Question 1

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes to both!

Question 2

How many jobs do you run at one time?

Accepted Answer

We only work on 1-2 jobs at a time so that at least one owner, Chris or Justin, is there working and overseeing everything that happens on a daily basis.

Question 3

How long before you can start work on my project?

Accepted Answer

In general, we can have most jobs scheduled to start within 30 days.

Question 4

How long does a typical job take to complete?

Accepted Answer

Because every job is customized, there is a range in the time it takes to complete each one, depending upon the size and extent of the project, as well as any changes or surprises that come up along the way. (For example, discovering existing water damage would obviously add some time in order to properly resolve the issue before proceeding). However, you can use the below estimates as general guidelines.

Bathrooms: 1-2 weeks
Kitchen: 1 month
Deck: 1-2 weeks
Screen porch enclosure : 2 weeks

Question 5

What type of decking materials do you install?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in composite decking, but our carpentry skills also allow us to install standard treated lumber if that is the customer's preference.

Question 6

Do you have a minimum job size?

Accepted Answer

We do not have a minimum job size for bathroom/kitchen renovations or decks/screened porch enclosures, but Tidewater Contractors is not a handyman service to call for drywall patch or the like. However, if we are on a job at your home and you have some other smaller projects that you would like us to handle, we are glad to quote those for you as well. Some examples would be re-tiling a fireplace and installing a new mantle or changing out a light fixture. Having built a handful of houses from the ground up, our experience is both broad and deep, so just let us know during your in-home consultation if there is anything additional that you would like us to attend to while we are working at your home.

Question 7

How accurate are your quotes?

Accepted Answer

At Tidewater Contractors, we want to be as transparent and accurate as possible. That is why our quotes are extremely detailed. You will see exactly what you are paying for individual materials and labor.

One of the ways that you can help with our quote accuracy is by giving us as much detail as possible when we do the in-home consultation. There are particulars of your job that could affect the amount of labor involved. For example, if you choose a herringbone tile pattern, that is much more labor intensive than a standard offset or stacked pattern. Letting us know your pattern preference up front allows us to factor in the additional labor from the outset. Another example might be if your current tub is equipped with a wall-mounted faucet and you would like to switch to a freestanding tub filler,  you can expect to see some additional labor charges since that involves moving plumbing.

We want our customers to be happy with our accuracy, and we know that you want to be happy as well, so clear communication on both sides is key.

Question 8

How do the allowances work on your quote?

Accepted Answer

When you receive a quote from us, we will have item allowances for finishes such as a vanity, tile, faucets, etc. The allowance amount is based on the median price we see most of our customers choose. If what you select is less, then what you actually pay for that item would be reduced. If what you select is more than the allowance, then what you actually pay for that item would increase accordingly. We have found that doing it this way gives our customers the most control of the budget so that they can decide which items to splurge on and which items they are content to spend more modestly.

Question 9

Who orders the materials for the project?

Accepted Answer

We order all of the construction materials such as plumbing, lumber, screws, waterproofing for showers, and other things that support the finishes that you have chosen. When it comes to tile, cabinets, vanities, tubs, faucets, and other finishes, we are very flexible. Some customers prefer to order it themselves while others appreciate us handling all of the ordering. There is no cost difference either way, so it is simply a matter of your own preference.

Question 10

When and how do I pay you?

Accepted Answer

You pay the first half at the time of contract signing and then the balance is paid upon completion of the job. We accept cash or checks, and checks should be made out to Tidewater Contractors.

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