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Pro Spotlight: Plan Better for a Smooth Remodel
Get your priorities straight before construction starts using these tips from a Sherman Oaks design-build expert
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Who: Mike Ross of Addition Building & Design
Where: Sherman Oaks, California
In his own words: “The fun thing about being a builder is that I never see the same thing twice. It’s always different clients and projects — and they all want things to run smoothly.”
Everyone wants a stress-free remodel. Mike Ross, the owner of Addition Building & Design in Sherman Oaks, has plenty of experience making sure projects are free of hiccups. “I’ve done house tear-downs, remodels, outdoor living areas, additions — everything,” he says. “The one constant is that clients want a nice job with no hassle.”
Where: Sherman Oaks, California
In his own words: “The fun thing about being a builder is that I never see the same thing twice. It’s always different clients and projects — and they all want things to run smoothly.”
Everyone wants a stress-free remodel. Mike Ross, the owner of Addition Building & Design in Sherman Oaks, has plenty of experience making sure projects are free of hiccups. “I’ve done house tear-downs, remodels, outdoor living areas, additions — everything,” he says. “The one constant is that clients want a nice job with no hassle.”
Find the builder first. Ross put himself through college by working in construction. “I loved working on other people’s most prized possessions — their homes,” he says. “That’s why the builder is the most important person you’re going to hire. You work with the builder three to 12 months, depending on the project. There is so much trust needed in that relationship.”
It’s all about teamwork. “Put your team together early,” Ross says. “The builder first, then the architect, the interior designer and the landscape designer — they should work together around the budget from the beginning. This preparation minimizes change orders and will help avoid delays. Plus, you get to hear the most ideas from experts.”
Do you have a project in mind? Ross explains how to get your home build or remodel started.
Do you have a project in mind? Ross explains how to get your home build or remodel started.
1. Talk Budget at the Beginning
Only about a third of Ross’ clients are comfortable disclosing their budget from the get-go, he says. “The rest aren’t comfortable divulging it or just have no idea.” Ross likes to present his clients with three options: “One is a budget for the stripped-down version, one is to get some bells and whistles, and one is to get all the bells and whistles. From there, we can get on the same page.”
When North Hollywood clients were presented with those three options, they opted for the middle budget, which allowed for a few add-ons. “He’s a screenwriter, so we built a home movie theater,” Ross says of one of the homeowners. “Plus, they were very interested in a smart house that allowed control of the lights, irrigation, locks and so on. Those were their extras.”
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Only about a third of Ross’ clients are comfortable disclosing their budget from the get-go, he says. “The rest aren’t comfortable divulging it or just have no idea.” Ross likes to present his clients with three options: “One is a budget for the stripped-down version, one is to get some bells and whistles, and one is to get all the bells and whistles. From there, we can get on the same page.”
When North Hollywood clients were presented with those three options, they opted for the middle budget, which allowed for a few add-ons. “He’s a screenwriter, so we built a home movie theater,” Ross says of one of the homeowners. “Plus, they were very interested in a smart house that allowed control of the lights, irrigation, locks and so on. Those were their extras.”
See more of this project
2. Pick Materials Early On
Choosing elements such as flooring, cabinets and tile before construction begins will minimize the chances of major changes popping up midproject. “If my clients don’t have a designer already picked out, I have one on staff,” Ross says. “That’s how important this is.”
A Bel Air client purchased her own materials when Addition converted her attic into a bedroom. “She went out and bought all of the tile, the hardwood, the bathroom fixtures, everything,” Ross says. “She was on top of it because she didn’t want to hold up the project.”
See more of this project
Choosing elements such as flooring, cabinets and tile before construction begins will minimize the chances of major changes popping up midproject. “If my clients don’t have a designer already picked out, I have one on staff,” Ross says. “That’s how important this is.”
A Bel Air client purchased her own materials when Addition converted her attic into a bedroom. “She went out and bought all of the tile, the hardwood, the bathroom fixtures, everything,” Ross says. “She was on top of it because she didn’t want to hold up the project.”
See more of this project
3. Charge Through Obstacles
Whenever obstacles appear during a remodel or a build, expedite whatever you can to keep the process moving along, Ross advises. “This business can be tricky,” he says. “You’re balancing so many elements. Despite all the preparation before construction begins, it’s possible to still have a few things come up. Sometimes something as simple as weather will throw you off. The key is to not wait around when these things happen.”
Clients in Santa Monica had already made the big decisions for their modern farmhouse build when an issue arose. “They had met with my designer and picked out everything down to the faucets,” he says. “Then the city told us we weren’t allowed to back up into the street.” Ross knew they had to satisfy the city to get the permit, so he expedited an order for a car turntable.
More: For more information on Mike Ross and examples of his work, visit Addition Building & Design’s Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Whenever obstacles appear during a remodel or a build, expedite whatever you can to keep the process moving along, Ross advises. “This business can be tricky,” he says. “You’re balancing so many elements. Despite all the preparation before construction begins, it’s possible to still have a few things come up. Sometimes something as simple as weather will throw you off. The key is to not wait around when these things happen.”
Clients in Santa Monica had already made the big decisions for their modern farmhouse build when an issue arose. “They had met with my designer and picked out everything down to the faucets,” he says. “Then the city told us we weren’t allowed to back up into the street.” Ross knew they had to satisfy the city to get the permit, so he expedited an order for a car turntable.
More: For more information on Mike Ross and examples of his work, visit Addition Building & Design’s Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
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Valoración de Christopher Intagliata:
We did a complete gut remodel on a 1928 house, and trusted Mike & Addition Building and Design with the project. They knocked it out of the park. Mike is a no-nonsense contractor - he was quick to com...Más