project process

Initial Site Visit
Typically, we will schedule a visit to your home or job site for a preliminary meeting. In the event that you are currently working with an Architect or designer, we may wish to contact them to review your plans first. If there is no designer we will usually recommend someone that we have worked with in the past that will suit your particular project.

Second Site Visit
A second site visit may be required to show select sub contractors (plumber, electricians, carpenters) who need to provide estimates for their work. In some cases, especially in new construction, sub-contractors can make estimates from building plans without a visit.

Detailed Estimate
A detailed, fixed price estimate will be prepared for you in a timely manner. Some items, such as plumbing and electrical fixtures will be considered allowances. What this means is that we will show the allowed cost of the item so we can base a price for your estimate. You can spend more than the estimated allowance or less.

Contracts
Once you choose Abstract Building & Renovations, Inc. we will prepare a contract for your project. This is a contract that includes all warranty information.

Pre-Construction Planning
After the contract is signed we will begin the pre-construction planning process. As part of our preparation, we will again listen to the precise wishes of the owner and review the construction documents with the architect. This is also when the procuring of the necessary permits, determining a material ordering schedule, and coordinating subcontractor timeframes, takes place.

Construction
Now it is time to the work. In a renovation project, there is usually a need to protect existing finishes. We will cover non-construction areas with dust barriers, rosin paper, and cardboard as needed. If the project is new construction, our site work team will assess site conditions and make recommendations about, excavation, utilities, and grade and water flow issues.
The job supervisor oversees the entire project, checks on quality, directs the crew, interacts with the architect, orders materials, schedules and supervises subcontractors, and when needed performs work. Our job supervisors are very talented at juggling these important jobs. The office-based project manager assists the supervisor in all work other than field- oriented work, such as, coordinating resources and managing processes from our office.

Change Orders
“ While you are here, could you renovate our master bathroom and add on a family room?” As a “custom” builder it is our job to give you the project that you want. We try to spend as much time as possible in the pre-construction phase, but understand that you sometimes you decide that you want something different. Howeever, when the scope of work changes, schedule and price may be affected. For items that significantly increase scope, we may issue change orders. Even though change orders can sometimes slow down the progress of the work, we recommend them as an important “reality check” for the owner regarding price and as a method to track changes in budget.

Billing
We issue bills based on the percentage of the project that has been completed. Draws are usually sent out on a bi-weekly basis but it may depend on the project at hand. When there are special order items such as cabinets or granite counter tops, we may require deposits for these items depending on what is required by the suppliers.

Progress of the Job
Projects have traditionally been separated into divisions such as site work, concrete, rough carpentry, roofing, etc. Some divisions proceed in parallel to each other, but most must be completed before others can begin. At ABR,Inc. we are highly experienced in scheduling to ensure that the team works efficiently to keep the job running as smooth as possible.

Closing of the Project
As the job comes to a close, the project supervisor will compile a “punch list” of items that are still to be completed and any minor issues still to be addressed. Owners are also asked to contribute information for this list. This insures that the Owners and Contractor are in agreement on what is needed to complete the project at hand.

Warranty
The Courts of South Carolina mandates a one-year warranty on all construction workmanship. ABR,Inc. will often take care of problems, depending on their nature, after the warranty period has ended.