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.
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
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.
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
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.
Agreement, Contract & Cost
Although we have been in the business of building and remodeling for 46 years, we recognize that this might be your first experience with a building contractor. We have two goals: to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you and to make sure you are happy with the results. So here is how it works:
Call back:
Within 24 hours we will contact you to get more details about what you want done, when you would like it to happen and how much you are considering investing in this project. (Please check out the Cost vs. Value Report and read my notes at the end of this article for insights to typical costs.)
Meeting:
The next step is for Jim Whittemore to meet you in person, with all decision makers present. He will have a lot of questions to get a sense of your needs and also insights to best advise you. Jim will also answer all of your questions about your project, our Company and what to expect during renovations.
Questions will touch on:
- How long have you lived in your home, and how long do you plan to stay in it?
- Why are you considering this project now?
- What do you hope to gain from this project?
- Have you considered future needs as well as present needs?
- What is your target investment in this project?
- Have you remodeled before? If so, how was that experience?
- What criteria will you use to select your contractor for this project? Experience, Craftsmanship, Scheduling, Quality, Client Referral, Price, Something Else? Which of these are most important to you?
The Agreement:
The next step is to draw up a Design Development Agreement. Estimates or “ballparks” are free, but proposals with guaranteed pricing, are not. They take time, research and planning to develop. We do not move forward creating a design, developing the specifications, and estimating for your project without a target investment number and a Design Development Agreement. The fee charged in the Design Development Agreement is refunded if your project proceeds to Contract. We do not make itemized estimates or provide line item pricing, but we are happy to explain our costs and fees. Generally, you will find that initially our proposal will be a bit higher than the competition – but they are comprehensive, all inclusive and guaranteed. There will be no hidden surprises or unexpected costs.
Decisions, decisions:
With that agreement and design, we will set up appointments for you with our long-term trade partners to select the materials for your project. We provide the specifications to which your project will be built. Although we try to give a reasonable allowance for materials, based on our discussions, once you start looking at the options you may end up over your budget. We will help you with your choices and give suggestions to reduce the costs, if you wish.
Contract:
When your selections are completed and we sign the contract, we will order the materials and create a schedule for your project. This schedule becomes part of your contract and will be designed to work with your schedule and get the job done as efficiently as possible.
Let the Work Begin:
We manage all aspects of your project from start to completion, including scheduling and coordinating with our subcontractors. We keep you project on time and on budget unless you make a change after the project has begun. For your convenience, comfort, and safety we clean up daily and keep accumulated debris to a minimum with regular trash disposal by trailer, instead of tying up your yard with a dumpster.
We do not:
- Let you provide materials or labor as part of our contract.
- Work with your subcontractors.
- Use your tools or equipment to complete your project.
We do one major project at a time, so yours has our full attention.
We Hate to Say Goodbye:
After your project is completed, we provide a three year workmanship guarantee and a one year follow up after completion to see how everything is working.
A Note About the Costs & Competition:
Many people are shocked by the cost of remodeling projects and are confused by the wide variety of estimates they receive. The Cost vs Value Report referred to above is compiled each year by Remodeling Magazine in conjunction with Realtors. It lists the average cost of many types of remodeling jobs and the effects on resale value of the house, all by geographical region.
Cost vs Value link for New England 2023
If you get a proposal for substantially less, be very wary. The remodeling industry has a 1 in 5 survival rate in the first 5 years. The survival rate for years 5 to 10 is not any better, with only 1 in 5 of those that survived years 1 to 5 making it to year 10. There are many reasons for this, but most can be traced back to lack of experience leading to miscalculations, questionable subcontractors and suppliers, and poor business practices. A low bid up front often means that parts of the project were left out and end up being billed separately.
After 46 years we have seen it all; we know how to make your remodel dream a reality that will bring you joy for years and years. We know the potential problems and how to avoid them. We have strong long-standing relationships with providers of high-quality materials and skilled subcontractors. We understand the stress and disruption that a remodeling project brings to a household and we know how to schedule deliveries, work, and subcontractors so that the job is completed efficiently, on time and on budget. We stand behind our work with a three year guarantee and a one year check in.