Frequently asked questions to a contractor

Right communication with your contractor is vital to the success of the project.

When a house needs a remo, a good contractor is vital in the overall process. As a homeowner (and maybe a future client) you’ll want to find a contractor with a strong reputation and standards to do the work, who won’t go over the estimated costs so that you don’t get in trouble with the remaining bill.

FAQ’s by clients to our Universal Group Contractors

These are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) that our clients have made for us over the years here at Universal Group. We’ve decided to answer them publicly and help you have an idea of what working with a contractor for a home remodeling would be like.

Q: Do I need a permit?

A: The ‘rule of thumb’ for this is that a permit will be required whenever structural alterations are necessary or if the general living area of the home is to be changed. This is true for bathroom design, a kitchen makeover or other remodeling services.

Q: Can I perform a part of the remodeling by myself?

A: In a way, you may choose to take on some aspects of the project yourself. These responsibilities will be outlined in a contract document. As the homeowner, you can (but is not always recommended) be involved in the demolition, and do any painting or staining that is required.

Q: What do I need to do as a customer?

A: As our client, you will be responsible for removing all of your items from the area to be remodeled. We recommend you to remove pictures from walls adjacent to the work area and to keep a clear and safe walkway for the workers to access the project.

Q: Will my family need to move out of our home during construction?

A: If you plan to have the whole house remodeled, then yes, you will most likely need to find other living arrangements during the construction period for practical matters (and your comfort). In just about every other type of home remo project, do not worry, you should be able to still live in your house.

Q: How long will my home renovation project take?

A: Every home improvement is unique, so this question isn't as simple as you might think. The duration of your project depends on multiple aspects; some of them are the size of the renovation project, scope of work and materials/finishes used. Here at Universal Group, we create a construction schedule for each remodeling project based on our full understanding of the scope. We also work together with the homeowner to guarantee that it can be completed within the estimated time frame.

Q: Will the remo be noisy?

A: Yes, construction is inherently noisy. There will be noise at varying levels throughout the home project. We will give you notice during the noisiest phases, such as concrete cutting, tile cutting, floor sanding, etc., so that you can plan your days to be less disturbed by this.

Q: Will it be dusty and dirty?

A: Not always, the dust and dirt will be present just t in the demolition phase. Once we've got things stripped down to the frame, things will be fairly clean. Stages like drywall installation and sanding will create a coat of very fine dust for a few days over the house surfaces. It's a good idea to put on a plastic sheet over nearby delicate items like electronics or furniture during this phase.

Q: Will I be without power/water/gas during the remodel?

A: It depends on the scope of your home remo project, there will likely be some brief interruption to utilities but they do not last for long. During the demolition phase, and when we bring in the rough trades (electrical or plumbing, for example), electrical, water and gas may need to be shut off anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. If we are connecting new gas pipes to your pre-existing pipes, we will need to deactivate your gas appliances and test the whole system looking for leaks. This could take a whole day. On the other hand, moving an electrical panel or upgrading an electrical panel will probably also take a whole day. In any case, we will give you advance warning so that you can plan accordingly.

Were all your questions answered? When it comes to contractors and home remodeling projects, here at Universal Group INC, we pride ourselves on working with professionalism and effectiveness. Put your home in our hands, and don’t forget to follow us on our social networks to learn more about what we can do to improve your home! Don’t hesitate in contacting us with any questions, suggestions and future contracting opportunities to make your home or business use energy in the most efficient way possible.

Contractors play a vital role in a housing project, so we have to understand their language to make ourselves understood.

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