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 Project
Start-up Guidelines
Hours of Work -
Typically 7:30 A.M. to 3:30/4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, unless other
arrangements have been made. Avalon employees are given the weekends off
to spend time with their families.
Access - We prefer to keep a key in a secure lock box on an
accessible door. This way the key does not leave the job, and if the lead
carpenter happens to be away from the job, another Avalon representative
can meet subcontractors etc. This is usually the door through which
everyone will enter and exit. Please let us know if you have an alarm
system. May we have a key and use a lock box, or would you prefer another
method, just let us know at the project start?
Client Communication & Project Updates - The presence of the
Project Manager or the Lead Carpenter at your home each day is dictated by
the schedule on your job. We make every attempt to keep you apprised of
what is taking place each week.
For the clients we don’t see on a day-to-day basis, Avalon management is
relies heavily on email communications in providing daily updates on the
project. You will never have a week where you’re wondering “who’s coming
this week” or “what’s being done this week”.
On most jobs we will have a "project manager" that will run the day-to-day
aspects of your job. Jobs run smoothest when all communications are
funneled through them, including conversations regarding a subcontractor.
Subcontractors take instructions best from the project manager, and it
keeps information in the proper channel and on schedule. Additionally,
Greg Nolan is always available to discuss any concerns on your project.
Phone (703) 929-3295
Restroom – If possible, a restroom should be designated to be
available to the workers or, if preferred, a Dons John will be set up
outside at a suitable location established between Avalon and the
homeowner.
Parking – Parking has traditionally not been an issue for our crews
as we work throughout the Loudoun Co. area & surrounding areas. If you
have any parking restrictions for our team members, either around you’re
house or around you’re neighborhood, please let us know and we will gladly
accommodate you’re request. We’d also like to know if there are any
specific parking concerns regarding your neighbors.
Schedules – On applicable projects; you will be provided with an
estimated schedule at project commencement. This schedule will give you a
good idea of what is taking place on a daily/weekly basis, and what
particular construction phase follows after each completed milestone.
Payments of Invoices - Invoices or draw-schedule progress payments
will be presented at the time the work is complete or the appropriate
draw-schedule phase has passed inspection. Payment is due upon receipt.
Prompt payment is expected and appreciated as well as necessary to avoid
any disruption in the workflow, and allows us to pay our staff & sub
contractors in prompt fashion.
Clean up - It is our intention to leave your job in a "broom clean"
condition at the end of each day. On all projects, we keep one to two
steel trashcans with lids at all times. We also keep a large shop-vac and
broom w/dust-pan on all jobs from start to finish, which is available to
our crew & subs at all times.
Sub-contractors - These people are an important part of your job.
Avalon has worked with the same group of subs (electricians, plumbers,
etc.) for years and has consistently maintained a strong working
relationship with them. In return, they consistently provide top-quality
workmanship on our projects.
Delays with subs (a day or two) can & do occur in residential
construction, But Avalon’s strong working relationship, consistent &
prompt payment history, and steady workflow passed onto our subs assures
us that your project is consistently put towards the top of they’re
priority list.
Dust – Dust is a necessary evil of residential construction & will
happens at various times. Every effort will be made to contain dust. As an
example, Avalon implements a large Delta air cleaner for the
drywall-sanding phase on all finished basement and room-additions
projects. But remember, 100% containment is nearly impossible.
Delays - Expect a few delays along your remodeling/construction
journey. They come from many sources, all unexpected. Some are due to
suppliers; i.e.: the model you want is out of stock, your faucets are on
back-order, your cabinets didn’t make the delivery truck on Wednesday,
etc. etc.
Other delays can occur if, once walls are opened, a situation with
plumbing or electrical lines are found that could not have been
anticipated (especially on older houses where remodeling can truly be
“exploratory surgery”) so keep in mind that delays can occur but we will
do everything we can to keep them to a minimum.
Children - A construction area could pose various dangers to
children; power tools, nail guns, electrical wiring, hammers, tall ladders
& the list goes on. We ask that children not be allowed in the
construction area, especially during work hours. If it is necessary for
children to be either in or around work areas at any time, we ask that
they be closely supervised.
Pets - Remodeling can be a trying experience on your pet. Many new
faces will be coming and going. We will try to accommodate your pet as
best as possible. For you’re pets safety, we would ask that they be kept
away from the construction area while our crews are working.
Preparing For Your Job - We will gladly move the larger items,
i.e.: refrigerator, stove, etc. We ask that you clean out all applicable
cabinets, bathrooms, closets or rooms or hallways or decks that may be
affected by the work, i.e.: boxes, suitcases, personal items, wall
hangings, knick-knacks, etc. Please let us know where we can move the
larger items to.
Trash Disposal – Depending on the size & duration of the project,
we will either utilize our dump trailer daily/weekly or set up a dumpster
outside or establish a few steel trash cans outside for debris on smaller
jobs. In any event, it is our goal to always maintain a clean work
environment.
Landscaping - During the normal course of construction, damage to
the sidewalks, patios, adjoining plantings, lawns, and bushes may be
beyond the control of the contractor. The contractor is not responsible
for this damage. We will make every effort to avoid or minimize such
damage & will discuss any potential landscape issues in advance whenever
possible, allowing the homeowner to remove/replant/cover any landscape
related items ahead of time.
Material Storage - An area, usually one side of the garage or an
area of the basement when applicable, should be selected to store salvaged
and newly delivered materials.
Conduct - All workers on your job have been asked to keep their
shirts on at all times; not to smoke inside; to properly dispose of their
cigarettes in a designated can outside; to play their radios at a low
volume; and to clean up after themselves. Please advise us if any of these
rules are not followed.
Change Orders - Change orders will be priced and presented for
approval prior to commencement of additional work. Any deviation from the
original contract should be addressed immediately to avoid any
misunderstandings and to help hold down cost. Please be advised that any
change may interrupt the rhythm of the workflow and could result in a
project delay. Payment is due upon acceptance of change order.
Code Requirements - If code requires work that was not specified,
i.e.: electrical, plumbing, etc., this work will be completed by means of
a change order.
Moonlighting or Side-Work - is not allowed by our employees or
subcontractors for our customers. Unauthorized work for our customers
could result in an employee's termination.
Yard Signs - We would like your permission to set one of our
company signs near the street. The majority of our business comes from
"word - of - mouth" advertising. This sign not only helps our company
generate business, but also serves as an important marker for material
deliveries and subcontractors & county inspectors
Pictures - It is our intention to take pictures of each project
prior to the start of the job and at its conclusion. If this practice is
acceptable with you, we will take our "Before" pictures as soon as
possible. And upon completion, we will take the "After" pictures. With
your permission, your pictures may show up on our web site, or based on
the project scope, be submitted to a Remodeling Magazine project contest.
Your name and address will not appear in any marketing materials without
your permission
Post Construction - After the final walk-through & punch-list work
is complete, we usually schedule a 60-day follow-up visit with you to take
a few pictures and check on your completed project. We will address any
concerns on the project at that time. And we welcome the opportunity to
discuss any future projects at that time as well.
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