Why should I hire a General Contractor? While we do not require that we are the general contractor for a project, we highly encourage it. The upfront cost results in substantial savings in both time and materials. It also offers you piece of mind knowing that we will solve any issues that may arise, removing most of the stress associated with completing a project.
How do you price your jobs? Every job is unique in size and scope, which leads to cost differences from project to project. We price things either by Lump Sum or by Time & Materials. A lump sum project will be calculated on what is known, and estimated based on client desires and what’s needed to fulfill those desires. The client will then get a contract for the amount and scope of work to be completed. If challenges or changes arise during the job, a change order will be agreed upon by involved parties for any deviation from the previously agreed upon scope of work. A down payment is provided, progress payments are set, and a final payment is due upon project completion. A time and materials project typically involves a large scope of work with potential variability and/or unknowns. Our hourly rate is set for given skillsets, and our time onsite is tracked along with expenditures for materials and tooling required to complete the project. The client is provided a weekly progress report, and is given the opportunity to ask questions, make changes, or prioritize certain aspects of the job over others. Furthermore, the client is billed for each week independently, which enables them to track their project, maintain schedule, and manage their budget in real time. Whichever approach, we ensure that your needs are met from the bidding phase to project completion.
How is a kitchen designed? We begin with a site visit, evaluating your current setup. What you like, don’t like; what you’d love, and what you’re curious about. We then choose your face frame and door/drawer materials, and a finish. We provide samples for your approval, and upon confirming your layout, we provide a contract with an estimated price. Upon signing contract, your layout is done onsite, and any specialty components are ordered from our suppliers—i.e. pullout trashcans, et al. We then construct your face frames and assemble your “virtual kitchen” in our shop, where you will visit and walk through your prospective kitchen. You will have the opportunity to make changes at this stage. Upon approval, we proceed with construction of the cabinets and all their components. By this point, you will have chosen your countertop and a templating date is scheduled. As we complete your new kitchen, we will schedule your installation. Prep work, including any demo or changes to your kitchen infrastructure, is done first. Then your new cabinets are installed, and templating is done for your countertops. Your countertop installation will then be scheduled, and is typically the final stage of your new kitchen installation. We work with you every step of the way to ensure satisfaction and mitigate stress during your project.
Can I get ____ for my kitchen? Yes--within reason. In our experience, you can get anything that is safe, legal, and logically possible, if you’re willing to pay for it.
Can you do ____? Yes—within reason. Our expertise is broad across many disciplines. If we encounter anything that is outside of our combined skillset, we have subcontractors that have been vetted for our clients. If it is safe, legal, and logically possible, we will get it done.
Are you licensed/do you have insurance? We are commercially insured. We do not currently hold a state license, as they are not required by Maine law. Any work requiring licensure (plumbing, electrical, etc) is completed by one of our vetted, licensed subcontractors.