FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Do you offer "Free Estimates"?
- What process do you use to develop your proposals?
- Do you offer Design / Build services? If so, how does the process work?
- Will I be able to select specific products and / or finishes for my project?
- Do you guarantee your bid price? Should I expect any costs beyond the contract price?
- How do you handle "Change Orders"?
- Will you provide recent customer references for projects similar to mine?
- Are your workers reliable and "trustworthy"?
- What guarantee do you provide for your workmanship?
Do you offer "Free Estimates"?
Our initial visit to your home to discuss your project, and the subsequent proposal as a result of that visit are free of charge. Revisions to the initial proposal are also free of charge, providing there are no significant changes in the initial scope of proposed work. If major revisions to the scope are required, a design fee will be established prior to the estimate preparation. If TCR Home Improvements and Remodeling, Inc. is the successful bidder, this fee will be deducted from the cost of the work.
TCR Home Improvements and Remodeling, Inc.'s policy is to provide "free estimates" for retail customers that are considering renovation work for their home. We have a minimum fee of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per job. Our estimates generally require at least two site visits and require several hours for design and review. Therefore, we have elected to not provide "free estimates" for insurance repair work. We charge a modest fee for insurance estimates, due at the time of the initial visit. This fee will be credited back to you against the actual cost of repairs if TCR is the successful bidder. We have instituted this policy as insurance companies must pay adjusters to estimate repair costs by requiring home owners to obtain three estimates for their repairs. Our time and effort is also valuable, and we do not think it is appropriate for insurance companies to expect contractors to contribute to their efforts to control their costs.
We appreciate your understanding of our policy, and hope you will consider TCR, a professional contractor, for your future renovation needs.
What process do you use to develop your project proposals?
Following our initial meeting with you, we prepare a rendering of your design request, prepare a detailed line item material and labor spreadsheet, and prepare a detailed written scope of work. These documents form the nucleus of the project concept. This then initiates the discussion and refinement phase of designing your project, thereby assuring accurate communication of our interpretation of your design wishes. We review our proposal with you during a second home visit, and leave the documents with your for further evaluation. Renovation decisions require much thought, and we do not expect you to make a decision immediately. We will leave our proposal documents with you, and place a follow-up call within one week of our presentation meeting to get your comments on the proposal.
Do you offer Design /Build services? If so, how does the process work?
TCR Home Improvements and Remodeling, Inc offers custom design and build services for all its customers projects. We start with the initial consultation meeting as outlined above. For complex projects such as additions, sunrooms, etc, we will develop an initial "budget estimate" based upon the initial site visit. We will develop a preliminary floor plan and three dimensional rendering based upon the initial design consultation and observed limitations of existing conditions. We will also develop a detailed cost estimate and written scope of work. We will then meet with you to discuss the concept plan, offer suggestions for revisions, and get your input for desired changes. Once we reach agreement on a final design, we will develop a contract incorporating the design documents and a detailed construction schedule. Following ratification of the contract, we will proceed with developing all necessary drawings and information required for the permitting process. As each locale has its own requirements regarding permit applications, this process is tailored to the specific requirements of each jurisdiction. TCR Home Improvements and Remodeling, Inc always designs its customer projects to meet or exceed local customs and practices, so that you will always be assured of a quality and lasting home improvement project.
Will I be able to select specific products and / or finishes for my project?
TCR will recommend specific finishes and fixtures for your project based upon our extensive experiences and supplier relationships. We will attempt to closely match the existing trims in your home such that your project "blends-in" with your original finishes. You will always have the opportunity to specify particular manufacturers or specific products and models. In developing budget estimates, we will factor in reasonable cost "allowances" for fixtures, cabinetry, flooring and ceramics that are above standard builder grade finishes. Final selections for these items will be accomplished after you've had the opportunity to visit vendor showrooms and galleries to pick specific items that meet your needs. Variances in pricing of final selections compared to budget allowances are then determined and resolved via "Change Order".
Do you guarantee your bid price? Should I expect any costs beyond the contract price?
TCR utilizes a "fixed price" contract structure. We will charge only the contract price as developed in the specifications documents. Changes to the price will only occur in the event of "unforeseen circumstances" of existing site conditions, and by changes in the scope of work or finishes as requested by you the customer.
How do you handle "Change Orders"?
Changes to project plans are a routine part of the construction business. Once a project begins, customers often change their minds as it is often difficult to "visualize" the finished product from a set of blueprints. Such situations are handled by "Change Orders", and are developed at the point where the particular phase of construction is impacted. At the time a change is necessary due to site conditions or requested by the customer, TCR will develop a written scope of work and cost. This document is then approved by the client prior to the change being implemented.
Will you provide recent customer references for projects similar to mine?
TCR HomeImprovements and Remodeling, Inc. has extensive customer references and testimonials for its project portfolio. Following verbal agreement regarding your specific project, TCR will supply customer references for you to contact and discuss their relationship and experience with our company. We take pride in our customer relations, as evidenced by our numerous repeat clients. We strive for long lasting relationships, and intend to be your contractor of choice for your current project as well as for your future remodeling needs.
When checking with our past customers, you may want to ask questions such as:
- Did the crew show up when scheduled and on time?
- Could the customer communicate well with TCR?
- Did TCR stay in touch throughout the project?
- Were they satisfied with TCR's business practices?
- Were the final details finished in a timely manner?
- Would you use TCR again without hesitation?
Are your workers reliable and "trustworthy"?
TCR Home Improvements and Remodeling, Inc. takes great care in interviewing and screening its personnel. We are often complimented by our customers on the competence and courtesy of our crews. We understand that we are guests in your home, and we expect our personnel to treat your property with respect.
What guarantee do you provide for your workmanship?
All work installed by TCR is guaranteed for one year from date of completion. Appliances, fixtures, cabinetry, etc are guaranteed by the manufacturer and are subject to the specific manufacturers’ terms of warranty.