd) 45STOP 6: Same Sheet of Music 46STOP 7: Moving Forward 48 49 Supplements 50 Sample Contract 59 Sample Draw Schedule 60 Production Schedule 62 Contract Checklist 63STOP 8: The Light at the End of the Tunnel 64 Supplements 65 Pre-Construction Meeting Checklist 68STOP 9: Crystal Clear 70STOP 10: Completion 71 Supplements 72 Sample Punch List 79Conclusion | Page 5

IntroductionHave you ever wondered why renovations go wrong? My searches for theanswer is what started my journey, and lead me to my life-long passion: helpingothers actually enjoy the remodeling process and live in the home of their dreams.I previously worked for a design/build firm and saw how stressed and confusedhomeowners were as they approached their renovations. I knew there had to be abetter way.I can’t tell you how many times we’d spend months working with a client on theirdesign, pricing, and meticulously planning their project, only for them to choose a“less-expensive” contractor in the end. No matter how many times I warned themof the pitfalls that may be ahead of them, they would ultimately go with the too-good-to-be-true contractor, only to call me back a couple of months later in tearsabout how their project was going. Things like: l Their contractor told them their kitchen would be completed in six weeks, and 3 months have gone by with no end in sight. l Their “less expensive” contractor has given them a stack of “change orders” and the actual costs are going to be 40% higher than they thought. l They feel like they’re a project manager because no one’s on site every day to greet the subcontractors and answer their questions.But you’re probably not surprised by these stories. We’ve all heard them before.If it hasn’t already happened to you, it’s probably happened to a family member, afriend, or a co-worker.Let’s face it: the construction industry doesn’t have the best reputation.People don’t trust the system...and for good reason. Some statistics show that onaverage, 30% of all contractors go out of business every year! Imagine if 10 of your Introduction | Page 6

neighbors were doing a renovation, and three of the contractors went out ofbusiness. The contractor just runs out of money and abandons the project—allleading to one more negative remodeling story.I got fed up and decided to do something about it. I tapped my husband Mark onthe shoulder and convinced him we could elevate the construction industry andcreate a better way. It didn’t matter to me that it was 2008 and we were in theworst economy since the great depression, or that most people were getting OUTof the construction industry, or even that I was a woman in a male-dominatedfield. I was driven by something much deeper than logic, my intuition and drive tomake a difference for people.That’s when we started Synergy Design & Construction.We chose the name “synergy” because it means: the working together of two ormore things to produce a result greater than the sum of the individual parts.The key to a great customer experience is having a strong synergy betweendesign AND construction. You can’t have an Architect or Interior Designer create aplan that far exceeds a client’s budget, nor do you want a contractor without theknowledge or skill to execute the design that’s been given to them. All partiesmust work together to produce a great design and a well-executed plan.So we became laser focused on creating a system that would take care of ourclients and provide an exceptional EXPERIENCE throughout the design andrenovating process. This focus went far beyond great quality construction andaward-winning design, we wanted our clients to actually ENJOY the remodelingprocess from start to finish, and our motto became “Renovate Happy™.”It was a tall order, but our determination paid off. In just a few short years, weamassed droves of fanatic clients (most of whom are now like family members)and a long list of award-winning projects garnering both local and nationalrecognition. All of this during one of the most economically challenging timessince the Great Depression!Years of continuous improvement, perfecting processes, and learning what worksbest led us to creating a roadmap that takes our clients on a stress-free and funrenovating journey. Every time.One day it dawned on me that I wanted to help more people. It wasn’t possible forus to work with everyone personally, so I decided to share our experiences foreveryone’s benefit. That’s when the Renovation Roadmap™ was born.It has been a labor of love and one that I am extremely proud of. My sincere hopeis that you find it as invaluable as it has been for our team and our clients.Enjoy the journey, Introduction | Page 7

Getting StartedCongratulations on taking your first step towards a stress-free renovation!Renovating can often be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be painful. When youfollow this proven process, you will find yourself not only enjoying your newspace, but fondly remembering how you got there! With this book you will learn: l How the design process works l What questions to ask yourself before starting l Practical how-to tips on what to measure and include in your new floorplan l How to interact with your contractor, what to look for, and how to keep the lines of communication open l How to avoid costly mistakes by moving too fast l Sample contract documents, checklists, and questionnaires to help you stay organized and in control of your renovation from start to finishThis system will quickly become your go-to resource. It not only provides you thedirection and clear roadmap to a stress-free renovation, but it’s also meant tobecome your very own design and construction binder, where you’ll keepeverything related to your project.From floorplans and design choices, to all your construction documents, warrantyinformation, etc., it has pockets for you to store your design ideas and keepeverything you need in one organized and easy-to-access place.Remember, the more organized and in-control you are, the more time you’llspend enjoying the process vs. being aggravated by it.So how should you approach this guide? Everyone is different, but most peopleapproach this book in one of three ways: 1. Slow and Steady—I highly recommend you read through the entire book once before getting started. This will allow you to become familiar with all the pieces and how they come together and will answer a lot of the question you have about the process before they even come up! 2. Dive Right In—Maybe you aren’t one of those people who likes to read directions. If that’s the case, then by all means, jump right in and get started! If you find you have questions, just turn to the chapter that your question pertains to. 3. In Progress—You may already be in the middle of a renovation and need construction guidance. Wherever you are in the process, just turn to the chapter that pertains to you and get started. Introduction | Page 8

Regardless of your preferred approach, the first thing you need to do is: Put yourbinder together.There are a lot of great checklists and examples of documents that you’ll want torefer to as you read through the book. You may already have some informationand want to get started by filling in the blanks. The more organized you are in thebeginning, the easier it will be the whole way through.When starting a construction project, the amount of things that need to get donecan be overwhelming, so try not to breeze through the material, focusing only onthe homework. Remember, this is a process and although it takes time, followingthe steps will give you the peace of mind you desire out of your renovationexperience.Throughout this guide, we sometimes mention steps that sound as though they’re\"absolutes\"—\"you need to do this\" or \"you should do that.\" Every home andproject's conditions are different as is the expertise of the individuals involved.Standards, building codes, and regulations may vary greatly depending on yourgeographic location. Different localities have different governing bodies andrequirements for contractor licensing. Working on your home and its surroundingproperty can be dangerous. In the end, it’s up to you to ensure the success of yourproject and the approach, tools, professionals, and individual skills you use willultimately influence how it all turns out.We’re committed to providing useful and accurate information. We welcome yourcomments and suggestions for improving this publication and how it might beable to best serve those who choose to use it. Introduction | Page 9

BEFORE you get on the road(Choosing Your Contractor)There are many ways to go about renovating your home. One of the most criticalaspects of choosing your contractor is ensuring the type of contractor is inalignment with the type of renovating experience you wish to have.For example, if you’re the type of person who loves to look for the best deal,purchase tile from Costco and DirectBuy, and be intimately involved with thedetails of the construction, you probably won’t like working with a design/buildfirm. You just don’t need that much hand holding. It’s kind of like hiring a CPA tobalance your checkbook.On the flip side, if you know you don’t have the time to manage the details or thevision to choose material selections without professional guidance, you won’t getthe service you need by going to a \"one-man-band\" or general contractor.Both of these approaches have their own merits and one is not better than theother. You just want to take a moment to ensure what you want is in alignmentwith the service provider you choose.When that alignment is there from the start, you are well on your way to asuccessful renovating experience. Review the “Ways to Renovate” handout on thenext two pages and determine what type of contractor you should be engagingwith in the first place. Introduction | Page 10

Ways to Renovate Introduction | Page 11

Introduction | Page 12

STOP 1: Customize Your Itinerary(Time to Interview Contractors)Preparation is the key. Your first meeting with your contractor is an important onebecause it sets the tone of all your future interactions and ensures that everyone ison the same page. You’ll want to set aside enough time (1½ to 2 hours) and makesure you minimize distractions so you don’t feel pulled in too many directions.Come to this meeting prepared with an investment amount you’re comfortable inspending. Having a clear budget goal is one of the most important things tocommunicate to your contractor upfront. Although you may not have all the detailsor know how much renovations should cost, you know you don’t want to over-invest in your home and have a number you’re not willing to go beyond. Sharingyour vision will provide clear direction of your expectations and what you want,and don’t want, as part of your renovation. STOP 1: Customize Your Itinerary | Page 13

Make your lists and check them twiceAs you discover the enormous range of possibilities, luxurious features andfinishes, options and upgrades, you may feel overwhelmed. The “Must Haves,”“Bonus Items,” and “Pinch Me” lists will guide you throughout the process so thatyour dreams become reality.This information will also create a foundation for developing the overall plan thatsuits your lifestyle and your home. The process of creating these lists establishesrealistic expectations, minimizes impulsive decisions, and fosters an objectivebalance between fantasy and reality. Consider the following guidelines to get youstarted: 1. Keep separate lists. Maintain individual needs “Must Haves,” “Bonus Items,” and luxury “Pinch Me” lists. These three lists will help you separate what you really need from what you’d like, and help you prioritize your purchases (and stay in budget). l Must Have's—This is a list of features or materials that must be part of your renovation. If renovating a kitchen, a double oven may be a necessity for you, or maybe you know you prefer a single, extra deep apron sink for example. Whatever those must-have features are, they need to be included on this list. l Bonus Items—These are items that although not critical to your renovation, you’d really like to have them included, if budget allows. If renovating a basement, you may really want a fireplace in your main living space or crown moulding placed throughout. These items would be wonderful to have, but are not critical to your satisfaction with the end product. l Pinch Me List— This is your fantasy list. These are features that you would love to have, but that are by no means necessary. Maybe you’d like to have heated floors in your mudroom, a skylight added to your master bath or a pot-filler in your kitchen. It may be possible to provide a few bells and whistles that you didn’t think were originally obtainable, so it’s important to communicate these fantasy features to your contractor so they know what they are. 2. Take Your Time. Add to your lists following visits to friend’s homes, open houses, model homes, or local home shows. The goal is to explore alternatives in order to find the perfect features for your dream home. As professional remodelers, we find that it’s easier to provide clients with exactly what they want when they come prepared with clear ideas. STOP 1: Customize Your Itinerary | Page 14

3. Start an idea book. Supplement your lists with photos or articles from online resources like Houzz and Pinterest, as well as magazines and newspapers. This will help reinforce and illustrate your ideas and ensure your design style is easily communicated to others. 4. Think outside the kitchen. In addition to the \"glamour\" rooms, keep in mind storage areas, laundry and service rooms, and family and entertainment spaces. These \"additional spaces\" are vitally important to the comfort of your family and critical to your ultimate satisfaction. 5. List your don'ts. Keep track of the things that irritate you about your current house. A remodeling project is a chance to make the changes you've always wanted, so be sure that you take advantage of the opportunity. Let your remodeler help you avoid other pitfalls, as well. 6. Think resale. How long you plan to remain in your home is a key factor to consider. Although it’s important to keep your home updated and current, you don’t want to “over-improve” either. How many years you plan to remain in the home is an important factor in determining how much you should invest in your renovation. For example, incorporating a large wine cellar into your basement’s design may be something you would thoroughly enjoy, however if you only plan to be in the home another 2-4 years, you may want to skip that additional investment and incorporate it into your plans for your next home. If, on the other hand, you plan to remain in the home another 10+ years, by all means, add that wine cellar and enjoy entertaining with friends and family for years to come!Once you’ve pulled together your lists, take an objective look at what's reallyneeded and what you're willing to let go of for budget reasons. Prioritize yourMust Haves list and eliminate items that you know are unrealistic orunnecessary. On your Bonus Items list for example, spend a little timetransferring items of low priority to the Pinch Me list as ideas you can plan for inthe future.By the time you are finished, what started as a rough collection of your dreamshas evolved into a clear-cut set of expectations and priorities. At the same time,you have created a guide that will help you make tangible all that you hoped forin a renewed house. STOP 1: Customize Your Itinerary | Page 15

Now the \"Why\"Your Renovation GoalsAfter completing your lists, you are now clear aboutwhat you want to incorporate into your new space,now take just a little time figuring out the “why” soyou can pull your vision together.Taking time to be clear about what exactly is and is NOTworking with your current space will help to ensure allyour concerns are addressed as you move into thedesign of your new space.Use the worksheet at the end of this section to writedown each why - the ultimate ideas and reasonsbehind your decision to renovate. Your Project Scopedescribes what you want to achieve in terms of dailyliving. For each goal, list the areas in your home thatwill be affected, any existing problems that need to becorrected, the new features you want added (using thelists you’ve created earlier in this section), and yourdescription of how you expect to use the space whenthe renovation is completed. STOP 1: Customize Your Itinerary | Page 16

Example Project ScopeGoal: Modernize and expand our kitchen area.Areas Affected: The kitchen.Existing Problems l The kitchen is too small and cramped, and the eating area is inadequate. l There isn’t enough counter space, and the existing cupboards are too small. l The kitchen is also cut off from the rest of the house so when we have visitors, the person cooking either can’t talk to them or everyone crowds in the kitchen. l The adjacent formal dining room is rarely used; it’s not our style. l Finally, the entire area seems dark and closed in, particularly in the winter.New FeaturesMust Haves: l Replace the single sink with a double unit. l Built-in refrigerator. A kitchen island with task lighting. l A breakfast nook that can comfortable seat six people. l A large pantry that is convenient to the kitchen work area.Bonus Items: l Glass doors on cabinetry l Above and below cabinetry lightingPinch Me: l Would love to relocate the washer and dryer upstairs (if possible). l Add recessed lights to the family room. STOP 1: Customize Your Itinerary | Page 17

How We Will Use the Renovated Space l We'll be able to cook a complete dinner without having to stop and clean up because there's no workspace. l We'll have family dinners in the eating area. l Whoever is in the kitchen will be able to easily talk with guests in the living room. l The kitchen will be a warm and inviting place with lots of light where we find it easy to entertain friends and family. TIP: Don't limit yourself to just the project at hand. Creating a whole home plan by using this format is a great way to address future renovation needs. By thinking ahead to your next renovation, you can avoid duplicating efforts that affect adjoining spaces. STOP 1: Customize Your Itinerary | Page 18

Time to Interview ContractorsBefore you meetYou are your own best advocate. Although a company may come highlyrecommended by a friend or co-worker, you’ll want to do your own research toensure they’re a fit for YOUR project. Doing a good job for your neighbor fiveyears ago is not an indication the company is still providing the same level ofservice and expertise.Recent online reviews and information found on Google and Houzz.com can bevery helpful, and although most contractors will have a profile on Houzz.com,don’t forget how important it is to have a good website overall. The more carethey take in telling their story and showing examples of the work they do, themore likely they are to take care of you and your home throughout the process.Once you’ve chosen the type of remodeling firm you’re looking for, you’ll need toprepare for your meeting. Please remember: different localities have differentgoverning bodies and requirements for contractor licensing. l Make sure you know the difference between all the ways to renovate. (See handout in previous chapter). l Ensure they are licensed in the state where you live. Visit the website for your state and search to see if your remodeler or contractor is licensed. Licensed contractors are subject to laws designed to protect consumers. l Getting a contractor's license isn’t easy! The application and approval process to be licensed in many states requires the contractor to attend a business course, successfully pass the standardized testing, and have a clean criminal record. The company’s financial position (net worth) may also be taken into consideration in their application. All of which you’ll want someone to go through before trusting them with your home. l License classes may be determined by the level of individual contact value (or project) that the contractor would have capacity to perform most successfully. (For example, a Virginia Class A contractor handles individual contract value over $120K or over $750K per year.) l Licensing also then breaks the down the classifications specific to their trade (such as building, electrical, plumbing, etc.) l Make sure your contractor has insurance. Contractors are required to carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Not only does the General Contractor need insurance but so do all of the Subcontractors. STOP 1: Customize Your Itinerary | Page 19

l Talking to the contractor’s referrals or references is also very important. Ask them questions, like: l Did the contractor keep to the schedule and the contract terms? l Did the contractor listen to you when you had a problem and seem concerned about resolving it? l Did the contractor willingly make any necessary correction?The MeetingNow it's time to meet with contractors. What to ask: l Business history—How long have they been in business? l Why did they start their company? It’s important to know the motivation and the “why” so you get a sense of their values and what drives their culture. l Do they frequently handle projects of your size? l What is their approach to this type of project? l What are they looking for in a client? l How many projects do they complete in a year and how many do they have going on at one time? l Who will be at your home everyday and how will it be supervised? l How do they ensure their projects come in on time and on budget? l What kind of warranty to they offer?Taking time to put together your lists and think through how long you truly planto remain in your home is essential in preparing for your meeting with yourcontractor. With a little preparation, you will easily be able to communicate yourneeds, take control of the meeting, and have a firm understanding of how youwant your renovation to be completed.Supplements l Must Have List l Project Scope Worksheet ?Homework l Complete Must Have List. l Complete Project Scope Worksheet l Schedule and conduct your contractor meetings. STOP 1: Customize Your Itinerary | Page 20

Must Have List Must Haves, Bonus Items, and Pinch Me ListsMust Have Items:Bonus Items:Pinch Me Items: STOP 1: Customize Your Itinerary | Page 21