Skip to content

How We Work

Is Village Building and Restoration the Best Contractor for You?

Any home renovation is a big step. Choosing the best  contractor for you is key. Each project is a big commitment for us as well. We have a clear process for making sure that we can work together to create the results you want with a minimum of stress and disruption to you and your family.  From the initial contact, through  design and budgeting, to the final walk-through Jim Whittemore will be with you every step of the way. We will coordinate orderng and delivery of materials, schedule our subcontractors, and be on-site every day.  We have built our reputation as one of the area’s best building contracting companies by making sure our clients are completely happy with the process and the results.  Keep reading for details! 

 

Step 1:  Are we the best contractor for you?

At our first contact, typically by phone, we will see if your renovation project and our services are a match.  We’ll ask about your project, budget and timeline.  Then we’ll give you our thoughts and suggestions.

Remodeling can be quite disruptive, so it will be important to share any concerns or specific needs family members might have.  If you’ve remodeled before we would love to know how that went and what you might want to do differently.

Remodeling is not cheap – we will not cut corners on workmanship, materials or service.  As your building contractor, we work with vendors who we know and trust to meet our high standards for workmanship and quality products.   We want you to be happy for a long time!  So this is a good time to talk frankly about costs and payments.

Step 2:  Your home renovation plan – let’s talk!

At our first face to face meeting with all the decision makers we will discuss what you want for your home in much more detail.  Probably more detail than you thought!  Our reason is simple:  while you may be thinking the family room just needs some shelves and new windows, we have the advantage of years of experience and perspective.  We can help assure that the renovation project is a good one aesthetically, practically and financially.

So first we’ll talk about what you like and dislike about your home, what are your present & future plans for your home, what do you hope to gain from this remodel.

Of course we’ll spend a lot of time on the project itself:  do you have a specific plan or a general idea?  What is the style of your house, do you have pictures of things you like?

With an idea of the scope of the project we’ll discuss the the practicalities of the renovations: what are you looking for in the building contractor you choose for this project?  What concerns do you have about the day-to-day disruptions and work schedule?  Do you have particular products or subcontractors you require?

And of course, the cost: what is your target investment for the your home renovations? How will you finance it?  Do you understand all of the items that will go into a proposal so that you can reasonably compare multiple bids?  (Keep in mind that the most thorough estimate is almost always the highest estimate.)

We want you to be comfortable with your decision to choose us.  Take a look at this checklist of questions to ask before committing to any contractor.
Home renovation is a major investment.  We understand that it is probably more than you expected. We work hard to keep costs down without compromising quality.  The following link will bring you to an interactive site that compares average costs for 23 remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale in 150 U.S. markets. We urge you to look at this for an idea of  average costs of remodeling projects by qualified professionals. 
Is Jim Whittemore the right general contractor for you

Step 3: It’s a deal!

So you’ve signed the contract and put down a deposit, and now you are really nervous.  Don’t be; we’ve been doing this for 50 years.  Part of our job, and promise to you, is that we will make this as stress free as possible.

We work with a small number of subcontractors and providers who meet our high standards for quality and professionalism.  Jim Whittemore will be on the scene coordinating and checking on everything, as well as doing the highly skilled cabinetry and carpentry.

And don’t worry about change orders or hidden costs.  Our estimates   identify and plan for hidden or unexpected costs that can make the final bill much higher than the original estimate. Unless you change job specifications, the final cost will be very close to our estimate.

Step 4: Before We Start Work

It’s all about planning and preparation! I will order the materials and supplies, arrange for deliveries, and line up all contractors and services.  Then I chart it all out so that everyone knows exactly what to expect and the work flows smoothly and on schedule.  As work progresses I will keep you updated on a daily basis.

Although I can’t guarantee that there will be no glitches, this assures that there will be a minimum of disruptions and frustration all around. And, honestly, it is extremely rare that we don’t get it done for you on time and as planned.

Village Building & Restoration is a long time, award winning member of NARI.

The mission of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry is to advance and promote the remodeling industry’s professionalism, product and vital public purpose. When you hire a NARI member company, rest assured that your remodeler will adhere to these core values and the code of ethics.

Selecting a remodeling contractor can be a challenge. NARI members adhere to core values and the Code of Ethics, which serves as a key differentiator between NARI member companies and non-members.

Suppliers We Work With

We work with suppliers and subcontractors that meet our own high standards for quality and professionalism. He are are a few of our favorite suppliers. Typically, after we discuss what you want, I will set up an appointment for you to meet with  a supplier to learn about options and make your choices. I then follow up to take care of ordering and arranging for delivering.

Likewise, I will arange for electricians, plumbers, and any other contractor your project requires.  I have a  list of professionals who are highly skilled and who have worked with me for years.  

Creative Kitchen & Bath, Canton , CT

Creative Kitchen & Bath

Creative Kitchen & Bath of Collinsville, CT offers custom and semi-custom cabinets of high quality manufacturers that are available from large chains. Owner David Szydlo has a reputation for delivering high quality products, professional services and reliable skilled tradespeople.  He also carries a wide variety of stone, engineered stone,  and other countertop materials so you can choose the perfect cabinets and counters at the same time and place.
Miner's of Canton, CT is where builders come for quality lumber and unmatched service.

Miners, Inc.

Miner’s, in Canton, CT, is where builders come for quality lumber and unmatched service. With four generations of lumber yard experience, they are known for top quality wood and building products, extensive industry knowledge and courteous and professional service. 

Cook & Kozak Flooring

Since 1947, our family owned business has been the Farmington Valley’s go-to resource for flooring products and installation services. Our mission has always been to provide quality products an installation at a fair price with  exceptional customer service.
Classic Stone Design, LLC is a full service stone fabrication facility located in Plantsville CT. They offer friendly and informative service with the latest in stone fabrication technology.  Whether you want natural or engineered stone, tile, porcelain or metal, they can guide you to the best solution for your needs. Every job is hand crafted, measured, and installed by the owners themselves with a focus on the finest customer service, competitive pricing, and the highest quality custom crafted stone products.
Waterware Showrooms of Plimpton Hills has a huge selection of sinks, toilets, faucets & fixtures, showers, tubs and anything else you might need for your bathroom or kitchen project. Whether you know precisely the look you would like to achieve or need some direction, professionally tranined associates are availabe to help.
Harvey Building Products began in 1961 and established itself as one of the most respected building products corporations that manufactures high-performing, custom-made windows and doors.

Harvey

Harvey Building Products is currently privately owned and has an expanded manufacturing footprint that provides windows and doors to customers from the East Coast to the Rockies, under the brands of Harvey Windows and Doors, SoftLite Windows & Doors, Thermo-Tech Windows & Doors, and Northeast Building Products.