F.A.Q
Q. How many estimates should I get for a remodeling project?
A. I’m sure you have heard to always get three estimates for any work you are going to have done. Well, that depends on a lot of factors. If a contractor has been recommended by a friend, you have seen his work and are satisfied with the quality, and YOU have met and talked with the contractor and are comfortable with him, , then maybe you only need to get his estimate. If you feel his price is reasonable, I would say go for it. On the other hand, if you are getting bids from contractors that you have no personal experience with, get three bids. If the bids are within 10-15% of each other, then choose based on your comfort level with the contractor. If the three bids are really different, more investigation needs to be done. Either, a contractor forgot something and the bids are not “apples to apples” bids, or there might be something suspicious about a contractor with a “out of range” bid.
Q. I have three different estimates, and the prices vary greatly. Why?
A. Good question. There are a number of different factors that go into pricing a remodeling job. Check the obvious first. Make sure that every estimate has the same scope of work. If the estimates are so vague that you cannot decipher that information, go back to the contractor for clarification, IN WRITING, not just a “yea, its included” over the phone. If you cannot get satisfactory written results, eliminate that contractor from future bidding. The level of service given by a contractor greatly affects the cost. If the contractor spends lots of time picking out materials, attending to every detail, and taking care of all the little extras, so you don’t have to, it will cost a little extra. When a contractor carries all the proper and required insurances, his prices will be higher than a ‘pick-up contractor’. Quality of work, hard to show in a written estimate, is also a factor in costs. For example, our carpenters do very high quality work (their standards are usually much higher than our customers). Rarely, does the customer ever ask to have something re-done because of quality issues. That piece of mind is worth extra money up front to most people. This facet of the cost difference is usually only confirmed by calling references or visiting jobs the contractor has done in the past.
Q. What can I, as a home or business owner, expect to do while a remodeling project is being done at my house or place of business?
A. The most important thing you can do is ASK QUESTIONS. If there is something that doesnt look right, or you think you ordered one thing, and something else is being installed, ASK!! A contractor wants to know if things are not right immediately. There are no dumb questions, remember, IT’S YOUR MONEY. Remember, there will be dust and dirt in your house. It does’nt matter how careful the contractor is, expect it. Make it easy for the contractor to have access to your house. There will be times when he will have to leave and come back. Give him a key if possible. It will make your life easier to schedule. If you are remodeling a kitchen, eat out a lot. Most kitchen projects take 4-6 weeks. Arrange ahead of time with your contractor to have the refrigerator set up in an alternate location, away from the dust and dirt. If you are remodeling a bathroom, and it is your only bathroom, make arrangements to have the toilet reset each day it is pulled.
Q. How long will it take to complete my project?
A. Because Lakeside Remodeling has been in business for over 10 years, it isn’t difficult to speculate on how long a job will last. Our personnel work hard to get done on time if not ahead of schedule.
Q. Can your company do everything that is involved in my remodeling Project?
A. Lakeside Remodeling is a full service company that offers professional HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical and Remodeling.
Q. Will Lakeside Remodeling take care of securing permits or will that be left up to me?
A. The remodeling project manager is responsible for getting permits and scheduling inspections so the homeowner isn’t inconvenienced.
Q. Will your company take care of the trash and debris disposal?
A. The personnel working at the residence or business, unless the home or business owner states otherwise, handle all trash and debris removal.
Q. Is your company licensed and insured?
A. Lakeside Remodeling is Fully Licensed, Insured, and Bonded.
Q. Does Lakeside Remodeling do insurance work?
A. Yes it does, and our experienced staff will work directly with your insurance company to get your job done quickly and efficiently with as little hindrance to you as possible.
Every job that is started and finished by the remodeling department at Lakeside Remodeling is held to the highest standards. All licenses and insurance are kept in good standings. See our home page for details on licenses and insurance.
Remodeling quotes are Free Of Charge within our region of work.
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