What are allowances?

We usually specify product cost allowances in our proposals early in the process to establish a remodeling budget. Unless you have a specific item in mind, we’ll include an allowance amount.

Here’s an example: in your kitchen remodeling proposal, we include a faucet allowance of $700. If you select a faucet with a price of $600, you’ll get a $100 credit. If you spend more, you’ll just have to make up the difference. Be wary of remodeling proposals with low-cost allowances, as this is a common trick for contractors to provide an artificially lower cost estimate.

What if we supply the materials and fixtures ourselves?

Rosseland Remodeling avoids customer-supplied fixtures when possible, as we prefer to maintain control over the delivery and quality of the materials we install. Plumbing fixtures are a perfect example of this. Fixtures purchased at the local home centers are generally manufactured with low-quality materials to reach a lower price point.

Do you have a remodeling product showroom?

Rosseland Remodeling does not have a showroom, but our vendors and suppliers have showrooms with salespeople trained in the products they sell. As a client, you will be treated with the same care/professionalism and assisted through every step of the product selection process.

Do you provide free in-home remodeling estimates?

Yes. During our initial phone call or home visit, we’ll discuss your project’s budget range. It’s best to get an idea of pricing and budget very early in the process. We will also do the best we can to answer all of your questions about home remodeling. Once we agree on a budget range, we’ll move forward to a detailed proposal with a firm cost of remodeling.

How much will my remodeling project cost?

Home remodeling projects are difficult to group by pricing because every project is different, and everyone has varying styles and needs. However, there is a report issued every year titled “Cost vs Value Report for Home Remodeling”. It breaks down remodeling projects by type, level of finishes, and region. We recommend reviewing this report to get a feel for where you are budget-wise. At our initial consultation, we’ll also discuss a budget range based on previous projects with a similar design and scope of work.

2018 Cost vs Value Report

How Do I Select A Remodeling Contractor?

This is certainly a question that requires plenty of thought and trust. NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) has plenty of literature and information to help you decide for yourself. Beyond that, it’s important to go with your instincts and trust the company you decide to work with, but be sure you are completely comfortable with your contractor.

• Contact as many references as possible
• Read online reviews at Google, Better Business Bureau, Facebook, etc.
• Interview the contractor and ask as many questions as you can. Is the contractor responsive and able to answer all of them?
• Ask the local municipal building department about their experience with the contractor(s)

Will you supply us with home remodeling client references?

We will provide an extensive list of past clients for you to contact. This is a very important step in your contractor selection process. Past customers are usually more than happy to discuss their remodeling experience. That’s what keeps us in business and has enabled us to build a long list of completely satisfied clients.

Do I need a building permit?

Most remodeling projects require a building permit. We firmly believe in securing permits when required. Building codes are in place for personal health and safety as well as protecting your home’s value and usability. Building codes are a minimum requirement, though Rosseland Remodeling typically tries to exceed them.

Furthermore, if you sell your home, it must be disclosed whether any permitted or non-permitted work has been done. It’s always a good idea to contact your local municipal building department to ask about which projects may require a permit.

What are change orders?

Change orders are a document created when some aspect of the remodeling project changes. If there is a cost difference in the particular scope of work or product, we will provide a change order so you can be assured there are no-cost surprises at the end of the project. This is common among reputable remodeling and home building companies.

The most common change orders are:

• Upgrades or downgrades of materials originally selected by the homeowner
• Additional work requested by the homeowner that wasn’t part of the original scope of work
• A decrease in the scope of work should also be handled by a change order if a credit is due to you, the homeowner
• Unforeseen conditions which could not have been known

It is important to keep the number of change orders to a minimum. That is why we work hard to get as many product selections confirmed before we start your kitchen, bathroom, or basement remodeling project. Change orders can increase the time your project takes to complete if not handled immediately.

Should we be concerned about insurance?

Yes. It is crucial to confirm your remodeling contractor has liability and workmen’s compensation insurance. It is also important that every subcontractor working on your home has these insurance policies in place as well. Accidents can happen, and these insurance policies are there to protect you and the worker.

If someone gets hurt on your remodeling project and they don’t have a workmen’s compensation insurance policy, the homeowner could be liable for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Additionally, liability insurance covers any damage caused to your property. If something catastrophic were to happen, it’s important to know your contractor has it covered.

How long will my remodeling project take?

Remodeling project schedules vary based on the scope of work. The following guidelines are fairly generalized but should give you an idea of what to expect.

• Full kitchen remodeling: 4 to 6 weeks
• Partial kitchen remodeling: 2 to 3 weeks
• Basement remodeling 1000 sq. ft. with full bathroom: 8 to 9 weeks
• Basement remodeling 1000 sq. ft. no plumbing: 6 to 7 weeks
• Full bathroom remodeling 5 x 8 ft. hall bath: 3 weeks
• Full master bath remodeling: 4 weeks

We will provide a work schedule to you before your project starts so you know what to expect day to day and week to week. Our trade partners and subcontractors receive this schedule well ahead of time to ensure there are no scheduling conflicts. Of course, unexpected events can occur, so the schedule may vary occasionally — but we are proactive to minimize delays.