The questions homeowners actually ask
From budgets and timelines to permits, construction and what happens after the work is finished. Straight answers to the questions homeowners ask along the way.
Budgets, drawings & early decisions
How much does this cost, and how do we build a budget before we’ve designed anything?
A useful budget can take shape before every design detail is decided. It starts with understanding your goals, the scope of the work, the site, and the major decisions likely to affect cost.
From there, we develop a preliminary estimate and walk through it with you line by line, including the assumptions behind the numbers. The goal is to give you a realistic understanding of the investment before you’re too far into design.
We’re getting estimates from a few builders. Why are they all so different, and how do we know who to trust?
Get multiple estimates. You should.
But don’t compare only the number at the bottom. Look at what’s actually included. Two estimates for the same work can be based on very different assumptions, material allowances, scopes of work, and levels of detail.
Ask each builder what is included, what isn’t, where allowances have been used, and what assumptions were made. The more clearly you can see what’s behind each number, the easier it is to make a meaningful comparison.
Do I need my own architect or designer before coming to you?
Not necessarily. Whether you need an architect or designer first depends on the scope of the work, how developed your ideas are, and what decisions still need to be made.
Some homeowners come to us with drawings and an architect or designer already in place. Others start with a builder and bring design professionals in when the scope calls for it. There isn’t one right order for every home.
If you already have an architect or designer, your builder should be prepared to work collaboratively with them throughout planning and construction.
Who handles permits, and how long does that take in Dane County?
Permit requirements and review times vary by municipality and by the type of work being done. They can also affect when construction can realistically begin.
Cheramy Builders manages the permitting process and tracks required reviews and inspections along the way. We account for that time in the schedule rather than assuming every approval will happen on the same timeline.
How do you determine if my project is feasible before we commit?
We start by looking closely at the site, the existing home, what you want to accomplish, and the budget you’re working within.
Sometimes the best path forward isn’t exactly what you first imagined. If we see something that could affect feasibility, cost, or scope, we talk about it early and explain the alternatives. The goal is to understand what’s realistic before you invest too far in drawings or design.
How long does the whole process take, start to finish?
It depends on the scope. A kitchen renovation, whole-home remodel, addition, and custom home all have very different timelines.
And construction is only part of it. Design, selections, permitting, material lead times, and trade availability can all affect the schedule before and during the build.
Once the scope is defined, a detailed construction schedule should show when the major phases and trades are expected to happen and give you a much clearer picture of the timeline for your home.
What it is like while the work is happening
How involved do I need to be day-to-day?
You shouldn’t have to manage the construction yourself.
There will be decisions that need your input, but coordinating trades, suppliers, schedules, deliveries, and day-to-day construction details is the builder’s responsibility. A good process should make it clear when you need to be involved, what decision needs to be made, and when it needs to happen.
Your level of involvement in the fun parts, like selections and seeing the progress, can be as much or as little as you prefer.
What happens if we want to change something mid-construction?
Changes happen. Sometimes you see the space taking shape and realize you want something different; other times construction uncovers a reason the original plan needs to change.
Before moving ahead, make sure you understand what the change means for cost, materials, and schedule. We talk through those impacts with you so you can decide whether the change is worth making.
How do you handle unexpected issues or costs?
Unexpected issues can come up, especially in renovations where some conditions aren’t visible until work begins. Material availability, lead times, existing construction, and site conditions can also affect cost or schedule.
What matters is how those issues are handled. When something comes up, we explain what we found, what the options are, and what each option could mean for the budget and schedule before deciding how to move forward.
What’s it like living in our home while the work is happening?
Dust, noise, and disruption are part of living through a renovation, and it helps to know what to expect before work begins.
Before construction starts, you should understand which areas will be affected, how long different phases are expected to last, and whether there will be times when kitchens, bathrooms, entrances, or other parts of the home aren’t available.
During construction, we work to contain the mess to the work area, protect the parts of the home that aren’t involved, and remain mindful that this is still your home while the work is happening.
Who’s actually working in my home?
Depending on the work, you’ll see members of the Cheramy Builders team along with the trade partners needed for each phase of construction.
Many of those relationships go back years. Just as important as the quality of their work is the understanding that they’re working in someone’s home, around their belongings and everyday life. We expect everyone working with us to treat your home accordingly.
Our relationship doesn’t end when the work does
How do you handle the final walkthrough and punch list?
A final walkthrough is the opportunity to go through the finished work together and identify anything that still needs attention.
We walk the space with you, document remaining punch-list items, and make sure those details are addressed as the work is closed out. It’s an important part of finishing well, not something to rush through just because construction is nearly complete.
What happens if something needs fixing after we move in?
Sometimes something needs attention after you’ve had a chance to live with the finished work. If that happens, reach out.
We remain available after construction is complete and can help determine what needs to be addressed and what the next step should be. Handoff shouldn’t mean losing the relationship you built during construction.
Who do we call if something comes up six months later?
Call us. You’ll use the same contact you had during the build, and you won’t have to start over explaining your home to someone who has never seen it. We know the work that was done and can help figure out what needs attention.
Still have a question?
Every home and situation is different. Tell us what you’re thinking about, and we’ll help you figure out where to start.