What is a general contractor?

The difference between a specialty contractor and a general contractor is that usually the general contractor operates as the head of the team and other specialty contractors work under the general contractor's supervision. General contractors also have greater knowledge of building and more legal authority. General contractors are more versatile and can run the entire show on behalf of the home. A good general contractor can offer a turn-key project and make the process pleasant for their clients.

Does it cost to get a quote?

Usually, reputable contractors will offer a free estimate.

How are payments made, and when are they made?

Our company is slightly different than other contractors. Except the cost of the material, we do not collect any money upfront. We do not use the percentage method because we find it confusing for the homeowners. Instead, we request money through installments. The first installment is a designated portion, and the following installments are based on the portion of the job that has been completed.

What about permits?
Not every job needs a permit. A knowledgeable general contractor should know if the job requires a permit or not and will discuss the options for the client.

What should I be asking my contractor?
You should ask your contractor about their previous work, references, license, and active liability insurance.

What is a change order?
A change order is the deductions or additions that either the homeowners would like to make to the original contract or occurs do to an unexpected issue that there was no chance for the contractor to see it before starting the work.

Can I be involved with the design build process?
Surprise remodeling can only happen on TV shows. Usually, the homeowner is involved with the design to make sure that they are totally satisfied. However, the homeowner should not get involved in the actual work because of safety and liability issues.

Should I remodel or should I sell?
Remodeling is always a better alternative than selling. The cost of selling and purchasing is much higher than anticipated. Also, remodeling gives you a space that is exactly what you want, whereas buying a house can lead to settling for something that you are not totally happy with or having to remodel anyway.

How do I communicate with you?
Nowadays, texting is the best form of communication, with phone calls and emails coming after.

Will the cost of my project change?
We always provide a single guaranteed price that will not change unless there are major unforeseeable issues or changes with the project itself.

What can I expect regarding the project schedule?
We provide the schedule before the work begins and will communicate regularly with the client throughout the process.

What causes schedule changes?
Unexpected discoveries can usually cause some delays.

What type of materials do you use on your project?
We always try to use premium materials in our projects unless the homeowner prefers to focus more on the cost and has strict budgetary requirements.

Will I need to pay for a design agreement?
If the project is only a kitchen or a bathroom, the design is part of our service, but if there will be an extensive scale of remodeling that requires an architect, the homeowner should pay for such a service.

What is the difference between an estimate and a design agreement?
Unlike the design agreement, estimates have no obligation. The two parties form a partnership through a design agreement.

How long will my project take?
The duration of projects varies as each one is unique. A professional general contractor should be able to provide an estimated time for the duration of your specific project.

How much will my construction and remodeling project cost?
The cost of projects is always different as each one has its own unique design and selection of materials.

Do you use subcontractors?
A professional contractor will always hire subcontractors. Each subcontractor is a professional in his/her own industry and most of the problems happen when the homeowner tries to cut costs by not hiring experienced subcontractors.

How do you handle communication with us during our project?
We communicate with the homeowners daily to let them know what is going on with their project.

Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Any contractor in the state of California must be licensed, bonded and insured.

Can you provide references?
Yes. A good contractor always has a list of references and ongoing projects that can assure the homeowners they are in good hands.

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash and checks.

Do you provide a service warranty?
We always provide 1-year full warranty as a standard in the remodeling industry and offer an extended warranty for a small cost if necessary.

Should I plan more money than the contract price?
Some contractors underestimate the project less and as it goes create extra cost and complain that the process is more than anticipated but a legitimate GC will guaranty the price and will honor it.

Can I live in my house while it is being remodeled?
Except for major remodeling projects, the homeowners usually can stay in their houses.
Do I have to worry about any permits?
A typical kitchen, bathroom, or flooring remodeling does not require any permits, unless additions and wall removals are part of the project.

Has your work been recognized by any publications?
We have finished so many beautiful remodeling projects that left the homeowners with a smile. One of our major remodeling projects was filmed by Property Brothers in 2016 and can be watched on HGTV. That same house was recognized as the record-breaking sale in downtown Toronto and featured in The Globe and Mail Canadian, a Toronto based magazine.