Frequently Asked Questions


	1. What is the first step to this process? The first step you should be taking is to collect all your ideas; magazine articles, sketches, notes, anything you can do to convey your ideas to Luke. Then Luke will meet with you, to take notes and get a sense for your ideas.

	2. Do you offer free estimates? For straightforward projects, YES. As with most in our trade, we can offer Free Estimates to you. One prerequisite for an accurate estimate is for the details to be known Straightforward projects such as decks and garages can be calculated rapidly and accurately. Therefor these estimates are always FREE of charge. Normally a small remodel, modernization project can also be estimated for free. For more involved and complicated projects it is necessary to have plans nearly completed and to have specification sheets written out. (This is a time consuming process.) Therefor if you have finished plans and spec sheets we can calculate a construction proposal in less time, free or for a minimal design fee. If not we will work closely with you to develop a completed set of floor plans and spec sheets. However we require a $300 design fee – This is compensation for the time that will be invested in research and the drawing of plans and is non-refundable. If we are awarded the contract, the $300 will be applied toward the 1st draw.

	3. Will I be shocked at the final bill? Our company works on a fixed price contract basis. We do not change our price at any point throughout your project, except in the case of a written and signed change order. (Signed by you the home owner, any subcontractor that may be involved, and Schwanz Custom Homes LLC) The Construction Proposal Contract Total that you are given at the beginning of your project is what it will be at the end of your project. No surprises.

	4. What kind of experience do you have? Luke has been involved in residential and commercial construction for over 14 years. He prides himself in his ability to organize projects so they run smoothly and efficiently, managing the numerous trades people and coordinating all scheduling to reach the desired conclusion - your dream realized.

	5. How long will it take to get a proposal? Straightforward projects can be calculated within a week. For more involved projects it usually takes two weeks for our subcontractors to return their bids to us, then give us a day or two to assemble the final Construction Proposal Contract.

	6. Do you carry liability insurance and worker’s compensation? Absolutely. We are concerned for our employees’ health and safety as well as for the security of our clients and their property.

	7. May I have references for your company? Yes, definitely. We would be please to make such references available to you.

	8. Will you beat proposals I’ve already gotten? We endeavor to be competitive, however we will not sacrifice quality in order to be the cheapest.

	9. Who will be supervising my project? Luke will oversee the writing of your proposal and will do all the scheduling of subs and deliveries. Your project manager will be on site consistantly throughout the project. You will be provided with his cell phone number so you can contact him whenever you would like to.

	10. What do you need to know to get my project going? Your objectives: Take pictures of what you have seen that you like. Collect magazine articles. Make sketches. Keep notes of your ideas. Your expectations: What is the desired outcome? When do you want your project completed? How clean do you expect the site to be kept? For remodeling projects: What about the use of bathrooms? Or Driveway? Where should tools and materials be stored? What are acceptable work hours? Your budget: What do you expect to pay for the finished product? What is your budget? This knowledge will assist us to accomplish your dream within and under budget.

	11. Can I supply the materials? Under most circumstances it is best if we acquire and deliver all materials. Usually we are able to purchase materials at better prices than you would be able to. (Our company does not believe in marking up materials.) This also enables us to give you a better over all price, for we will have on site what we need, when we need it and are better able to work with suppliers if there comes to be damaged materials or warranty issues.
			Top