How
long will my project take?
Once the proposal is signed and the estimate is accepted, Sean will
prepare a time schedule and a payment schedule. There are many reasons
that your remodel will not go as quick as you want. Unexpected situations
i.e., dry rot. Obstacles like weather, material delay, Change Orders,
architectural changes, sub contractor issues, or the amount of time
you might need to make informed decisions for various interior finishes
will all add up and can impact your ideal schedule.
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Can I
live in my home during the remodel?
If you decide to live in your home be prepared for many inconveniences
and disruptions for you and your family. I employ an honest, quiet
and clean crew. They are respectful to the homeowner and will work
quietly in your home. Some helpful hints are:
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Communication
Communication is essential. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
or raise concerns during the remodeling process. Sean always will
answer his cell phone. Things are bound to come up that could not
have been anticipated and the best thing to do is to address them
promptly. Communication and careful preparation are key to help ensure
the remodeling process will go more smoothly for you and your family.
In the course of a typical remodeling project the most important,
but often overlooked, aspect is communication between contractor and
client. We know it’s important that our client’s know
they can reach us anytime. Sean always answers his cell phone or will
call you directly back if the call goes to voice mail. We also believe
in and stand behind our work. Every project is backed by a one-year
warranty. Our clients expect the best from us and we expect the best
from ourselves. Quality, communication and a promise to stand behind
our work — everything you need to reach your project’s
full potential.
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How do
I know SKC is the right contractor?
You will be living with your decision for many years to come, so you
must find the right remodeling company who understands every aspect
of your project (from budget and design right down to the dirt work
and up to the finished job). SKC knows how to coordinate and orchestrate
the utmost of results from numerous trade contractors, subcontractors
and countless suppliers.
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What's
the best way to make your decision?
A thorough interview. And check my references.
Check my company's contractor license.
This is very easy to do via the Internet. Go to www.cslb.ca.gov and
enter the pertinent information to confirm the license.
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What is
a Change Order and its process?
A change order is a written agreement between the homeowner and the
general contractor. Change orders add to, delete from, or otherwise
alter the work set forth in the contract documents at the time that
the construction contract was bid. As the legal means for changing
contracts, change orders are standard in the construction industry.
The following are common reasons for change order initiations by various
parties:
Change Orders
lead to schedule and financial impacts. Both cost the same thing:
money. Either increasing or decreasing, both have to be formally managed
and documented. Without a process, chaos would consume all project
stakeholders.
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What
is Diamond Certified?
As of March 2006,
Sean Kelly Construction, Inc. earned the prestigious Diamond Certified
award. The Diamond Certified award is presented only to Sean Kelly
Construction and other local service companies that rate “highest
in quality” in a detailed customer satisfaction study of their
customers served during the previous four-year period. Each qualifying
company must also pass a license, insurance, complaint status, legal
and credit rating. To maintain Diamond Certification, on-going American
Ratings Corporation customer surveys must be passed on an on-going
basis.
As a Diamond Certified
company, Sean Kelly Construction, Inc. is proud to be recognized for
exceptional customer satisfaction and professionalism. View our Diamond
Certified Capabilities Profile at www.diamondcertified.org
How well do you know your subcontractors?
Over the years
Sean has assembled a highly professional and expert group of subcontractors.
From framing to finish, plumbing to painting, our subcontractors continually
exceed our client’s expectations, producing outstanding work
time and time again.
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Why does
SKC mark up 20% on subcontractor bids?
It is standard for any general contractor to mark up subcontractor's
bids. As a General Contractor in exchange for the mark-up, SKC is
taking responsibility for coordinating the sub's work (i.e. making
sure that the plumber doesn't put a pipe where the heating sub needs
to put a duct...), paying the subcontractor, negotiating extra charges
and/or credits, verifying insurance coverage, and dealing with the
subcontractor if something gets screwed up it's SKC’s and the
subcontractors problem if the wrong sink was ordered after you provided
the correct information. If you were hiring the plumber directly,
it's YOUR problem and the subs problem.
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Do I really
need a permit?
Yes!
Permits are required for any remodel. Sean would advise to definitely
get a permit for the new work. Don't be scared of the process - it
is there to help make sure things are done to certain ''standards''.
Some of them may seem silly or unnecessary, but they are developed
with ergonomic and safety issues in mind. That being said, the process
can feel like a lot of red tape. The most important reason to do it
is simply that you will have the credentials you need when and if
you sell your property. Building codes are constantly being updated
every remodel needs to comply with the cities current building codes.
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Do you
have to get the permit or can SKC do it for you?
If the remodel in tales replacing existing fixtures in existing locations
then there need not be any drawings and it is just a matter of filling
out some application forms and paying the fee. SKC can do this for
you - no problem. If you are planning on moving any walls, or changing
the layout of a room, kitchen or bathroom, then you are looking at
a building permit and drawings will need to be supplied to the city
to show the proposed work. A homeowner can do these drawings for themselves,
or they can have a designer or an architect do them. Either the designer,
the homeowner OR the general contractor can submit for the permit.
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What Is
Green Construction / Buildings?
Green Construction / Buildings are sited, designed, constructed and
operated to enhance the well-being of occupants, and to minimize negative
impacts on the community and natural environment.
Green
Buildings:
* Provide a healthier
and more comfortable environment
* Improve long-term economic performance
* Incorporate energy and water efficient technologies
* Use recycled content materials in their construction
* Reduce construction and demolition waste
* Bring higher resale value
* Are landscaped for water and energy efficiency
* Include renewable energy technologies
* Improve indoor air quality
* Reduce environmental impact
* Are easier to maintain & built to last
With most of us
spending more than 80% of our time indoors, Green Building is the
healthy, common sense choice for a better life. As it stands now in
traditional construction, the quality of our indoor environment is
often far more polluted than outdoors due to various building materials,
inadequate lighting, and a variety of other variables. According to
EPA reports, the air in new homes can be up to ten times more polluted
than outside air due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other
chemicals used in product manufacturing. Contrarily, homes that follow
green building guidelines use healthier paints and building materials,
and adhere to stricter gas emission and ventilation requirements improving
the quality of a home's indoor environment.
Green building
can also indicate that fewer natural resources are required during
construction. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Center
for Sustainable Development, buildings consume 40% of the world's
total energy, 25% of its wood harvest and 16% of its water. Compared
to traditional construction, a green built home takes some of this
pressure off the environment.
More important
than any statistic however, is the good feeling you have when you
know you've done what's right for both your family and your community.
Promoting continued health, financial savings, and social responsibility,
Green Building is the construction standard for the future, and the
smart solution for today.
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