Whether you’ve just bought a fixer-upper or you’re looking to make some much-needed upgrades to your well-loved home, you may be thinking that it’s time for a renovation. If this is your first time working with a renovation company like Classic Remodeling, you might not know where to start or what to expect. 

We’ve shared our renovation process, or “The Classic Process,” to prepare you for your project and given you a step-by-step guide through each phase so you know exactly what to expect after you’ve reached out to us. 

Initial Consultation

When you first contact our team, one of our helpful sales representatives will meet you at the project site to get an idea of what you need for your home and see some of your inspiration. It’s good to inform us of what you want during this phase, as it will make the renovation process much smoother. This can also ensure that we can work everything you dream of into your budget so you can make decisions accordingly. You don’t want to find that a last-minute feature you want to add in the middle of the project will put you way over your budget!

We also have a standard list of questions we ask to gather as much information as possible, including:

• What are your goals in this renovation?
• What is working now and what isn’t?
• How did you find Classic?
• What is your budget?
• What is your timeline?

We will also ask you to walk us through your daily routine, so we know how you use your space. This includes details like how you like to cook and do the laundry, where you like to relax, how everyone else’s schedules in the house relate to yours, whether or not you have children, and anything specific they need. 

These questions and details ensure that we tailor every aspect of your renovation to your specific needs so your home is the perfect blend of functional and comfortable. After all, no two homes are alike, and everyone has different needs to make their home their sanctuary. 

During this first site visit, we will also ensure there are no structural issues, like rot or leaks, to address in the area we’ll be working in. This helps us identify any necessary repairs and ensure the space is safe and functional before beginning to work.   

Conceptual Design

Once we know the issues we’re addressing, what your dream renovation will include, and get an idea of your budget, we will measure the areas where we will work. Sometimes, this is just one room, and other times, it’s the whole house. We will also take photos during this time to document the space’s appearance before we start and use them as a reference while drawing your as-built plans. 

Before we draft our own plans, we will draw the existing conditions of your home and determine any hurdles we might have before we start designing. This is especially important if we are moving windows, changing anything with the exterior, or adding to the house in any way. A few common hurdles we see include FEMA, HOA, BAR, including the 50% rule, and the Substantial Improvement Rules. We need to know how many of these things will affect your project as early as possible so we can design within the legal guidelines for your home. 

We will usually make multiple site visits to confirm measurements, confirm details, assess any new issues that may arise before and during construction, or see materials in the space. We can also set meetings with you in the space if you’re having trouble visualizing how your renovation will look. 

The selection process happens during this phase, too. We have an onsite showroom with cabinetry, counters, tile, faucets, sinks, pulls and knobs, grout, tile trim, and paint decks. You and our designers will meet to pick out the materials you want to incorporate into your renovation and solidify the finer points of the design details. This part can be a fun experience, and our knowledgeable designers are ready to offer suggestions, provide product information, and guide you should you start to feel overwhelmed or stuck. They will also know what products best suit the space and your everyday life. 

Contract and Permitting 

Once plans are drawn up and everything is approved, we will start purchasing materials, ensure all legal proceedings are completed, and send plans to the appropriate municipality for permitting. This phase, while often time-consuming, is vital before we break ground to ensure we don’t violate any regulations or break any laws. 

Construction 

Once construction starts, the designer will visit multiple times a week to ensure the project is on task, everything is done correctly according to the plans, and to answer any questions. 

You may also be called in occasionally to assess tile choices, countertop choices, confirm pulls and knobs and paint choices, and other details. This can be a fun part of the renovation process as you see the choices you made with the designer earlier in the process start to come together. 

Updates and Check-Ins

Our team is dedicated to updating you on every step of the project, so you don’t have to worry about where you are in the timeline. We will meet with you during the planning phase as often as every two weeks. 

During the construction phase, a lot depends on the scale of the project and your needs. Some clients need weekly check-ins, and others prefer updates only when significant milestones are crossed or if the project is delayed and will fall behind schedule. We also have many clients who live out of town and will come visit to see the progress or have meetings. Whether you prefer weekly updates or mile-stone check-ins, we tailor our communication to ensure you’re always in the loop – giving you peace of mind throughout the process. 

Sometimes, projects last longer than initially estimated. Some common delays include:

• Weather
• Unforeseen issues with walls, floors, or roof structures
• Delay in materials shipping to the job site
• Inspection wait times
• Illness among employees

While we do our best to avoid delays, they inevitably happen. We will ensure you know what’s happening and when things start moving forward again. 

Trust the Classic Renovation Process

Throughout the renovation process, from start to finish, what continuously sets us apart is that we care. We care about the quality of our work, we care about our clients, and we care about doing it right the first time. With Classic, you have our quality guarantee. If you have any issues with our work, check out our Worry-Free Warranty. We work very hard to maintain solid relationships with our clients, even after the project is completed. 

You also benefit from our company’s “design-build” status. Unlike general contractors, we can do everything in-house, from preliminary planning and design to construction. Our experienced team has worked in the industry for many years, giving us the knowledge to complete our jobs well. This also means that you can save some money since you won’t have to work with different companies to complete things like designing and planning. We’re here to see the project through from start to finish. 

Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today!

Though the end of hurricane season is in November, there is still plenty of time for severe storms to rear their ugly heads. And, as any Lowcountry local knows, floods and damaging winds can happen year-round in the coastal south. 

Luckily, there are steps you can take to ready your home for storm season and maintain it no matter the weather. We’ve gathered our expertise from over three decades of building and renovating homes in Charleston to share with you so you’re equipped to be a savvy homeowner and keep your abode safe, rain or shine. 

Common Weather Problems

Wind and rain are the most common problems in Charleston, and when combined, they can be particularly dangerous, often leading to flooding and other damage. Strong winds can often blow heavy rain into roof vents or ridge caps, causing leaks. Wind and flooding can also cause water to get behind walls or flooring and cause mold or mildew. 

Standing water from flooding or other leaks in your home can also damage floors and furniture, short-circuit power outlets, and damage electronics. Before severe weather with a potential flood, unplug electronics, including surge protectors and power strips, and move them to higher locations where they won’t be damaged by water. If you are evacuating from severe weather, turning off your power can help reduce damage to your electrical system. 

Should water enter your home, dehumidify and dry out the affected areas as soon as possible to prevent further water damage and dangerous mold. 

Maintenance and Inspections

Maintaining your home all year is the best way to ensure it doesn’t suffer catastrophic damage during severe weather. Regular maintenance and home inspections are the easiest way to avoid spending money on costly repairs down the road. 

Before any significant storm season, it’s a good idea to go through the following checklist to ensure your home is in tip-top shape. 

• Keep your gutters clean and in good condition to improve water mitigation. 
• Trim back bushes and trees that are close enough to your house to cause damage in a windstorm. 
• Make sure to bring in any exterior furniture that’s not secured during severe weather. 
• If you don’t have impact-rated glass, cover glass doors and windows with a system of screws, clips, and plywood protection known as PLYFASTNER during severe weather to protect them. 
• While not an end-all solution, sandbags can help direct and mitigate water flow from areas where it is most likely to enter your home, like around doors and crawl spaces. 
• Have your roof inspected regularly, especially after a windstorm, to ensure everything is secured and there is no damage. 

While there is no right answer for how often you should have your home inspected, you should have it checked before hurricane season every year and as soon as you notice a problem. It’s better to call experts who can diagnose and remedy the problem before it evolves into a major issue that could cause serious damage to your home. 

Weather-Proof Your Home

In addition to regular home inspections, you can add some preventative features to your home to help weather-proof it. Drip edges and larger overhangs will help protect your roof and prevent water from blowing in, while weather-resistant barriers, weep holes in masonry walls, French drains, and proper grading will ensure your home and property are safe during flooding. 

Weather-Rated Materials

If you’re planning a renovation or home maintenance, consider weather-rated materials and products to lessen potential damage to your home. Depending on where you live, you may be required by law to have these materials installed. 

Impact windows and doors are highly recommended for this part of South Carolina, but if you don’t have them, you are required to have other means of windborne debris protection, such as PLYFASTNER. They can withstand strong winds and are less likely to shatter should objects be thrown against them. If you live in an older home that hasn’t been recently updated, you may need to check to see if you have installed impact windows and doors. 

You should also use treated lumber for any part of your home that could come into contact with weather elements or the ground, as it is less susceptible to water damage. 

Other weather-durable materials to consider when in the planning phase of your renovation include:

• Concrete
• DensGlass
• Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
• Impact-resistant shingles 
• Moisture-resistant insulation
• Fiber cement siding

Other ways to stay safe

After your home’s been weather-proofed and prepared, it’s time to batten the hatches! 

Make sure you have potable water, an alternative way to cook food in case the power goes out, and extra water for dishes, toilets, and bathing. Be sure to stock up on shelf-stable foods and food for your pet if you have one. Charge backup batteries and vital electronics prior to severe weather, and if you’re in an area prone to power outages, consider investing in a gas generator. 

These precautions and regular home maintenance can ensure you’re prepared when Mother Nature strikes. 

Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today!

Classic Remodeling was recently named Charleston’s Best Kitchen/Bath Remodeler by Charleston Living Magazine. Each year, Charleston Living invites readers to nominate their favorite local businesses. Categories range from dining and nightlife to home services, hotels, and more. Classic Remodeling is honored to be named Best Kitchen/Bath Remodeler for the 10th year in a row!

The entire list of Best of the Best winners will be featured in the July/August issue of Charleston Living Magazine.

 

 

Before we dive into Thanksgiving celebrations with friends and family, the Classic family likes to kick-off the season by setting aside an evening to give thanks to our clients who have supported us all these years. So on Saturday, November 18 we invited many of our past and present clients to join us at McLeod Plantation for our annual client appreciation party.

The weather couldn’t have been more beautiful – a nice fall-like evening with temperatures in the mid 60s – as many of our guests enjoyed a tour of McLeod, offered by the staff of Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission.

Once the tours concluded, guests made their way across the street to the Pavilion, where we were waiting with food, music and drinks – ready to have a good time!

Our delicious spread, which included oysters, chicken and sausage jambalaya, cornbread, and deviled eggs was provided by Harvest Catering, while music by Mark Jackson entertained us throughout the evening.

 

Thanks to all of our clients who were able to join us for the evening. We hope you had as much fun as we did! And thanks, as always, for choosing us for your home remodeling needs. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!