What's in a 1 Degree proposal?
Every proposal is written after a visit to your property and is broken into the same parts, so you can compare it line by line and see where every dollar goes.
- 01
Base scope
The work we're committing to, described specifically enough that you could measure it: rooms, systems, finishes and who is responsible for what.
- 02
Options
Priced add-ons or alternates you can accept or decline, such as an upgraded window package or an extra bathroom, so you control the final scope.
- 03
Allowances
Budget placeholders for items you'll choose later, like tile, plumbing fixtures or lighting. Explained in detail below.
- 04
Assumptions & exclusions
What we assumed when pricing, and what isn't included, written out so nothing is a surprise later.
What is an allowance, and what happens if I go over it?
An allowance is a set budget in your contract for something that hasn't been selected yet. It lets us price the whole project now, while you take time to choose finishes later.
When you make your selection, we compare its actual cost to the allowance. If your choice costs more, the difference is an overage, added to the contract by a written change order you approve. If it costs less, the difference is a credit back to you.
Example: a tile allowance
Your proposal for a primary bath includes a tile allowance for the floor and shower walls, because you haven't picked tile yet.
If you choose a handmade tile that costs more than the allowance, we show you the difference in writing before ordering, and it's added only after you sign the change order.
If you choose a simpler porcelain that costs less, the unused part of the allowance is credited back to you on the contract.
On many of our projects you purchase the finish materials yourself, such as tile, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, counters and appliances, and we install them. In that case your proposal covers installation and there's no allowance to reconcile. Where we do carry an allowance, the proposal states what it covers, for example material only, or material and installation, so you know what the number does and doesn't include.
What isn't included in the price?
Anything not in the base scope, accepted options or allowances is excluded, and the most common exclusions are written into every proposal so you can plan for them:
- Government and agency fees, such as permit, plan-check and utility fees. These are set by the agencies, not by us, and are listed separately.
- Conditions we can't see before opening walls, such as hidden damage or work that isn't to code. See what can go wrong.
- Work by your own separate vendors, unless it's coordinated under our contract.
- Specialty systems not in your scope, such as solar, low-voltage and AV, or fire sprinklers where not required.
- Landscaping and hardscape, custom millwork, steel and closet systems, unless listed in your proposal.
- Structural work that isn't on the approved plans, and soil conditions found during excavation. These are priced as change orders once known.
- Finish materials you purchase directly, such as tile, fixtures, counters and appliances. We install them.
How are change orders handled?
Every change, whether you request it or a site condition requires it, is written up with its scope, price and any schedule effect. Work on the change proceeds only after you approve it in writing.
That keeps the running contract total visible at all times, so there are no surprises at the end of the job.
How much is the deposit, and when are payments due?
Deposit: California law limits a home improvement down payment to $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. We follow that rule on every contract.
Progress payments: after the deposit, payments are tied to milestones in your contract, such as completed framing or completed rough-in inspections. Apart from the deposit, each payment follows completed work rather than coming ahead of it.
The payment schedule is reviewed with you during the confirmation step, before anything is signed.
Why is the pricing guide a range, not a quote?
Because every house and scope is different, and a number without a scope behind it isn't useful. Our pricing guide gives an honest planning range by project type. A written proposal turns that range into a number for your house.
Get a proposal you can actually read
Start with a realistic range in the pricing guide, then book a consultation for a written, line-by-line proposal for your project.