Absolutely! We’ll meet with you in your home to discuss the project and get a general feel for what’s involved and what it will take (time, materials, resources, etc…) to do. This usually allows us to estimate at least a “high-low” budget range; this also gives you a chance to determine if you think we’re a good fit for you. If you’re comfortable with the range (and with us), we will then ask for a small deposit, then work with you on all of the finer details required to provide you with a thorough, accurate quote.
In most cases, NO. Obviously, remodeling can be somewhat messy and inconvenient. But at Upscale Remodeling, we’ll go to great lengths to keep the mess to a minimum, the time as short as possible, and the project moving along on schedule. However in some cases, usually only on very large scale remodeling projects, it is in everyone’s best interest that all or some of the work be performed while you are not living in the home. This is determined on a case by case basis and discussed up front before work begins.
Many remodeling contractors will tell you that the “price they quote is the final price, period.” This attitude is naïve at best, and intentionally misleading at worst. The fact is there are two major components that routinely come up that will indeed INCREASE the final price… 1) unexpected conditions that are not visible when formulating the quote (hidden pipes, decayed framing, faulty wiring, etc.) and 2) Upgrades and change orders requested by the homeowner. Naturally, we do everything we can to anticipate the unexpected and we are quite good at it but despite this, most projects end up costing about 5% to 12% more than the original contract. We strongly recommend that you budget this additional amount to cover these costs. This allows for flexibility… and happy customers! To be clear: Upscale Remodeling will not charge you more than the original estimate unless one or both of the factors above (unexpected conditions or client-requested upgrades) occur.
An estimate is a rough approximation of how much a project is going to cost based on a preliminary discussion about your wants and needs. We provide our clients with a “high-low” estimated range usually after the first meeting to give you an idea of what the project will entail. If the initial estimate is acceptable to you, we will then work to create a fixed price for you based on gathering more detailed information on the exact scope of work, including finishes, fixtures, and materials. A lot of pre-planning and design work is required to provide you with an accurate fixed price, so we only proceed once you feel comfortable with us as your remodeling contractor, and vice versa. Once the price is set, it will not change unless unforeseen circumstances arise, or unless you specifically request changes and/or upgrades during construction.
We have a thorough process that allows you to see the design and materials before we ever pull a permit or pick up a hammer. Our job is to take the remodeling dreams out of your head, design them for you to look at on paper and then deliver them in real life in your home.