Our Process

We want you to have a great experience with us, every step of the way. That is why we’ve crafted a process that includes open communication and support. We do everything we can to ensure you feel comfortable as we move through the phases of your project. Here is what you can expect.

Phase 1: Prior to Construction

Every project begins when you reach out to us. We ask that you go through the quick questionnaire on our Contact page so that we can get a good idea of what you need. The more details you give us about what you want for the finished project, the better we can assist! It’s perfectly ok if you don’t have materials in mind yet or have questions - we are here to assist with that. Once you reach out and we make sure we are the company to help you with this project, we will be in touch to schedule an initial meeting to walk through the space, get measurements, and discuss the project further.

As we begin the planning process, first and foremost, communication is the keystone to the success of any project. We do our best to keep you informed on each step along the way. We encourage you to ask questions about anything and everything – we have decades of experience and are happy to discuss all the details of your project with you.

What you can expect during Phase 1:

• Concepts and ideas

• First meeting: Survey the space

• Plans and designs

• Budget

• Material selections

• Scope of Work, Contract, and Permits

• Schedule the project

Planning: Anything outside of a basic floor plan may require an architect, designer, or engineer. After discussing your concepts we will guide you in the right direction on what your project may require. Often, our design team can help, but when changing major aspects of your home, an architect may be required for the proper permitting. Pre-construction phases, such as finalizing plans, material selections, and construction permits, can take several months. We know how exciting it can be to get started on a home improvement project, but Phase 1 is the most important part and sets the pace for every stage after, so it is important not to rush and that we are diligent in checking off all the right boxes.

Permits: Getting a permit for your project can sometimes be a timely process. Depending on what municipality you live in will affect what information is required. This process can take several weeks, sometimes months, and will usually need several revisions before plans are approved. Please take this into consideration when planning the overall timeline. We do our best to keep you informed every step of the way.

We want to be sure that plans are as far along as possible before construction begins. Choosing colors, materials, design and styles, function, etc. should be carefully and thoughtfully considered in Phase 1. We are here to assist you in the decision-making process in every way we can, with drawings, design input, material suggestions, or mockups. You are never on your own or have to guess through this process. We are here for you!

Phase 2: During Construction

With so many years of experience, one thing that we know is that construction in a home is a disruptive process, and we take that seriously. That means we treat your space, time, and home with respect while we are guests in it. Our Project Managers direct our team and are here to communicate with you so that we are all on the same page about the progress. Our goal is to create a space where you and your loved ones will create beautiful new memories for years to come, that feels exactly the way you envisioned.

What you can expect during Phase 2:

• Demolition begins

• Noise, dust, and dangerous areas during construction

• Meeting with your Project Manager to discuss progress

Construction is noisy, smelly, and messy. Although we do our best to keep the workspace clean, expect dust and dirt to make its way outside of the construction area. It is important to stay clear of the construction zone during active construction. Workers need to stay focused for their safety, your family’s safety, and the integrity of your space and project. We ask that you leave the construction zone while work is in progress.

Construction concepts do not always work structurally when implemented in the field. Many factors can force us to change plans on the fly, like a hidden pipe or line. Please be prepared for this possibility and for making accommodating changes for the overall plan to work. We will do our very best to find solutions that will still result in your vision for your beautiful remodeled space.

Construction projects have many different people involved with different schedules. Considering so many factors, it is common for scheduling conflicts to leave gaps in the schedule. We want you to know that this is common and we will not abandon you. We will communicate these situations to you as we find out. We put a lot of focus on working with our contractors to minimize delays.

It is very common for there to be changes in your plan during the process. You may change your mind about the layout, color, or function of your space. These changes usually affect the overall cost of the project and can cause delays. Rest assured, we will communicate with you as we go through this Phase and keep you updated on any changes. You never have to guess at what’s happening. Our Project Managers can answer your questions and ensure a smooth process that works for everyone involved.

Phase 3: The Finale

And finally, the part that you’ve been dreaming of - your beautifully refinished space! We know that you cannot wait to start experiencing all the fresh, new energy of your remodeled area. We also know how this process unfolds: until all touch-ups and finishes are completed, expect your project to appear unfinished. It is in these details, near the close of the project, that the magic of your design comes together. It can feel like it won’t happen, but we promise, it all comes together beautifully at the end.

Here’s what you can expect during Phase 3:

• Touch Ups

• Final Walkthrough

Because the home goes through a settling and drying period, especially over the first heating season, you should note that it isn’t unusual for the shrinking and expansion of materials to occur, especially for wood products. This normal process may cause gaps that expose unpainted or unstained surfaces. Suermann Contracting takes responsibility to caulk, paint, or stain exposed areas due to this stabilization period within 1 year of the completion date.

Many construction materials are made from natural substances, like wood and stone. During the process of your project, you may notice minor natural imperfections in some materials. This is common. These materials are imperfect by nature and will have color and pattern variations.

Some imperfections may happen during installation – the nature of construction is both destructive and productive - and it is standard in this industry for minor touch-ups to happen during the proper phase of the project. Any damage that is beyond a minor touch up will be addressed and handled according to industry standards.

Matching existing materials, colors, or patterns is a very difficult task. Materials that have been installed over a period of time, exposed to all sorts of elements (sunlight, cleaning chemicals, normal wear, etc.), may cause the original look to fade. We do our very best to match these items as closely as possible, but the new materials will not perfectly match your well-loved existing materials. During the final steps of the construction process, we ask that you please avoid marking anything that appears unfinished with tape or creating a punch list. Your Project Manager will perform a final walk through to ensure that everything is completed to your satisfaction. We are here for you every step of the way!

Ready to get started?

We are proud of our decades of experience in the construction industry and utilized the knowledge gleaned over that time, through over 100,000 hours of service, to develop a signature process that serves, protects, and wows our clients. We would be honored to have the opportunity to work on your home remodeling project. If our company sounds like a good fit for you, please reach out to us!