As a client with The Charlotte Remodeling Company, one of our most important goals is to give you answers, information and education about the process of home remodels, renovations and additions. Listed below are our most common questions and answers about various projects. If you don’t find your question answered below, please contact us and ask. We’re always happy to help our homeowners learn more about the remodel and build process!
Q: Do I need to hire an architect?
A: Hiring an architect depends on your needs and the size complexity of your intended remodeling project. Even small jobs need careful planning, as their successful completion is important to you. We are a design/build general contractor because we provide both quality design and construction services within our same company. We can see your project through from start to finish, keeping design, engineering and budget in mind. For major remodeling projects requiring construction drawings to define contracts and permits procurement, we bring in a licensed professional architect.
Q: Will you help me with my Home Owner’s Association and Historic Preservation Committee approvals?
A: Yes! We will coordinate all of the plans and drawings needed to meet your HOA and any historic preservation committee requirements. One of our goals is to make the remodeling and addition process as smooth and seamless for you as possible. We have many years of experience working with most of the HOA’s and historic preservation committees around our area!
Q: How much money down do you typically ask to start a project?
A: Receiving some sort of down payment at signing is a good practice to ensure a customer’s sincere intent to do the project. A payment schedule is part of our contract agreement with you. Dividing a project into 3 or 4 equal payments allows us to keep abreast of the project’s labor and material costs. Payments are tied to a production schedule with predefined milestones that are outlined in your contract!
Q: Should I plan more money than the contract price?
A: Additional work or a change in the project requested by you usually requires a contract price change. This covers things like material upgrades, changes in pre-approved plans, fixture upgrades, etc. Planning for the unforeseen is wise, though, so putting aside an extra 10% over the contract price makes for a less stressful remodel!
Q: What can I expect to do while a remodeling project is being done in my home?
A: Most importantly, we will keep the lines of communication open between you and us! Ask questions. Let us know what your family schedule is and whether you have pets confined somewhere. It’s important to keep the work areas off limits to children and pets for their safety; however, you may have a little extra dust and dirt in your house, so keeping the work area off limits will avoid them tracking the dust to other parts of the house. We will work with you to accommodate your needs during the remodel!
Q: How can I implement green concepts into my home in smaller ways?
A: Green remodeling can be done in small ways and doesn’t necessarily have to encompass the entire home. It’s easy to pick and choose elements that fit each particular homeowner. The following can be used:
- Non-toxic paints and sealants
- Programmable thermostats
- Energy efficient appliances
- Natural flooring
- Local building materials
- Natural fiber rugs and fabrics
- Recycled material roof shingles and tiles
- Energy efficient lighting
- Insulated hot water pipes
- Tankless water heaters
- Quality insulation
- Native plants for landscaping
Q: Do I need to secure the permits for any remodeling or addition work on my house?
A: No! We take care of every permit required to legally and professionally complete your project. We do need you to provide a property survey and plat of your home. But we take care of all permitting for your project.
Q: I’ve heard nightmares about Change Orders. What are they and how do you handle them?
A: A Change Order is a description of changes to be made to a work order that describes the new work to be done (and any modifications) and the price to be paid for this new work. The easiest way to avoid Change Orders is to clearly and thoroughly identify your needs up front during the design and budgeting phase. This will ensure that the project has been thoroughly considered and estimated before work begins!
Q: What makes the cost of a kitchen remodel more or less expensive?
A: Cabinets account for about half the total cost of the project and will have the greatest impact on your budget. They range in price considerably based on quality, the type of material they are made of, and whether they are stock (ready-made in specific sizes) or custom (produced specifically for your kitchen in whatever sizes are needed). The material you choose for surfaces including counters, back splashes and floors can also account for big variations in price.
