Before The Start Of Your Project:
During Project:
After Your Project:
Will I be charged for an estimate?
R. P. Vogel & Remodeling will provide you with a free site visit, design consultation, if required, and estimate.
Do I need a set of plans before an estimator will come to my house?
Plans are always helpful but they are not required. Our estimators often provide design suggestions during the site visit. However, the more that you have thought through what you want to accomplish, the smoother the planning process and the sooner we can provide a proposal to you.
The key decision makers should spend some time: looking through magazines; visiting local lumber yards or home stores; attending open houses or home shows; talking with friends and neighbors; determining what features are the most important to each of you; and collecting pictures of what you like.
You will be happier with the end results and our company will be able to provide better design assistance, if YOU know what you want or like (rather than having your estimator make selections for you).
I have called six other contractors to look at my project. Three did not even return my calls. Two made appointments but did not show up. One looked at the project and left, promising to get a bid back to me in two weeks and it has been a month. He does not even return my calls. What is going on?
The remodeling industry has many skilled trades people and a few who are not very effective business people. It may be just as well that you did not or could not hire them (If they go out of business, you do not want it to be in the middle of your project.) R.P Vogel Remodeling has been in business since 1969 and we are experienced, licensed, bonded, and insured.
Who should get the building permit?
We recommend that the contractor should get the permit because the person, who is issued the permit, is responsible for code compliance of the work. Also, if the inspector has any questions, the contractor is the best person to provide the answers.
DURING THE PROJECT:
May I do some of the work myself?
Yes. Many of our customers do some of the work on their projects. So that we can meet our time commitments to you, we prefer that you do your work at either end of the project (before project demolition or after project painting or tile work, etc.). If you do some of the work, we expect you to meet the pre-established timelines. We will make a contract with you, as we would with any other subcontractor, so that the project will remain on schedule and without delays.
Can I change my mind after the contract is signed?
Yes. Changes can be made by "Change Order". However, changes can cause delays and increase the cost of your project. It is best to make as many specific decisions as you can before the contract is signed and the project has begun. However, we will work with you to incorporate changes, when it becomes necessary.
Will you make a mess of my house?
R.P. Vogel Remodeling is very aware that we are working in your PRIVATE home and will treat your home with respect. We make it a priority to minimize the "mess" and to clean up the job site at the end of each day. However, dust is insidious and is unavoidable in a remodeling project.
You will have some dust and small debris in and around our work area until the job is done. You may wish to cover furnishings, close doors to other rooms and vacuum to help prevent the dust from spreading.
Will you start my job and then "disappear" for days without any communication?
Many people in the remodeling industry have earned the reputation for not finishing work that has been started. The reason R.P. Vogel Remodeling has been in business since 1968 is that we finish our work. That does not mean that we will be at your home all day, every day until the job is done.
During the normal flow of the project, we must coordinate inspectors, materials delivery and many subcontractors. Also, the project must be completed in a specific order. (For example, we have to wait until glue, grout, dry wall compound or paint dries before we can go to the next step.) Also, much to everyone's frustration, certain job are dependent on dry weather.
The lead carpenter for your project will keep you informed and he will be committed to completing the project to your satisfaction, while remaining on schedule. (Our next customers are depending on us to start their remodeling projects within a specific time frame, as well.)
What happens if there are problems during my job?
Remodeling is not as predictable as new construction. The remodeling contractor frequently does not know everything about the existing conditions of the house until the project has started. In older buildings, sheet rock may need to be removed before the plumbing, electrical or structural situation is known. Decisions during a remodeling project are also required, when the homeowners change their minds regarding an initial design decision in the middle of the job.
R.P. Vogel Remodeling assigns a Lead Carpenter to manage each project. He develops a relationship with our customers. When questions, issues or difficulties arise, you will know who to call for assistance. Whatever the situation, the lead carpenter will work with you to continue forward with your project. Since our goal is a satisfied customer, it is important that we talk to you on a routine basis to avoid surprises and minimize disruptions.
The Production Manager and other senior managers are also available, when additional resources are required to resolve an issue.
AFTER YOUR PROJECT
What are lien waivers and when will I receive them?
Lien waivers function as receipts. They state that the contractor has been paid for his work so he "waives" his right to file a lien against the property, which is used to ensure that contractors are paid for their work.
What is a typical payment schedule?
Thirty five percent (35%) payment with the signed contract.
Thirty percent (30%) when the work begins.
Thirty percent (30%) upon substantial completion.
The remainder after the completion of the punch list.
What happens if problems are identified after my project has been completed?
Call us, even if you are not sure that the problem was caused by us. We will come out and evaluate the situation. The state of Minnesota requires a two-year warranty on most remodeling work. Some portions may be warranted far beyond that. Your project estimate will provide specific information regarding relevant warranties and guarantees.
