Questions
Questions we are asked before the first conversation
What does the design retainer cover?
Measuring the house, layout options, the drawing set, your selections, the design-review package where needed and a written build price. It is its own agreement, signed before drawing begins.
Do I have to build with you after phase one?
No. The build agreement is separate. You decide with the drawings and the price in front of you, and the retainer agreement says what you take with you.
How is the build priced?
In writing, itemized by part of the house, with allowances for items you haven't chosen and a list of what is left out. The pricing page goes through it.
How long does the design phase take?
It depends on the size of the project and on how quickly selections are made. The retainer agreement includes a schedule for the drawings.
How long does the build take?
The build price comes with a proposed schedule. Exterior work is tied to the dry months and interior work can continue in winter.
Who pulls the permits?
We pull the permits for the work we contract. Inside Bend's city limits that is the City of Bend; outside them it is Deschutes County.
My house was built before 1978. Does that change anything?
Yes. Paid renovation in a home built before 1978 falls under the EPA's lead rule for renovation, repair and painting. The firm must be EPA-certified and use lead-safe work practices when work disturbs painted surfaces. Small repairs under 6 square feet inside or 20 square feet outside are exempt, but window replacement and demolition never are. We test or assume lead before we plan the work, and we show you how the work area will be sealed.
What happens behind the walls?
We open a few places in phase one to learn what is there. If something unexpected turns up during the build, we tell you the day we find it and price any change in writing before we proceed.
Can we live in the house during the work?
Often yes, in phases. Phase one produces a phasing plan that says which rooms are out of use and when.
Who will be in my house?
Our own carpenters lead every job. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work is done by licensed trade firms we have worked with, and you get names before the first day.
What does the warranty cover?
The terms, limits and exclusions are written in your warranty, which you receive before you sign the build agreement.
What do you not do?
We don't take single repairs, roof-only or paint-only jobs, emergency repairs, commercial work or projects outside Central Oregon.
A question that isn't here?
Ask it in the first conversation, or text us a photo of the house.