Who We Are. What We Do. Our Approach. The Sylvestre Team

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Ronald Watts
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2 Who We Are Our leadership team comprised of John Sylvestre (1972), Les Anderson (1983) and Kate Post (1993) has been in place for more than 2 years. This equals an incredibly stable and reliable company, confidently riding out the typical ups and downs of this industry. Sylvestre Remodeling and Design has won awards for participating actively in organizations that promote and serve the needs of remodeling professionals and their clients. We are an industry leader with a track record four decades long and a dedication to excellence.you know what you are getting when you hire us. What do you get when you choose Sylvestre Remodeling and Design to do your remodel? Nothing less than you deserve: an on-time, on-budget, friendly, expertly finished remodel. We ve been remodeling in the southwest Minneapolis neighborhood for over 42 years. John Sylvestre trained as an architect and has received numerous awards for design and construction. Some special certifications: NKBA-Certified Kitchen Designer NARI Certified- MCR, CR, CKBR NAHB-CAPS ( Certified Aging in Place Specialist) The Sylvestre Team What We Do We offer design and build in one capable firm specializing in: Kitchens Bathrooms Additions Barn moving Outdoor buildings Sheds and garages Cabins and outhouses Decks, porches and gazebos Adding basements under houses Lowering basement floors Adding 2nd floors Elevators Accessible adaptations Stay in your home solutions Our Approach We believe that at the core of any successful remodeling experience is: 1. Great design and experienced craftsmanship; 2. A collaborative, communicative, reliable team with a focus on creative, solution-oriented designs; 3. Limited surprises with proven on-time and on-budget results; 4. And a respectful and caring attitude toward your home, family, and pets.

They ve made a huge mess in my house. I ve been washing my dishes in the laundry tub for months.

3 Everyone has heard remodeling HORROR STORIES. It s taking way too long. It cost more than they said it would. They are always here. They didn t do what they said they were going to do. Oh no, not that roof color! They ve made a huge mess in my house. I ve been washing my dishes in the laundry tub for months. We are SO tired of eating out. The pizza guy knows us by first name. We have to use the neighbor s toilet at least once a day. The list goes on...and on...and on. don t let this happen to you!

It s your REMODELING EXPERIENCE and we want to make it as pleasant as possible. Here are some things you can do to ensure a successful outcome. 1. Avoid the Pitfalls 2.

Avoid the the Pitfalls Pitfalls There are a few pitfalls that even the most prepared person can fall into.

4 It s your REMODELING EXPERIENCE and we want to make it as pleasant as possible. Here are some things you can do to ensure a successful outcome. 1. Avoid the Pitfalls 2. Clarify Your Goals 3. Organize your ideas 4. Set Your Expectations 5. Prepare Your Home 6. Choose the Right Experts Avoid 1. Avoid the the Pitfalls Pitfalls There are a few pitfalls that even the most prepared person can fall into. Some things to watch out for: Choosing your contractor solely on getting the lowest price (watch out for LowBuckChuck ) Getting stuck with inexperienced laborers. Not checking references. Not being clear on your project s priorities. Not communicating your version of success. Piecemealing your project. Trying to do it yourself.

Clarify 2. Clarify Your your Goals Goals What would a successful remodeling project look like to you? This varies from person to person, and it s important to be clear on what success means to you.

Completed with the highest quality materials available? Based on a really unique design? Managed by you? Enables you to work with Bill, the carpenter? 3.

5 Clarify 2. Clarify Your your Goals Goals What would a successful remodeling project look like to you? This varies from person to person, and it s important to be clear on what success means to you. Is your successful remodeling project the one that is The least expensive? Fits into a specific budget range? The quickest? Not necessarily fast, but will be done on time? Completed with the highest quality materials available? Based on a really unique design? Managed by you? Enables you to work with Bill, the carpenter? 3. Organize your Ideas Allows you to personally oversee all of the details? Helps you to maintain your daily routine as it was before the remodel? Lets the experts do what they do best and keeps you free of everything, except the most major decisions? Is characterized by consistent and clear communication? Ensures that you come home to an orderly house at the end of every day? Is organized and predictable? Is creative, flexible and spontaneous? use our goals worksheet 3. Organize your Ideas Share your ideas with your remodeler from the very beginning. Collect and share your ideas for your project using magazine clippings, photos of other homes you ve visited, Pinterest, Houzz, or books from the library. Be as specific as you can be about the types of details you want to have incorporated into your project. Then make a list of changes you d like in your home and put them in order of importance: 1. What you must have 2. What you d like to have 3. What you d like but can live without A clear, organized idea of your priorities and budget helps everyone know what to expect. Depending on your budget and timeline, you may find yourself in a position to make some difficult choices. It s valuable to think about how you would make those decisions before you find yourself in this situation. Once we have this information from you we will design a plan for your project based on what s most important to you, so that you ll have NO surprises later. use our goals worksheet

4. Set your Expectations Get Multiple Offers, BUT Now that you have your list and you are ready to commit to a project, it s time to find the right experts to help.

Comparing the prices of one home remodeling contractor to another is rarely the best indicator of what you will receive.

6 4. Set your Expectations Get Multiple Offers, BUT Now that you have your list and you are ready to commit to a project, it s time to find the right experts to help. Remodeling horror stories often start with a great price. How do you know if your project estimate is priced for problems? Comparing the prices of one home remodeling contractor to another is rarely the best indicator of what you will receive. A low-ball contract can look very similar to a reasonably priced contract that comes in higher. On the surface, they describe the same project but the devil is in the details. Watch out for LowBuckChuck. LowBuckChuck will win the project by submitting the lowest bid. This may be because the estimate is based on using lower quality lumber, cabinets, flooring, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, and other materials. You won t know this until a few years later and things start to warp, fade, crack, jam, leak, or squeak. They can skimp on things like the sub flooring, the amount of insulation installed, or the quality of the light fixtures used. A low bid may also be because they forget to include something that was promised. Or they may plan for unrealistic allowances, meaning that you will pay additional fees for every single item that varies from the base allowed. This is why setting your expectations for success is so important. Setting yourself up for disappointment often sounds like But the internet says I saw this on HGTV and Don t forget: TV budgets are not real! Your home is typically your largest investment. You get what you pay for. Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it might be too good to be true! From a contractor s perspective: This is not a new car! There are many decisions to make: put those decisions in perspective. We can t see absolutely everything before we start (i.e. rotten wood, wires, pipes). We need space to work. We are on the same team, working toward the same goal!

7 A well-run project requires more skill, planning, coordination, effort and cost than many low-priced remodelers allow for. A contractor using highly skilled carpenters, project managers, and specialty tradesmen in a well-trained and coordinated production team will deliver a better project that runs more smoothly than a contractor who uses low-cost, inexperienced labor and project managers. It s certainly not illegal to estimate based on cheap materials or labor, but it can affect the price of a project 3% to 5%, sometimes more. And if a remodeler so underprices a project that he can t finish it, you re stuck with a mess, literally. Now that you ve seen the legal ways some home remodeling companies give you a low-ball estimate, LET S LOOK AT SOME ILLEGAL WAYS. No workers comp insurance No general liability insurance Don t pull the required permits Don t get inspections Not licensed These shortcuts are illegal. Home remodeling contractors who do not carry workers comp insurance for their workers open YOU up to potential liability for injuries and disabilities on the job. Some home remodelers ask that you take the permit out in your own name to save money. The person named on the permit is legally responsible for whether the project meets code and your remodeler knows this. If the project fails to meet code and the remodeler disappears to avoid the cost of fixing the problem, YOU are on the hook. You want the professional you hire to take responsibility for the quality of their work or you d be doing it yourself.

5. Prepare your Home DOES YOUR CONTRACTOR PROVIDE THE TOOLS AND GUIDANCE TO HELP YOU

Preparation should include the following: Access/Protection Plastic Stair wrap Zipper

8 5. Prepare your Home DOES YOUR CONTRACTOR PROVIDE THE TOOLS AND GUIDANCE TO HELP YOU PREPARE YOUR HOME? Preparation should include the following: Access/Protection Plastic Stair wrap Zipper doors Plastic walls Access/Protection Front porch Access/Protection stairs As well as: TEMPORARY KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS. It is surprising how many contractors do not provide temporary facilities to their clients while remodeling their homes. The value of a temporary kitchen is unmatched when considering the convenience, cost and health benefits. And a temporary bathroom can mean the difference between a more comfortable remodeling process and the hassle of having to move out of your home during the project. temporary kitchen

With any remodeling project, you are inviting a group of people into your home and complete access to your life including your most valuable assets: your family and your space.

9 Choose the Right Experts 6. Choose the Right Experts ONE KEY QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF: ARE YOU BUYING A PRODUCT OR A PROCESS? Remodeling is a renewal or expansion of an original idea, interrupted by three months of dust. With any remodeling project, you are inviting a group of people into your home and complete access to your life including your most valuable assets: your family and your space. What are some realistic time frames for typical projects? 1/2 Bathroom: 4-6 weeks Total Bathroom: 8 weeks Total Kitchen: 12 weeks Kitchen/ Addition: 16 weeks Total House Remodel: 5-6 months What is a reasonable timeframe and set of steps for a typical bathroom remodel? Demolition: 4 days Framing: 4 days Heating: 1 day Plumbing: 2 days Electrical: 1 day Inspection: 1 day Insulation: 1 day Inspection: 1 day Drywall: 5 days Finish Carp: 2-3 days Ceramic: 5 days Finals: 3 days Total: 31 days (perfect = no weather, sickness, decisions, backorders, vacations, snow days ) Ensure you have a plan with a timeframe that you both agree on from the outset.

Do we really meet our deadlines as often as we claim? The proof is in the numbers.

10 ON TIME EQUALS ON BUDGET Another way that a project can suddenly go over budget is if the timeline for completion gets extended. Sometimes problems are unavoidable but, at Sylvestre Remodeling & Design, we demonstrate an unwavering commitment to delivering on time and on budget. Do we really meet our deadlines as often as we claim? The proof is in the numbers. An analysis of the 58 projects we ve completed since 29 shows an average variance between estimated and actual finish dates to be less than one day (about 3 hours and 1 minutes, to be exact). CHECK THOSE REFERENCES Make sure you check references for the companies bidding on your job. If they are uneasy giving you access to former clients, that should be an immediate red flag. Hearing someone s personal experience can be one of the most helpful factors in giving you a solid basis for making a decision. 29 PROJECT TYPE START DATE ESTIMATED EST DAYS ACTUAL ACTUAL DAYS VARIANCE FINISH DATE FROM START FINISH DATE FROM START TO FINISH TO FINISH Basement/ Full Bath Interior/ Master Bath/ Laundry Kitchen/ Family Room Kitchen Full Bath/ Windows Misc. Kitchen/ Bath 1/2 Bath Bathroom/ Add Closet Basement Remodel Bathroom Remodel 21 When choosing a contractor, John Sylvestre stresses homework. Meet with multiple companies; get a sense of who they are. Go visit their work. Get references and speak with them. Prior experience with similar projects is a must. (Source: Southwest Journal Home Guide, May 214) 12/17/8 1/13/9 2/16/9 3/26/9 5/4/9 6/1/9 7/6/9 8/17/9 9/22/9 11/5/9 5/22/9 4/15/9 5/29/9 7/1/9 7/15/9 6/23/9 7/31/9 1/21/9 12/17/9 12/14/ /28/9 4/15/9 5/29/9 7/7/9 7/15/9 6/23/9 7/31/9 1/23/9 12/14/9 12/14/9 PROJECT TYPE START DATE ESTIMATED EST DAYS ACTUAL ACTUAL DAYS VARIANCE FINISH DATE FROM START FINISH DATE FROM START TO FINISH TO FINISH Basement/ Full Bath Kitchen Remodel Bath Remodel Misc. Remodel Kitchen Bath Garage/Pool House (Imholte) 2nd Floor Bath/ Kitchen 2nd Floor Porch Bath 211 1/19/1 2/16/1 7/14/1 7/15/1 8/23/1 9/8/1 9/27/1 1/11/1 12/7/1 12/1/1 3/19/1 4/28/1 8/2/1 7/23/1 11/24/1 11/17/1 12/21/1 2/4/11 1/5/11 2/1/11 PROJECT TYPE START DATE ESTIMATED EST DAYS ACTUAL ACTUAL DAYS VARIANCE FINISH DATE FROM START FINISH DATE FROM START TO FINISH TO FINISH Kitchen Elevator/ Addition Basement Bathroom Kitchen/ Basement 2nd Floor Bath Porch/Deck/Int 3/8/11 1/31/11 1/26/11 2/21/11 4/6/11 5/2/11 6/6/11 3/25/11 4/29/11 2/25/11 5/5/11 5/2/11 8/24/11 8/3/ /19/1 4/28/1 8/2/1 7/23/1 11/22/1 11/17/1 12/21/1 2/9/11 1/5/11 2/1/11 3/25/11 5/6/11 2/25/11 5/5/11 5/19/11 9/2/11 8/3/ TRUST IS A KEY WORD WHEN YOU CHOOSE A CONTRACTOR. THAT MAY SOUND SIMPLE BUT IT S REALLY IMPORTANT. JOHN SYLVESTRE (SOURCE: HOW TO CHOOSE A REMODELER, STAR TRIBUNE OCTOBER 9, 1991) The National Association of Home Builders reports that most consumers spend less time choosing a remodeler than they do choosing a car, even though the remodeling job often carries a higher price tag. According to the NAHB, most problems occur when people fail to investigate remodelers thoroughly before hiring them. Remodelers rely heavily on referrals from former customers and so should you.

IN THE WORDS OF OTHERS I really feel like they treated my house as if it were their own. They were even considerate of the dog They did a fabulous job. And the pride they took.

Stacey Mollis (Source: Southwest Journal Home Guide, May 214) Everyone told us to plan on 1% more time and 2% more cost than estimated.

11 IN THE WORDS OF OTHERS I really feel like they treated my house as if it were their own. They were even considerate of the dog They did a fabulous job. And the pride they took. They tried so hard and did so well to blend the new with the old, so it doesn t necessarily look remodeled. -Dr. Stacey Mollis (Source: Southwest Journal Home Guide, May 214) Everyone told us to plan on 1% more time and 2% more cost than estimated. You finished exactly on time and the only extra cost were a few items we changed. Even then we kept within our budget. Everyone was incredibly helpful, polite and professional. -Jane P. On schedule and on budget is great performance in our book! -John H. Project was right on schedule - the temporary kitchen set up was a life saver. -Katie M. Our last remodeling prior to Sylvestre was torture. We can honestly recommend Sylvestre highly for remodeling for professionalism, quality and friendliness. Also believe our costs were fair we were advised about possible variety of prices for certain materials during project, i.e. higher quality, higher price. -Lindsay M. Don was fantastic, always cheerful, a meticulous worker Sylvestre Construction s best asset. -Gretchen I. Sylvestre exceeded our expectations by setting up a temporary kitchen and getting done early. -Jill S. Kate was a key factor in keeping us connected. She had many ideas to offer and guided us through decisions with ease. I always knew what was ahead - what we needed to do she was invaluable. -Katie O. Mark (carpenter) is absolutely the best personable, neat & always willing to answer questions. His precision is evident in the detailed finish work. -Laura S.

remodeling & design Transforming homes and lives for over 4 years.

12 the sylvestre way: We start by carefully listening to you and we finish by making sure we have met or exceeded all your expectations. remodeling & design Transforming homes and lives for over 4 years. license #1428 Schedule Your Free Consultation call us! For more info, visit our website:

13 CLARIFY YOUR GOALS worksheet 1. What do you like about your home? 2. What do you dislike about your home? 3. What is your dream wishlist? >> Some things to consider: An updated kitchen? An additional bedroom? An additional bathroom? Outside living space? A family room that better suits your needs? A master suite? Finishing or updating a basement? A mudroom? Design for aging in place? An exterior remodel curb appeal? 4. How long do you plan to stay in your home? (Important because it could impact some design options.) 5. What is your target investment? (Be honest!) 6. How will you finance your project? 216. All rights reserved. Sylvestre Remodeling & Design,

14 CLARIFY YOUR GOALS worksheet p.1 1. What do you like about your home? 2. What do you dislike about your home? 3. What is your dream wishlist? >> Some things to consider: An updated kitchen? An additional bedroom? An additional bathroom? Outside living space? A family room that better suits your needs? A master suite? Finishing or updating a basement? A mudroom? Design for aging in place? An exterior remodel curb appeal? 4. How long do you plan to stay in your home? (Important because it could impact some design options.) 5. What is your target investment? (Be honest!) 6. How will you finance your project? 216. All rights reserved. Sylvestre Remodeling & Design,

15 CLARIFY YOUR GOALS: worksheet p.2 7. What would a successful remodeling project look like to you? Is price the most important thing to you? YES / NO Is the time frame the most important thing, ie: that it is done quickly? Or not necessarily quickly but completed on-time? YES / NO Do you want to manage the project or have someone you trust to handle the details for you? What type of environment do you work best in: organized and predictable OR creative, flexible, and spontaneous? 216. All rights reserved. Sylvestre Remodeling & Design,

16 ORGANIZE YOUR IDEAS worksheet 1. Can you identify what the most important criteria for a successful project is for you? (Look at your notes from question #7 under Clarify Your Goals and rank those answers.) 1) (most important) 2) 3) 4) 5) 2. Prioritize your wishlist (from question #3 under Clarify Your Goals ) into three categories: 1. What you MUST have: 2. What you d LIKE TO have: 3. What you d like but can LIVE WITHOUT: 216. All rights reserved. Sylvestre Remodeling & Design,

17 QUESTIONS FOR POTENTIAL CONTRACTORS worksheet p.1 When you get bids for your home remodeling project, here are some questions you should ask. The purpose of these questions is to check on their reliability, availability and to get an idea on how smoothly the work will go. Are you licensed? Contractor 1: YES / NO Contractor 2: YES / NO Contractor 3: YES / NO Who will buy the building permit? Contractor 1: Contractor 2: Contractor 3: Have you taken on similar projects in style/size (are you familiar with this type of project)? Contractor 1: YES / NO Contractor 2: YES / NO Contractor 3: YES / NO How many projects will you be working on at the same time? Contractor 1: Contractor 2: Contractor 3: 216. All rights reserved. Sylvestre Remodeling & Design,

18 QUESTIONS FOR POTENTIAL CONTRACTORS worksheet p.2 Do you have your own employees? How long have you worked with your subcontractors? Contractor 1: Contractor 2: Contractor 3: Who will be supervising the work? Contractor 1: Contractor 2: Contractor 3: Can I have a list of references? Contractor 1: Contractor 2: Contractor 3: TIP: Check with your state s consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no red flags in their past All rights reserved. Sylvestre Remodeling & Design,

19 QUESTIONS FOR REFERENCES worksheet Any potential contractor should be able to give you a list of references to speak with. Here are some questions to ask references. Did the contractor keep to an overall schedule? YES / NO What was their daily schedule? Were they organized? What was it like during the remodeling? Tell me about their workers and subcontractors? Would you hire this contractor again? Why? TIP: If the reference you are speaking with is a current client of the contractor, consider (if possible) visiting the job site to see for yourself how the contractor works. You ll get a good idea on how the workers treat the property and the general organization/safety All rights reserved. Sylvestre Remodeling & Design,

How to Find and Select a General Contractor

How to Find and Select a General Contractor Introduction Now that you have decided to build your own garage, you need to determine whether you want to take on the project yourself or hire someone to do