100 % Residential Remodeling 100%*Never persued commerical , industrial or new home construction work. Scoop of Work.
* Anything * Everything * Large * Small * Turn Key or * Partial Involement Full Service Provided.
*Electrical *Plumbing *Heating & Cooling *Excavating *Masonry *Surveys *Foundation work *Carpet. Areas of Travel
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Specializing.
*Room Additions *Second story home additions *Dormers *In Law Apartment Additions *Interior / Exterior Remodeling *Kitchens *Bathrooms *Decks *Porches *Crown molding * Home Conversions ( convert ranch to colonial , convert cape to colonial ) In House Work.
*Framing *Trim *Drywall *Flooring *Siding *Roofing. *Gutters *Design*Blueprints *Insulation *Painting * Room Addition Plans * Home Addition Plans Excels in....
Customer Dedication* I'm extremly skilled and knowledgeable in my profession and honest in everything. However , I'm not knowledgeable in mechanic work on vehicles or electronic work on computers. Thus , i could pay inflated prices , have incorrectly , un-neccessary or don't understand work performed . Because of this lack of knowledge , you sometimes feel uncertain / confused , embarrassed to ask and feel your being taken advantage of. * Arnone Building will never lie , inflate , misinform , take advantage or charge you for un-neccessary work. * Arnone Building will always take the time to explain and answer all your questions until you fully understand. * Arnone Building is a company that has a conscious. |
( 1 ) Why are there always unexpected / additional cost to original contract when dealing with a Ct Home Improvement Contractor ?
* Any other reason provided by Ct Home Improvement Contractor is truly an EXCUSE directly associated with there Lack of Knowledge ( code requirements ) or Lack of Thoroughness ( during estimating phase ) . Any Ct Home Improvement Contractor either not knowing Ct code requirements or overlooking obvious details should " EAT THERE MISTAKE ". Maybe that's why there quote seemed more reasonable , they either omitted or undersized materials in there remodeling quote.
* Include following language in contract to remedy these issues with any Home Improvement Contractor..........
( 1 ) Include " All Work Done to Code ". This prevents additional charges based on Home Improvement Contractors lack of knowledge of Ct code requirements . Adding this lauguage would supercede specifications in contract. Examples , if home improvement contractor specifield in contract a structural size of material , thickness of insulation , or amount of electrical outlets etc .... and was instructed by Ct Building Inspector to " up grade " that amount to meet required Ct Building code " , then you will not be charged extra. The same conclusion if home improvement contractor entirly ommited a required procedure.
( 2 ) Include " All Noticeable Required Work " . This would prevent additional charges on work required to complete project. Example , if Ct home improvement contractor or Ct remodeling company informs you ( after contract signed and during construction ) that the electrical panel box has to be up graded to handle the additional electrical requirements for new addition , then you will not be charged extra because this should of been noticed during bidding stage .
* You should discuss prior to contract stage a list of items not included thus eliminating assumptions.
( 2 ) Are you Insured ?
Note , Connecticut Home Improvement Contractors require 2 types of coverage ( workers compensation & general liability ). Take time to carefully read , coverage may only cover general liability . Thus if a employee gets seriously hurt during your remodeling or home improvement project , you can become liable for all medical & attorney fees.
Note , Prior to hiring any Ct Home Improvement Contractor , once again, request Insurance company to supply you with a copy and request that you want to be named on this policy as " Additional Insured Party " . This entiles notification if present home improvement contractors policy is altered , cancelled or not renewed during time of your remodelin project.
( 3 ) Should I hire an Arcitect when considering building a House Addition or a Major Home Improvement or Remodeling Project ?
* Simple designed additions. When building a home addition to existing home the objective is to build / design / remodel as though this addition was always part of the original structure. Since the premise is to mimic exterior character of present house ( pitch of roof , overhangs , stlye of windows , siding , trim etc ) your design is already pre-determined.
* Not knowing if total cost is within your budget . No sense spending hundreds of dollars , possible thousands on plans of any home improvement project if you can't use them because its beyond your budget.
Note , You may want to invite a few Ct Home Improvement Contractors ( Specialist ) to your home & discuss extend of work to determine if you proceed , curtail or forsake your Home Addition or Remodeling / Home Improvement project. These Ct Contractors (Specialist) have the ability to generate approximate cost on any remodeling project that are (1) Complex in design (2) Major in size without the necessity and cost of plans.
Yes
* Large extensive remodeling projects . ( Extensive Ct Additions or Major CT Remodeling Projects ). Based on premise your aware of approximate cost of project and prepared to proceed with project.
Note, You'll be assured each Ct home improvement contractor quoting project understands exactly what's required. Without addition / remodeling plans with specifications each home improvement contractor can interpret remodeling project differently ( quality of material , doing job minimum to code , omitting items ) . This way your comparing " Apples to Apples ".
Note , You will be able to recoup a portion of your architectural cost since Home Improvenment Contractor needs those drawings to apply for a Ct building permit.
( 4 ) Why don't Home Improvement Contractors follow up with quote after appointment ?
* Hense you accomplished your goal. Don't chase Home Improvement Contractors that don't respond. There actually doing you a favor by not responding. I know it could be frustrating , however not as painfully frustrating if they actually were hired. These Contractors prefer to ignore you then omit there own deficiencies.
( 5 ) Can you supply me references ?
* Ask Ct Home Improvement Company or the last 10 jobs performed without prejudice. RED FLAGS are ( 1 ) receiving none or few. ( 2 ) recent references are years old. ( 3 ) not being able to contact references . ( 4 ) ignoring your request.
* You should control situation by " Establishing Guidelines "with any Ct home improvement company . The old premise was asking for 3 random references , however any home improvement or remodeling contractor can have a low performance rating ( 7 complaints out of 10 ) and just give you the 3 satisfied.
( 6 ) Are you Licensed ?
Note , The State of Connecticut also provides a wallet-size license that Ct Home Improvement Contractors must have on there pocession and required to show upon yout request.
( 7 ) When can you Start ?
* I usually answer this question with my own question ! What stage are you at ?
* Homeowners are either in 1 of the following 3 stages. Stage 3, Have idea of cost , financing secure , commited & looking to hire. Stage 2 , Don't yet have idea of cost and depends on cost and financing , not certain and looking for ideas and feed back. Stage 1 , " Tire Kickers " , uncertain about everthing.
* If your at Stage 3 , This question should be answered upon knowing extent of your project and Home Improvement Contractors current schedule. . If your at Stage 2 ,home improvement contractor should be able to give you an idea.
* Unless it's an emergency never hire a Home Improvement Contractor / company strictly because they can start project a few weeks earlier then everyone else. A homeowners satisfaction and lasting memory of there completed home remodeling project is based on ( 1 ) Quailty Workmanship ( 2 ) An Enjoyable & Stress-less experience , not that the home remodeling project was able to be started a few weeks earlier.
Note , Connecticut State Code requires that all contracts include a starting date.
( 8 ) Why the discrepancies in the bids I'm receiving from Ct home improvement contractors ?
* Grossly High Home Improvement Contractor is (a) not interested (b) not available (c) not capably .......unless the price
is right.
* Middle Range Home Improvement Contractor is (a) interested (b) available ......however are they capably, experienced
or right choice ?
* Cheap Home Remodeling Contractor ? is either (a) inexperienced (b) desperate (c) made a mistake ( d ) A lot of
ommisions (e) taking deposit & running .
Homeowners want to believe another option (f) they met a home improvement contractor that is finally
reasonable & not greedy , however it will come back to " bite you ".
Note , Only accept bids in writing , no verbal quotes from any CT remodeling or Ct home improvement company / contractor.
Note , Don't hire any Ct Home Improvement Contractor strictly by eliminating the high & low quote. Hire based on there own merits.
( 9 ) How much will my project cost ?
Note, The answer is get quotes and find out. Don't feel that you should be either knowledgable or could afford proposed room addition or remodeling / home improvent project in order to request a quote. It's better to get first hand knowledge then assume or never know. However there are some Ct Home Improvement Contractors that are capable of giving you a"Ball Park " cost over the phone.
* A Written Proposal is required . Especially if blueprints and specifications were not supplied during your " Gathering of Quotes " . Requesting a written proposal from all Ct remodeling contractors enables you to compare ( 1 ) quailty of materials ( 2 ) omissions ( 3 ) procedures.
( 10 ) How long will project take ?
* If your at Stage 2 or 3 with your remodeling ideas ( see explanation directly above ) , this is legitimate question . Your question should be able to be answered based on extend of work and Ct Home Improvement Contractors current schedule.
* Never hire a Ct Home Improvement Contractor / Ct Remodeling Contractor strictly because they can complete project a couple fews earlier then every one else. A homeowners satisfaction and lasting memory of there completed remodeling project is based on ( 1 ) Quailty Workmanship ( 2 ) An enjoyable and Stress-less experience, not that the remodeling project was completed a few weeks earlier.
Note , Connecticut State Code requires that all contracts include a completion date.
Why so many horror stories about CT Home Improvement Contractors ?
* CT Home Improvement Contractors are technically Registered and not licensed by State of Connecticut.
* Ct Electicians , Plumbers & Heating Contractors are Licensed by the State of Connecticut.
Note , Many Homeowners are accustomed to the word Licensed opposed to Registered. Thats why many CT Home Improvement Contractors including myself refer to being Licensed. However there's a Drastic Difference in obtaining each one .
Once I tell you , you will be Shocked .
The journey to become a Self Employed CT Electrical Contractor . ( LICENSED )
( Stage 1 ) Start as a electrical apprentice, need 8000 supervised / documented hours of on job training.
( Stage 2 ) Once obtained , take a 6 hour written exam conducted by State of Connecticut.
( Stage 3 ) If passed , you earned a E2 license , still an employee , however no longer needs to be supervised.
( Stage 4 ) Additional 4000 documented hours of training.
( Stage 5 ) Once obtained , take a 6 hour written exam conducted by State of Connecticut.
( Stage 6 ) If passed , you earned a E1 License , you now can be self employed with one prevision.
( Stage 7 ) Enroll in a yearly 7 hour class conducted by State of Connecticut.
The journey to become a Self Employed Ct Home Improvement Contractor. ( REGISTERED )
( Stage 1 ) Pay a fee. No mimimum hours , test , skills or knowledge required.
* Just because a Ct Home Improvement Contractor is ( 1 ) Registered / Licensed ( 2 ) Insured ( 3 ) Has a truck ( 4 ) Has tools ( 5 ) Advertises & has business cards ....... doesn't necessarily mean there qualified . All fore-mentioned attributes ( 1-5 ) are bought and not earned.
The most important questions to ask a Ct Home Improvement Contractor that your considering to hire !
* If a Ct remodeling company is properly insured & licensed ............ This only should give them the privlege of walking in your
home .
* If CT remodeling companys schedule accommodates yours ( start & complete ) ............. Big deal .
* If Ct remodeling / home improvement company supplies you 3 good references ........... Big deal , only 3 , they may be
relatives & friends.
If your doing a Major remodeling project or any type of Home Addition or Room Addition the " HARD BALL " Questions You Should Ask Are.........
( 1 ) Please supply me with copies of the last 6 Building Permits you obtained.... This will give you first hand knowledge of homeowners name , address and date obtained. You can follow up by calling them .
( 2 ) References , References , References ( see exact details on heading , Can you supply me references ?
( 3 ) Call Better Business Bureau at bbb.org . They will supply you companys ( a ) History ( b ) Grade
A Reputable , Knowledgeable , Experienced Ct Home Improvement Contractor would be encouraged of your request opposed to be intimidated. A Reputable Home Improvement Contractor has nothing to hide.
( 1 ) What are the criteria's for choosing a Second Story Addition opposed to a ground-level Multi-Room Addition ?
* When you need at least 2 out of the following 3 scenarios (1) Additional bedrooms / with at least 1 bathroom (2) Enlarging exising rooms ( Kitchen , Living room ) (3) Creating rooms you presently don't have ( office , den , laundry room ). All the additional square footage you need to enlarge a kitchen or create new rooms such as a den or office would come from existing floor space of1st floor bedrooms and the new bedrooms along with any additional bathrooms can be relocated upstairs ( Entire new 2nd level Addition).
* When Creating Ct In-Law Apartment Addition for the younger generation that don't mind walking up a flight of stairs.
( 2 ) What are the criteria's for choosing a ground-level Room Addition opposed to a Second Story Addition ?Addition ?
* When needing only 1 or no more then 3 additional rooms.
* When Creating In-Law Apartment Addition for elderly that can't or prefer not walking up a flight of stairs.
( 3 ) What are the restrictions / disadvantages of ground-level Room Additions ?
* Decreases size of property or you may not have appropriate amount of property
* Possibly the expense to extend or relocate existing well , septic system , sewer line or tank , underground water line , air condition condenser, deck , patio , sun room or porch. And possible lost of not being able to replace deck , patio or porch.
* Expense of excavating , foundation , disruption of landscaping , expense to repair lawn.
* A massive ground level Home Addition may restrict view or natural sunlight to adjoining ground-level rooms.
( 4 ) What are the restrictions / disadvantages of Second Story Additions ?
* Additional remodeling project such as expense in creating a set of stairs to new Second Story Addition ( ranches only , capes have stairs ).
* Additional remodeling project such as expense in disturbing present 1st floor drywall / plaster ceilings since a entire new structural floor system is required for Second Story Addition ( ranches only , capes usually have existing structural floor ).
* Additional remodeling project such as expense of jack hammering , excavating and pouring a few concrete footings in basement floor wth columns to support the additional weight of proposed Second Story Addition . These new footings & columns may disturb layout / design if present basement is finished. However other procedures could be done to elimanate required columns & footings by " beefing up" wooden girder with a steel plate.
* Additional remodeling projects such as expense for better " Curb Appeal " , since addition could be viewed from street . Examples ( 1 ) Changing lower level windows or front door ( 2 ) New front porch / steps ( 3 ) Shutters ( 4 ) Landscaping ( 5 ) Sidewalk ( 6 ) Lighting . ( 7 ) New siding and possibly doing entire house.
* Possibly the expense ( ranch only ) of removing & relocating mechanical equipment in attic ( duct work , air condition equipment , electrical wires ).
( 1 ) What are the advantages / disadvantages of owning a ranch opposed to a cape when converting into a Second Level Addition ?
* Cape already has a set of stair leading to Second Level.
* Existing 1st floor ceiling joist or 2nd floor ( floor ) joist is usually adequate , not necessarily required to re-structure.
* Pitch of a cape roof is steeper, thus having a higher ridge point ( usually 10' above attic floor ) , you have option of just raising rear roof and building a standard 8' high wall. This is called a" Full Rear Dormer " with existing front roof being untouched . You could install a couple of front " Dog House Dormers ". Usually a total of 2 ( 1 for each existing bedroom ) between 4' 0 " to 5' 0" wide incorporating a window for natural light and ventilation.
* Less expensive then Converting a Ranch , no 1st floor Remodeling required.
* Cape attics are finished thus present heating & electrical runs may be reused . The same for water lines and waste pipes if there is presently a bathroom.
( 1 B ) Cape disadvantages
* Square footage of cape is around 768 ( 32' x 24' ) about 60 % the size of ranch. However this may be an advantage of not having to spend as much money on square footage you don't need .
( 1 C ) Ranch advantages
*Since square footage is greater then cape you have benefit of creating additional / larger rooms . However this may be a disadvantage because you may be spending money on square footage you don't need. The remedy is to Construct a Split Level Style Ranch House instead of a Colonial Style House. A Split Level is raising between 50 % to 75 % the lenght of present ranch house instead of 100 %.
* Since a new structural floor system is required , make the most of it by being able to cantilever the floor joist beyond the foot print of existing lower level ( option of creating additional square footage if needed ). This could be done in the front of house as well as rear of house.
( 1 D ) Ranch disadvantages
*The expense of creating a set of stairs to Second Story Addition. Hopefully you could locate new stairs directly above basement stairs and minimize losing existing 1st floor living space.
* The Remodeling cost of creating an entire new structually floor system since present is inadequate.
* The Remodeling cost of repairing present drywall ceilings on 1st floor due to disturbance when installing new framing.
* Pitch of a ranch roof is not as steep as cape roof , thus having a lower ridge point ( usually 5' 0"above attic floor ) , you don't have option of just raising rear roof to create only a rear dormer. However a solution would be to leave entire front roof untouched and remove entire rear roof. Then build a 5' 0" high wall on top of the entire present ridge with a couple windows. Your creating a over all height of 10' 0" above attic floor ( 5' 0" + 5' 0" ) . New stlye roof would be a shed type , high point resting on this new 5' 0" high wall and slightly pitching toward rear on newly installed 8' 0" high exterior wall resting on attic floor. . However this house style presents little curb appeal. Another possibility is replacing the wall on ridge idea with extending existing front rafters idea . At least 4' 0" in lenght ( purpose , to raise ridge height ). The style of roof would also be a shed type.
* More expensive then Converting Cape. ( need to create stairs and re-structure floor system ).
* If ranch presently has air condition equipment & duct work in attic , this would have to be moved.