Frequently asked questions
Working with us
How do estimates work?
The first site visit and a budget range are free. For larger projects that need drawings and selections before an accurate price is possible, we work under a design agreement, and that fee is credited to the construction contract.
How soon can you start?
It depends on the season and the project. Design, permits and material lead times usually set the start date more than our schedule does. We give you a realistic window in the proposal, not an optimistic one.
How do payments work?
A deposit secures your place and covers initial material orders. The remainder is divided into progress payments tied to milestones you can see, with a final payment due after the punch list is complete.
Can we stay in the house during the work?
For most projects, yes. We use dust walls, floor protection, negative air where needed and daily cleanup. For whole-house gut renovations, moving out is usually faster and less expensive overall.
What happens if you find a problem inside a wall?
We stop, show you, explain the options and give you a written price for the fix before going further. We investigate before pricing to keep such discoveries to a minimum, and we state any contingency openly.
Do you use subcontractors?
For licensed trades such as electrical, plumbing and HVAC, and for some specialties such as countertop fabrication, yes. They are contractors we have worked with repeatedly, and we verify their insurance. You deal with us.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Our workmanship carries a written warranty, and products carry their manufacturers’ warranties. Details are in your contract.
Do you work with insurance claims?
We can rebuild after water, storm or fire damage and will provide the detailed scope and pricing your adjuster needs.
By service
Do I need a permit to finish my basement?
Yes. Framing, wiring, plumbing and adding conditioned living area all require permits and inspections. Unpermitted basements show up at resale when the square footage on the listing does not match county records, and insurers can push back on claims tied to unpermitted electrical work.
What if my basement has no bathroom rough-in?
We add one. It means saw-cutting a trench in the slab to reach the main drain or installing an ejector basin. It adds cost and a few noisy days, but it is routine work.
Can I put a bar anywhere in the basement?
A dry bar, yes. A wet bar is cheapest near existing plumbing, such as a bath rough-in or under the kitchen above. Anywhere else is possible with a drain pump or slab work.
Projector or large TV?
Under about 100 inches, a TV is brighter and simpler. Above that, a projector and screen still win on size per dollar, provided the room can be made dark. We pre-wire for both if you are unsure.
Does a walkout basement need an egress window?
A door to the outside satisfies egress for the open area. A bedroom that is closed off from that door still needs its own opening.
Can you just update the finishes?
If the bones are sound, yes. New flooring, paint, lighting, doors and trim can transform an older basement in two or three weeks. We check the wall condition first so you are not putting new finishes over a moisture problem.
How long will I be without a kitchen?
Plan on six to ten weeks for a full remodel. The gap between cabinet installation and countertops is about two weeks because stone is templated from the installed cabinets. We sequence everything else around that fixed wait.
Can I keep my countertops and replace only the cabinets?
Rarely. Stone tops are glued down and usually crack on removal, and new boxes seldom match the old footprint exactly. Going the other way, new tops on sound existing cabinets, works fine.
Can I use the bathroom during the remodel?
Not the one being remodeled. If it is the only bathroom in the house, we plan the work so the toilet is out of service for the fewest possible days and reset it temporarily overnight when we can.
Is a freestanding tub practical?
It is if you take baths. It needs a floor-mounted or wall-mounted filler, room to clean around it and adequate floor framing. If you do not take baths, put the money in the shower.
Will removing the tub hurt resale?
Not if another tub remains in the house. If this is the only one, think about who is likely to buy your home.
Can grab bars go anywhere?
Only where there is solid backing. During a remodel we install continuous plywood blocking behind the tile so bars can be placed or moved anywhere later.
Pressure-treated or composite?
Treated pine costs least up front and needs cleaning and sealing every couple of years. Composite costs roughly double for materials, needs only washing and does not splinter. Over fifteen years the costs converge.
Does composite get too hot?
Dark colors in direct afternoon sun do. Lighter colors and PVC lines run cooler. Shade from a pergola or umbrella helps more than product choice.
How often should a wood deck be stained?
Every two to three years for horizontal surfaces in our climate. When water stops beading and the boards turn gray, it is time.
Screened porch or sunroom?
A porch is an outdoor room without heating or cooling and costs considerably less. A four-season room is insulated, conditioned living space. Convertible panel systems sit in between.
Does a pergola really provide shade?
Partial. Rafter spacing and orientation matter, and adding a canopy or louvers makes it far more effective. If you want reliable shade and rain cover, choose a solid roof.
Is it cheaper to build up or out?
Out is usually less expensive per square foot if the lot has room, because a second story requires structural upgrades below and removing the existing roof. Up makes sense when setbacks leave nowhere to go.
Three-season or four-season?
Three-season rooms are not insulated or conditioned and cost much less. If you want to use the room from December to February, build four-season.
Can the suite have a full kitchen?
It depends on your jurisdiction and HOA. Many allow a kitchenette without a range. We confirm in writing before designing.
Does a garage conversion add value?
It adds living area but removes parking. In neighborhoods where garages are expected, a partial conversion of a three-car is the safer choice.
Do I have to move everything out?
No. We shift furniture to the middle of each room and cover it. We ask that you clear small items, wall hangings and breakables.
Can LVP go over my existing tile?
Often, if the tile is sound and flat and grout lines are filled. It raises floor height slightly, which matters at doors and appliances.
Why did my old tile floor crack?
Usually movement in the subfloor with no uncoupling layer, or mortar coverage so thin the tile was unsupported at the edges.
Can you match my existing trim?
Usually from stock profiles. If it is an older or unusual profile, we can have knives ground to reproduce it.
How long should exterior paint last?
Seven to ten years on well-prepared siding with premium paint. South and west elevations and horizontal trim may need attention sooner.
Can new siding go over the old?
We do not recommend it. You lose the chance to repair sheathing and flash the windows, and it creates trim problems at every opening.
Will new windows pay for themselves in energy savings?
Slowly. The stronger reasons are comfort, quiet, easy operation and stopping rot. Expect reduced drafts more than dramatic bill changes.
Are general contractors licensed in Missouri?
Missouri does not issue a statewide general contractor license. Licensing and registration are local, and trades such as electrical and plumbing are licensed at the county or city level. We register where required and use licensed trade contractors.
Renovate or tear down and rebuild?
If the foundation and framing are sound and the layout can be adapted, renovation is usually less expensive and keeps your setbacks and mature lot. We give you an honest comparison.
Do I need an architect?
For most commercial work, yes. Stamped drawings are required for permit. We bring one in as part of our service.
Tell us about the project
Call (314) 280-8020 during working hours, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or send the form and we will call you back. The first visit is a walkthrough and a conversation, and it costs nothing.