HOUSE WHISPERER
TRILOGY CONSTRUCTION GETS ME MOVING…
CHRISTINE MAC SHANE
After the first wave of excitement at the prospect of a remodel project had passed and I was faced with a large unruly kitchen in need of an update, I knew it was definitely time to bring in the experts! As a member of the Association of the Average Do-It-Yourselfer, one must be sensitive to projects that are within one’s abilities and gracefully surrender those that require a greater skill. It was with just that in mind that I made contact with Trilogy Construction in Paradise.
They had been recommended to me by several people I know in the construction trade. Each had mentioned that they were trustworthy, friendly and that their work was impeccable. So, I met with Greg Bolin, Shawn Shingler and Beth Dunn at the project home and immediately felt that we were seeing the same needs for the home and, after a brief discussion, knew that we were heading in the same direction with our plans.
I had just completed the first phase of selecting a contractor.
1. GET REFERRALS AND MEET WITH YOUR POTENTIAL CONTRACTOR. This will give you a sense of who they are, based on work they have done and what past homeowners have to say about their experience with them.
2. VISIT PROJECTS THEY HAVE COMPLETED AND ARE WORKING ON. This will enable you to see if their caliber of work is in keeping with what you are looking for.
-A Good contractor will visit your project site, discuss your plans and budget and gather as much information about what you are hoping for in order to draw up your plans.
-Once they have your go-ahead, they will discuss possible problems, permits and utility issues like fire department requirements and sewer.
-With all that in mind, a rough draft can be created by an architect to determine what adjustments are needed and if you actually need to pay to have a full design drawn up.
-A budget is then worked out to include all the material, subcontractors and fees for the project. It will also include your selections of flooring, fixtures countertops and such. It is a good idea to continue to revise the budget until it fits your needs.
TIP- Beware of the word “allowances” in a budget draft. It can mean that a loop hole is being created to “allow” the contractor to keep any savings in materials or labor along the way. This is a practice that honest contractors like Trilogy, steer clear of and they are sure to keep open communication about any adjustments in your budget as you go.
-Your contractor will submit your plans to the building department, sanitation department and any other applicable regulatory agencies.
TIP – You should always feel welcome on the job site and, if you have specified areas you would like to participate in, you should be aware of the scheduling involved so as to maintain a harmonious work site.
I visited a Trilogy home addition project and found the site organized, clean and the home owner comfortable with discussing changes and choices with Shawn and Beth. We will be meeting again this week to take measurements and draw up plans of my project home for the permit office. One step closer to demolition! Yay!
You can get referrals and check on potential contractors for your project by contacting the Valley Contractors Exchange (530) 343-1981.
Trilogy Construction can be reached by phone – (530) 877-1190 or (530) 894-8636
