Pioneer Craftsmen Ltd. - Design Build Professionals for Waterloo Region, Guelph and surrounding areas

Where do I start? Most people feel overwhelmed when they begin discussing a home renovation project. There are many questions that will run through your head as you begin the process. We have found that, as with most things in life, it becomes manageable if you break it down into smaller steps. We have put together a handy guideline that we hope will be helpful to you.

Getting Started

Start a binder or workbook that will hold your ideas, pictures, notes etc. This will be a handy reference throughout your process. This is also a great place to put your “Before” pictures.

Take some time to compile two separate lists; your needs, your wants, taking into consideration your short and long term goals. Don’t be shy. Write them all down. You’ll find it will be helpful to be specific, for example “I need more space” can be expanded into “I need more space in my kitchen and dining area. I love to entertain”.

Collect magazines and books and cut out pictures that appeal to you. This will help determine “The Look” of your project.

Talk to friends and family who have recently renovated. Ask them what they found helpful and what they would change if they were to do it over.

Determine your investment comfort level. This is a very important step that will help guide all future steps. It’s impossible to know what your renovation will cost. That is our job to find out for you. However if you know what you are comfortable spending then you will have a much clearer picture of what is possible along the way.

Making the Call and Meeting

Give us a call. We’ll be happy to hear from you.

Initially we’ll ask you a few questions over the phone then one of our designers will contact you to discuss your ideas further.

We’ll set up an appointment to meet either at your home or at our office so we can become more familiar with your ideas and existing home and so you can become familiar with Pioneer Craftsmen and how we can help you.

If you are planning a project such as a deck or addition, be sure to have your survey with you on this first meeting.

Also have your binder with you to show us your pictures and discuss your lists.

We will discuss your investment range.

Once we are comfortable that we can help you, and once you are comfortable that you would like to work with Pioneer Craftsmen and our Dream Builder Program we will discuss the Design Agreement.

We will discuss our policy of working with a firm written contract and written Change Orders along the way, so you are aware of exactly what you are getting and what it will cost.

Design Stage and Selection

At this stage the professional staff at Pioneer Craftsmen get to work designing your dream. Utilizing our 3D design software we will present you with design options in a format that is friendly and easy to visualize.

We will also develop a firm construction budget.

We discuss such items as floor plans, cabinetry layout, product selections, start and completion dates, etc. This typically takes a few meetings and phone calls.

Once you are comfortable that we have captured the details that will create the dream you imagined at the price you are comfortable with we finalize the details and schedule and prepare the written Contract.

Construction

We arrange a preconstruction conference with you, the Production Manager and Lead Carpenter for your project.

We discuss what you can expect over the next few weeks along with some safety issues and discuss renovating with children around when applicable.

We also address any concerns you may have.

Rest assured each day our staff will do everything possible to minimize the disruption and inconvenience to you and your family during the construction stage.

Completion

Upon completion we will conduct a final walk-through with our staff to be certain we have addressed every detail.

Now take a few “After” pictures for your binder. Friends and family will love looking at the Before and After shots.

You will receive our 5 year Warranty. Keep this in your binder for safe keeping.

One year later we will contact you to see if there is anything that needs tending to.

See, it’s not so overwhelming when it’s broken down into an organized process. Renovating your home to meet your changing lifestyles is a rewarding process, one that will last for many years to come. The dedicated, caring staff of Pioneer Craftsmen is here to help you each step along the way.

Please feel free to browse through the listed links for more information:
Canadian Home Builders Association : http://www.chba.ca
Ontario Home Builders Association : http://www.homesontario.com
Waterloo Region Home Builders Association : http://www.wrhba.com
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation : http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Better Business Bureau : http://www.bbb.org
National Kitchen and Bath Association : http://www.nkba.ca





		Where do I start? Most people feel overwhelmed when they begin discussing a home renovation project. There are many questions that will run through your head as you begin the process. We have found that, as with most things in life, it becomes manageable if you break it down into smaller steps. We have put together a handy guideline that we hope will be helpful to you. Getting Started Start a binder or workbook that will hold your ideas, pictures, notes etc. This will be a handy reference throughout your process. This is also a great place to put your “Before” pictures. Take some time to compile two separate lists; your needs, your wants, taking into consideration your short and long term goals. Don’t be shy. Write them all down. You’ll find it will be helpful to be specific, for example “I need more space” can be expanded into “I need more space in my kitchen and dining area. I love to entertain”. Collect magazines and books and cut out pictures that appeal to you. This will help determine “The Look” of your project. Talk to friends and family who have recently renovated. Ask them what they found helpful and what they would change if they were to do it over. Determine your investment comfort level. This is a very important step that will help guide all future steps. It’s impossible to know what your renovation will cost. That is our job to find out for you. However if you know what you are comfortable spending then you will have a much clearer picture of what is possible along the way. Making the Call and Meeting Give us a call. We’ll be happy to hear from you. Initially we’ll ask you a few questions over the phone then one of our designers will contact you to discuss your ideas further. We’ll set up an appointment to meet either at your home or at our office so we can become more familiar with your ideas and existing home and so you can become familiar with Pioneer Craftsmen and how we can help you. If you are planning a project such as a deck or addition, be sure to have your survey with you on this first meeting. Also have your binder with you to show us your pictures and discuss your lists. We will discuss your investment range. Once we are comfortable that we can help you, and once you are comfortable that you would like to work with Pioneer Craftsmen and our Dream Builder Program we will discuss the Design Agreement. We will discuss our policy of working with a firm written contract and written Change Orders along the way, so you are aware of exactly what you are getting and what it will cost. Design Stage and Selection At this stage the professional staff at Pioneer Craftsmen get to work designing your dream. Utilizing our 3D design software we will present you with design options in a format that is friendly and easy to visualize. We will also develop a firm construction budget. We discuss such items as floor plans, cabinetry layout, product selections, start and completion dates, etc. This typically takes a few meetings and phone calls. Once you are comfortable that we have captured the details that will create the dream you imagined at the price you are comfortable with we finalize the details and schedule and prepare the written Contract. Construction We arrange a preconstruction conference with you, the Production Manager and Lead Carpenter for your project. We discuss what you can expect over the next few weeks along with some safety issues and discuss renovating with children around when applicable. We also address any concerns you may have. Rest assured each day our staff will do everything possible to minimize the disruption and inconvenience to you and your family during the construction stage. Completion Upon completion we will conduct a final walk-through with our staff to be certain we have addressed every detail. Now take a few “After” pictures for your binder. Friends and family will love looking at the Before and After shots. You will receive our 5 year Warranty. Keep this in your binder for safe keeping. One year later we will contact you to see if there is anything that needs tending to. See, it’s not so overwhelming when it’s broken down into an organized process. Renovating your home to meet your changing lifestyles is a rewarding process, one that will last for many years to come. The dedicated, caring staff of Pioneer Craftsmen is here to help you each step along the way. Please feel free to browse through the listed links for more information: Canadian Home Builders Association : http://www.chba.ca Ontario Home Builders Association : http://www.homesontario.com Waterloo Region Home Builders Association : http://www.wrhba.com Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation : http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca Better Business Bureau : http://www.bbb.org National Kitchen and Bath Association : http://www.nkba.ca