How do I select a remodeler or builder?

You have to take the time to research the prospective remodeler or builder. The time you spend doing so can make the difference in having a great experience or living through a nightmare. Take the time to find out whether you are going to be working with a professional who is knowledgeable, respected by past clients as well as vendors & trades and is financially stable.

Make sure the remodeler or builder is a licensed, bonded & insured professional. Request copies of insurances and license. See Our Certifications

Ask for references from past clients, material vendors, subcontractors, and banks.

Are there procedures in place and appropriate supervision to ensure open communication in carrying out the scope of work for the remodel or new construction home?

What is your gut feeling on whether or not the remodeler or builder is the right person? Depending on the size & scope of work, you will have a relationship with the remodeler or builder for several weeks or several months. Do you feel you can work with this person?

2.

How much will it cost per square foot?

When contracting a custom remodeling or new construction project, this simple question cannot be answered due to so many variables. Selections, made by you, may add costs to the project but will not add any square footage. 

For example, a 2500 square foot house can be built for $250,000 or $400,000, depending on many variables.

Here are some questions to take into consideration when determining cost for remodeling and new construction projects:

Is the lot severely sloped? This will add additional foundation cost and site preparation.

Will the home be built on a slab or on a crawlspace?

Will surveys be required by your lender or to site the home?

The cost for building permits and fees vary greatly by municipality. In what county is the home being built or remodeling taking place?

Are there any Architectural Review Board fees?

Will you require a well or septic system or both?

Will the exterior of the home be finished with vinyl siding, brick, hardi plank, stucco, or a combination of each?

What type and style of windows and doors will be installed: M&W, Ellison, Simonton, Pella, Andersen, Therma-Tru, Tucker? 

Will the ceiling heights be 8 ft, 9 ft, 10 ft, or 12 ft? Will there be any vaulted or tray ceilings? Will the ceiling finish be sprayed, textured, or flat?

Will the cabinets be vinyl shrink-wrapped covering, painted, Old World finished or stained?

Will the counter tops be laminate, Corian, cultured marble, tile, or granite?

Will the floor covering be vinyl, tile, carpet, or hardwood?

Which manufacturer of plumbing fixtures will be used: Delta, Moen, or Kohler?  Will the finish be chrome, brass, brushed nickel, or oil rubbed bronze? Will the showers be fiberglass units or tile? Will the tub be a soaking tub or whirlpool? Will the water heater be electric, gas, or tankless?

What level of appliances will be used: Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Wolf, or Viking? Are there any gas appliances or special venting requirements?

Will the electrical fixtures be mainly recessed can lights or fan / lights? Will you need dimmers and fan speed controls? Do you wish to have a decor switch or single pole?

What style and size of casing will be on the windows and doors: 2 1/4" - 3 1/4" or RB3? Do you want any crown molding, and if so is it single lap or 3 piece? Will you want any wainscoting or hitchcock ceilings? Will the baseboard be 3 1/4", 5 1/4", or 7 1/4"? Will the trim be paint grade or stain grade? Will the trim be wood, MDF, or a combination of each?

Will the porch floor be treated wood, composite decking, or concrete? Will the concrete be stamped or stained?

What type of support columns are needed on the porches: aluminum, tapered fiber case, or custom built?

What type of railing system (wrought iron, powder coated aluminum, treated lumber or vinyl) will be installed on the porches and steps?

What is the square foot area of the drive and will it be concrete, asphalt or crush & run?  Will there be any decorative expansion joints, finishes, or drains?

Do you want gutters? Will there be shutters? If so, will the shutters be vinyl or custom built? Will the gutters have leaf guards? Will the gutter downspouts be piped away from the home/addition?

What is the roof pitch: 6/12, 8/12, 10/12, 12/12, or combinations of pitches?
Will there be any decorative roofing items such as copper dormers, bays, or cupolas?
What type of roofing material will be used: 3 tab asphalt shingles, Architectural ashpalt shingles, slate, or metal? 

Will any landscaping be done?

3.

How do allowances work?

Allowance dollars are included in the turnkey price. With South Point Construction, allowance dollars for items such as plumbing and electrical fixtures, tile, cabinets, countertops, etc, are derived after consulting with the customer to determine their level of finish. South Point Construction makes every effort to include enough money for the allowanced items, but overages and credits for items can be experienced once individual selections are made. With South Point Construction’s turnkey pricing, the only way the bottom line number changes is with overages or credits on allowanced items or change orders on the scope of work. The customer must be aware of this when receiving bids to ensure allowance dollars are the same in all bids. If not, the bottom line of competing potential remodelers or builders could appear to be less, but in actuality could cost more.