Why is it important to select a licensed general contractor for my remodeling project?
A general contractor is a licensed professional who serves as a single point of contact and manages all aspects of your remodeling project. This includes securing building permits, scheduling inspections, ordering building materials, scheduling and supervising all trades required to complete your project. The general contractor assumes full responsibility for the integrity of workmanship at all stages to ensure your project satisfies all state and local building codes in all phases.
Will my project require a permit?
As a general rule, a building permit is required whenever:
- There is structural work involved (e.g., removing load-bearing walls).
- The basic living area (square footage) of the home is to be changed.
- The home’s mechanical systems (e.g., gas, electrical or plumbing) are to be reconfigured or otherwise modified.
As a rule, you should always request that your licensed general contractor obtain the building permits.This is because the person who “pulls the permit” is considered liable for ensuring that all completed work complies with the state and local building codes.
Does GMH Construction have a showroom?
No, not directly. This adds to your cost and is not necessary. Our local suppliers all have excellent displays and a larger selection than any local remodeling showroom could offer. They also are updated regularly with the latest products.
Why is GMH Construction my best choice?
GMH Construction is a smaller specialty remodeling company so we can offer better quality at a lower price and minimal hassle. Your project is run directly by the contractor on site daily, not a “project manager” or “sales guy”.
We assure your project is completed to our high standards and that you are informed at all times. You are working directly with the contractor so changes are painless and get completed quicker. Experience shows, the more people involved in the project, the more confusion and problems that arise.
This is generally what happens with large remodeling companies. I think the best advice is that your contractor should be directly involved in running your job on a daily basis.
What can I, as a homeowner, expect to do while a remodeling project is being done at my house?
The most important thing you can do is ASK QUESTIONS. If there is something that doesn’t 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, it’s your home and your money.
How do you communicate with clients during a project?
Through a secure online client website, you can access your project details anytime, anywhere and view up-to-date schedule, financials, and communications. You can also reach us by phone, voicemail, text message, or email.
How does your prices compare to the competition?
When we have bid against other quality-conscious remodeling companies on the same job, our bids have been competitive. We pride ourselves on offering realistic estimates based on our experience and knowledge in the industry.
We are also committed to winning your trust and your repeat business which is hard to do if we end up adding lots of “unexpected charges” to the project after the contract has been signed. We understand the cost and challenges associated with remodeling and we strive to give complete estimates. No matter what your budget is.
We are proud to offer quality work at a fair price; we find that our clients are pleased with the investment they have made in their home by working with GMH Construction.
Who will be supervising my job?
Greg will come and meet with you to discuss your ideas, plan your project and write your bid. During the design process Greg and his team of design/construction professionals will work with you to design, specify and price your project.
When you decide to start the project, Greg and Dane will consistently be present at your home throughout the remodeling process to assure quality workmanship, accurate implementation of the contract and that you are always satisfied with the work. Remember Greg and Dane are always available to you by cell phone.
What is the time frame for my project?
With every bid we include an approximate start date. Once we start your job, it is our goal to coordinate our crew and subcontractors to finish as quickly as possible, while demanding quality work.
What time do the crews work?
We generally begin our day at 7:00 and end at 4:00. However, we work with each client to determine good starting times for their family.
What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?
Previous clients have referred more than 50% of our current clients. Additionally, we do a great many projects for repeat clients.
Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance?
Yes, GMH Construction and all our subcontractors are fully insured.
How should I prepare for a meeting with you?
Here are some ideas to make our first appointment go smoothly:
- Gather lots of ideas! Look in magazines or attend home shows.
- Clearly identify specific rooms to be remodeled with as much detail as possible.
- List all the possible questions you may have.
- Do you have an idea about a budget? If so let us know!
Why are some contractor estimates much lower than others?
Many times, remodeling contractors provide estimates that vary by a large amount in price. The reasons for lower-cost estimates can be varied: the scope of the work being bid is less (which is not often clear), the quality of the materials or the installation methods are inferior, the low-cost contractor may not understand the complexity of the project, or the contractor may be engaging in rose-colored-glasses low-ball bidding to win your business, knowing that extra costs are likely to be assessed as the project unfolds.
The contractor will not be attentive to managing your project so that things occur on schedule, resulting in more mess, chaos, and disruption. In the end, you really do get what you pay for. At GMH Construction, we pride ourselves on providing realistic estimates, and thorough proposals, so that the entire project costs (known and unknown) are on the table prior to you signing a contract. We understand that some clients will hire “cheaper” contractors. But we are confident that we offer a better value in the end.
What are the added "hidden" costs of hiring a "budget" remodeling company?
As stated above, “budget” remodeling often ends up costing more than expected. We do our best to be honest and thorough from the start. More importantly, a “budget” remodel will cost more to live in and maintain. Higher maintenance costs and higher gas and electricity bills will offset the “savings” of a budget remodel.
Chaotic scheduling and longer disruptions at your home are common horror stories associated with our industry, but these problems are typically associated with the “budget” remodeling company. The frustration of living with inferior work is also hard to quantify. In the long run, lower energy and maintenance costs will save more money than the added initial investment, so you will end up spending less money to have a quality-built, energy-efficient, and healthier home improvement.
The big box handyman stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Menards, etc. now remodel kitchens and bathrooms. What are the differences between remodeling companies, and these types of stores?
Simply put; service. Typically, the quality of installation, attention to detail, custom or ‘out of the ordinary’ work is not their trademark.
A lot of things ‘pop up’ during a remodeling project. Unforeseen conditions are a daily occurrence. A remodeling company usually has the people to deal with these ‘things’ in a timely manner and keep things moving. A remodeling company has greater flexibility to get the job done. Like most things, there are situations when a big box store might be the right way to go, and there are times when it is best to have a professional handle the COMPLETE job. Every situation is different, be sure to compare estimates from each of these types of companies. Likely it is not an apple to apple comparison.
Do you accept credit cards?
GMH Construction accepts credit card payments for limited dollar amounts. Please ask us about this option.
Do you have any other financing options?
GMH Construction offers financing options to qualified customers through a third party finance company. Limitations and restrictions apply. Available financing options based on credit approvals may include 6 months no interest or deferred payments. Please ask us for more details.
