Q: What is a Professional Service Agreement (PSA)?
A: It is very difficult, if not impossible, to give you an accurate bid for a large job when there are no designs, plans, etc…-YET. A Professional Service Agreement, or a PSA, will allow us to create those designs and plans and help you walk through the selection process for materials, fixtures, etc. It also helps us understand your vision for your project, as well as the level of fixtures and finishes you are wanting. We need them because they enable us to give you an accurate, guaranteed lump sum price for your project. PSAs are price based on the size of the project. If you decide at the ed of the PSA that you don’t want to move forward with the project, you still have all of the designs and plans saved for when you are ready.
Q: What is design/build?
A: We develop your project from point A to point B. We work with our group of preferred, independent designers, architects and engineers to create a special, one-of-a-kind project just for you. You’ll only pay Cross Home Construction for services rendered ensuring a well-coordinated team of professionals and a primary point of contact.
Q: Can I continue to live in my home during the remodel?
A: Remodeling can be dusty and noisy during construction. We do our best to minimize the effects and impacts the process has on you. If you are remodeling a single bathroom or kitchen we can set up a temporary area for you to utilize during the work. If we are touching multiple areas in your home we may recommend vacating during construction. If you have no space where you can find peace and quiet, a remodel can get tiresome quickly.
Q: Should I get multiple bids and pick the lowest price?
A: There are plenty of ways to cut corners to create lower price. Competitive bidding rewards to lowest price and offers absolutely no advantage to good workmanship. We prefer to do things the best way. “Best” means, in our opinion, the most effective combination of price to performance – getting the most bang for your buck. There isn’t enough information at this time to get an exact bid. Our way is to work with you to fine tune your specific needs and wants. That way when I hand you a bid you’ll know what the full project will cost.
Q: How will you finish up the project?
A: We have a 3 step process where we will 1) walk through the project once we wrap up production with you the customer and identify any items that need attention. 2) at around the three month mark we will send a sheet for you to fill out with anything we may have missed on the initial walk. 3) we will do the same process at 11 months just before the standard 1 year warranty is up.
Q: Why should I hire a General Contractor, when as the homeowner I can act as my own contractor?
A: It depends on the size of the project and your personal experience with construction, but many homeowners lack the experience necessary to act as a general contractor for their projects. We also offer a network of connections, so if we call in a Sub-Contractor (Trade Partner), you can be rest assured that they are high quality and not just the only available guy. Being a General Contractor is a job with a very high stress level and a full-time job. If you already have a day job, the level of time management required to be a General Contractor is just not available to you. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that being their own GC is going to save them time and money. You may start out with a project that is going to cost you less than hiring a GC, but it can quickly build. Your time is valuable as is your peace of mind. Why not save both and hire someone who can focus 100% on your project.
Q: Can I buy the materials and just have you install them?
A: No. We need to be able to control the ordering process to ensure proper material style, size, hardware, and accessories are ordered We also cannot offer you any warranty on materials we do not supply. It also helps us ensure materials are delivered on time and without damage.
Q: How long is my remodel going to take?
A: The answer to that varies depending on the size and complexity of the project. Typically, a whole home remodel which involves the kitchen, at least one bathroom, and other parts of the home takes a minimum of three (3) months from start to completion. At Cross Home Construction LLC, before we start your project, we put together a calendar laying out exactly what to expect and a reliable timeline for the completion of your project.
Q: If the contract is signed, when can you start?
A: The first question we usually get from our clients after they sign the contract is when can our team start the project. We are excited to start and we know you are as well. There is a sizable amount of planning and organization so that we can successfully execute your project. A good rule of thumb, especially for kitchen remodels, would be six (6) to eight (8) weeks from signing the contract. When there are cabinets involved, the wait time is typically six (6) weeks, and we like to visually inspect the cabinets beforehand to make sure there is no damage.