Ready to start your remodeling or building project? Picking the right contractor is essential to the success of your project.
The right contractor will determine the quality of work, if it is done on time and within budget, and the amount of emotional stress that is associated with any project. Make sure you are paired with the right team by asking these questions first.
Are you licensed to work in my state?
We are licensed as a residential general contractor, master electrician, master plumber and master HVAC contractor in both Kansas and Missouri.
Are you insured?
We carry a liability policy to provide our clients protection to $1,000,000
Can you provide references?
Absolutely. Many of our past clients have chosen to offer testimonials on our website. We can also put you in touch with our past clients who have had us complete a project similar to yours to let you know how we performed.
How long will my project take?
Each project is unique wether it be new home construction (we’ve built new homes in 4 months under ideal conditions) or remodeling an existing home to add an addition (2-3 months), update a kitchen (6-8 weeks), or a full gut and rehab of an existing home (3-5 months). We can provide realistic estimates of duration once scope of work and plans are complete.
Do you obtain all the necessary permits?
We prefer to handle the project from start to finish utilizing our design-build team and that always includes us working with the building officials of your city to acquire permits and remain in compliance with local building codes.
How many bids should I get?
Many clients feel that three is the magic number but perhaps this varies with the clients level of construction experience. We are always happy to put our proposal up against our competitors since we offer top quality and exceptional value. That said, we feel that price should never be the only factor considered and that the client ought to spend some time determining their comfort level with perspective contractors since they will be entering into such a close partnership. If you do choose to seek three competitive bids, please be certain each bidder is similarly qualified, licensed, skilled as well as confirming that the proposals offer comparable quality and include the same methods and materials. Apples to apples comparisons are crucial.
How should I get started?
Please send an email or call to discuss the type of project you are interested in. We can provide design-build services on any project or work with your architect to bring your plans to life.
What is your process?
We typically meet with clients when they have an idea of what they want wether it be an improvement to an existing home or a desire for a whole new residence. They sometimes merely have a complaint about their existing home and want our ideas for a solution. Once we understand the problem we can begin designing a solution. We offer both design-build as well as cost planning services to prepare plans and budgets. Alternately, we can work with your architect to provide a fixed price or cost plus proposal.
How will you communicate with me?
We prefer to handle as much detailed communication as possible through email so that everyone can easily retain a record for reference, but many things are best sorted out in person. Certainly we must meet initially to learn about your project and see if we can work together.
What will happen if there is a change order?
One of the benefits of our design-build process is a tremendous reduction in change orders. By designing the project and planning it through completion we rarely have surprises or changes arise. When a client decides to make a change during the project we provide an estimate for the change for them to approve prior to our completing the work. The change order invoicing that follows is therefore anticipated and easily processed.
What if I have an after-hours emergency?
One of the benefits of being a relatively small company is that we are more immediately available. Our clients have access to us by phone day and night if necessary.
Is there a chance that my project will cost more than the quoted price?
If so, how much extra money should I plan on having?
We have never billed a client more than the agreed upon proposal unless they added work to the scope and approved the change order in advance. We have a substantial amount of experience and have yet to encounter a surprise that we needed to bill a client for. Many clients prefer to hold a 10% contingency “just in case” which in the past, has been used to upgrade their selections when it went unused in build.
What are your payment options?
We typically receive a personal check from our clients or a check from their lender. We occasionally have clients ask us to accept a credit card which we can do only if we pass along the additional 5% expense that the carriers share to process the payment.
Didn’t find the answer to your question? Feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss your project in detail.