ABOUT WINANS CONSTRUCTION
"It was a pleasure working with you and your people. It was obvious that customer satisfaction through quality is the cornerstone of your business."
Ken and Mary T.
FAQ
Here, we offer some answers to frequently asked questions you might consider when deciding to undertake a major home remodeling project.
How does the Winans Construction Design/Build process work?
Will Winans Construction work with us if we have our own architect?
In what communities does Winans Construction work?
How much is my project going to cost?
Does Winans Construction offer a warranty?
Can I work along side of you to reduce costs?
What does Diamond Certified mean?
How soon could you start my project?
What if something breaks or damage is discovered after the work is done and your staff has left?
What is Design/Build?
Winans Construction's integrated design/build team works on your remodeling project from design concept through final construction and cleanup. Together we are able to deliver award-winning design, quality craftsmanship and a predictable process.
It can be very complicated for a homeowner to manage separate designers, architects, specialty contractors and product vendors. Conflict and miscommunication are common results from that model. Winans Construction creates a successful plan that can be executed on-time and on-budget.
How does the Winans Construction Design/Build process work?
First, we'll meet and discuss how you want to live in and around your home. We will then develop schematic drawings and floor plans, as well as assist in selecting colors, materials and timeless design details/accents. In addition to resolving functional issues, we will translate your personal style through thoughtful space planning and finish decisions.
Developing your wish list and working within your budget are often the most challenging parts of design development. Dreams and budgets sometimes don't match. Our job is to do both - provide guidance on reaching your dreams, while respecting your budget. If needed, we will assist you with modifying the project to align your needs and desires with your budget. Phasing a remodel is another possibility - we can plan the schedule and the logistics of phasing your remodel after developing a master plan.
Once the design plan is approved and a building contract is signed we are able to begin the construction phase of your project.
What is a NARI contractor?
Members of NARI are full service contractors, design-build firms, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, subcontractors, lenders and other related professionals who work in the remodeling field. NARI is committed to educating both trade professionals and remodeling-ready homeowners. NARI does this by reaching out to a diverse audience in a variety of formats including education, training, publications and programs.
For the last decade, NARI's Certification Program has been providing the remodeling industry with a formalized standard of expertise, knowledge, and ethical conduct among professional remodelers. The NARI Certification Program offers a measure of skill and expertise valued not only by other remodelers, but by consumers. Prized by those who have achieved the designation, certification programs identify remodelers who have undergone a detailed review and testing in areas of business management, ethical conduct, and technical skills.
The Winans Construction team includes:
* NARI© Certified Remodelers
* NARI© Certified Lead Carpenters
Will Winans Construction work with us if we have our own architect?
We are happy to work with your design professional. In fact, Winans Construction's collaborative approach can add value in the planning process. By engaging our firm early on, you and your architect can get the benefit of a remodeler's feedback and input before the plans are completed.
In what communities does Winans Construction work?
Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Lafayette, Moraga, Oakland, Orinda, Piedmont, San Francisco and Marin.
How much is my project going to cost?
There are many factors that need to be taken into account to be able to generate a meaningful number. Let's look at some of them.
It will cost more than you thought it would when you first started thinking about the project. The more you learn the more you realize how many different things need to be done to make the project what you really want. As the planning proceeds, the scope of the work expands, at least a little.
Does Winans Construction offer a warranty?
Winans has been doing beautiful work with care since 1978. Care means that we will be there for you. That’s why we offer all of our clients our industry-leading 10-year* warranty on our labor.
We’ll stand behind you; if any item we install fails during the manufacturers warranty we will work with to get the item replaced and provide the installation labor at a discounted rate. Should any unexpected issues arise, we will do what it takes to get it right. We want to be your remodeling contractor and the one you count on to deliver quality and value time after time.
*10-year warranty applies to all contracted jobs. Full terms and conditions are detailed in our contract.
Can I work along side of you to reduce costs?
No, our insurance carrier won't allow that. However, some homeowners "finish" their projects themselves, after we are off site. We've worked with clients who have done everything from install sheetrock to painting and flooring after we have gone. We are happy to accommodate your needs.
What is a 'green' builder?
Winans Construction implements and self-governs its remodeling practices to incorporate green building principles, such as energy efficiency, resource conservation, indoor air quality, water conservation, and community, into each project it performs. Our design staff is qualified to make recommendations on the best method to perform your home remodeling project that will reduce construction waste, increase efficiency, and create a design that will endure for years to come.
What does "Diamond Certified" mean?
Winans Construction achieved Diamond Certified status in 2007. It is only awarded to companies that score highest in quality in an independent rating of customer satisfaction. Most green builder contractors can't qualify for Diamond Certified because of the customer satisfaction standards required. Additionally, in order to maintain Diamond Certified, Winans Construction must continue to score "highest in quality" in Ongoing Research performed by American Ratings Corporation. So, just earning and maintaining the Diamond Certified status is a great achievement.
How soon could you start my project?
That depends a lot on our current work load as well as how far you are in the planning and permitting process when you give us a call. If no pre-construction work (design, scope, permit application) has been done and we are at typical capacity it could take from 8 to 16 weeks of work before we start construction for a kitchen or addition. A major addition or remodel would probably take longer because of permitting requirements.
What if something breaks or damage is discovered after the work is done and your staff has left?
Call our office to let us know what it is and we'll get back to you within one business day to discuss the situation. We will respond to your concerns and work with you to provide a satisfactory and fair solution.
Should I remodel or move?
You definitely want to ask this question before your remodel project starts! Here are some things to consider.
Do you like your property, your neighbors, your street, and the commercial district and/or school that is nearby? These are important points to consider if you are thinking of remodeling. Consider moving if there is a real problem with some or any of these conditions consider moving. No matter how much work you do to your house,these problems will not be corrected no matter how much work you do to your house.
What is your house worth now and what would it be worth after the remodeling work is done? Talk to a real estate agent. Invite him/her to come through the house and respond to your ideas. You want to know this information before you get too far along in your planning.
How long will you live in the home after the remodel is done? If you are going to live there more than 5-7 years you will get the benefit and satisfaction of living in a space that you have personally helped improve to suit your needs better. Everyday you will experience the joy of having improved your home. If you are only going to live there up a few more years once the work is done don't go to the trouble. Let the new owners do the work. You definitely want to ask this question before your remodel project starts! Here are some things to consider.
Do you like your property, your neighbors, your street, and the commercial district and/or school that is nearby? These are important points to consider if you are thinking of remodeling. If there is a real problem with some or any of these conditions consider moving. No matter how much work you do to your house, these problems will not be corrected.
What is your house worth now and what would it be worth after the remodeling work is done? Talk to a real estate agent. Invite him/her to come through the house and respond to your ideas. You want to know this information before you get too far along in your planning.
How long will you live in the home after the remodel is done? If you are going to live there more than 5-7 years you will get the benefit and satisfaction of living in a space that you have personally helped improve to suit your needs better. Everyday you will experience the joy of having improved your home. If you are only going to live there up a few more years once the work is done don't go to the trouble. Let the new owners do the work.