process
Estimates are provided free of charge. Often I will draw up basic design and layout concepts on a CAD program. This is useful for estimating purposes and to better visualize how the project will look and function when completed. Up to 1.5 hours of CAD time will be free of charge. More complex designs and revisions (beyond the 1.5 hours) are charged at an hourly rate of $90 per hour. Once the job is accepted and contracts are signed this fee is waived.
Larger and more complex design projects, including custom homes, additions, and designs for work that will need to be permitted should be done by a professional designer. We will work closely with the client and designer to achieve your desired goals.
Once you let us know that you are prepared to proceed, we will draw up contracts that will require a small deposit (normally 15-20%) of the total job cost in order to secure a spot in our calendar and for us to purchase materials to get the job started. The contract will specify the anticipated start and finish date, will state the scope of work, total cost, and will specify a payment schedule based on achievement of certain milestones in your project (progress payments).
We cannot start a project until you have made choices in the finishes, such as tile, plumbing fixtures, countertops, cabinetry, lighting, etc. depending on the type of project it is. Atlanta Area Building and Remodeling LLC has a showroom with displays of many of these materials, and in most cases you can make all your choices in one visit to our office and showroom. Atlanta Area Building and Remodeling LLC warrantee’s our work and product, and unless otherwise stated, must purchase all materials for your project. In most cases, we can purchase first quality products at less than retail.
** A note about first quality materials** Most homeowners are unaware that many of the products that are sold in the big box stores are manufactured just for them so that they can be sold inexpensively, using inferior parts. These items range from plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, locksets, and more.
We have one simple request. If you decide to go with a different contractor, or decide not to proceed for any reason, we just ask that you let us know the reason. Estimating takes many hours of work to be accurate, and all of the websites that are free to you to assist you in finding contractors, charge the contractors for the leads. As you see, we already have a great deal of time and expense invested before starting. If there is something we’ve done wrong, you were not confident in our ability to perform the work, price was higher than expected, appearance of our representative, whatever, just give us the courtesy of letting us know. We always want to improve.