FAQ'S - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Here we offer some answers to frequently asked questions you might consider when deciding to undertake a major remodeling project.

 

What is Design/Build?

 

How does the Cain Construction Design/Build process work?

 

What is a NARI contractor?

 

Will Cain Construction work with us if we have our own architect?

 

In what communities does Cain Construction work?

 

How much is my project going to cost?

 

I'm planning on buying as many of the finish items for my kitchen s possible myself.  I've picked out cabinets, appliances, and plumbing fixtures.  Can you give me a price on installing these items?

 

Can I work along side of you to reduce costs?

 

I have some minor repairs to be done.  Will Cain Construction do those?

 

How soon could you start my project?

 

I'm uneasy about having work people in my home.  How do you keep it secure?

 

What if something breaks or damage is discovered after the work is done and your staff has left?

 

Should I remodel or Should I move?

 

Can I buy kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and countertops from Cain Construction?

 

Will Cain Construction replace my windows and doors?

 

What is Design/Build?

 

Design/Build is when the contractor handles the entire remodeling process from design through completed construction of a project.  In many cases, hiring one firm instead of two helps to streamline the process, and ensures optimum communication at all levels from start to finish.

 

How Does the Cain Construction Design/Build Process Work?

 

We and the homeowner sign a design agreement to work together to attempt to design, scope and cost a remodeling project within the budget range discussed in the initial meeting.  After an exploratory meeting, a preliminary design is drawn and presented to the homeowner.  Revisions are made if requested, and once, the plans are approved by the client, a proposal is prepared.  This process includes a visit to the worksite with trade contractors, a written comprehensive scope of work, a firm price and a length of job.  Upon acceptance, a construction contract is signed.  This process creates "one stop shopping" for the homeowner.  More importantly, it allows him/her to get to know us and what it is like to work together well before the project is underway.

 

What is a NARI Contractor?

 

Members of NARI are full service contractors, design-build firms, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, subcontractors, lenders and other related professionals who work in the remodeling field.  NARI is committed to educating both trade professionals and remodeling-ready homeowners.  NARI does this by reaching out to a diverse audience in a variety of formats including education, training, publications, and programs.

 

For the last decade, NARI's Certification Program has been providing the remodeling industry with a formalized standard of expertise, knowledge, and ethical conduct among professional remodelers.  The NARI Certification Program offers a measure of skill and expertise valued not only by other remodelers, but by consumers.  Prized by those who have achieved the designation, certification programs identify remodelers who have undergone a detailed review and testing in areas of business management, ethical conduct, and technical skills.

 

Will Cain Construction work with us I we have our own architect?

 

Cain Construction is happy to work with your design professional.  In fact, Cain Construction's collaborative approach can add value in the planning process.  By engaging our firm early on, you and your architect can get the benefit of a remodelers' feedback and input before the plans are completed.

 

In What Communities does Cain Construction Service?

 

We service the following communities:  Ashland, Auburndale, Brookline, Chestnut Hill, Dover, Framingham, Holliston,  Natick, Needham, Newton, Newton Center, Newton Highlands, Newton Lower Falls, Newtonville, Sherborn, Sudbury, Waban, Wayland, Wellesley, West Newton, Weston, and Westwood.

 

 

How Much is My Project Going to Cost?

 

It goes without saying that this needs to be known before the project can move forward.  There are many factors that need to be taken into account to be able to generate a meaningful number.  Let's look at some of them.

 

It will cost more than you thought it would when you first started thinking about the project. 
The more you learn, the more you realize how many different things need to be done to make the project what you really want.  As the planning proceeds, the scope of the work expands, at least a little.

 

One area is:  Items that fit the category "as long as we are doing this, we should take care of that at the same time."  The laundry adjoins the kitchen.  As part of the planning, it becomes apparent the kitchen would work much better, etc., if the laundry was moved.  Doing that work will add to the cost of the remodel.

 

Work will need to be done that you never anticipated when you first decided the remodel should happen.  For instance, if you are planning on having your kitchen remodeled, you will probably need to have a new electrical panel and/or service installed to accommodate all the new circuits current code requires.  That can increase costs by several thousands of dollars.

 

What level of finishes and fittings do you want to have in your remodel?  A kitchen can be created with sheet vinyl flooring, prefabricated cabinets, plastic laminate (Formica) countertops, and minimal additional lighting.  The same floor plan can be realized with floor of ceramic tile, custom cabinets, stone countertops, and more effective lighting.  The difference in costs would be tens of thousands of dollars, but both jobs are "a kitchen remodel."

 

I'm Planning on Buying as many of the finish items for my kitchen as possible myself.  I've picked out cabinets, appliances and plumbing fixtures.  Can you give me a price on installing these items?

 

In my many years of experience I've found that the lines of responsibility are clearer if we purchase the finish items, excepting appliances.  All too often, an item can be mis-ordered or arrives broken.  It can be difficult to determine who is responsible for reordering and paying for mistakes.  Appliances are the exception as they are covered by their manufacturer's warranties.  If you want to buy products directly, we are probably not the right contractor for your project.

 

I'm Planning on Buying as many of the finish items for my kitchen as possible myself.  I've picked out cabinets, appliances and plumbing fixtures.  Can you give me a price on installing these items?

 

When you buy your own products and it arrives broken YOU are responsible for the replacement of the product.  The lost labor to install the defective product is charged to you.  The lost time to replace the defective product is charged to you.

 

 

Can I Work Along Side of You to Reduce Costs?

 

Our insurance carrier won't allow that.  However, some homeowners "finish" their projects themselves, after we are off site.  We've worked with clients who have done everything from install sheetrock to painting and flooring after we have gone.  We are happy to accommodate your needs.

 

I have some minor repairs to be done.  Will Cain Construction do those?

 

Yes, Cain Construction can do all of your repairs including rot, insect, and water damage.

 

How Soon could you Start my Project?

 

That depends a lot of our current work load, as well as how far you are in the planning and permitting process when you give us a call.  If no pre-construction work (design, scope, permit application) has been done and we are at typical capacity it could take three to four months of work before we start construction for a kitchen or small addition.  A major addition or remodel would probably take longer because of permitting requirements.

 

I'm Uneasy About Having Work People in My Home.

 

When possible, we create a separate entry into the work area; this is secured each evening before we leave.  We also seal off the workspace to reduce dust getting into the rest of the house.  This also serves to isolate the work area so that there is no need for anyone to disturb you while work is going on.  Our trade contractors are instructed to speak only with our employees; therefore they should not be bothering you or going into your living space.  While we can't guarantee that you will be 100% secure, in all my years of experience it has never been a problem.

What is Something Breaks or Damage is Discovered after the Work is Done and Your Staff

Has Left?

 

Call our office to let us know what it is and we'll get back to you within 48 hours to discuss the situation.  Whether or not we are responsible for the corrective work, we will respond to your concerns and work with you to provide a satisfactory and fair solution.

 

Should I Remodel or Move?

 

You definitely want to task this question before your remodel project starts!  Here are some things to consider.

 

Do you like your property, your neighbors, your street, and the commercial district and/or school that is nearby?  These are important points to consider if you are thinking of remodeling.  If there is a real problem with some or any of these conditions consider moving.  No matter how much work you do to your house, these problems will not be corrected.

 

What is your house worth now and what would it be worth after the remodeling work is done?  Talk to a real estate agent.  Invite him/her to come through the house and respond to your ideas.  You want to know this information before you get too far along in your planning.

 

How long will you live in the home after the remodel is done?  If you are going to live there more than 5-7 years, you will get the benefit and satisfaction of living in a space that you have personally helped improve to suite your needs better.  Everyday you will experience the joy of having improved your home.  If you are only going to live there up to a few more years once the work is done, don't go to the trouble.  Let the new owners do the work.