• Decide what you want and/or need and put it into words on paper - see our check list
• Evaluate the limits of your investment. Consider:
  • What total home valuation is appropriate for your neighborhood?
  • How long will you live here and enjoy the improvements?
  • How much are you willing/able to invest?
  • Your time and effort will be necessary.
  • Your lifestyle and convenience will usually be affected during remodeling
• Find your home ownership documents - you'll want to review your deed and subdivision deed restrictions, find your recent real estate tax receipt, a current survey which shows your home and improvements on your lot (property boundaries, corners, easements, and legal description).
• Contact a professional that you like and feel good working with:
  • Recommendations from friends, coworkers
  • Polk County Builders Association
  • Better Business Council
  • Make sure they specialize in the work you propose
  • Make sure they have the proper credentials (Occupational license, proper business license from city, county and state authorities demonstrating competency in the type of work you propose, workers' compensation and general liability insurance, and a good track record for success in our area for several years.)

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Most likely. The rules are different in each jurisdiction. Your licensed remodeler/builder should handle that for you as a part of your work. Any changes to your home or business that have a value of a few hundred dollars, that affect the structure, electrical, plumbing, access and traffic patterns typically require permitting and inspection of the work.

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For most remodeling, it is to your benefit to have a scaled plan, showing among many other things, the existing conditions and the proposed changes. Building officials typically require a standard set of building plans to evaluate compliance with zoning, building codes, and health/safety considerations.

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Zimmermann Associates, Inc. charges a project development fee, which provides the services necessary to assure thorough communication, visualization, and understanding of the project. The project development process also provides the basis for a preliminary budget range; to make sure what you want corresponds to the probable cost. We do not provide "free estimates" because so much is involved to give you good, reliable information.

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Part of the planning process should consider availability of the materials, labor, length of the tasks, and sequencing of the work so you will know what to expect.

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We recommend working with someone you trust and feel good about working with, that has proven success in the type of work you're considering. Free estimates generally receive little preparation, less information, and may lure you into an uncomfortable position after you're involved in the project. Even though many publications insist on getting (three) bids, few people have the expertise to secure comparable, complete, and reliable proposals that way.

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For thirty-two years, we've concentrated our craftsmanship in southeast Lakeland, Florida. Repeat customers and happy relationships have allowed us a comfortable workload in this area, although special circumstances are of interest in other parts of Polk county.

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• Things to expect during the design phase of your project:
  • Existing Conditions: We take preliminary photographs and measurements of your house as it exists and provide a Floor Plan of the affected area(s) based on actual conditions.
  • Proposed Preliminary Plans: We provide floor plans illustrating our design ideas for remodeling in response to your desires, suggestions and existing situation. Depending on the scope and complexity of the design, preliminary Elevations, Perspectives, and Detail pages may also be included.
  • Preliminary Meeting: A meeting is scheduled to review the plans, discuss possible revisions, and make specific decisions on the direction of the design work. A copy of the Preliminary Plan is provided to you.
  • Consensus on Design: When we are in agreement on the design, you will begin the process of selecting fixtures and other finishing items required to complete the design. We will provide guidance and information as needed. It is our intent to begin finalizing all fixture and finishing products selections at this time.
  • Revised Plan and Estimate Budget: A Revised Floor Plan, Elevations, (and as applicable) Perspectives, Electrical (lighting, switching, outlets, etc.), Foundation, and Detail pages will be prepared along with an Estimate Budget.
  • Budget Meeting: The Revised Plan and the Estimate Budget will be presented to you. As you approve the Plan and Budget, we will establish a time to begin construction on your project. You will receive the Construction Agreement and related documents and we will proceed to the permitting and ordering phases.
  • Design Process Note: The design schedule can and does vary, depending on the complexity of the project and designer and client schedules.
  • Rates for design services are based on time spent with clients and actual time working on project design. Progress payments are due as invoiced.
  • Our goal, as design/build specialists, is to complete the actual work of the improvements for you. Our project development efforts and plans are created only for our exclusive and mutual use, and by copyright may not be used by others.
  • Engineering and Permit/Construction Documents are not included in the Project Development Phase of your project. These fees may be included in the project budget, as part of the "cost of the work".

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Do you know the terms and definitions of remodeling?

Allowance: A specific dollar amount allocated by a contractor for
specified items in a contract for which brand, model number, color, size or other detail is not yet known.

Bid: A proposal to work for a certain amount of money, based on plans and specifications for the project.

Building Permit: A document issued by a governing authority, such as a building department, granting permission to undertake a construction project.

Call-Back: An informal term for a return visit made by a contractor to repair or replace items the homeowner has found to be unsatisfactory or that require service under the warranty.

CGR (Certified Graduate Remodelor): A professional certified program offered through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelors Council. To attain the CGR designation, a remodeler must take a specified number of ongoing continuing education courses, demonstrate good business practices, sound finances, and must comply with a strict code of ethics.

Change Order: Written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to the work described in the original contract. The change order should reflect any changes in cost.

Cost-Plus Contract: A contract between a contractor and homeowner based on the accrued cost of labor and materials, plus a percentage for profit and overhead. Also known as a time and materials contract.

Draw: A designated payment that is "drawn" from the total project budget to pay for services already completed. A draw schedule typically is established in the contract.

Lien Release: A document that voids the legal right of a contractor, subcontractor or supplier to place a lien against your property. A lien release assures you that the remodeler has paid subcontractors and suppliers in full for labor and materials.

Mechanic's Lien: A lien obtained by an unpaid subcontractor or supplier through the courts. When enforced, real property, such as your home, can be sold to pay the subcontractor or supplier.

Plans and Specifications: Drawings for the project, and a detailed list or description of the known products, materials, quantities and finishes to be used in the project.

Punch List: A list of items of work to be completed or corrected by the contractor, typically near or at the end of a project.

Remodelors Council: A division of Polk County Builders Association dedicated to professionalism, education, and best-business practices by member remodeling firms.

Subcontractor: A person or company hired directly by the contractor to perform specialized work at the job site. Sometimes referred to as a trade contractor.

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