As you consider starting a home remodeling project, we understand it can be daunting and overwhelming. That’s why we at Christie’s Design/Build Remodeling are here to help. We often receive numerous questions from individuals who are unsure about where to start, and we always strive to provide helpful answers.
In our latest blog post titled “FAQS: Common Questions to Ask Before a Remodel,” we provide not only answers to the most frequently asked questions but also helpful tips and insights to help make your remodel a success. With our expertise as contractors in Northern Colorado, we are always happy to help answer any questions you may have.
We understand that every remodeling project is unique, and we have put together a second list of the most frequently asked questions we receive during a remodel to help you along the way.
1. Why is there someone here only sometimes?
There are many reasons why a person may not be able to attend the work site regularly. One common reason is that sometimes we must wait for the surfaces to dry before proceeding with the work. This is particularly true in cases where we are working with materials like paint, plaster, or concrete. These materials need sufficient time to dry and cure before they can be sanded, painted, or tiled.
Another reason why someone may not be present at the work site every day is that certain tasks require specialized skills and equipment. For instance, templating custom shower doors and countertops can only be done after installing cabinets and tiles. This is because the dimensions and specifications of the doors and countertops need to be tailored to fit perfectly with the other elements of the bathroom or kitchen.
In these cases, we have to wait for the fabrication and installation of these custom elements to be completed before continuing with the rest of the work. This may involve coordinating with other tradespeople and suppliers, which can take time and require careful planning.
2. What if we are not home?
To get into the house, we usually use a lockbox or a code and we make sure to lock up at the end of each day. If you’re not around during your project, don’t worry! You can keep tabs on the progress through our online system – Buildertrend. We’ll make sure you stay in the loop!
3. Do you handle permitting with the city?
First and foremost, yes! Whether you are looking for a kitchen remodel in Firestone or a whole home remodel in Boulder, we’ve got you covered with the necessary permits. While this may seem like an obvious question, many contractors try to bypass the city to offer lower rates. At Christie’s Design/Build Remodeling, our Northern Colorado contractors believe in doing things the right way. We work directly with the city to obtain all necessary permits required for the entire project.
4. How do you plan for unexpected challenges with the project?
We’re always ready for anything that comes our way! When we open up a wall or floor, we never know what surprises we might find, but we’re always prepared with a contingency plan in case of any major setbacks. We believe in keeping you in the loop, so if we find anything unexpected, we’ll let you know right away. And if we ever need to re-evaluate the budget, we’ll always reach out to you first before making any changes. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
5. What is the payment schedule
Upon signing the build-out agreement, a retainer deposit is requested. This deposit is usually 15-20% of the project cost, depending on the project, to enable us to finalize permitting with your city/county and to order and pay for materials and products so they will be at the job site in time for installation. Progress payments, based on the percentage of the total contract, are requested upon the start of those milestones; i.e. start of plumbing, countertop install, start of flooring, etc.
6. How and where will tools and materials be stored if the job spans multiple days?
At Christie’s Design Build Remodeling of Northern Colorado, we take great pride in our commitment to treating our clients’ homes with the utmost respect. Our top priority is to ensure that your home is left in excellent working order, whether you choose to live in it during the remodeling process or not. We have specific areas designated for our equipment and materials, and we make every effort to maintain cleanliness in the work area. However, your home is in a construction site, so don’t be too concerned if you see some dust. There is always dust!
7. Who will I be communicating with during the project?
When you have many people coming into your home for a remodel, it can be confusing to know who to communicate with. To make things easier, we assign an experienced project manager to oversee each project. You will know who your project manager is from the beginning of the project, and they will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
8. Do you bring a porta-potty?
We get this question quite often, and we’re always happy to help our clients with their concerns. So, when it comes to the use of porta-potties, it really depends on the unique needs and specifications of your project. If we’re working on a full home remodel or a bathroom remodel that involves the only bathroom in your home, we’ll definitely bring in a porta-potty. However, we understand that some clients might not want our employees and subcontractors using their personal bathroom as cleaning said bathroom is not in the contract, unless you request we add it to the contract. We highly suggest a porta-potty if cleanliness is your priority.
Whatever the question may be, our team of professional Northern Colorado contractors at Christie’s Design/Build Remodeling are here to help you throughout your remodeling project. Have a question you don’t see answered here? Contact us today!
