Frequently asked Questions
Here is a list of general questions we get asked the most.
Primary tagline goes here!
Customer Feedback:
Were Listening
January, 2011
Our team listens to suggestions and feedback that our customers send us and we continually implement this information into our company frame work to meet or exceed customer expectations.
We thank you for the feedback we have recieved and if you haven't done so drop by the Contact page.
CurrentNews:
Home Inspections
January , 2011
An home inspection can potentially save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repair costs. Protect your investment and use a reputable general contractor with several years of building and renovation experience and knowledge.
Learn more about our Home Inspection Services Here
Specials:
6' Fortress Style PT fence $34.00 /lnft
January, 2011
Our best selling fence and a customer best buy!
These fences are built rock solid with postholes dug to 3 ft. deep and 2 bags of concrete per hole. 2 X 4 cross members are assembled with 3 1/2" screws with fence boards and strapping affixed with 2" screws. Gates, garbage racks and recycling bin racks are made to order.
Includes existing fence removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a burning question that must be answered about your project?
We've probably heard it before. So check these out to find the answer you need. Don't see it? Just ask. Your question may be helpful to others and we may even add it to the list. Somebody's bound to ask.
Type in your Search Term
- How much will my remodelling job cost ... ?
- What is your cost per sq/ft ... ?
- Do you provide free estimates ... ?
- Will there be extra charges ... ?
- What if something needs to be changed in the middle of a job ... ?
- Are you licensed and Insured ... ?
- Is this a project you would be interested in ... ?
- Do you use sub contractors ... ?
- Do you supply the materials for our project ... ?
- Will we have to move out ... ?
- How dusty will this be ... ?
- How long will my renovation take ... ?
- What does your schedule look like ... ?
- How soon can you start our project ... ?
- What about a completion date ... ?
How much will my remodelling job cost ... ?
- Obviously it depends a lot on the project. Costs are strongly affected by the materials and components selected. Other cost factors include: the amount of preparation work required (tear-down), the number of different trade skills required (wiring, plumbing, audio-visual equipment, heating/cooling, etc.), and the level of finish work desired.
Here's the best way to go about it: let us work with you to create the design plans. Then, if we need to stretch the budget, we can decide together on potential design compromises. Our goal is for you to be happy with the completed project while staying within your budget. We want you to get the most out of the invest in your home.
This is a far superior approach as opposed to publishing plans for your renovation and asking contractors to put in a bid. What you'll get is people bidding apples and oranges. It's very difficult to make informed decisions using that approach. We'll work with you from start to finish to get a realistic cost estimate.
Back to Top
What is your cost per sq/ft ... ?
- People usually ask this question when they want an addition to their home. You have to be careful not to compare apples and oranges. Typically, homeowners will ask for a price and then compare that figure to the average cost of new construction in a specific region. But here's where that can be misleading. Building huge tracts of homes in an assembly line fashion lowers the cost, putting renovators at a seeming disadvantage when citing cost per square foot. However, those tract homes rarely have custom features and builders often use the least expensive materials available regardless of quality. Additionally, most renovators are not truly adding living area. Instead they are modifying existing living spaces to make them more useful. The true value of your renovation comes in increased comfort,favourable use of the space, and an increase in the resale value of your property. All that to say, cost per square foot may not be a useful approach to estimating the cost of your renovation.
Back to Top
Do you offer free estimates ... ?
- We prefer to create the design with you so that we can carefully fit the best quality features and incorporate a custom fit to your requirements. The initial consultation is free. The time consuming process of perparing a design to meet your specifications is not. Because we create custom designs, the actual design of the project is intellectual property of A Better Contractor Inc. If you were to take our design and then hire another builder, that would be like contracting an architect for his services. The goal of A Better Contractor Inc is to create a unique design and bring the renovation to completion.
Back to Top
Will there be extra charges ... ?
- We provide a very detailed contract and specifications when the final designs are complete. This way you know exactly what you are spending. Changes or additions that you may request later but were not detailed in our contract or the design will likely result in increased costs. However, we strive to supply an all-inclusive contract that anticipates contingencies and we do everything in our power to stick to the budget.
Back to Top
What if something needs to be changed in the middle of a job ... ?
- We will never make a change from the original design plans that you approved unless we discuss it first with you and get your approval. We do not ask for any payment on changes without an agreement in writing providing guidelines to the changes in the form of a Change Order or a Work Order prior to execution. In either case, you will be fully aware of the change and possible costs. Our constant communication guarantee also ensures there are no surprises during construction.
Back to Top
Are you licensed and insured ... ?
- Yes we are licensed, insured, bonded and have WCB. A Better Contractor Inc is a member of your local community. We want a long-term, risk-free relationship with you. It would seriously jeopardize our ability to do business in this area if we were to subject you to potential financial loss or physical injury. In addition to our careful workmanship and attention to safety issues, insurance is the means to assure that if the unforseen or unavoidable occurs, resources are available for a remedy.
Back to Top
Is this a project you would be interested in ... ?
- Thanks to the depth and breadth of our design and building capabilities, it is rare for A Better Contractor Inc to come across a project we wouldn't take. We just like to do lots of different things! Our focus has been on modifications to existing homes. The techniques we use result in a home that will be part of your family legacy and a gem in the community. The best way to see if we're a match is to arrange for a consultation.
Back to Top
Do you use subcontractors ... ?
- Only in the broadest sense of the term. The term "subcontractor" usually means any one of a group of tradesmen, based on who is available at the moment or who bids the lowest for the job. A Better Contractor Inc uses a fixed team of specialists for all jobs. This provides a stable and repeatable work environment for each of the team members and gives A Better Contractor Inc the ability to demand priority in scheduling their work. This also means that the customer benefits from the best team work, schedule, and workmanship from this group of experts. You always know exactly who is coming to your home to do the work. These are our trusted friends and associates.
Back to Top
Do you supply all the materials for our project ... ?
- Yes. We supply all the materials required and have selected vendors for every conceivable need. Often, we have several vendors and options available. You can review the choices for preferences in feature, quality and cost. We invite comparison with any materials you have selected and believe you will agree that ours will provide a superior value.
Back to Top
Will we have to move out ... ?
- It is rarely necessary for a homeowner to move out during renovation work, although there are exceptions. If we will be removing hazardous materials, exposing essential living areas to the weather, or interrupting utilities for an extended period of time, then it may be desirable for you to move out temporarily for your safety and comfort. We will be able to determine if this is necessary during our initial consultation. The weekly scheduled meetings will indicate approximately when significant interruptions can be expected and keep you updated on changes or current developments.
Back to Top
How dusty will this be ... ?
- Drywall and excavation work in dry sandy environments can be quite dusty. Most other types of construction only create local residue in the nature of sawdust or scrap material. A Better Contractor Inc attempts to separate the work environment from the living environment to minimize the collection of construction residue there. At the completion of our work, you will be able to immediately move into your new living environment without the inconvenience of excessive cleaning.
Back to Top
How long will my renovation take ... ?
- As always, it will strongly depend on the amount of work that needs to be done. One thing that sets A Better Contractor Inc apart is that we operate as a fixed team rather than a loose association of tradesmen. We commit to meet with you at the appointed times and to begin work on schedule. Our professional team relationship eliminates the typical delays of one trade awaiting the arrival of another.
Back to Top
What does your schedule look like right now ... ?
- This can vary depending on the number of projects that are currently in progress. Our recommendation is that you contact us for a consultation about your desired renovation plan. Then we will be able to more accurately determine the schedule. Small jobs can often fit neatly between larger ones or be carried out simultaneously.
Back to Top
How soon can you start our project ... ?
- We would love to say "tomorrow," and in some cases this may be true. Actual starting dates can be months away in certain instances due to the amount of design work and other organization and preparation necessary to streamline the building process. The more common occurrence is for us to fix a date several weeks in advance so that you have time to organize the environment and prepare for construction and we have time to secure all the materials and permits necessary. We will work with you to chose the time that accommodates your schedule and our required preparation.
Back to Top
What about a completion date ... ?
- Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a completion date. This is due to the constant uncertainty of the weather, work schedules, and material availability. We do guarantee consistent communication with our clients. In many instances, we'll want to set a weekly meeting time to keep you updated. We can review projected scheduling, any current issues, material selection or changes at that time.
Back to Top