FAQ's

Question #1: How much is this project going to cost me?

Answer: Probably more than you think it will! All kidding aside, the average price of a bathroom remodel (5' x 8') is around $16,500 for labor and material. The average kitchen price runs closer to $32,000.00 for labor and material. A HomeSolutions consultant can help you plan for your investment by helping you select the material that will help you achieve the look you want without breaking the bank. Labor prices don't really fluctuate too much from job to job. Its the material selections that can really make a difference.

Question #2: How long is this project going to take?

Answer: Due to the complexities of the Home Improvement industry, and because as custom builders we never build the same thing twice, it is difficult to pinpoint an end date for your project. Smaller projects may be completed in as little as a month, while large scale renovations may take six months or more.

An average bathroom can realize completion after six weeks, and the average kitchen may take six to eight weeks as well.

In this business, you can complete projects in three ways; fast, cheap and right. Guess what? You can only pick one. At HomeSolutions, we choose to do the project right. We won't sacrifice quality and safety for speed and cost.

Question #3: How dirty and dusty is my house going to get? Shoud I move out while you are working?

Answer:  We take as many precautions as we can, but the inevitable fact is that a lot of dust and dirt will find its way into areas of your home where it doesn't belong or otherwise wouldn't be. As far as staying in the home while we are working, that depends on your personal tolerance for these sorts of things. If you can move out comfortably, then by all means, do it. You will save yourself a lot of headache and aggravation. For those who wish to brave the conditions, set up a temporary kitchen in another room if possible and just try to focus on how nice everything is going to look when all of the work is completed! Your house will always be broom swept and free of loose debris when our tradesmen leave your home.

Question #4: How do we deal with the unexpected? This is an old house; are you going to bury us with change orders?

Answer: Change Orders are an unfortunate but necessary aspect of the remodeling process. Home Improvement Professionals aren't mind readers; they're human just like you. As good as the best contractors are, they can't predict every outcome of every situation throughout your remodel. Suprises are a natural part of construction, but in most cases, these suprises are not included within the scope of your project. Certain situations lend themselves to being more suceptible to change orders; older homes, more complex jobs and customers who love to change their minds! Certainly everyone fears being ripped off by a contractor via change order, or falling prey to the contractor who gets the job through a low-ball estimate and then makes EVERYTHING a change order. An honest contractor will always explain the who, what, where, why and how of the change order so you understand the situation. A clearly defined scope of work agreement and selection sheet will help to eliminate any confusion throughout the project. Also, when considering a remodeling project, always get more than two estimates to ascertain how accurate the pricing is that you are being presented. The lowest bid is the usually the one least qualified to do the work, as Home Improvement Professionals understand the costs associated with all projects.

Question #5: Do we have to get a permit? How much will it cost?

Answer: Yes. If you are hiring a contractor to do work on your home, the law states that a permit must be obtained from your town. The purpose of the inspections is to ensure that the work on your home meets the minimum standards of safety. The cost of the permit is in proportion to the amount of work being done, and the amount is almost never the same from project to project, from town to town.

Question #6: Can I have my Uncle Larry do the electrical?

Answer: Preferably not. While Unlce Larry may very well be a fantastic electrician, as project managers, we need to work with someone who is familiar with how we do things and is committed to helping us keep our schedules. If you are going to hire Uncle Larry, be prepared to crack the whip on him. We will hold him to the same standards we hold all of our sub-contractors to.

Question #7: Do you use sub-contractor labor? If so, how much?

Answer: Sub-Contractors are popular options for many contractors because it eliminates the need to hire someone, find full time work for that person and pay workman's compensation insurance for that individual (which is very expensive). Therefore, to keep prices low, contractors will sub out portions of the job. Some contractors are "paper contractors"; they sub everything out. Others keep a full time staff and only sub out the technical subcodes (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) because the law states that it be done. At HomeSolutions, we keep a full time staff of tradesmen to do everything except the plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Everyone who enters your home will be wearing the appropriate uniform that identifies them as someone under our employ. We are not in the business of holding a training camp or try out for subs; our sub-contractors have long standing relationships with us.

Question #8: Do you have references? How about a licence and insurance?

Answer: References will be provided during your initial consultation. We currently hold a DCA license in New Jersey and have a $2,000,000 insurance policy (which can be upgraded to $5,000,000 if the situation requires it).

Question #9: Will my 25 year shingle roof really last for 25 years?

Answer: If it wasn't installed by HomeSolutions, probably not. We are Certainteed Master Installers and only install the highest quality Certainteed roofing products to their exact specifications. You can be certain that if a HomeSolutions Exterior Division Tech has installed your roof, your installation with meet all of the criteria associated with the manufacturers warranty.

Question #10: Everybody else in my neighborhood has cheap vinyl siding. Should I buy that as well?

Answer: We would hope not. Everyday we are amazed by peope who spends thousands inside their home, but refuse to invest a nickel into the exterior. The first statement your home makes when someone pulls up to it is made by the exterior of the home. If you are looking to improve your curb appeal, look into some of the more exciting products out there and turn your home into a truly unique show piece.