The Process
Custom residential remodeling is our specialty. Renovating homes takes expertise, which we have gained through hard-won experience.
A beautiful completed project is essential, but an equally important part is the actual remodeling process itself. This process is also part of the product you are contracting with us to provide. Initial consultation, pre-construction, design, selections, suppliers, scheduling, project management, completion and warrantees are all equally vital aspects of the remodeling process. Atlas Moran employees have over 50 years of institutional knowledge and experience in remodeling.
CHOOSING A REMODELING PARTNER
We encourage any potential client to research their project and speak to design and remodeling professionals. You will encounter different types and sizes of remodeling companies. Here are some things to consider:
SOLE PROPRIETORS
You may encounter a very small company or even a single carpenter offering to tackle your project. Make sure this type of remodeler can answer the following questions:
- Do they have the proper licenses to conduct the work?
- Do they have General Liability and Worker’s Compensation Insurance?
- Does this company have the experience and capital to complete the project?
- Do they offer a warranty?
The perceived benefit of a company like this is invariably price. But oftentimes these cost savings come at a steep price when all of the relevant factors are considered.
LARGE COMPANIES
Conversely, you may encounter a large company with years of remodeling experience and some of the marks of a successful company: a fleet of marked vehicles, lots of office employees and overhead, and a good reputation in the community. Be sure to ask yourself the following questions:
- Have you met the president of this company or only dealt with salespeople?
- After dealing with the owner/president are you going to be handed off to someone else once you sign the contract?
- How important is your project going to be for this large company?
- Are they going to listen to your specific needs and work to customize their process to your project?
- What is this company’s recent track record?
This large company may do good work, but does the additional cost of doing business with them result in a superior product and process, or are the extra dollars going to pay for their large overhead?
“PERFECT” COMPANIES
You may find a small to medium-size business. They have proper licenses, insurance, and a helpful website - you may have found your company. But keep in mind that even similarly situated companies can run their businesses and projects in different ways. It is tempting to go with the lowest but make sure you know what you are buying:
- Is this company merely a paper contractor who sub-contracts all of his/her work out to other companies?
- Does the business owner use day laborers or 1099 workers to cut costs?
- Does this company treat its full-time employees like 1099 contractors to save money?
- During your job will there be a full-time lead carpenter or project manager running your renovation?
Make sure to ask for references and verify that this company knows what it is doing in the field- not just online. Ultimately, there is a right way and a wrong way to run a project. Make sure to ask what type of process you will be getting into.
THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR
Atlas Moran Construction is the right fit for your residential remodeling needs. We have a Virginia Class A Building License – the highest grade of construction license offered by the VA Department of Occupation of Safety and Health. We carry General Liability and Workers’ Compensation insurance. We have long-standing relationships with our sub-contractors, vendors, and suppliers. We include a one-year warranty on all our work and encourage potential clients to speak to our past clients. Nothing is more important to us then our past clients’ satisfaction.
When you call or email us to set up an initial consultation you will meet with the president of the company. During your project the president will manage the process and be in constant communication with you. During your project a lead carpenter will be at your home to manage the construction site during the duration of the project. Your house and the site will be clean and the process will be well managed. Communication will be constant and seamless.
These are the differences that set Atlas Moran apart and make our company the right fit for your remodeling needs.
For more information please visit NARI:
http://www.nari.org/homeowners/selecting/