Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I’d like to have an addition added onto my house, but am not sure where to start. What is my next step? A. We will meet with you and discuss your project. Over the course of several weeks, we will help you design your addition and will give you a proposal detailing the cost for us to construct it. Q. Do you give free estimates and proposals? A. Yes. Our estimates are free of charge and free of obligation. Q. How long will it be after I accept your proposal before you start? A. After the proposal is accepted, we will apply to the appropriate jurisdiction for a building permit. This generally takes one month. The project can begin immediately after receipt of the permit. Q. How long will it take to complete my project? A. We will give you a timeline for the project. Q. I know a friend who got “burned” by a contractor. The contractor required a huge deposit before the project even started, and afterwards would show up for one to two days, then disappear for a week. Ultimately this friend had to find another contractor to finish the job and had to sue to recoup some of his/her losses. How much do you require for a deposit and what is your payment schedule? A. Generally, we require a small earnest money deposit at the start of the job that is less than 10% of the total job cost. Thereafter, payment is scheduled in draws upon certain stages of the project being complete. Example, a $75,000.00 addition would require a $7,000.00 deposit upon the contract being ratified by both parties. $14,000.00 would be due once the foundation and first floor deck was complete. $14,000.00 would be due once the addition was under roof and all windows and exterior windows and doors in place. $14,000.00 would be due once the plumbing, HVAC and electrical rough-ins were complete as well insulation installed-ready for drywall. $14,000.00 would be due once the interior was trimmed and ready for paint. $14,000.00 would be due upon the completion of the project. Q. How many projects have you done in the past? A. From 2005 to 2007, we have completed approximately 50 projects. Q. Do you have references that we can call to inquire about your work? A. Yes, they are available upon request. Q. We are going out of town for a three week vacation in July. Is it possible for you to start the project while we are on vacation? A. Yes, this is a rather common occurrence and we are happy to schedule accordingly for you. Q. We are going to obtain financing for the project through our bank. Are you able to provide them with your insurance, license and whatever other information they will need to help us? A. Yes, we routinely do so.