Got Questions? We Got Answers

F.A.Q.

Frequently asked questions from customers over the years may help further determine if our company is your best choice.

Client Questions

Most Common Queries

In this section, you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions by category. Feel free to ask us for a reference and we’ll put you in touch with an advocate who was once apprehensive of our services.

Quality

DO YOU HAVE A REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE?

References are available upon request and can be sorted by type of project or geographic area. References are generally by phone only to protect the privacy of our customers’ addresses.

WHAT ARE YOUR CERTIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & TRAINING?

It is important that we offer continuing educational courses for our staff at all levels. Although a university degree is not required for employment, many of our office and field staff do hold certificates in their fields. The Certified Graduate Remodeler program is one such offering that provides valuable industry information previously adopted and enhanced by management. Our entry level carpenters and apprentices are enrolled in courses offered through CITC; the curriculum is useful in on-the-job-training and professional development.

WHAT DOES YOUR SLOGAN MEAN?

“Turning Apprehension Into Advocacy” summarizes the philosophy that our services are designed to improve the impression of the remodeling experience. Each of our customers has approached our firm with the desire to fulfill certain needs. If we can meet or exceed those needs with careful planning, consultation and forethought, then the value of the improvement is easily realized over time.

DO YOU EMPLOY YOUR OWN CARPENTERS OR SUB EVERYTHING OUT?

Our carpenters are proficient in carpentry, including framing, cabinetry, doors, windows and millwork. In-house capabilities include small quantity trades work, but we generally utilize a pool of trade contractors to perform their specialties.

HOW DO YOU SELECT FINISHES?

Materials are selected based on their value and quality relative to the intended use. For example, a high-end kitchen need not include the most expensive products, rather the most aesthetic and functional for lasting enjoyment.

WHAT KIND OF CABINETRY DO YOU RECOMMEND?

Quality raw materials, assembly methods, fit and finish are the keys to lasting materials. Custom cabinetry allows for a variety of configurations in every direction to the 1/8″. Visit Cabinetree Works for more information about door styles, box construction, finishes and hardware.

Process

AT WHAT POINT IS STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING REQUIRED?

Additions and interior structural changes generally require a licensed professional to provide wet stamped calculations. Structural engineering is outsourced to a local firm for the purposes of satisfying the jurisdictional building departments. An engineer is generally introduced after the preliminary drawings are approved.

DO I NEED DESIGN SERVICES?

Design is a process that allows for creativity and will ultimately communicate the details required to produce the plan. Our process is a one-stop solution for residential Design/Build remodeling.

Our studio Designers are skilled in creating spaces for diverse styles and personalities, and as a consequence can accommodate a variety of customer personalities and creative desires.

Before deciding to have your project designed by an architect or designer we recommend you research the Design/Build process. However, we also welcome the opportunity to schedule you for a consultation in our office.

We invite all our customers to the Design Studio to create a design plan for your project.

HOW DO YOU MANAGE SCHEDULING?

Upon signing the Design Agreement, space is reserved on our Master Construction Schedule. The actual construction schedule is presented at Construction Contracting. Updates are issued as required during the project. The Location Manager assigned to your project oversees daily operations and coordinates communication with you.

I LIVE IN GEORGIA, BUT YOURS WAS THE ONLY WEBSITE I COULD FIND WITH SUCH COMPREHENSIVE DETAIL ON THE PROCESS. ABOUT HOW MUCH WOULD A CRAWLSPACE CONVERSION TYPICALLY COST?

That’s a difficult question to answer because each one has its own unique challenges. Think of a crawlspace conversion as a 1-story main floor addition without a roof. And instead of the costs associated with a roof, add over twice that cost for hand excavation, restructuring gravity and lateral loads, relocation of mechanical services, egress (including stairway) and a variety of other variables. Typically they are more expensive than a lateral addition, yet do not subtract valuable lot area.

WHAT IS YOUR PRICING & ESTIMATING PROCESS?

Although every project is unique, we maintain a routine procedure for budgeting and estimating any given scope of work. Our process begins with budgeting for construction costs, design fees, permit fees and even sales tax. Once the budget is closely aligned with the scope of work, the scripting process refines the budget based on experienced guidance until the project is well-enough defined to be accurately estimated. This process allows for all design decisions to be made in advance, so agreement can be reached on a fixed-cost construction contract.

Care

DO YOU SUBCONTRACT OR HAVE EMPLOYEES?

We employ a field staff of Project Managers, Carpenters and Apprentices who perform much of the actual daily activity on your home. Specialty work, such as concrete, drywall, roofing and painting is issued to Trade Contractors who meet our operational and warranty standards.

HOW DO YOU PROTECT MY BELONGINGS?

Dust protection begins with managing access points, securing the work area and installing construction filtration on the return air vents. Adjustments and maintenance may be made to accommodate the work load and occupants.

We employ a field staff of Project Managers, Carpenters and Apprentices who perform much of the actual daily activity on your home. Specialty work, such as concrete, drywall, roofing and painting is issued to Trade Contractors who meet our operational and warranty standards.

HOW DO YOU MANAGE SECURITY OF MY HOME?

Each residence receives a lockbox with a unique combination only available to our Project Managers and key field staff. The home is locked up at the end of each day and left in a broom clean condition. Where exterior walls are exposed, temporary walls are installed with plywood screwed from the inside. Insulation is applied during winter months. Tarps are often used to protect the home from the elements.

HOW OFTEN DO PAST CUSTOMERS REQUEST ADDITIONAL WORK?

Each new prospective customer is asked how they heard about us. Those who have responded as being repeat customers account for roughly 42% of our annual jobs performed.

WHAT SIZE PROJECTS DO YOU PERFORM?

Our specialty is residential remodeling. A qualified, prospective customer can utilize our services to perform anything related to their home. From minor repairs, to service calls, to multi-million dollar projects, there is virtually no home improvement project that can’t be performed by our company and within our procedures.

WHAT TOOLS DO YOU USE?

It is imperative to maintain a technologically sophisticated toolset. The project development process utilizes Chief Architect 3-D CAD software to speed design and provide perspective for customers to better visualize proposed solutions. The rest of our office is based in Microsoft products.

Time

HOW LONG WILL MY HOME BE DISRUPTED?

Construction duration varies with the size, complexity and time of year. Kitchens may take 6-10 weeks, bathrooms 4-7 weeks and additions 4-8 weeks. Each project receives a production schedule to manage resources from start to completion.

HOW MANY DESIGN MEETINGS DOES MY PROJECT NEED?

We generally spend more calendar days in design than in production. This ensures that the details are all selected, sourced and priced before entering into a construction agreement. Plan on 3-5 meetings for a kitchen remodel depending on how quickly decisions are made.

IF I WANT MY KITCHEN DONE BY THANKSGIVING, WHEN SHOULD I START DESIGN?

Ideally, you will want to contact us early to mid July. Working backwards, budget 8 weeks for construction and 10 weeks for design. It is possible to perform more quickly, but the added stress is not worth the procrastination.

Cost

CAN I GET A COST BREAKDOWN?

The process of identifying singular costs for the entire project is very difficult and time consuming. Multiple dependencies exist in many aspects of construction. Breakdowns are available for a fee, representative of the work required to provide the information. Figures are then often represented with the dependencies; for example, a new framed exterior wall would also likely include costs for siding, insulation and drywall; while the electrical or plumbing in that wall are generally reported separately.

DO YOU OFFER FINANCING?

Several options are available for financing your project, based on the best vehicle for your kind of investment. The most popular is a loan based on the future value of the completed project.

HOW DO YOU BUDGET FOR STANDARD FEATURES VERSUS UPGRADES?

The budgeting process is based greatly on assessing recent similar projects and current market conditions to provide a realistic outlook on the completed cost of the project. Many of our standard features are considered industry upgrades. Examples include full-extension cabinetry drawer glides, lifetime finish on door and plumbing hardware, floor squeak prevention, Low-E window glazing, and superior waterproofing details. Selections of upgraded products or design details are recorded in design memos relative to the budget.