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Frequently Asked Questions

 

• Is there a fee for the first meeting?
• Is there a fee to prepare a price for my project?
• Can you do design build?
• Will you build my project if I already have an architect?
• Is it better for me to remodel or to buy or build a new home?
• How do I get started in the remodeling process?
• Do I need an architect for my project?
• Can I stay in my house during the remodeling project?
• How long has Brownstone Builder's & Associates been in business?
• When can you start my project?
• How are my project payments structured?
• How can I avoid change orders?
• How firm is the price I will be given?
• What is a fixed price contract?
• Do I have to plan for contingencies?
• Can I get an insurance certificate?
• Do you have your own employees or is all the work completed by subs?
• Do you offer design services?
• What types of projects do you specialize in?
• Do you offer interior design services?
• Can I see examples of your work?
• Can I speak with past clients?
• Can you help with financing?
• Can you work within my budget?
• What if I change my mind on something after the contract is signed?
• Can you meet a deadline?

• Is there a fee for the first meeting?
• No. The focus of our first meeting with you will be to get to know your project needs, develop a preliminary budget, and discuss overall project feasibility. Back to top
• Is there a fee to prepare a price for my project?
• No. There is no fee for pricing your project, however, there may be a fee if designs are required to develop the project outline enough for accurate for pricing. Back to top
• Can you do design build?
• Absolutely. Through our relationship with some of the areas top architects we will start with an overall outline of your project, work with you to develop a project budget, and design a project that fits your needs, your budget and your lifestyle. Having the design and construction team present through this process not only saves time but also insures that every detail of the design is executed exactly as you wish. Back to top
• Will you build my project if I already have an architect?
• Yes. Through our extremely thorough pricing process we will work through every detail of your plans. We'll also communicate with your designer or architect to make sure we are covering the details as he or she has envisioned them. Back to top
• Is it better for me to remodel or to buy or build a new home?
• This is a multi-layered question that will depend on several factors and the answer can be different for each person. Please see our Build or Remodel page for more in depth answers to this question. Back to top
• How do I get started in the remodeling process?
• This is the easy part and you have several choices. Give us a call, shoot us an email, or fill out our online request form. We'll schedule a time that's convenient for you and come out to your home and discuss your project. We can usually get to this first meeting within a week of you contacting us. Back to top
• Do I need an architect for my project?
• This will depend on the scope and complexity of your project. If an architect is required we have strategic alliances with some of the areas top architectural firms to ensure your design needs are met with expert accuracy. Back to top
• Can I stay in my house during the remodeling project?
• Obviously this depends on the project but in most cases the answer is yes. Our professional team will seal off work areas to contain dust and construction traffic. However, in some whole house remodeling projects or other special situations we may discuss relocation for some or all of the project time frame. Back to top
• How long has Brownstone Builder's & Associates been in business?
• Founded in 2000 Brownstone Builder's & Associates has been in business for 10 years! Back to top
• When can you start my project?
• Our first visit to your home can usually be schedule within one week of your first contact. From that point we will begin work on the design and pricing portions of your project almost immediately. The start of the construction phase of your project will be determined by the scope of the design necessary and sometimes the selection of the various products for your home. We can provide you with a realistic time frame after our first meeting at your home. Back to top
• How are my project payments structured?
• Our "mile marker" system is set up so you can make payments for your project as progress markers are met. Our Construction Contract will spell out the draw amounts and the project mile markers that will make each payment due. You will receive a written invoice for each draw clearly stating the mile marker that it coincides with. With each invoice we will also supply you with a Contract Summary that will keep you up to date with any changes you have made and how they have affected your overall project cost. Back to top
• How can I avoid change orders?
• Planning, planning, planning. While being anxious to get started with the construction phase of your project is normal, proper and thorough planning can eliminate many changes caused by a lack of clear direction up front. This can included everything from making sure the drawings are completed in proper detail to selecting the project finishes. Back to top
• How firm is the price I will be given?
• Our fixed price contracts are just that, fixed prices. If we construct the project in the way it is outline in our contract you can take that number to the bank! This is another reason to invest time in the planning process. Back to top
• What is a fixed price contract?
• With a fixed price contract we will supply you with a price for your project and a set of specifications. Provided the project is built to the pre-determined specifications you will be charged only the amount of the contract. The amount you will pay for your project will be clear and realistic up front. Back to top
• Do I have to plan for contingencies?
• While we don't have X-Ray vision our extremely thorough pricing and design process will eliminate almost all unwanted surprises from your project. Most changes to our projects are generated by the "While You're Here" list from our clients. If you have a While You're Here list, we encourage you to let us know about it up front, then we can account for that additional work in the beginning and you will have a more complete budget expectation. Back to top
• Can I get an insurance certificate?
• Absolutely! We will provide not only our corporate liability insurance but also a certificate of our participation in the state worker compensation fund. Back to top
• Do you have your own employees or is all the work completed by subs?
• The craftsmen that produce the carpentry related portions of your project are our own team of skilled professionals. Knowing that our team has undergone drug testing and background checks will make you feel safe and secure with them in your home. We would never trust your project to anyone but our professional staff. Back to top
• Do you offer design services?
• Yes. Just like your doctor refers you to a specialist, we have teamed up with some of the areas best known and most skilled designers, architects, and interior designers. The team we have assembled has one goal, to make your project a great success. Back to top
• What types of projects do you specialize in?
• Residential remodeling is our main focus. Most of our projects consist of additions, kitchen remodeling, bath remodeling, and finished lower levels. In addition to these we build decks, screened porches, and other outdoor living spaces. Back to top
• Do you offer interior design services?
• Yes. Our interior designers will help you select just the right mix of colors and textures for your project. After all, a house only becomes your home when it is uniquely you. Back to top
• Can I see examples of your work?
• Yes. Our online gallery has photos of several of our project and with a prior appointment we can arrange a visit to either a project under construction or a previously completed one. Back to top
• Can I speak with past clients?
• Yes. References can be provided for you to contact and discuss our remodeling process with previous clients. Back to top
• Can you help with financing?
• While we do not offer financing directly we do have contacts with some competitive banks and mortgage lenders that we are happy to share with you. Back to top
• Can you work within my budget?
• Absolutely! Early in the process we will work with you to establish a budget you are comfortable with and will work closely with you to design and build a project that fits that stated goal. Back to top
• What if I change my mind on something after the contract is signed?
• We have a very systematic program to handle changes that will let you know not only the cost of a change but also the effects the change will make on your project schedule. Every change to your project will require your signature insuring that you will not be surprised with charges at the end of the project. Back to top
• Can you meet a deadline?
• Yes! With our personal Project Manager on site every day we are able to maintain tight control of the details and scheduling of your project. We will produce a project schedule up front so you will know when we will be finished and what to expect from one day to the next. Back to top

 

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