CONTACT
If you are interested in working with Buckminster Green the first step is to reach out and tell us about your project. We are a full-service design-build remodeler with a focus on sustainable building. We handle all aspects of your project from idea to completion. Emailing us with details about your project is the best way to introduce yourself. From there we can set up a call to see if we’re a good fit for your project.
VISIT
The next step is for us to come out to your home. We like to meet you in person and see the space. Though you may only have a first floor remodel in mind, we'll look at the house as a whole and talk to you about your big-picture plans. We will discuss your budget and share the cost range we expect given similar projects we’ve completed. If you are looking to purchase a home we can help you estimate potential renovation costs before you make an offer.
DESIGN
If we are a good fit for your project, we’ll present you with a design contract for these services that includes the pre-construction work needed to do budget checks and make sure it can be built. Our goal is to provide you with a design that satisfies your wish list and fits the budget range we've agreed upon. We build the projects we design. Our designers will guide you through the process of planning the interiors and selecting finishes so that the final product is all you. They will produce the complete set of plans our production team needs to make your dreams reality. Our involvement in the design is the reason we have so many satisfied clients.
BUILD
When the design for the project is ready, we will send you a contract with a detailed scope, production and payment schedules. Once we answer your questions and the contract is signed, we mobilize to complete your remodel and begin ordering materials. You’ll have access to our cloud-based construction management software. This allows members of our team to communicate with you effectively, and you’ll have access to plans, selections, permits and progress photos. Before work begins, we will meet at your house with the project and production manager for your project, as well as any subcontractors who will be working at the house. Once work begins, we work to complete the project swiftly and properly. If unexpected issues arise, we'll inform you of the situation and any decisions you need to make. We value communication and work hard to keep you informed throughout the duration of your project. Learn more about the “build” in Design-Build here)
TRUST
When you invite someone in to remodel your home, you’re taking a big leap of faith. Buckminster Green understands, and we appreciate the trust you place in our team. We listen - before, during and after the project is complete. Whether it has been one year or ten since we cleaned up and handed you the keys, we’re just an email or call away for any questions or issues that arise.
Turn on closed captions for more info. See a project start to finish as we transform this 100 year old carriage house into a family home for four.
QUESTIONS?
CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THE DESIGN?
Absolutely. Watch this video to learn more, or read on for more info. Our designers have the training and real world experience you need. Kristie has a BFA in Interior Design with a CKBD certification and Chrissy has a BS in interior design and an MS in real estate development. Company owner Bronwyn is an AKBD certified kitchen and bath planner, and meets with the design and build team weekly. During the design phase we will present 3D views to help you visualize the space. In addition to kitchens and bathrooms we can help with built-ins, decks, space planning and selection of finishes and will produce a full set of plans showing all the important details. When the project falls outside this scope we bring in one of our partner architects and/or engineers. No matter what, we will manage the design process with your budget and timeline in mind.
HOW MUCH DOES A PROJECT LIKE MINE NORMALLY COST?
After the initial site visit we can tell you the range within which we'd expect your project to fall. To get an idea before that visit, our price guide goes through costs for average projects we undertake: What’s This Going to Cost? and Remodeling Magazine's annual Cost vs. Value report will tell you what average costs for different types of projects are in your area. If you’re interested in finding out how long the whole process takes from start to finish, read: How Long’s This Going To Take?
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
Most of our work falls within Philadelphia city limits (primarily in the area in and around Center City) but we do occasionally work in the surrounding area. Contact us to find out. The range which we can travel at a given time varies depending on what other projects we have scheduled.
ARE YOU LICENSED AND INSURED?
We are licensed and insured according to city and state standards. Our Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor # is PA012016 and our Philadelphia contractor's license is #43620.
ARE YOU LEAD CERTIFIED?
We are an EPA lead certified firm.
We are also part of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, Green Building United, and certified Green Advantage.
CAN I BUY MY OWN MATERIALS?
We recommend that you have us purchase the materials for the job. This way you will know who to turn to if there are any issues that need to be resolved - US. We have established relationships with suppliers and our experience with various products will be an asset to you. There are exceptions to this rule. If you are interested in buying your own materials, read this article Kenny wrote for Houzz.com on the subject: How to Shop for Your Remodel.
SHOULD I LIVE IN THE HOUSE DURING CONSTRUCTION?
Know yourself. Remodeling is a dirty process, no matter how much we try to make it otherwise. The larger the scope of the project, the more helpful it is to move out while work is happening. Of course remodeling is expensive, and moving out just adds to the cost. If you can’t move out for the whole job, try to schedule some time away and set up a clean, comfortable place to retreat to when you can’t handle coming home to a messy and stressful construction site.
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I SET ASIDE FOR CONTINGENCIES?
There are no hard and fast rules except to expect the unexpected. Whether demolition exposes knob and tube wiring no one knew was there, or you decide you can't live without those upgraded sconces in the bathroom, it is rare that there are no additional costs on a project. A well planned project where everything is specified ahead of time may need only 3-5% of the project cost set aside for contingencies, but for most projects we recommend keeping 5-8% available and if your project is still in the budgeting stage, 15% will usually cover variation from the original ballpark.