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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose a design/build firm?
A design build firm is in the unique position of constructing what they design. Consistent issues or problems are therefore avoided through experience and a unified team of people familiar with eachother. Design/build firms are also tied to the projected budgets. In other words, they can assist in designing projects with the underlying budget in mind, helping the client get the most for their remodeling dollar.
How does the process work?
After a brief conversation, an appointment is set at your house. At that meeting we will asking questions concerning your tastes, style, type of products desired, etc. In many cases a "field estimate" of the costs is made before the first meeting concludes. If the estimate is within your budget we will take measurements and develop a preliminary layout at no charge.
A second meeting is then scheduled in our office to present the conceptual layout and a tighter budget. If the budget is agreeable we will initiate a "Design & Development Agreement" which incorporates your particular selections and any changes you wish to make which enables us to give you a fixed price.
Are you insured?
Yes. We carry liability and workmen's compensation insurance.
Who will be managing my job?
A superintendent will be assigned to your job. Before the project begins a Pre-construction Meeting will be held with all the parties attending. All specific details of your project will be discussed at that time and you will have the opportunity to meet the team managing your project!
How long have you been in business?
Bobo Custom Builders has been in business since 1986. Longevity in the remodeling industry demonstrates satisfied customers and good principles.
May we contact your former clients?
We will be happy to provide you a list of former clients with projects similar to the one you are considering.

Difficulties Homeowners Have Experienced

A major reason for providing a FAQ page is to inform you of problems that may arise and to help you prepare for them. Most homeowners have not been through a remodeling project and do not really know what to expect. It is a messy, disruptive process, and it may not seem at all worth the aggravation, until the project is completed and you see just how good your "new home" looks and how your lifestyle has improved. Only then will you forget the mess and aggravation you many incur during the process.

Good communication is key to a clearer understanding with reasonable expectations. Here are responses to most common misunderstandings Bobo Custom Builders has dealt with...

Lumber and supplies were delivered and piled on our driveway. Now we cannot get into our garage.
Most cities have an ordinance that prohibits leaving any material on the sidewalks, streets or curbsides. Therefore, we have supplies unloaded on your driveway, unless you instruct us to do otherwise. But, remember, piles of lumber may kill the grass underneath and we are not responsible for any damage that your lawn, landscaping or irrigation system may suffer.
Your work failed to pass inspection. Is this because of poor workmanship?
Rarely. Inspectors often use their own discretion in interpreting codes. One inspector may pass a certain phase only to have another cite it at a later date. In any event we do not dispute the inspectors. We simply comply as requested.
How long will our bathroom or kitchen be "out of service?"
If you will be unable to use your bathroom or kitchen we will give several days advance warning. You will have plenty of time to make arrangements.
There are materials left over (extra siding, lumber, etc.). Whose is it?
We always order more supplies than are needed for your project, so we are not constantly running back to our suppliers trying to get more materials. Any materials left over are returned to our suppliers for credit. This is not reflected in your project cost.
If you would like to keep them we would be happy to sell them to you at our cost.
Any extra fill materials created during your project will be removed at no cost to you. You are allowed to keep the fill materials, but if you decide to return them at the end of your project you will be charged for the labor to remove the materials.
We have not seen anyone on our job for three days, what is going on with our work?
Our crews start a project and attack it with zeal until it is completed. We lose money when a project gets delayed, but sometimes we have to wait for materials to arrive - if the stove you requested does not come from the factory when it should, we not only are unable to install the stove but we also may not be able to complete other parts of the project. Such as the countertops because they are built around the stove.
If you miss the workmen on the job for two or three days it is because they are waiting for materials, inspectors, or for some other portion of the project to occur before they can proceed. When this happens your project manager will call you to keep you informed.
Can we arrange to do the finish (painting, install fixtures, etc.) ourselves? Can we buy our own light fixtures, cabinet hardware, etc.?
Yes. We will specifically exclude from the contract any items that you personally want to finish. Your written contract will spell out our work responsibilities as well as yours. It will, however, be necessary that we complete our scope of the work as per the contract before you can begin your requested responsibilities.
We stayed home all day expecting your workers to come but no one showed up.
Please arrange for the workers to have access to your property while you are away. We suggest providing a lock-box with a key inside. To prevent wasted time and unhappy customers our crews have to juggle schedules.
If we are putting new counters in Mrs. Smith's bathroom in the morning and estimate we will be done by noon, we will schedule your project for one o'clock. If a slow down occurs at Mrs. Smith's we cannot leave her project incompleted to arrive at yours on time; we first have to complete the project at hand and, of course, you will be extended the same courtesy.
Our crews try but cannot always arrive on a job at a preset time. If you want to talk about the scheduling of your project, please call the office to make an appointment with the project manager of your project.
Your Project Manager was not at my job when all the construction was being done.
We could have a full-time project manager on every project, though the added cost would make your project far more expensive. We employ top-of-the-line people to do your work, including our project managers who look after six to ten jobs each. And, actually, this is about half the industry standard. Even with the lighter load we cannot watch every worker every moment. We count on our people to do their jobs responsibly and well.
Will we be without water or power at any time during the project? If so, how long?
On small bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects, a few hours of shutting off your water supply may be required to change out plumbing fixtures. If a project involves extensive bathroom and/or kitchen remodeling it may necessitate longer periods of shutting off your water supply. We make every attempt to complete work so that you will not be without water overnight or over a weekend.
Our new brick does not match what was/is the pre-existing brick on the house.
As with siding, new colors do not exactly match old colors, even if the manufacturer color coding is the same. Brick color is determined by where the clay comes from. This variation holds true for carpet color dye lots, roof shingles and other color matching. Manufactures also change sources or discontinue items causing the colors to appear somewhat off. We always find the best match and, of course, seek your approval on these choices.
Your workers ruined our lawn.
We need an accessible area for the storage of raw materials and debris. If a driveway is unavailable, we are forced to use the lawn.
Concentrated traffic by our crews may also contribute to wear and tear on your lawn. We will do our best to minimize any damage, but you may need to budget for lawn refurbishing once the project is completed (assuming your project will involve traffic on the lawn in the first place). We will not be responsible for any damage to your lawn, landscaping or irrigation system.
Why do you not hire more workers so you can finish more quickly?
Economics dictate that we keep our crews to a size that will most efficiently do the job. Six people could probably remodel your bathroom in half the time it would take two to do it, but they would spend a lot of time tripping eachother up and in addition labor would cost you triple the amount with six workers versus two. Instead, by careful planning, we reduce the labor costs and those savings are reflected in your budget. Our employees and subcontractors are selected for their quality and productivity.

If your questions weren't answered please contact us!

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