Terminology and Definitions Used By Northwest Homecrafters
Allowances
A range of money designated for an item listed in the specifications for which the particulars are unknown.
Architect/Designer
Professional designations used to define the person drawing remodel/construction plans.
As-built Plan
Architectural prints used to describe the floor plan and exterior/interior elevations of the existing structure.
Budget
Available amount of money allocated to construct a project.
Building Permit
Official document issued by a city or county building department allowing construction on a home.
Change Order
Documentation process used by Northwest Homecrafters, Inc. to identify and price any additional costs to the final construction budget due to unforeseen circumstances or changes requested by the homeowner.
Completion Checklist
Final items to address or complete prior to client taking possession of the completed project.
Concept Design
These are scaled floor plans, derived from the Priorities List, meetings with the designer and contractor, and code parameters. This is where all development parameters flow into what will become an efficient and pleasing design. It may take a few meetings and one or two design iterations. A construction cost estimate is generated in this phase.
Construction Contract
A document accepted and approved by homeowner, which specifies all documents used to build the structure, final specifications, product selection, construction and payment schedules, general conditions and warranty documents.
Construction Documents Binder
Construction, warranty, instructions, and mechanical documents as well as project photographs, compiled by Northwest Homecrafters, Inc. during the course of construction, and presented to the homeowner upon completion of the project in a binder.
Design-Build
An economical method of furnishing a comprehensive design-to-construction service to a homeowner seeking to remodel an existing home.
Design And Budget Agreement
A contractual agreement between Northwest Homecrafters, Inc. and a homeowner to provide an economical method of furnishing a quality design service for homeowners seeking to remodel an existing residence.
Plans are prepared to meet current building codes. Anyone using these drawings other than Northwest Homecrafters, Inc. should verify any and all conditions, dimensions, and conformity with building codes, as well as the adequacy of the drawings.
All design work is charged on a per square foot basis. This compensation does not include items considered to be reimbursable expenses. Reimbursable expenses are charged at cost and include but are not limited to items such as:
- Fees for structural, electrical, and/or mechanical consultant’s work
- Surveying and/or soils testing
- Architectural renderings and models requested by the Owner
- Permitting fees
- Reproduction of final drawings after 1 set
Final Completion Report
Report filled out by the homeowner stating the project is complete. Final payment is made upon completion of any unfinished items noted in this report. Final payment is the full contract amount less the installed value of any back-ordered materials. Final payment is not withheld for back-ordered materials. Any other items discovered after this sign-off, may be covered by our 1-year warranty as outlined in the Warranty (see below).
Floor Plan
Often referred to as a Plan View, refers to a 2-dimensional drawing outlining specific areas, e.g. a master bedroom or kitchen plan, as well as an entire floor.
PAMS©
A system developed and utilized by Northwest Homecrafters, Inc. to facilitate a clear, structured process through which a homeowner and Northwest Homecrafters, Inc. conceive, plan, organize and construct a remodel project.
Pre-Construction Meeting
Client meeting with Sales and Production Team from Northwest Homecrafters, Inc. to review project scope of work and address any concerns or questions prior to start of production.
Preliminary Budget
Budget used at the beginning of the Design-Build process. Since the design is not fully determined, product selections not completed, the budget at this time is fairly flexible.
Production Date
Date set when construction will commence.
Product Selections Checklists
Checklists designed by Northwest Homecrafters, Inc. to assist a homeowner in selecting the type, quality, and quantity of materials to be used in the remodel. The choice of products you decide on, i.e. plumbing fixtures, cabinets, flooring materials, etc. will affect the budget. Checklists are used for the following areas:
- Kitchen
- Bathroom (s)
- Rooms (bedrooms, living room, family room, dining room)
- Hardwood Flooring
- General Interior Areas (hallways, stairways)
- General Exterior Areas
- Item Retainage
- Tile & Stone choices
Production Team
Project Manager along with field technicians from Northwest Homecrafters, Inc. who will construct a project.
Project Evaluation
Survey conducted after a project has been completed informing the contractor whether he has met all expectations, or if not, how he can improve his services to you and others.
Project Manager
A representative of Northwest Homecrafters, Inc. designated to manage all aspects of production during construction of a project.
Project Schedule
Timeline chart outlining anticipated construction schedule.
Project Specifications
Items and notes contained in the final agreement necessary for the production team, subcontractors, and suppliers to successfully construct a project.
Project Questionnaire
Questionnaire developed by Northwest Homecrafters, Inc. used to identify any specific needs or concerns a homeowner may have with the construction process.
Scope of Work
General description of the remodel/construction.
Site Mobilization
Loading all necessary tools and equipment on site prior to the start of production.
Six-Month and One-year follow-up
Phone contact from Northwest Homecrafters, Inc. six months and one year after project completion to insure all construction in the project is functioning and in good condition.
Subcontractor
Company or companies hired by the general contractor, who specialize in the various building trades required to construct a project.
Value Engineering
Finding creative methods to accomplish a particular scope of work at a reduced cost. This generally means trades offs between scope, quality of materials, and budget.
Vendor
Company or companies supplying construction materials for a project.
Warranty
Documents outlining a limited one-year warranty and the conditions of that warranty.
Washington State Sales Taxes
Within Seattle and a large part of King County, a tax of 8.9% is applied to the total construction price of all labor, materials and subcontractors covered in the Construction Contract (see above).
Working Drawings
Final construction drawings submitted to the local building department, which are required to successfully construct a defined scope of work.
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