We have recently had our architect create plans for our renovation. In doing so, we were clear about our budget up front. Now, after carefully creating our plans and sending them to contractors, we're hearing back (even before bids are actually sent) that the scope of work and the budget are quite beyond what we had initially suggested to them. How usual is it for contractors to get plans and then... [more]
We have recently had our architect create plans for our renovation. In doing so, we were clear about our budget up front. Now, after carefully creating our plans and sending them to contractors, we're hearing back (even before bids are actually sent) that the scope of work and the budget are quite beyond what we had initially suggested to them. How usual is it for contractors to get plans and then to work with people to draw back the scope? At the moment it feels like we're walking into a store and being told to choose a shirt without any idea of the price of that shirt.
Our changes include:
Updating bathrooms (no changes to location of fixtures)
Redoing kitchen, opening a wall, reposition the fridge
Adding w/d in closet next to master
Doing work associated with ducted AC installation (they will not be doing the installation, but will need to do patching, etc.)
Painting (pre-war apartment is already skimcoated. Only 2 new doorway size sections need skimcoating).
Reframe closets.
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Response by Primer05
over 11 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
Reno,
Its all about value engineering. the contractors you have chosen should be able to help you in determining where to save. How much over are they? Maybe different kitchen cabinets would help. Did you get a complete breakdown of each item?
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Response by Aaron2
over 11 years ago
Posts: 1706
Member since: Mar 2012
The contractor should provide the architect and you sufficient detail in their estimates for the both of you to decide how to best fit things into your budget -- different fixtures, cabinets, etc., If two or three contractors are coming in with estimates that are significantly over your budget, you may have underbudgeted for the scope of work you're planning. It's a collaborative effort between you, your architect, and contractors to bring it in at a price you can all work with.
Reno,
Its all about value engineering. the contractors you have chosen should be able to help you in determining where to save. How much over are they? Maybe different kitchen cabinets would help. Did you get a complete breakdown of each item?
The contractor should provide the architect and you sufficient detail in their estimates for the both of you to decide how to best fit things into your budget -- different fixtures, cabinets, etc., If two or three contractors are coming in with estimates that are significantly over your budget, you may have underbudgeted for the scope of work you're planning. It's a collaborative effort between you, your architect, and contractors to bring it in at a price you can all work with.