Frequently Asked Questions
~Your remodel, built on our commitment to excellence, integrity and you.~
Remodeling FAQs
Q: Why is remodeling so hard?
A: You are in excellent company if the thought of remodeling makes you anxious. Remodeling is a pain. Most of us avoid it for as long as we can because it isn’t easy. Your house is your home… your personal space. Since you can’t take it to the service station to get it worked on, you have to invite people in. Remodeling can be dirty, disruptive, and relatively speaking, one of the more expensive ventures. It messes with your routine, your bank account and your mind. It’s no wonder it tends to get put off.
Remodeling requires a multitude of decisions, the most difficult and important of which is choosing a contractor. There is no easy way to get the data you need to make an informed decision. The good news is there are good guys out there to help you thru the remodeling maze. The bad news is there are bad guys out there as well. Doing the homework to find the right contractor is well worth the effort.
A: You are in excellent company if the thought of remodeling makes you anxious. Remodeling is a pain. Most of us avoid it for as long as we can because it isn’t easy. Your house is your home… your personal space. Since you can’t take it to the service station to get it worked on, you have to invite people in. Remodeling can be dirty, disruptive, and relatively speaking, one of the more expensive ventures. It messes with your routine, your bank account and your mind. It’s no wonder it tends to get put off.
Remodeling requires a multitude of decisions, the most difficult and important of which is choosing a contractor. There is no easy way to get the data you need to make an informed decision. The good news is there are good guys out there to help you thru the remodeling maze. The bad news is there are bad guys out there as well. Doing the homework to find the right contractor is well worth the effort.
Q: How do I choose a remodeling contractor?
A: Depending on the scope of your project, your contractor will have the single greatest impact on not only your personal satisfaction with the final product itself, but the “quality and ease” of the journey to get there. I've written a full-size article on this topic; I recommend reading it today. Click here to open full-size article.
A: Depending on the scope of your project, your contractor will have the single greatest impact on not only your personal satisfaction with the final product itself, but the “quality and ease” of the journey to get there. I've written a full-size article on this topic; I recommend reading it today. Click here to open full-size article.
Q: How much should my project cost?
A: If you want to buy a new Honda Accord, it is not difficult to identify the models and styles available, what the options are and most importantly, what the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is for that vehicle. Armed with that information, you can make the initial decision whether you can afford the vehicle or not, and walk into any Honda dealership with a fair starting point to negotiate a sale.
Unfortunately there is no MSRP in the remodeling business. You can figure out by doing a little homework what “things” like cabinets and counter-tops can cost. However, labor and all those intangibles are very difficult to compare because there are few formal “standards” and lots of opinions. What defines quality installation? I am referring to quality, aesthetically pleasing installation as opposed to the minimum structural/safety standards required by building codes. One person’s concept of above average may be unacceptable to another. It is similar to having to choose a car from a hundred different vehicles all put together locally in a hundred different backyards by different mechanics. “Let the buyer beware” is an understatement in this business.
Although there is no MSRP process, there is information available as to what the cost of a particular remodeling job should be by qualified contractors in our area. Remodeling Magazine, published by Hanley-Wood LLC, offers that information based on extensive annual surveys. The updated one for this year is available. Here is the web-link:
http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2022/south-atlantic/virginia-beach-va/
Use this information as a guide only. They do a good job of trying to “standardize” a specific remodeling job so it can be compared. Some of their numbers are a bit off based on my experience, but overall, pretty close. Again, every remodeling job is a little bit different.
Most of the reference material you read on remodeling advises you to withhold at least ~10% of your budget for contingencies. I agree; although the 10% is not hard and fast and should be modified both up and down based on the scope of the work. The primary reason for this is to cover that “unknown” work discussed previously. If things go as planned with few surprises, the customers that do keep a reserve in their back pocket have the luxury/option to add or modify something in the process without exceeding their budget….or better yet, not spend it at all.
A: If you want to buy a new Honda Accord, it is not difficult to identify the models and styles available, what the options are and most importantly, what the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is for that vehicle. Armed with that information, you can make the initial decision whether you can afford the vehicle or not, and walk into any Honda dealership with a fair starting point to negotiate a sale.
Unfortunately there is no MSRP in the remodeling business. You can figure out by doing a little homework what “things” like cabinets and counter-tops can cost. However, labor and all those intangibles are very difficult to compare because there are few formal “standards” and lots of opinions. What defines quality installation? I am referring to quality, aesthetically pleasing installation as opposed to the minimum structural/safety standards required by building codes. One person’s concept of above average may be unacceptable to another. It is similar to having to choose a car from a hundred different vehicles all put together locally in a hundred different backyards by different mechanics. “Let the buyer beware” is an understatement in this business.
Although there is no MSRP process, there is information available as to what the cost of a particular remodeling job should be by qualified contractors in our area. Remodeling Magazine, published by Hanley-Wood LLC, offers that information based on extensive annual surveys. The updated one for this year is available. Here is the web-link:
http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2022/south-atlantic/virginia-beach-va/
Use this information as a guide only. They do a good job of trying to “standardize” a specific remodeling job so it can be compared. Some of their numbers are a bit off based on my experience, but overall, pretty close. Again, every remodeling job is a little bit different.
Most of the reference material you read on remodeling advises you to withhold at least ~10% of your budget for contingencies. I agree; although the 10% is not hard and fast and should be modified both up and down based on the scope of the work. The primary reason for this is to cover that “unknown” work discussed previously. If things go as planned with few surprises, the customers that do keep a reserve in their back pocket have the luxury/option to add or modify something in the process without exceeding their budget….or better yet, not spend it at all.
Q: You want me to share my budget?!
A: Before you start a remodeling project of any size, spending time examining your finances and deciding on a budget you can realistically afford, irrespective of the project you desire, is arguably the most valuable exercise you can do. This is especially important for larger projects that require reworking/modification of existing spaces.
It is one thing coming up with your realistic budget of what you can afford; the next step of sharing that information with your remodeler is often more difficult. We are often taught not to show our hand too soon. As such, I fully understand your initial hesitancy to share your budget. But at some point you will find that to become your full partner in reaching your goal, you need to share the information with whoever you are working with. Sharing a realistic budget with your remodeler early in the design stage will result in a design that meets your needs, satisfies your tastes and produce a plan with a final project cost which you can afford.
Reviewing the Cost vs. Value charts discussed in the previous section will give you a good idea if your budget figure is in the ball park. We can’t get out of the starting gate without you having realistic expectations of what quality remodeling projects cost.
A: Before you start a remodeling project of any size, spending time examining your finances and deciding on a budget you can realistically afford, irrespective of the project you desire, is arguably the most valuable exercise you can do. This is especially important for larger projects that require reworking/modification of existing spaces.
It is one thing coming up with your realistic budget of what you can afford; the next step of sharing that information with your remodeler is often more difficult. We are often taught not to show our hand too soon. As such, I fully understand your initial hesitancy to share your budget. But at some point you will find that to become your full partner in reaching your goal, you need to share the information with whoever you are working with. Sharing a realistic budget with your remodeler early in the design stage will result in a design that meets your needs, satisfies your tastes and produce a plan with a final project cost which you can afford.
Reviewing the Cost vs. Value charts discussed in the previous section will give you a good idea if your budget figure is in the ball park. We can’t get out of the starting gate without you having realistic expectations of what quality remodeling projects cost.
Q: How can I ensure matching expectations?
A: The relationship between you and your remodeling contractor can be complex, depending on the scope of your project. It is fertile ground for misunderstandings and disputes, primarily because we often start out with different expectations on not only the work to be accomplished, but how specific aspects of the job and situations are to be handled.
It is critical to the success of the relationship, before a hammer is ever swung, that both customer and contractor are in full agreement as to what both parties’ expectations are. As such, I’ll spend considerable time discussing details of your project. The estimate I put together for you is the starting point in getting those expectations matched up and on paper.
A: The relationship between you and your remodeling contractor can be complex, depending on the scope of your project. It is fertile ground for misunderstandings and disputes, primarily because we often start out with different expectations on not only the work to be accomplished, but how specific aspects of the job and situations are to be handled.
It is critical to the success of the relationship, before a hammer is ever swung, that both customer and contractor are in full agreement as to what both parties’ expectations are. As such, I’ll spend considerable time discussing details of your project. The estimate I put together for you is the starting point in getting those expectations matched up and on paper.
Q: Please define "quality work"
A: Let me explain what I mean when I say quality. I’m not talking about the quality of the cabinets; that is your decision as to how much you want to spend on what we are installing. I am talking about the work itself. It certainly includes fine craftsmanship; that is a given; but I’m talking about doing things right that includes a number of intangibles.
Being quality minded does not come and go on a daily basis in a quality company. It has to permeate the very core of what a company is about. It has to be at the forefront and burned into the decision making process at every level.
Quality work requires quality technicians, and the peace of mind that comes with an experienced remodeling team handling your project is one of those intangibles. It’s always a trade-off as a consumer: How much are you willing to pay for peace of mind, or how much risk are you willing to take? As you well understand, there is a financial cost associated with risk-avoidance.
The same thought process used to determine what is acceptable to you in regards to buying insurance and the associated premiums can be applied to hiring a remodeler to work on your home. Find a guy in a pick-up to do the work, you get dirt cheap but high risk. Hire a professional remodeling company with a great reputation, credentials and a long list of happy customers, you get more expensive but low risk. Only you can decide where you want to be on that sliding scale.
Price is only one of many categories a homeowner should consider when selecting a contractor. Experience, capability and quality are all equally important, if not more so, as price can be impacted dramatically by “failure” or “compromise” in any of the other three.
A: Let me explain what I mean when I say quality. I’m not talking about the quality of the cabinets; that is your decision as to how much you want to spend on what we are installing. I am talking about the work itself. It certainly includes fine craftsmanship; that is a given; but I’m talking about doing things right that includes a number of intangibles.
Being quality minded does not come and go on a daily basis in a quality company. It has to permeate the very core of what a company is about. It has to be at the forefront and burned into the decision making process at every level.
Quality work requires quality technicians, and the peace of mind that comes with an experienced remodeling team handling your project is one of those intangibles. It’s always a trade-off as a consumer: How much are you willing to pay for peace of mind, or how much risk are you willing to take? As you well understand, there is a financial cost associated with risk-avoidance.
The same thought process used to determine what is acceptable to you in regards to buying insurance and the associated premiums can be applied to hiring a remodeler to work on your home. Find a guy in a pick-up to do the work, you get dirt cheap but high risk. Hire a professional remodeling company with a great reputation, credentials and a long list of happy customers, you get more expensive but low risk. Only you can decide where you want to be on that sliding scale.
Price is only one of many categories a homeowner should consider when selecting a contractor. Experience, capability and quality are all equally important, if not more so, as price can be impacted dramatically by “failure” or “compromise” in any of the other three.
Q: What about the estimate?
A: I take great pride in providing accurate, detailed estimates. I believe you are asking me for my best professional assessment of what it is going to cost to turn that vision you have into reality. My estimates will have notes and items annotated that may require further discussion. The estimate, without a doubt, is a working document designed to encourage communication. I tend to get pretty detailed since I don’t know how else to get our expectations matched up without getting real specific.
I’m not afraid to offer my opinion if I feel what you want to do is not in your best interest; but first I’ll ask the right questions so I know what your short and long-term goals are. I will not blindly take on the work if I feel what you are doing is not adding value to your home or you are “over-remodeling”. If what you want accomplished makes me raise an eyebrow, I will discuss it with you. I have talked myself right out of work because of this approach, but I sleep well at night knowing I have done the right thing. Again, I will always have your best interest at heart.
A note on comparing estimates: make sure they are thorough and detailed enough so you know you are comparing “apples to apples” and can make an intelligent, informed decision on choosing a contractor to assist you in improving your valuable investment. At a minimum, make sure the estimates you receive have the cost of the items being installed broken out so you can identify what the contractor charges are to accomplish the work.
A: I take great pride in providing accurate, detailed estimates. I believe you are asking me for my best professional assessment of what it is going to cost to turn that vision you have into reality. My estimates will have notes and items annotated that may require further discussion. The estimate, without a doubt, is a working document designed to encourage communication. I tend to get pretty detailed since I don’t know how else to get our expectations matched up without getting real specific.
I’m not afraid to offer my opinion if I feel what you want to do is not in your best interest; but first I’ll ask the right questions so I know what your short and long-term goals are. I will not blindly take on the work if I feel what you are doing is not adding value to your home or you are “over-remodeling”. If what you want accomplished makes me raise an eyebrow, I will discuss it with you. I have talked myself right out of work because of this approach, but I sleep well at night knowing I have done the right thing. Again, I will always have your best interest at heart.
A note on comparing estimates: make sure they are thorough and detailed enough so you know you are comparing “apples to apples” and can make an intelligent, informed decision on choosing a contractor to assist you in improving your valuable investment. At a minimum, make sure the estimates you receive have the cost of the items being installed broken out so you can identify what the contractor charges are to accomplish the work.
Q: Should I prepare for unknowns?
A: In new construction, you start from ground zero and are able to control the process as you take building materials and products and put them together to create a final product. Both you and the contractor have control over the quality of work and materials, code compliance, etc…
In the remodeling business, we start with a structure that was built by someone else, using materials that were available at the time, and under less stringent building codes. I wish I could say that all structures were built with solid, professional craftsmanship, proper materials, and all built to code. Unfortunately, my experience has shown this is simply not true.
I have to make some assumptions because I don’t have x-ray vision, in spite of what my kids used to think. I have to assume that the original structure, other than what can be expected based on age and use, is undamaged and built to code using standard construction practices and material at the time it was constructed. If I don’t make that assumption, I would be forced to “pad” the estimate to cover the unknowns. I have made a conscious business decision not to take that approach.
Therefore, it is very important for you as the customer to understand that upon demolition, we may discover additional work may be required, above and beyond the scope of the contract, to “correct” issues before we can continue with the contracted work. We will not… I’ll say it again, we will not cover up/ignore known issues simply so we can continue with the contracted work…. You deserve more than that and we can’t stress enough that your trust in us is paramount. Integrity can’t be taken from you; you have to give it away…. and I have no intention of giving mine away.
Q: Those unknowns make me nervous …
A: I didn’t mean to make you nervous. I discuss the possibility of them because we can’t control what we are going to find any more than you can. Unless you are willing to demolish your kitchen in order to expose all the structural and mechanical components before you select your contractor to get a dead-on quote, you need to select a remodeling company you can trust not to take advantage of you once your old kitchen is in the dump trailer. Some contractors make it a point to not discuss the unknowns until they appear. I take the opposite approach and tend to go over the “what-ifs” more thoroughly than most. This means discussing the cost ramifications if we find things aren't what we had hoped or expected. If your potential contractor fails to discuss these items or appears over-confident and tells you not to be concerned, then be concerned.
A: In new construction, you start from ground zero and are able to control the process as you take building materials and products and put them together to create a final product. Both you and the contractor have control over the quality of work and materials, code compliance, etc…
In the remodeling business, we start with a structure that was built by someone else, using materials that were available at the time, and under less stringent building codes. I wish I could say that all structures were built with solid, professional craftsmanship, proper materials, and all built to code. Unfortunately, my experience has shown this is simply not true.
I have to make some assumptions because I don’t have x-ray vision, in spite of what my kids used to think. I have to assume that the original structure, other than what can be expected based on age and use, is undamaged and built to code using standard construction practices and material at the time it was constructed. If I don’t make that assumption, I would be forced to “pad” the estimate to cover the unknowns. I have made a conscious business decision not to take that approach.
Therefore, it is very important for you as the customer to understand that upon demolition, we may discover additional work may be required, above and beyond the scope of the contract, to “correct” issues before we can continue with the contracted work. We will not… I’ll say it again, we will not cover up/ignore known issues simply so we can continue with the contracted work…. You deserve more than that and we can’t stress enough that your trust in us is paramount. Integrity can’t be taken from you; you have to give it away…. and I have no intention of giving mine away.
Q: Those unknowns make me nervous …
A: I didn’t mean to make you nervous. I discuss the possibility of them because we can’t control what we are going to find any more than you can. Unless you are willing to demolish your kitchen in order to expose all the structural and mechanical components before you select your contractor to get a dead-on quote, you need to select a remodeling company you can trust not to take advantage of you once your old kitchen is in the dump trailer. Some contractors make it a point to not discuss the unknowns until they appear. I take the opposite approach and tend to go over the “what-ifs” more thoroughly than most. This means discussing the cost ramifications if we find things aren't what we had hoped or expected. If your potential contractor fails to discuss these items or appears over-confident and tells you not to be concerned, then be concerned.
Q: Please explain product selection: owner-provided items versus allowances
A: There are two basic categories of products/materials used in your remodeling project. You will hear me refer to one as “install-items”. Those are the items you can actually see after they are installed; i.e.: tile, cabinets, plumbing and light fixtures. The other category is construction material; i.e.: 2x4’s, cement board, wiring. You will have full control of the selection process and therefore the cost of all install-items. We will take care of the construction material.
Every install-item will be identified as either an “owner-provided” item or an “allowance” item. The primary difference is how the item is paid for. In most cases the items will be identified as owner-provided. Owner-provided products are just that…you provide them by paying for them direct. As such, the cost of procuring an owner-provided item is not included in the cost of the estimate/contract. Any cost value that may be shown or associated with an owner-provided item is provided as a courtesy for your budget planning purposes only.
Allowance items are identified as such because I anticipate having to purchase them for you. The "average" cost of procuring an allowance item is included in the estimate/contract price. Once that item is selected and procured, I make an adjustment based on the actual cost of the item.
The important thing to remember is make sure the estimate/contract is written so you know what is being installed and what the cost of that material is. It is not uncommon for "contractor-grade" materials to be installed if you don't have visibility on this part of the project.
A: There are two basic categories of products/materials used in your remodeling project. You will hear me refer to one as “install-items”. Those are the items you can actually see after they are installed; i.e.: tile, cabinets, plumbing and light fixtures. The other category is construction material; i.e.: 2x4’s, cement board, wiring. You will have full control of the selection process and therefore the cost of all install-items. We will take care of the construction material.
Every install-item will be identified as either an “owner-provided” item or an “allowance” item. The primary difference is how the item is paid for. In most cases the items will be identified as owner-provided. Owner-provided products are just that…you provide them by paying for them direct. As such, the cost of procuring an owner-provided item is not included in the cost of the estimate/contract. Any cost value that may be shown or associated with an owner-provided item is provided as a courtesy for your budget planning purposes only.
Allowance items are identified as such because I anticipate having to purchase them for you. The "average" cost of procuring an allowance item is included in the estimate/contract price. Once that item is selected and procured, I make an adjustment based on the actual cost of the item.
The important thing to remember is make sure the estimate/contract is written so you know what is being installed and what the cost of that material is. It is not uncommon for "contractor-grade" materials to be installed if you don't have visibility on this part of the project.
Q: What about subcontractor work?
A: I used to think having your own employees was always the best answer. At some point along the way I realized this was not true; all wearing the same color t-shirt wasn’t the answer. What is most important is the team members are committed to a common vision, and thru exceptional leadership, are given the responsibility and just as importantly the authority to do the right thing.
I now use subcontractors exclusively. Before I ever sign a contract with you, we will know who will be doing the work in your home. I use professional subcontractors that I hand-pick, have their own companies with the proper credentials and have a proven track record with me. I will have “pre-negotiated” an agreement based on their professional bid on your specific project with one of my subcontractors before I even present you an estimate. I will personally introduce them to you before we enter into any legal agreement. We might not all wear the same t-shirts, but we are all on the same team with a common goal of making our team your first choice for all your home remodeling needs.
In many ways, my relationship with my subcontractors is stronger than any employer-employee relationship would be. This results in a higher quality product for you, the customer. Just ask our previous customers if they would have even known the guys were subcontractors if I had not told them they were.…
A: I used to think having your own employees was always the best answer. At some point along the way I realized this was not true; all wearing the same color t-shirt wasn’t the answer. What is most important is the team members are committed to a common vision, and thru exceptional leadership, are given the responsibility and just as importantly the authority to do the right thing.
I now use subcontractors exclusively. Before I ever sign a contract with you, we will know who will be doing the work in your home. I use professional subcontractors that I hand-pick, have their own companies with the proper credentials and have a proven track record with me. I will have “pre-negotiated” an agreement based on their professional bid on your specific project with one of my subcontractors before I even present you an estimate. I will personally introduce them to you before we enter into any legal agreement. We might not all wear the same t-shirts, but we are all on the same team with a common goal of making our team your first choice for all your home remodeling needs.
In many ways, my relationship with my subcontractors is stronger than any employer-employee relationship would be. This results in a higher quality product for you, the customer. Just ask our previous customers if they would have even known the guys were subcontractors if I had not told them they were.…
Q: How long is this going to take?
A: I consider it an honor to be the “chosen one” to execute the work in your home. In spite of the fact that most people want to adopt the guys after they get to know them, we recognize we are visitors. There was a sign in the mudroom of our farmhouse that said “all our visitors bring us happiness; some by coming…others by going.” I’ll never forget that and thus our intent is to get in and complete the work as quickly as feasible and reasonable to minimize disruption to your household. That doesn’t mean it is a race and we are going to rush through it… it means efficient scheduling and management of the talent.
Part of your responsibility is to maintain perspective and remain patient during the process. We know that kitchens tend to be not only the heart of your home, but also the main traffic intersection. We also recognize the “need for speed” if we are remodeling the only bathroom in your home or if the kids have invaded the master bath. But we are not going to rush things or cut corners. The few days where you won't see us working and therefore won't see a daily progress will test your patience....but it is best in the long-run if we give installed materials the proper time to set-up and cure. Contractors that rush are more interested in your money and getting on to the next job.
We rarely start a job until we have all the products we need in hand. If we don’t wait, we are at the mercy of the supply system and we don’t like to stop work once we start. Keep in mind I don’t schedule your project nor order any materials until the contract is signed.
Average bathrooms take three to five weeks from start to finish, with the amount of tile being installed as the primary variable. The bulk of the work is done the first ten days. If you are getting a custom-made vanity countertop, those can take up to two weeks to get manufactured and many times we can’t order it until the second week of the project to get a perfect fit. In a case like that, we would install a temporary top if necessary to restore your bathroom to a functional status waiting on the missing piece.
Kitchens average four to six weeks from start to finish. Again, items like counter-tops, for example, can impact the over-all time as there is work to be done that we can’t do until the top is installed (i.e.: install back-splash tile and trim). The complexity of your particular project will drive the time it takes to complete.
A: I consider it an honor to be the “chosen one” to execute the work in your home. In spite of the fact that most people want to adopt the guys after they get to know them, we recognize we are visitors. There was a sign in the mudroom of our farmhouse that said “all our visitors bring us happiness; some by coming…others by going.” I’ll never forget that and thus our intent is to get in and complete the work as quickly as feasible and reasonable to minimize disruption to your household. That doesn’t mean it is a race and we are going to rush through it… it means efficient scheduling and management of the talent.
Part of your responsibility is to maintain perspective and remain patient during the process. We know that kitchens tend to be not only the heart of your home, but also the main traffic intersection. We also recognize the “need for speed” if we are remodeling the only bathroom in your home or if the kids have invaded the master bath. But we are not going to rush things or cut corners. The few days where you won't see us working and therefore won't see a daily progress will test your patience....but it is best in the long-run if we give installed materials the proper time to set-up and cure. Contractors that rush are more interested in your money and getting on to the next job.
We rarely start a job until we have all the products we need in hand. If we don’t wait, we are at the mercy of the supply system and we don’t like to stop work once we start. Keep in mind I don’t schedule your project nor order any materials until the contract is signed.
Average bathrooms take three to five weeks from start to finish, with the amount of tile being installed as the primary variable. The bulk of the work is done the first ten days. If you are getting a custom-made vanity countertop, those can take up to two weeks to get manufactured and many times we can’t order it until the second week of the project to get a perfect fit. In a case like that, we would install a temporary top if necessary to restore your bathroom to a functional status waiting on the missing piece.
Kitchens average four to six weeks from start to finish. Again, items like counter-tops, for example, can impact the over-all time as there is work to be done that we can’t do until the top is installed (i.e.: install back-splash tile and trim). The complexity of your particular project will drive the time it takes to complete.
Q: Are you going to make a mess?
A: The simple answer is probably. The scope of the work will dictate how big a mess; demolishing sheetrock, busting out walls and ripping out tile is dirty. It’s one of those mysteries where all the dust comes from. Rather than fight it, we prepare for it. We go to great lengths to minimize the dust by limiting where it can go….floor covering, plastic sheeting, etc.
Day to day we are good about cleaning up after ourselves in the work area. You won’t be able to eat off the floor, but that’s not what you are paying us for. The contract will call for us to leave the premises in “broom-clean” condition. All the trash goes out to our dump trailer which we use in lieu of a smelly, dirty dumpster others would place in your driveway.
It’s a good idea to have extra filters on hand for your central heat/air system to help cut down on the dust. We also recommend that you assume everything adjacent to the work area will have to be dusted, so collect the small knick-knacks, pictures, etc… and put them in a safe place or cover them so you won’t have to dust every single piece.
A: The simple answer is probably. The scope of the work will dictate how big a mess; demolishing sheetrock, busting out walls and ripping out tile is dirty. It’s one of those mysteries where all the dust comes from. Rather than fight it, we prepare for it. We go to great lengths to minimize the dust by limiting where it can go….floor covering, plastic sheeting, etc.
Day to day we are good about cleaning up after ourselves in the work area. You won’t be able to eat off the floor, but that’s not what you are paying us for. The contract will call for us to leave the premises in “broom-clean” condition. All the trash goes out to our dump trailer which we use in lieu of a smelly, dirty dumpster others would place in your driveway.
It’s a good idea to have extra filters on hand for your central heat/air system to help cut down on the dust. We also recommend that you assume everything adjacent to the work area will have to be dusted, so collect the small knick-knacks, pictures, etc… and put them in a safe place or cover them so you won’t have to dust every single piece.
Q: You guys must hate HGTV…
A: We hear that comment often. On the contrary…. we enjoy working with informed consumers. Yes, there is some misleading information on the networks that makes us just shake our heads. But many of the shows offer great information that gives the viewer more insight as to what is actually involved to execute remodeling projects correctly. I welcome this, as the more informed you are, the more attractive we become.
Okay, yes. I do have one pet-peeve in that the bulk of the shows do not properly represent the time it takes to execute the tasks at hand or the time it takes for installed construction materials (i.e.: thin-set, plaster, etc.) to properly cure.
A: We hear that comment often. On the contrary…. we enjoy working with informed consumers. Yes, there is some misleading information on the networks that makes us just shake our heads. But many of the shows offer great information that gives the viewer more insight as to what is actually involved to execute remodeling projects correctly. I welcome this, as the more informed you are, the more attractive we become.
Okay, yes. I do have one pet-peeve in that the bulk of the shows do not properly represent the time it takes to execute the tasks at hand or the time it takes for installed construction materials (i.e.: thin-set, plaster, etc.) to properly cure.
Q: What about this lead paint stuff I’ve been hearing about in homes built prior to 1978….?
A: A federal statute under the cognizance of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took effect 22 April 2010 regarding renovation of homes built prior to 1978. It is referred to as the EPA Renovation, Repair & Painting Rule (RRP). They selected 1978 because the use of lead in paint products for residential consumption was banned that year. The rule assumes that if your home was built in 1978 or earlier, it has lead paint.
If your home was built prior to 1978 and you are disturbing more than six square feet (SF) of paint per room in interior work and/or 20 SF in exterior, your contractor is required to be certified by the EPA as a “Certified Renovation Firm”, have an employee formally trained and designated as a “Certified Renovator”, the personnel doing the work have to be properly trained, and the contractor must follow lead-safe work practices.
In a nutshell, the real risk is the potential lead dust created by the renovation. That lead paint sat essentially harmless for years undisturbed and in many cases safely painted over with a lead-free product. In your remodeling project, we will be “waking it up”; thus the special handling now required by federal statute.
Hewitt Remodeling Services has been formally designated by the EPA as a certified Renovation Firm (certification # NAT-76697-1).
A: A federal statute under the cognizance of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took effect 22 April 2010 regarding renovation of homes built prior to 1978. It is referred to as the EPA Renovation, Repair & Painting Rule (RRP). They selected 1978 because the use of lead in paint products for residential consumption was banned that year. The rule assumes that if your home was built in 1978 or earlier, it has lead paint.
If your home was built prior to 1978 and you are disturbing more than six square feet (SF) of paint per room in interior work and/or 20 SF in exterior, your contractor is required to be certified by the EPA as a “Certified Renovation Firm”, have an employee formally trained and designated as a “Certified Renovator”, the personnel doing the work have to be properly trained, and the contractor must follow lead-safe work practices.
In a nutshell, the real risk is the potential lead dust created by the renovation. That lead paint sat essentially harmless for years undisturbed and in many cases safely painted over with a lead-free product. In your remodeling project, we will be “waking it up”; thus the special handling now required by federal statute.
Hewitt Remodeling Services has been formally designated by the EPA as a certified Renovation Firm (certification # NAT-76697-1).
Q: The Contract…
A: “The rule of thumb for contracts is you do not go into a project with just a handshake for any amount more than you are willing to risk losing.”
“Some say a contract cannot protect you from a bad contractor and you don’t need one with a sainted contractor. But until you go thru the contract process, you cannot tell one from another.”
Very general, non-specific contracts have been the norm in the construction industry for many years as they tend to leave a great deal to interpretation, which tended to favor the contractor. I take the opposite approach. To me, the biggest benefit of having a thorough contract is not usually the way in which it protects us all if things go wrong, but rather how it prevents things from going wrong in the first place.
It is the process of preparing the contract, of talking thru all the issues with all parties and addressing the potentially “ugly stuff” up front, that really sets the tone of the project. I want to make sure we all understand what work it is we want to accomplish and the compensation for that work. I go into a fair amount of detail to help eliminate misunderstandings. Again, there are no stupid questions except the ones that go unasked.
The contract I use is based on one recommended by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). I will provide you a copy of the contract well ahead of time to review before we ever sit down to sign it. We’ll sign two copies and each keep one.
I look at the contract as another tool to help us work our way down the road in our remodeling adventure. It is not meant to be written in stone. Always keep in mind that my goal is to keep you happy during the process and smiling ear to ear once we are done. A thorough, understandable contract is one of the tools to help accomplish that goal.
A: “The rule of thumb for contracts is you do not go into a project with just a handshake for any amount more than you are willing to risk losing.”
“Some say a contract cannot protect you from a bad contractor and you don’t need one with a sainted contractor. But until you go thru the contract process, you cannot tell one from another.”
Very general, non-specific contracts have been the norm in the construction industry for many years as they tend to leave a great deal to interpretation, which tended to favor the contractor. I take the opposite approach. To me, the biggest benefit of having a thorough contract is not usually the way in which it protects us all if things go wrong, but rather how it prevents things from going wrong in the first place.
It is the process of preparing the contract, of talking thru all the issues with all parties and addressing the potentially “ugly stuff” up front, that really sets the tone of the project. I want to make sure we all understand what work it is we want to accomplish and the compensation for that work. I go into a fair amount of detail to help eliminate misunderstandings. Again, there are no stupid questions except the ones that go unasked.
The contract I use is based on one recommended by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). I will provide you a copy of the contract well ahead of time to review before we ever sit down to sign it. We’ll sign two copies and each keep one.
I look at the contract as another tool to help us work our way down the road in our remodeling adventure. It is not meant to be written in stone. Always keep in mind that my goal is to keep you happy during the process and smiling ear to ear once we are done. A thorough, understandable contract is one of the tools to help accomplish that goal.
Q: How do the payments work?
A: Payments are broken into four basic types, depending on the size of the project, scope of the work and the projected schedule. There will be a payment due at contract signing, allowance draw(s), progress draws, and then a final draw when we are complete and you are smiling.
A: Payments are broken into four basic types, depending on the size of the project, scope of the work and the projected schedule. There will be a payment due at contract signing, allowance draw(s), progress draws, and then a final draw when we are complete and you are smiling.
- Contract Signing Draw: This will vary based on the scope of your project, our upfront costs, when we anticipate starting, etc…. The details of your project will dictate the amount of the signing draw. Regardless of who you select as your contractor, make sure the amount of this payment makes sense. If there will be a significant wait between when we signed the contract and when we anticipate starting, the contract sign draw will be less but I will add a payment due one week prior to start.
- Allowance Draw(s): Allowance draws vary based on your specific project and are to be paid upon ordering your specific products. Sometimes allowance draws are combined with the signing draw (for example, kitchen cabinets). Most contracts do not have allowances.
- Progress Draws: Once we have started, we generally use what is referred to as “progress billing”. There will be specific milestones (demolition, cabinets installed, floor tile installed, etc…) listed with the amount due. By doing it this way, you can see the actual progress being made and pay accordingly, as opposed to an equal payment system based on calendar days. We also attempt to identify the draws such that there is a balance between the work accomplished and fair compensation for that work accomplished, on a weekly basis. As such, you can anticipate a payment due once a week for milestones completed or close to completion (partial draw) and/or the work accomplished to date since the last payment.
- Final Draw: The final draw is due upon substantial completion of the project. The contract explains this further, but it basically means once we have completed the work to the point where we can turn the space back over to you for its intended use, the final draw is due. The caveat to this is you can subtract from the final payment a fair amount to cover any final work that has yet to be completed. The contract discusses holding out a figure of 150% of the cost of completing the work yet to be accomplished. The reality is we will agree on an amount. Remember that my goal is to make you happy. The last payment is not due until you are smiling.