Our Process

Our very first visit is meant to compile general project elements and listen to your needs and
objectives. You are encouraged to provide photos of projects you like, a rough outline of your
needs, and have some idea of your financial investment in the project. That information forms the
basis of the Project Development/Design Contract. This visit is usually free of charge

• Site measuring: Upon acceptance of the Project Development/Design Contract, we will contact you to set up an appointment for measurements.

• Home Performance Evaluation: Souder will perform a comprehensive, whole house energy assessment to determine any areas of concern regarding insulation and indoor air quality. We will provide a report and suggest solutions that can be incorporated into the project.

• Preliminary design meeting: We will discuss project expectations and scope, and you will be given various drawings and design options. At this meeting we review the Home Performance Evaluation report, and weigh the advantages of the proposed solutions and improvements.

• Product selection: After you approve a design, we will work with you on product selection. This is the exciting part when you pick out key elements like tile, fixtures, cabinets, and countertops. Your timely selections help assure the project moves forward smoothly.

• Budget: Based on the preliminary meeting and the product selection, we present a budget. Some costs may be allowance-based. When you have approved the budget we finalize the drawings and specifications, and provide a target date for construction.

• Subcontractor walk-thru: We arrange for our subcontractors to visit the site and provide us with fixed pricing. This is also when you get to meet the lead carpenter assigned to your project.

• Construction Agreement: The Construction Agreement summarizes everything discussed so far, including the specifications, labor and material costs, allowance items, terms and conditions, and the start date and duration of construction.

• Scheduling: A timeline is created with start and completion dates.

• Pre-construction conference: We have a meeting at your house with the Project Design Manager
and Lead Carpenter to discuss logistics and finalize any undecided items.

• Demolition: The first step in construction is to strip away everything that is no longer needed,
using lead-safe working practices if your house was constructed prior to 1978. As a precaution
against inadvertent damage, we install protective coverings in your house to protect your
possessions and your home’s finishes. The insides of your house will be exposed, and occasionally
at this point we discover hidden complications that will need to be resolved. In addition, your
plumbing or electrical services may be interrupted for brief periods during the workday.

• Site work and framing: As required by your project, the foundation is poured and the structure of the project is framed in. Even this early on, we will have our eye on finishing details, and we may need to discuss with you the locations of things like recessed cabinets, mirrors, and towel bars to allow for structural blocking.

• Mechanical installations: Our subcontractors complete the plumbing, electrical, HVAC and
mechanical work. Each subcontractor has several inspections during this period to ensure the
project meets all requirements. The Lead Carpenter will arrange a “Pre Close-In” walk-thru
with you if you would like to verify mechanical locations before the drywall is placed.

• Finishing: When the mechanical installations are in place, the insulation and drywall are installed, followed by painting, interior doors, millwork, cabinets, floor coverings, countertops, plumbing and lighting fixtures. The project starts to come to life as this stage is completed.

• Substantial completion and punch list: Traffic in your home noticeably decreases and you likely have functional use of your new space with some minor items pending completion. The Lead Carpenter
creates a punch list and we have a meeting with you to go over the list and add any other items
you feel need to be addressed. This meeting is usually held one to two weeks after substantial
completion to give you time to move into and enjoy your new space, and make note of any
concerns.

• Final completion: When the punch list work is completed to mutual satisfaction, the list will be
signed and dated by both you and TDS and a final invoice will be sent. Your new space is now
ready to use!