FAQ

Do you offer design assistance?

Early in Karen’s career, she could design your remodel and submit simplified drawings on graph paper to get a permit! The process has become much more sophisticated, and drawings do need to be completed by an architect or design professional. However, Karen can still offer design service and suggestions — and routinely does — especially if she notices something that may work better if done other than per plan. Sometimes these simple but profound changes aren’t clear until the work is underway. So if she sees something that she wants you to consider changing, she will tell you! And if you see something you might want to change, just let us know. We want you to love the result!

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Is your company licensed and insured?

DDC has been licensed for 19+ years and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. DDC also maintains General Liability and Workers Comp Insurance and can name property owners as Additional Insured during the course of your remodel.

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Can we get a free estimate?

DDC is happy to schedule a site visit to review plans together with the client to be able to provide a cost estimate. We generally begin with a rough cost range. If the range works with your budget and you have a feeling that we all make a good team, we will provide a formal estimate. Sometimes these estimates are made far in advance of the work being performed and can be subject to updates that may be subject to added costs. 

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Will job costs go over the formal estimate?

Although we do our very best to tailor our estimate to your unique job and needs, the unexpected can arise. Dry rot, old plumbing and wiring that is not up to code are just some examples of what can’t be seen until the job starts and demolition begins. We work with you to establish a Contingency Fund to cover expenses related to the unexpected. Any work of this nature is presented by change order before it is done so you know what it will cost or any options you have to address it. Other changes can come about when you choose to add to the scope of work. This work will also be presented by change order for approval. This way, you know what your costs are and what to expect — even when costs go over.

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How long will it take to complete my remodel?

Each job will have its own timeline, and reviewing our Customer Journey shows you the order in which the work will be done. DDC will publish a schedule for your job and stay in communication about any changes as/if they occur.

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When can you start?

We will start your job when the time is right, but we don’t always know until the permit is issued and other critical details are in place. This is a changing landscape and there is no stock answer for this important question.

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How are payments handled?

DDC uses an online job management system for estimation, contract, communication, schedule, job tracking and invoicing. All this information is at our fingertips and is available to you for a full ten years after the job has been completed. You will be invoiced for work as it is completed. Invoices are usually issued weekly and payment can be made electronically.

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Will you take care of getting the permits?

Permit submission is often made by the architect or homeowner. DDC can submit on your behalf and would bill for time and expenses related to that. No matter who makes the permit application, we are available to help support the process and keep it moving!

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Do you use subcontractors to perform the work on my home?

Karen always worked with a group of subcontractors that were like family to her. Now the family is our team of five guys who work so well together and make our clients feel comfortable. We still use subcontractors for some aspects of the job that have worked with Karen for many years.

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What do you mean by “It’s a People Thing”?

We know that hiring us means you are choosing to let us into your home to help you create an environment that looks and feels better to you. The relationship between us in this process is part of what makes that happen. Not only will we do quality work, that work will be performed by happy people who love what they do and want to make the process as easy for you as possible.

 

Do you offer financing?

DDC does not offer financing.

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What happens if we have a question or a problem during the remodel?

You are welcome to check with us whenever we are on the job site, and we plan site meetings and make regular phone calls to check in. We do all this to stay ahead of any questions and prevent any problems. Still, if something comes up and you need an answer, we want to hear from you right away!

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Why do people choose you for their home remodel?

Nearly every single inquiry made to DDC is through a referral from a former client or from an architect or real estate agent we have worked with. They know how important quality of work is to us, and that we stand behind everything we do.