Frequently Asked Questions

Home Additions, Renovation, Remodeling and Repairs, opens a multitude of factors and questions for all who endeavor such a project. Contained below are a few of the most common Questions and Answers for your review.

Q.   How much is it going to cost? (Room Additions, Remodels, New Construction)

A.   This is always a good question. Unfortunately, it depends. Each project is unique and many conditions that can affect the price. Detailed sets of plans are essential and must be developed for proper pricing. Because, without drawings for us to quantify, we can only have an educated guess what it would cost - a rough estimate. The cost is based on materials and labor facts not guesses and you the client, not only deserves to know the final cost you should demand it.

Q.   What if my property needs emergency repairs?

A.   S&J Builders will immediately perform any form of temporary measures necessary to prevent further damage. This includes but is not limited to items pertaining to floods, fires, vehicle impacts, wind or other related emergency repairs. S&J Builders stand ready to serve you in the event of an emergency, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our emergency service stands ready to handle your emergency.

Q.   What's the difference between a company that specializes in insurance restoration work and a home improvement company?

A.   Addressing all of the insurance restoration issues is usually very complex and time consuming. Most home improvement companies tend to avoid the burden of dealing with the complexities of working with insurance companies.

While we may not initially contact the Insurance Company to report a loss, this must only be done by the Insured. The handling of a claim with Insurance Companies during the process of repair and / or reconstruction is a significant specialty of S&J Builders and we have handled literally thousands of claims.

Q.   What is your response time?

A.   S&J Builders is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your restoration emergency. Response time will vary based on location but our goal is to be on-site within 1 hour from notification.

Q.   I've had water damage to my home. What do I do now?

A.   Contact S&J Builders immediately so we can dispatch an Emergency Services team to begin the mitigation process. While awaiting their arrival you should:

• Turn water off at the main valve.
  (Typically located next to the curb in front of your house.)
• For minor water damages, try to remove as much excess water as possible using a Wet / Dry Vacuum.

Q.   What can I, as a homeowner, do while the project is being completed?

A.   The most important thing you can do is ASK QUESTIONS. If there is something that doesn't look right, or you think you ordered one thing, and something else is being installed, ASK!! A contractor wants to know if things are not right immediately. There are no dumb questions, remember, IT'S YOUR MONEY.

Q.   I have heard that large retailers like Large Retailers and Home Improvement Centers now remodel kitchens, bathrooms, room additions and even roofs. What is the difference between these entities and an Independent Contractor?

A.   In a word; service. If you know precisely what you want, can pick it out at that store, and are prepared to stay at home supervising your remodeling project, then the Installed sales department could be a choice.

However, the quality of installation and attention to detail has not been a trademark of corporate installed sales. Neither has custom or out of the ordinary work. Many things 'pop up' during a remodeling project.

Unforeseen damage or conditions are a daily occurrence and maybe the greatest problem deals with hardware. The corporate retailers most often stock only the cheapest hardware imported from Asia. Usually, the Home Centers do not routinely stock the high quality materials that people often want and should have. In fact, manufactures will make lower quality products to sell to the big stores; these cheap quality products are then sold to do-it-yourselfers, jobber plumbers and remodelers, which many times are less than reputable craftsmen. A remodeling company usually has the people to deal with these 'things' in a timely manner, and keep things moving as well as their experience has shown them exactly what hardware to trust and a remodeling company has greater flexibility to get the job done.

An apple is not always an apple when you buy from the big stores. Like most things, there are situations when a Home Improvement Center might be the right way to go, and there are times when it is best to have a professional handle the COMPLETE job. Every situation is different, but carefully compare the estimates from each of these types of companies. Is it an apple-to-apple comparison? Most often, it usually is not.

Q.   Who takes out the Building Permit?

A.   S&J Builders as your contractor will take out all the needed Building Permits from your specific local city or county. We have all the needed insurances, and licenses to get the needed permits. The average time to have the permit granted is usually about 3 weeks.

With S&J Builders, there is no job too small or too Large.