Below is a list of some frequently asked questions. If your particular concerns are not addressed here, please contact us directly. We will make every attempt to provide you with the necessary information.

Q: My whole family is in perfect health. Why would I consider contacting Attics to Basements for my next remodeling project?

A: Our Design-For-Life approach to remodeling addresses the long-term concerns many people do not consider until they are directly faced with them. Let’s say you just purchased a home with a 30 year mortgage. Chances are you are not thinking too much about what your needs will be 30 years from now. Even if you are healthy and many years away from retirement, there are things you can do as part of your next remodeling project that can easily adapt to possible later needs. With a little remodeling foresight, we like to call it “Premodeling”, Accessible Lifestyle can help you avoid unnecessary and costly alterations in the future.

Q: I’m afraid it may be too expensive to customize my current home to meet my access needs. Why shouldn’t I avoid all that expense by just selling my home and moving into an assisted living facility?

A: For many people, there is simply no place like home. But if you prefer to look at this question strictly from a dollars-and-cents perspective, you will find that modifying your home can be a far less costly alternative than the expenses related to selling, moving and the ongoing costs of assisted living. You may also want to consider the value of your home in the current real estate market. Moreover, the improvements themselves can build additional equity in your home.

Q: Why do prices vary on different estimates?

A: There are many different factors to take into consideration when pricing estimates. First, make sure that the estimates have the same scope of work. The amount of service provided by the contractor has a big effect on the cost. If the contractor handles every detail of the project, the price will probably be higher. If the contractor has all proper forms of insurance, the price will be higher than a “pick-up contractor”. Quality of work is another factor of the cost. The customer should not have to ask for things to be re-done. If you are still undecided call references provided by the contractor.

Q: What should the proposal submitted to me contain?

A: In addition to the final job price, the proposal should contain details including everything from model numbers of the materials to allowance costs budgeted for appliances, flooring, fixtures, doors, tile, lighting, etc.

Q: What are some key questions to ask the contractor when they come to see me?

A: A few key questions to ask could be: “How long have you been in business?”, “Have you ever done a project like this one? If so, tell me about it.”, “Are you certified, or a member of any organizations?”. Ask as many questions as you would like until you find a contractor that can answer all of your questions to your satisfaction.

Q: How long will the project take to complete?

A: It all depends on the type of construction taking place. Remodeling projects often vary due to factors such as limited access to the work area, work areas that are already fully furnished, demolition of the current finishes, daily clean up, and delivery schedule of special ordered items. Major remodels, additions and adding 2nd floors could take from 5 months to a year. Each project has its own timeline. New home construction will take between 4 and 8 months depending on the size of the home.

Q: Do we need to move out of our home while construction is taking place?

A: Not usually, it all depends on how extensive the project is and which areas are being renovated. You may be able to relocate to another area in your home while work is taking place. Some minor inconveniences are to be expected, but we make every effort to keep a safe and comfortable atmosphere during the project at hand. However, if you are adding a 2nd story to your home or performing a MAJOR renovation, you will need to.

Q: I keep hearing about change orders, what are they?

A: A change order is a written statement signed by the customer authorizing the contractor to do additional work which was not included in the original contract. The change order should be signed before the additional work is started, but often it is not in order to keep the project moving. The amount specified is due when the change order is signed. A change order also may be written when a contractor comes across any unforeseen damage or problem that was not part of the scope of work that was bid.