In our 30 years of experience, our clients usually have the same questions and/or concerns before, during and after any renovation/construction process. Here are some FAQ's that you might find helpful:

1. How long will this job take, approximately?

Each job is different, it all depends on the scope and size of your remodel. There are so many variables; you really have to evaluate each job on an individual basis. Are you putting an addition on the back of your home? Then just having one opening into the older section. Or maybe you're taking off the roof and remodeling your kitchen along with adding some more room in the back. Each job is different and you should go over the schedule with your contractor. Another aspect of the job that can add to the time frame is the weather.

2. What if I want to change something after it is done?

You really want to keep away from doing this, although there is always some things that you feel you must change, but try to review the plans as carefully as possible. Picture the final product in your minds eye. The reason for this is very simple; some customer's budgets are extremely tight. Changes cost money and delay some aspects of the job, waiting for new product due to the change. You might impact the next sub contractor that was planning to start your job and now can not. Then you are at the mercy of the re-schedule. Domino effect. Try to make all the decisions before you start. Do your homework first, it's better that way.

3. What type of guarantee do I get?

Everyone should receive a one year guarantee on all aspects of the product constructed. Some products that you purchase carry a longer guarantee. You should go over this with your builder prior to starting. It should also be noted in your agreement with your contractor.

4. Do you need an Architect to draw your plans?

You must check with the town that you are building in. Most towns allow home owners to draw their own plans. On small to medium jobs it should be fine to do your own plans, some people want an architect and don't mind spending the money. I guess it's a personal preference. A good builder and some time well spent can get you some drawings that meet and or exceed the code in your area. So it's really up to you.

5. Can I do some of the work to save some money?

Yes you can. Just be aware of the fact that if you are planning to do this work on weekends, your job might stall while you do that area in which you want to save money. Just a fact for you to consider.

6. Is it all right if I have my friend do this aspect or part of the job? He is going to give me a really good price.

Yes, that is done all the time. Just be aware of the fact that your friendship could come to an end, very quickly. Will your friend keep the job schedule or will something come up and you will be left hanging? Now your contractor has to wait and pull off your job. Then you have to wait for him to come back to your job. Now how much money did you save? So if you're friend is going to do part of the job make sure your friend is reliable. Another note, get a price from your friend, understand all aspects of who is doing what and for how much. When it comes to money, the water becomes very muddy, very quickly, so heads up!

7. Can we put stuff in your dumpster?

Yes, this is not a big deal if what you are asking to put into the dumpster will not fill the dumpster. I have had clients ask me this, I say "sure just a few things is fine". I come back Monday morning, to find the dumpster over flowing with everything that they had saved for the last 20 years, plus some of neighbor's things too! Be honest, a little or a lot. A lot will get you a very large bill.

8. My floor company just finished putting in the flooring, can you come back and put the doors back on?

This is a problem area, the saying in construction for as long as I have been in the business. "Who ever lays the floor, cuts the doors." If the doors are on when you start, the doors are on when you finish your aspect of the job. Make sure when you purchase your flooring that you confirm with the sales person that they put the doors back on. They will charge you so make sure there is no confusion.

9. Our material we ordered is in, can you or one of your men go pick it up?

It is best to have the company that you purchased from deliver what ever the product is. This will safe guard everyone on the condition in which the product was delivered in. Note, always check your material for the correct size, color, pattern etc when it is delivered. It is just better that way.

10. Can you give me a ball park on what this project is going to run? Approximate, we wouldn't hold you to it.

I have always found that it is best to work out the estimate. This way you have a real quote out lined for your project and you stay clear of the smoke and mirror tactics. It's better to discuss real numbers.

11. When you remodel our house will we have to move out?

This all depends on the scope of the project. If you are doing a large job and utilities will be off for long periods of time. Yes, find another place in which to live for a short while. PS. Don't stay with family, its great in the beginning, need I say more. If the job is on a smaller scale and the water or other utilities are just shut down for the day and then placed back on. You can stay in your house. Remember you do need a bath room at night. So you be the judge, how much can you deal with at the end of your day. It's a very hard call.

12. How messy is it going to get?

It goes back to how large or small is your job. Is all the work on the outside or is it on the existing interior? This will determine what you live with. Ask how the mess is going to be handled and make arrangements. Plastic and blue tape can save a lot of headaches!

13. How come remodeling takes longer and cost more?

When you are remodeling you are fitting something new to something old. Holding something up while building anew. It is a lot harder and takes about 30% more labor to accomplish the remodeling aspect. You also use more material in braces and beams while you are building. This is where the money goes when comparing remodeling to new construction.

14. Do people or couples get into arguments when the construction is underway?

Yes, it is some times very stressful. One person wants something specific which costs so much and the other wants something else. The problem is that the same money is ear marked for the two different items. It goes back to reviewing the plans and choosing the products in advance. Not while the job is underway. It has to be understood at the beginning of the job. (Sometimes I should be wearing a black and white stripped shirt on the job. Time out.)

15. My friends stopped by over the week end. They suggested that we change this and do this, this way.

Do not fall into that trap. You have spent countless hours coming to the decisions that you are now having performed. Ask yourself, who lives here? You and I know they mean well, but just nod and say with a big smile "great idea!"...and leave it at that.