Beck Design Group

Frequently Asked Questions - Remodels & New Home Builds.

Discover the answers to our most-asked questions!

Why is it important to select a licensed general contractor for my remodeling project?

A general contractor is a licensed professional who serves as a single point of contact and manages all aspects of your remodeling project. This includes securing building permits, scheduling inspections, ordering building materials, and scheduling and supervising all trades required to complete your project. The general contractor assumes full responsibility for the integrity of workmanship at all stages to ensure your project satisfies all state and local building codes in all phases.

Yes, We are Building New Custom Homes across Greater Charlotte! Learn More!

Are all licensed contractors considered general contractors?

No! A general building contractor is a contractor whose principal business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built, requiring in its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts (e.g. plumbing, electrical, drywall, etc. ). Room additions and most kitchen and master bath remodels are best handled by a licensed general contractor, as these projects typically encompass demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.

What exactly does the term design/build mean?

Basically, the term design/build means that one company is responsible for your home remodeling project, from the design concept all the way through construction and final completion of the project. This is what we do best at Beck Design Group.

What are the advantages of a design/build remodeling company?

From a homeowner perspective, a design/build general contractor provides you, the client, a single source of responsibility, authority and cost control for your remodeling project, from start to finish. With the traditional design/bid/build process, each critical phase typically involves different responsible and vested parties. This approach could lead you, as a homeowner, to:
(a) pay for a design which cannot realistically be built within your overall budget;
(b) deal with multiple and often mutually exclusive parties to resolve discrepancies between the design and the plan/build specifications;
(c) and/or be subject to schedule delays and/or cost overruns if issues cannot be resolved quickly between all vested parties.

Will my project require a permit?

As a general rule, a building permit is required whenever:
(a) there is structural work involved (e.g., removing load-bearing walls).
(b) the basic living area (square footage) of the home is to be changed.
(c) the home mechanical systems (e.g., gas, electrical or plumbing) are to be reconfigured or otherwise modified.

As a rule, you should always request that your licensed general contractor obtain the building permits. This is because the person who is considered liable for ensuring that all completed work complies with the state and local building codes.

Is there an average price-per-square-foot for a room addition or other remodel?

Many variables must be considered when remodeling or adding a room to an existing home to arrive at an square-foot price. These include:

• the home's current engineering/structural aspects along, with the potential impact of any proposed changes
• the age of the home (many older homes do not meet current building code requirements) and what is required to bring the home into current code requirements
• location and condition of existing plumbing and electrical wiring, and how any additions will impact the system's overall integrity
• required changes to the roof line
• zoning requirements and setbacks currently enforced
• types of finished materials and hardware to be included
• interior surface choices (Corian, granite, natural stone or tile?)
• plumbing and light fixtures (spa shower or hot tub, recessed lighting?)

What is the best way to determine my remodeling budget?

The most reliable method is to get a precise bid based on a set of plans and product specifications. Obviously, this is not practical during the initial planning stages of a remodeling project.

Beck Design Group is happy to provide you with a "ballpark" budget range based on a preliminary, no-obligation consultation. This meeting allows us to learn first-hand about what you ideally want to accomplish with your home remodel along with your top priorities. In turn, we can offer valuable information to help you make key decisions and continue to move forward toward your goals.

When is it time to remodel?

Perhaps it was that moment when you realized that avocado green and harvest gold are no longer the "in" colors for today's trendy kitchens. Or maybe you had an epiphany one day as you stood in line to use your own bathroom. Whatever the impetus, the thought has crossed your mind: Maybe it's time to remodel . . .

If you decide to follow through on that thought, you'll join millions of others who decide to remodel their homes each year. The reasons for remodeling are as varied as the projects we undertake. Some of these include:

• Adding more space.
• Upgrading cabinets, counters, appliances, and fixtures.
• Creating a floor plan that's customized for your lifestyle.
• Improving energy efficiency with new windows, doors, insulation, and climate control systems.
• Increasing the resale value of your home.

How do I plan a home remodel?

The first step is to develop an idea of what you want to do. Write a prioritized list of your needs and wants. Look at magazines and websites and collect pictures of what you like. The more clearly you can envision the project and describe it on paper, the better prepared you'll be in making your decision.

Think about traffic patterns, furniture size and placement, colors, lighting and how you expect to use the remodeled space. Figure out how much money you have to spend on the remodeling job, furnishings, landscaping or any other cost you might incur. We can help you from the very beginning if you need us!