Frequently Asked Questions
We try and offer as much information online as possible, however, if the frequently asked questions below don't provide the information you're seeking, give our office a call. We think it's important our clients feel confident they're getting excellent results from the investment in their home.- QWhat are the top reasons clients hire you?A
We find that clients choose us for a variety of reasons, but the top are:
- Longevity: we have over 40 years in the industry and with that comes experience and know-how you can't fake.
- Customer Service: we're looking to build relationships, not just turn a profit. We are interested in a long-term relationship with our clients and to be their remodeler of choice, now and in the future.
- Design-build: We create a custom design based on what you want, not a cookie-cutter solution. We then can build the design within the established budget.
- Warranty: we provide an excellent finished product and warranty our work - rare in this industry. - QDo you have architects and designers on staff?A
We are a full-service design-build firm, meaning that clients come to us for design and construction services in one complete process. By combining these services, client's goals, budget and the realities of construction are always considered and there is less opportunity for error or gaps in information.
Our designers and sales staff come from a variety of disciplines that contribute to their ability to imagine and create beautiful solutions for your home. On substantial projects, we partner with local designers, architects and engineers, if needed.
- QDo we need to have plans drawn up before we call you?A
No, in fact, we prefer you do not. From over 40 years in the industry, we've found that plans drawn by others may not be build-able or take into account a client's budget. Plus, with our extensive industry-experience, our team may come up with a solution that someone else might not have considered.
- QWill you work from existing architectural plans?A
Yes and no. Our preference is to create a custom design for our clients to ensure that their needs are being met in a beautiful, functional and with budget-constraints in mind.
If you already have architectural plans, we always have to review them for viability, which adds cost. In addition, many times we find plans from others have been created in a way that's not buildable or is without regard to cost. Neither provide a good experience for homeowners.
- QHow do you handle scheduling?A
When our clients sign their contract, we give a projected start date. We commit to finish previous jobs before moving on and we will do the same for you. An expected time of production is in every contract. Your project schedule and selections are available to you 24/7 on our secure project portal, BuilderTrend and are reviewed with you at regularly scheduled times once the project has started.
- QAre your prices competitive?A
Over the years we have learned how to deliver an excellent remodeling project with a minimum of disturbance to our clients. They inevitably return for their next remodel. Based on the feedback we've received, our prices are in the same range as others who offer comparable levels of service, and our warranty is the strongest in the area.
A great resource for pricing expectations can be found from Remodeling Magazine: https://www.mcadamsremodeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020-Cost-vs-Value-Report_Remodeling-Magazine-1.pdf/.
- QCan we help?A
A client can do any work that they are legally allowed to do in their home which does not affect the critical path of our work schedule. For example, you may wish to do your own demolition prior to McAdams starting your project. You might want to do all the painting after McAdams Remodeling & Design has completed the services for which we were contracted. We would be happy to discuss other types of client involvement on a case-by-case basis. It's important to note though, that most products are intrinsically linked to the building process, and that it's imperative we control the order accuracy, timelines and shipping to ensure a smoothly run project and quality results.
- QDo you use subcontractors?A
Our trade partners are much more than subcontractors! A job manager is assigned to every project to ensure you'll have one point of contact for the duration of your project. We use trade partners for the specialty portions of a remodel for items like insulation, sheetrock, plumbing, electrical, floor finishing, tile, roofing and painting. We are proud of the outstanding relationships we've built with our chosen trade partners over the past 30+ years. We are able to deliver a better product and save our clients more money through the efficiency gained by employing these specialists.
All of our trade partners are reviewed on an annual basis and we require proper licensing and insurance at all times. Their work in your home will be coordinated, communicated, and paid through McAdams Remodeling & Design.
- QHow long does a remodel take?A
The length of a project depends on the amount and complexity of work. It takes time to develop plans, obtain permits and selections can require an ordering lead time of a few weeks to a few months depending on the supplier and origin.
- QDo you do work in condos?A
We rarely work on condos, though will evaluate a request on a case-by-case basis. Condos are challenging places to remodel because of the typical HOA review and approval processes and gaining access to the project site. To see if we can do work in your building, contact us for a complimentary consultation.
- QDo you do work in multi-family residences and apartment buildings?A
We do not do work in multi-family residences or apartment buildings.
- QDo you provide estimates of remodels during the buying process?A
Unfortunately, no, we do not provide estimates during the home-buying process. Consultations and estimates are time intensive for our team, so we can only do them for homeowners that are done with their home-buying process and in possession of their home.
If pricing information is what you're after, a great resource for pricing expectations can be found from Remodeling Magazine: http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2016/pacific/seattle-wa/.
- QDo you do remodels for homes about to go on the market?A
We find that our business is not a great match for homeowners that are looking for a few upgrades before listing their home. We are a full-service design-build remodeler and as such are priced accordingly. In addition, our construction calendar is typically booked a few months in advance.
- QI just bought a house, can you remodel my home before I move in?A
Probably not. As a design-build remodeler, we create a custom remodeling solution for your family and then order the materials you've selected. Depending on the scope and materials, the lead time for receiving items can range from a week to a month or more. Most of our clients are in possession of their home and either live there in the interim, or have an alternative place to live during the design and construction process.
- QDo you do handyman-like projects?A
No, we are a full-service, design-build general contractor and are usually running significant remodeling jobs and aren't staffed appropriately to help with handyman tasks.
- QMy contractor just bailed on me mid-project, can you help?A
Most often, no, unless whatever room or rooms can wait until our design team and construction team are available. Our crew is typically booked months in advance.
- QWill you just create a design for me that I can have someone else build?A
We are not set up to create designs for homeowners to shop around for price. Our design process is not a profit-generating activity for us, rather, it's provided in conjunction with our construction contract so that projects can be beautiful, cost-effective and meet the needs of our client-base.
- QDo you get permits on my behalf?A
Yes. As a full-service design-build firm, we would obtain necessary permits on your behalf for your project.
- QDo I have to move out during my remodel?A
Most often, people are able to remain in their home during their remodel. Hardwood floor refinishing does require a brief period of leaving the home. Clients may also consider finding alternate living arrangements if family members have special considerations, such as allergies, illness, etc. We do our best to contain construction debris and clean up each day.
- QWill you come out to my home for a consultation on a night or weekend?A
Rarely. Consultations and client appointments are typically scheduled within our office hours, which are Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm.