FAQ -Frequently Asked Questions about RemodelingWe know you have questions. Most people considering remodeling do! In fact, we want you to ask questions. We believe one of the most important things you can do before choosing a contractor is ask lots of questions. You want to be one the same page as the person your entrusting with your home and ultimately, your money. The client-contractor relationship is very important. Don't settle for anything less than a contractor who makes every attempt to provide you an honest answer to any question. Below is a collection of some of the most common questions we receive from potential clients. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please feel free to give us a call or send us a message using our on-line form HERE Click on any of the questions below: - Are you insured?
- Do you figure pricing by the square foot?
- What is a "feasability study" and why is it important?
- Why should I choose a Design/Build remodel contractor instead of a separate architect and contractor?
- How can I find out approximate return on investment for a particular project type?
- Is it really important to get three estimates?
- How long will the project take to complete?
- Do you give a guaranteed price?
- How do allowances work?
- Where in Indiana will you work?
- Can I do some of the work myself?
- Are you insured?
Yes, we are insured. DO NOT do business with any contractor who is not properly insured!! We carry general liability and worker's compensation insurance. Copies of our policies are available to our clients at their request. If there is any doubt that a potential contractor is insured, BE SURE to request a copy of their policies and MOST IMPORTANTLY, call their agent to verify the policy is still in effect. We have fond that alteration of coverage dates on provided copies of policies is a common occurrence! [ Back to the Top ]
- Do you figure pricing by the square foot?
Price per square foot? Absolutely NOT! While pricing by the square foot may be fine when quoting flooring or having your walls painted, it seldom works for a remodel project. Square footage pricing as best will give you an average. But not a true, accurate idea of cost. Why? Because every home is different and product selections do matter. The skew of pricing is especially evident in kitchen and bathroom remodel projects where there are a lot of selections involved, all with a wide variety of price points. Whereas the cost of a 2x4 stud, for example, is the same for a 10x10 bathroom, no matter what the selections with that bathroom can be vastly different. For example, the bathroom that is equipped with a pre-fabricated shower stall and chrome faucets will always be cheaper than the bathroom with a custom, tile shower stall with polished nickel or oil rubbed bronze faucets. We develop a price for your project based upon your needs and wants and use detailed measurements of your existing and proposed home designs to produce a DETAILED set of project specifications, based upon for project. Those specifications, which spell out the scope of work that is to be completed come with a GUARANTEED PRICE! NO games, NO guesswork, NO surprises with extra bills after project completion. Now, which would you prefer to hire for your next remodeling project: A contractor who provides you with a range versus a contractor that offers a FIXED GUARANTEED PRICE?
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- What is a "feasability" study and why is it important?
To us, it makes no sense to spend a lot of money designing the home of your dreams when ultimately it may be a bad decision for you. Either because of budget or for real estate/re-sale reasons, sometimes a remodel project does not make sense. We feel it is our obligation to help you decide what is in you, and your family's best interest. A feasability study allows you to explore the possibilities of doing a remodel project without investing a great deal of time and money. It is easy to get caught up in designing your dreams only to be disappointed at the end when you have paid a great deal of money in developing a design and cannot afford it. Our system is designed to do some up front "leg work" at a fraction of what a typical design would cost in order to save both parties time and money. By using a "wish list", we are able to design with you and your families goals in mind. By separating items on your wish list into priorities (must have, would-like-to-have, and blue sky items) we are better able to take your budget into consideration. At the end of the feasability study, we then compare the approximate costs of our clients goals to their budgets. The clients who may ultimately decide that remodeling is not in their best interest appreciate the information they have been given and ultimately thankful for the time and money saved.
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- Why should I choose a Design/Build remodel contractor instead of a separate architect and contractor?
There is nothing wrong with hiring an architect. An architect is certainly qualified to design your home remodel. Is it necessary? That is another question. There are some cases in which an architect makes sense. But, for most people considering a remodeling project, hiring a contractor that offers a design/build solution is a better choice. The biggest disadvantage in acquiring separate contractors for design and construction is the cost. In most cases, design/build remodelers cost less than hiring an architect and a separate contractor. Another advantage of design/build is the overlap of the design and production staff. With one cohesive unit focusing on a project, there is less chance of miscommunication. Potential problems can be corrected earlier in the contruction process, change orders can be executed more quickly and the overall time between the design phase and the completion of your project is greatly reduced. This efficiency saves time, which in turn, SAVES MONEY!
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- How can I find out approximate return on investment for a particular project type?
For the Indianapolis area, you can find a "cost vs. value" report HERE [ Back to the Top ]
- Is it really important to get three estimates?
Yes, BUT only if all three estimates are based on the same scope of work with the same specifications. Beware of contractors that offer you a price without a detailed set of specifications!! An apples to apples comparison of quotes can help you make an informed decision. Just be sure you know what's included in each quote and if your unsure, ASK for more detail. When you compare two reputable remodeling contractors, bidding on the same scope of work, the pricing should be very similar. If your having a tough time deciding between two contractors with similar pricing, take the time to talk to the contractors pas clients and other people you may know that have had work done by that contractor.
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- How long will it take to complete my project?
Forget the home remodel projects that you see on HGTV or the DIY network that take a year or longer to complete! A year or longer for a renovation is the exception, rather than the norm. Seldom does a remodel project last longer than 6 months and most are completed in 1-3 months of time. However, there are some things that do affect the time it takes to complete a project. Overall scope of work is the biggest thing that affects project length. Obviously, the more work that is being done, the longer it will take! Another thing that affects the timeline from start to completion is selections. Making selections in a timely manner is a vital part of keeping the construction cycle flowing. Complicating matters is the lead time associated with certain items. For instance, a 4-6 week lead time is fairly normal for cabinetry. And, who knows how long that special order tile from Italy will take to arrive? There are certain steps a remodel project must take to be successful. A break down in one area of the project will most likely affect another. So, how does Gettum Associates complete projects as quick as possible? Our system relies on a project manager that is assigned to your project and coordinates all phases of your project from start to finish. Not only does this individual facilitate work by our own field staff, but also schedules and coordinates subcontractor trades such as plumbers, electricians and HVAC professionals. Our careful planning and scheduling also allows us to advise our clients of upcoming "milestones" or "due dates" for product selections. Rest assured, we do all we can to make sure your project continues to flow towards its targeted completion date, with minimal disruption.
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- Do you give a guaranteed price?
Yes, we believe that giving a fixed price is best for our clients. You can feel comfortable knowing that the price we quote you will be the price you pay. The only thing that would change your price would be your material selections (i.e. flooring, cabinets, countertops) and and change orders that may be executed during the project. When selecting a remodeler, beware of contractors that do not offer a fixed price and pay special attention to written specs and the wording of a contract. It's best to stay away from Time and Material bids....this almost always works in the contractors favor.
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- How do allowances work?
Allowances are not as mystical as they may seem. Its fairly simple. For example, we may list an allowance of $500 for new flooring. You decide you want to upgrade your tile selection and the total for flooring ends of being $750. You pay an extra $250 for the upgrade. Its that simple. Why allowances? It is common for us to include allowances for some items in our specifications. For example, we may have allowances for plumbing work, flooring, cabinetry and countertops. These are items that have yet to be selected or items that may change in selection. While we try to include items that match our clients taste, the style of their home and their budget, allowances allow our clients to get the feel of their newly remodeled space before making a final selection for those materials. As a result, our clients avoid a lot of upfront legwork in choosing materials that may ultimately change once they see their new space.
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- Where in Indiana will you work?
We do our best to stay in the Indianapolis metro area. If we can travel there in an hour or less, we are happy to do the work! We have done projects as far north as the Noblesville/Cicero area and as far south as the Bloomington/Bedford area and equal distances east or west. Please give us a call to discuss your project and location. [ Back to the Top ]
- Can I do some of the work myself?
This is negotiable. For some things yes, for other things no. We are happy to provide some opportunity for "sweat equity", but it must make sense for both parties. Typically, we are happy to allow our clients to handle simple, non-structural demolition, insulation, painting, flooring, installation of bath accessories, etc. Some things must be handled by us from a liability standpoint. For additions, we almost always insist on seeing the project through the "dried-in" stage where everything on the interior is protected from the outdoors. Also, we usually require being responsible for the electrical installation. This is an example of a liability issue. Again, sweat equity is negotiable and we are happy to talk about the possibilities.
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