During the initial phase of the home repair or remodel project, we work in a collaborative process with the homeowner to identify the needs, goals, and feasibility of the project.

If you want to start a repair project, we diagnose the root cause of damaged areas and propose corrective work to both repair the damage and prevent it from reoccurring.

Larger remodel projects typically include a combination of functional improvements to the home and upgrades to the aesthetics and interior design elements. During the planning phase we work in an iterative process to propose high-level design alternatives, corresponding floor plan changes and interior design elements that achieve your goals. We continually compare, contrast and prioritize the various design choices with an informed view as to how these choices impact the budget and schedule. The result of this planning process ensures that everyone is on the same page with regards to the overall "scope" and design objectives for the project.

For simple repair projects, construction plans may not be required, but a “scope of work” statement is always beneficial to ensure that those hired to do the repair meet the requirements of the job.

For projects that require construction drawings, there are two possible paths to complete construction drawings and specifications. For small- to medium-scope projects, Best Services can prepare detailed construction drawings and handle the permitting process through the Oregon Bureau of Development Services as required.

If the scope of the project is large enough to require an architectural firm, we can help identify and vet licensed architects as required. Once an architect is engaged, we can become your advisor and/or surrogate during design reviews, contribute aesthetic ideas that enhance the design, and oversee the architect’s work to ensure your objectives are being met. We also check the feasibility of the architect's schedule and projected costs, identify critical dependencies and risks.

A complete design concept deals with the aesthetic elements as well as the functional improvements. Our interior design skills are integral to the process and lead to the identification and specification of materials, finishes, color schemes, plumbing and lighting fixture selection, cabinetry design, custom bath and kitchen tile designs and product selection, incorporating period-appropriate architectural detailing, etc.

Finding the right people to do the work is paramount. We work with you to identify the resources necessary to ensure quality construction at a competitive price.

If you are the type of homeowner who would like to roll up your sleeves and manage a construction process yourself, Best Services can augment your knowledge with our experience and expertise. Simple home repairs often involve two to four skilled craftsmen to make the repair. Each of these specialized workers typically handle a single aspect of the repair or remodel project (carpentry, plaster, painting, plumbing, etc.) and are referred to as the "trades" or subcontractors. On larger remodel projects or home addition, as many as 20 or more specialized trades could be involved.

We maintain a network of trusted and qualified subcontractors and tradespeople in Portland. If additional resources are required, we can help you identify and vet those subcontractors and suppliers.

If the scope of the project is such that you might need a licensed General Contractor, we can help identify, recommend and evaluate prospective builders by checking credentials, insurance, licenses, and references, and by qualifying their construction work and subcontractor resources and suppliers.

In addition to selecting the people to do the work, identifying and dealing with product suppliers is also an important consideration. Most subcontractors supply their own materials (lumber, paint, plaster and wallboard, insulation, roofing, etc.). However some of these product selections have a direct impact on the quality and performance of the end result, and it can be confusing as to where and how to make these cost/quality tradeoffs. We can help you ensure these (often overlooked) product decisions are consistent with your objectives.

Depending on the scope of the project, the homeowner may be responsible for selecting such items as custom cabinetry, appliances, kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixtures, lighting, tile & stone products, floor coverings and finishes, paint and wallpaper, window coverings, and furnishings. We work with you to identify appropriate suppliers, recommend or handle product selection decisions, and coordinate with the suppliers when specifying, ordering and taking delivery of the product. It's important to know when to buy these products directly from the supplier, and when to let the subcontractor buy the product you specify, and we can assist in these decisions.

Orchestrating the bid process is often cumbersome, time-consuming and error-prone. Getting competitive bids to a reasonable apples-to-apples comparison can be quite confusing and tricky, so our focus is to ensure the builders are all bidding on the same scope of work with the same specifications, or to point out the differences between bids during the bid selection process. We can assist in preparing bid packages, advise on or manage the bidding process, help select subcontractors & tradespeople, and negotiate contracts.

If you decide to subcontract the work to the trades directly, without the involvement of a general contractor, we are on call to assure the quality of the work performed as your consultant on an as-needed basis. Or we can fully project-manage the workers and suppliers through the completion of the project. When Best Services is involved in overseeing the various subcontractors, the contracts with them are typically made between the homeowner and the various subcontractors directly, which is the most cost-effective approach for all parties.

If a licensed General Contractor is doing the building, we can act as your watchdog and alter ego during construction, and oversee the work of the builder and their tradespeople to ensure conformance to the plans and specifications, negotiate and document change orders, and solve unforeseen problems.