How work on an existing house is different
A new home starts from a plan. A renovation or an addition starts from the house you have, and that changes what has to be settled first.
- How the new work meets the old: structure, roof lines, floor levels and finishes.
- What the existing plumbing, electrical and heating and cooling systems can carry.
- What is behind the walls. Some conditions cannot be seen until work begins, so ask how they are handled and priced if they are found.
- Whether you will live in the house during the work, and how the house will be protected and kept usable if you do.
- Which approvals the work needs. Our guide to renovation permits in Tuscaloosa explains how to find the right office.
What to prepare before you call
- What you want to change, and why.
- Photos of the rooms or the part of the house involved.
- Any drawings or a survey of the house, if you have them.
- The age of the house and any problems you already know about.
- Whether you plan to stay in the house during the work.
- The range you want to spend, and any date that matters to you.
Questions to ask any builder, including us
- Who applies for permits and arranges inspections?
- What is included in the price, and what is left out?
- How is a change approved once work has started, and how is it priced?
- What happens if a hidden problem is found?
- Who will be at the house, and who do I call with a question?
- Is the builder licensed for this work? The Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board has a license search.
Our guide to comparing estimates covers the pricing questions in more detail.
Getting started
Tell us what you want to change and how much of the work you want us to take on. Contact us to talk it through.