Thinking about a home remodel? It can be hard to know where to start! To help you out, we sat down with our JBDB team to outline a few of the most frequently asked questions from homeowners as they embark on the home renovation process.
Questions to Ask Your Remodeling Contractor
Q: How long does a typical renovation take?
A: There are a lot of variables from project to project, but a typical kitchen remodel will generally take around 7-8 weeks; a master bath will be approximately 6-7 weeks,” says John Miller, VP of sales and production at JBDB. “If you want to remove walls, that will add on extra time since we may have to reroute plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or move windows.”
“The other big factor at play: you can be confident in our timelines,” says John. “With upfront design decisions, we get all of the materials and finishes lined up and on order before providing homeowners with a start date. Everything is planned out and selected ahead of time to support a seamless construction process. While supply chain and shipping delays can sometimes factor into additional time, our team will always be open and communicative about timing to keep you in the loop.”
“We have done two major remodels with JBDB, for a reason. We have been very impressed with the professionalism of the contractors and staff, timelines of the project and quality of the work! – Sandy and Rob Schile
Q: What is a typical budget for a renovation?
A: Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to answer without meeting with an expert first, since every project is so different. A good contractor will discuss your individual needs for your home before determining a budget.
“It’s important to see the space first,” says John. “For example, on a bathroom remodel: one person’s bathroom could be a small 5’x5’ space, and another could be a more extensive, 18’x20’ bathroom. Finishes, as well as any required additional electrical or plumbing work, can significantly impact the overall cost of a remodel,” says John.
Sitting down with a contractor and discussing all of the project details will help give homeowners a more accurate idea of their renovation costs and ensure that both the homeowner and contractor have the same expectations for the budget.
Q: What should a homeowner expect while living in the home during the renovation? How do you protect the rest of the house?
A: It typically makes sense for a family to continue to live in their home during a renovation. We estimate around 95% of the time, JBDB homeowners remain home during the renovation.
“Cleanliness is a big priority,” John says. “We use dust protection to contain dust, so it’s not traveling through the rest of the house.”
This process includes plastic sheets that act as doors and walls to keep dust contained, as well as an air scrubber – an air purifier that has three filters to draw dust out of the air before it circulates through the rest of the home.
Q: How do homeowners communicate with the JBDB team throughout the construction process?
A: Consistent communication is critical throughout a renovation. Both the homeowners and renovation team need to be on the same page! With the JBDB team, homeowners have a designated point of contact that they can communicate with, whether it’s via text, phone call, email, or FaceTime.
“Outstanding from beginning to end, we were impressed with the quality of work, attention to detail, professionalism, communication and responsiveness by everyone on the JBDB team.” – Jennifer Lee
Learn more about JBDB’s process.
Q: What advice do you have for homeowners as they take the next step towards a home renovation?
A: “Do your research. Make sure the company is licensed and has adequate experience in the business. Call their references, see their past work, and make sure things are clearly communicated in writing so you know what you’re getting. And ask questions,” notes Kayleigh Queoff, one of JBDB’s designers.
Check out our project portfolio.
Q: What are JBDB’s priorities as a design-build team?
A: Before hiring a design-build team, get to know their culture and mindset. What drives and inspires their work? Do they seem committed to the longevity and durability of their work? Are they focused on building strong client relationships?
“We want to create a home you absolutely love,” says Sydney Monson, another one of JBDB’s designers. “The pride and joy we put into every remodel are evident in the final result. We’re honored to help all of our clients: past, present, and future.”
Hear what clients have to say about our work.
Q: What is the most common question you get as a contractor?
A: “Almost everyone wants to know if they can take down a load-bearing wall,” says John. “And the answer to that is, anything is possible—but it might be costly. We can always take down a wall, but it may require rerouting HVAC, plumbing in walls, or more.”
Hire a Team That Loves Their Work
Hiring a design-build team for a home renovation is an exciting prospect, especially when you find a team you connect with.
The JBDB design-build team has a clear-cut remodeling process that they discuss with every homeowner before beginning a project. Contact our experienced team to start your next home remodel! We look forward to showing you how beautiful, customized, and functional our work is.
