Dive into our Frequently Asked Questions section to discover why Cedar Vista Homes is your ultimate partner in turning your dream home into a reality.
Do I need permits?
The short answer is yes.
In Tennessee, permits are generally required for major structural changes, significant electrical or plumbing work, installing new HVAC systems, roof replacement, building fences or decks, window installations that alter the size or structure, and installing swimming pools or outbuildings like sheds.
We always consult the local building department for specific regulations, as requirements can vary by locality.
Choosing Cedar Vista Homes means peace of mind, knowing that every project we undertake adheres strictly to local building codes and permit requirements. By doing so, we not only ensure the long-term safety and value of your home, but we also eliminate the risk of legal complications, costly remediation, and potential issues with future resale. When you trust us with your dream home, you’re investing in a hassle-free, quality-assured experience from start to finish.
How much will my remodel cost?
The cost of a renovation can vary widely depending on several factors including the scope of the project, materials used, labor costs, and any unforeseen challenges that may arise. Because of this, it’s difficult to give a one-size-fits-all estimate without discussing the specifics of your vision and the conditions of your existing space.
However, at Cedar Vista Homes, our initial consultations aim to provide you with a detailed, transparent, and customized estimate with no hidden fees or surprise charges to help you make an informed decision. Here’s how it works:
- Initial Consultation: We’ll discuss your needs, ideas, and budget to get an understanding of what you’re looking for.
- Site Evaluation: Our team will evaluate the condition of your existing space, which informs the estimate.
- Detailed Estimate: We’ll provide you with an itemized estimate that breaks down costs, so you know exactly where your investment is going.
- Transparent Communication: Throughout the process, we maintain open lines of communication to ensure there are no surprises.
Remember, a well-executed renovation is not just an expense; it’s an investment into the value and enjoyment of your home. So it’s important to work with a contractor who not only understands your vision but also respects your budget and is committed to transparent pricing.
For an idea of cost estimate, please visit our “2024 Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide” for an in-depth look at pricing and sections.
How long will my remodel take?
- The duration of a remodeling project can vary based on several factors. At Cedar Vista Homes, we understand the importance of time and make it a priority to address your concerns:
- Timeline Commitment: Reliability is one of our core values. We provide a realistic and comprehensive timeline during our initial consultation and strive to adhere to it.
- Efficient Processes: Our use of BuilderTrend, a leading construction management software, enables seamless communication and real-time updates. This technology streamlines scheduling, budget tracking, and overall project coordination, allowing us to complete your project efficiently without sacrificing quality.
- Transparent Updates: We keep you in the loop at every stage of the project. Any changes to the initial timeline will be communicated immediately through BuilderTrend.
When can your team start building?
The start date for your remodeling project depends on several key factors:
- Initial Consultation: Our first step is always to meet with you to discuss your project’s scope, timeline, and budget.
- Project Review and Approval: After our initial consultation, we review the details and provide an estimated start date pending your approval of the project scope and budget.
- Permitting: If permits are required for your project, the timeframe will depend on how quickly they can be obtained, which is often a variable outside of our control.
- Material Availability: The start date can also be affected by the availability of the materials chosen for the project.
We strive to be as efficient and timely as possible, aiming to get your project off the ground as soon as we can while ensuring all prerequisites are met to maintain our standard of quality.
Do I have to move out during my remodel?
The need to move out during your remodel largely depends on the scale and type of the project:
- Minor Projects: For smaller remodels like a bathroom or kitchen upgrade, you may be able to remain in your home, albeit with some temporary inconveniences.
- Major Overhauls: More extensive projects, such as whole-home remodels, may necessitate moving out temporarily for safety and efficiency reasons.
- Safety Concerns: Regardless of the project size, your safety is our utmost priority. Certain phases of the project might involve electrical or structural work that requires you to vacate the premises.
- Your Comfort: We understand that relocating, even temporarily, is a significant decision. We’ll work with you to create a schedule that minimizes disruptions to your daily life.
Each project is unique, so we’ll discuss this aspect in detail during our initial consultation to make the best recommendation for your specific needs.
What is Low Impact Remodeling?
Low Impact Remodeling is an approach that minimizes disruption to both your daily life and the environment. Here’s how it works at Cedar Vista Homes:
- Reduced Disruption: Our aim is to keep your home as functional as possible during the remodeling process. We employ methods that minimize noise, dust, and other inconveniences so you can continue with your daily routines.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: We prioritize using materials and construction methods that are sustainable and have a lower impact on the environment. This could include using recycled or renewable materials, as well as waste-minimizing techniques.
- Energy Efficiency: One of the goals of Low Impact Remodeling is to improve the energy efficiency of your home. We offer options like high-efficiency windows, insulation, and eco-friendly appliances to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
- Tailored Solutions: Each home is different, and we’ll work with you to find Low Impact solutions that align with your project goals and values.
By adopting a Low Impact Remodeling approach, we aim to deliver quality results while respecting both your lifestyle and the planet.
Who works on the design of my remodel?
The design of your remodel is a collaborative effort that involves a team of skilled professionals at Cedar Vista Homes:
- Initial Consultation: We kick off the design process by sitting down with you to understand your vision, needs, and budget for the remodel.
- In-House Designers: Our experienced team of in-house designers will bring your vision to life, creating detailed plans and renderings that align with your expectations and our quality standards.
- Architectural Collaboration: For projects that require more complex architectural solutions, we collaborate with licensed architects to ensure the structural integrity and aesthetic coherence of the remodel.
- Your Input: Your feedback is invaluable to us. Throughout the design process, we’ll present you with drafts and mock-ups to ensure the project aligns with your vision.
By combining your ideas with our expertise, we aim to create a design that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Will someone be on site for my remodeling project?
Absolutely. At Cedar Vista Homes, we take a hands-on approach to ensure the highest quality work:
- Project Manager: A dedicated project manager will be assigned to oversee your remodeling project. They will be your main point of contact and will be on site regularly to manage all aspects of the work.
- Skilled Crew: Our team of skilled craftsmen, subcontractors, and laborers will be on site executing the project according to the established design and timeline.
- Scheduled Visits: While we utilize BuilderTrend to keep you updated on your project’s progress, our project manager will schedule regular on-site meetings with you for a more personal touch.
- Accountability: The presence of our team members on site ensures that we can maintain our commitment to quality, timeliness, and effective communication throughout the project.
Please visit our “Home Remodeling” page for more information.
I have different general contractor estimates and the prices vary greatly. Why?
Price variations between different general contractor estimates can be attributed to a variety of factors. Here’s what might be contributing to the differences:
- Scope of Work: Each contractor may interpret the scope of your project differently. More comprehensive estimates might include services or details that others have left out.
- Quality of Materials: The types of materials proposed for use can have a significant impact on the overall cost. Higher-quality, more durable materials will often result in a more expensive estimate.
- Labor Costs: The experience, skill level, and efficiency of the team can influence labor costs. A highly-skilled team may command higher wages but can also deliver superior results.
- Overheads and Profit Margins: Each company has its operating costs and desired profit margins, which are factored into the estimate.
At Cedar Vista Homes, we are committed to transparent pricing and providing value for your investment. Our estimates are thorough and tailored to your project’s specific needs, ensuring that there are no hidden surprises.
What happens if I change my mind midway through the remodel?
We understand that remodeling is a dynamic process and that sometimes, your vision for your home evolves. Here’s how we handle changes:
- Consultation: The moment you have second thoughts or new ideas, we sit down for a consultation to discuss these changes in detail. We want to fully understand what you’re envisioning so that we can make it happen.
- Adaptable Planning with Written Change Orders: Our team will evaluate how your new ideas fit into the current plan and what adjustments need to be made. Before proceeding, we issue a written change order that outlines the modifications, revised timeline, and adjusted budget. This keeps everything transparent and serves as a formal agreement between both parties.
- Seamless Integration: If the change is minor and doesn’t affect structural integrity or permits, we work to incorporate it seamlessly into the current work schedule.
- Transparent Communication: Through our BuilderTrend platform, you can track the changes, see the updated schedule, and monitor how it affects your budget in real-time.
So yes, we’re exceptionally accommodating and will work with you to make any adjustments to your vision for the space. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we’re equipped to adapt to new visions for your space, all while keeping the process transparent and documented.