In our previous blog, we explained the importance of understanding contractor proposals and the information to look for when reviewing a proposal. Below you will find a sample proposal that outlines what we feel is important to consider when reviewing proposal information. What you see in this sample is how we outline all proposals. It includes information on labor costs, construction material costs, and allowance items.
In this example, we are reviewing a proposal for a kitchen remodel. The client wants a brand new kitchen, including new cabinets, flooring, countertops, appliances, sinks, and fixtures. The client also desires to change the layout of the kitchen, which involves moving plumbing lines and electrical outlets.
Allowance items are options that you choose, and these items directly affect the price of the remodel. For countertops the client can choose between a Cambria, granite, or laminate and the cabinet choices are alder, maple, or cherry. In this proposal it has already been decided that flooring will be hardwood. All these selections affect the price. In all of our proposals we break each allowance item down separately, and we specify what we have priced out in detail.
When we meet with a prospective client we discuss budget with them. Not everyone likes to discuss budget, but we have found that it is very important so that we are on the same page. This conversation will help us present a proposal that fits within the scope of the work being requested and your budget. After measuring the space, we can tailor the costs into the proposal. This helps to ensure no surprises after the remodeling project has begun.
In most cases, the labor is included in the construction costs. If the labor to install something is not included in the construction costs, we will specify this in the allowance section. For example, the cost for Cambria includes the cost for the material and labor to install.
Proposals will be different from client to client. Be cautious of the remodeling company that does not detail out the labor, material, and allowance item costs. The proposal below is just an example of what we believe a good proposal should consist of, allowing you to make an educated decision when choosing a remodeling company.
Prep Work:
- Apply for and obtain a building permit, plumbing permit, electrical permit, and heating and air conditioning permit
- Install floor coverings on all floors were we will be working
- Install dust protection in construction areas of the home to help keep dust from spreading throughout the home
- Complete the required demolition as per EPA requirements
Electrical
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Complete electrical as per plans
- Install canned lights
- Install outlets
- Install light switches
- Install dedicated circuits as needed for the dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, and stove
- Complete electrical rough in inspection
Plumbing
- Move supply lines as needed for the sink, faucet, and dishwasher
- Complete plumbing rough in inspection
Framing/Insulation
- Complete framing as needed
- Insulate exterior walls, and windows
- Install vapor barrier on exterior walls
Drywall
- Install 5/8” in drywall on bathroom ceiling
- Install ½” drywall on bathroom walls
- Tape, and mud ceiling and walls
- Sand walls and ceiling smooth
- Prime walls and ceiling
- Paint ceiling with flat white ceiling paint
- Paint walls with flat paint of neutral color
Flooring
- Prep floor for wood flooring
- Install wood flooring
Cabinets
- Install kitchen cabinets as per plans
- Install hardware for kitchen cabinets
Countertops
-
Install kitchen countertops
- The cost for the countertops and installation costs are in the allowance section below
Final Inspections
Complete final inspections for electrical, plumbing, and building
Allowance Items
-
Cabinets:
- Alder: $xxx
- Maple: $xxx
- Cheery: $xxx
- Flooring: $xxx
-
Countertops
- Cambria: $xxx
- Granite: $xxx
- Laminate: $xxx
- Kitchen Sink: $xxx
- Kitchen Faucet: $xxx
- Appliances: $xxx
Total estimate for labor, materials, and allowance item costs: $xxx