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  • LEAD CARPENTER - Building Trust Renovation Blog - South Carolina - Daniel Builders

    Apply if you're a skilled carpenter with good character. BUILDING TRUST BLOG LEAD CARPENTER Apply if you're a skilled carpenter with good character. Back to Blog 2020-06-20 Daniel Builders seeks to hire a skilled Lead Carpenter with extensive knowledge of residential construction. The Lead Carpenter will interact with clients, Project Managers, Carpenters, Trades, and Helpers to deliver amazing customer service and well-crafted custom renovations. A successful applicant should be hardworking, reliable, and have good communication and organizational skills. 6+ years of experience is required. A Lead Carpenter is responsible to manage their worksite under the supervision of a Project Manager. Under that supervision, perform residential remodeling (occasionally light commercial) tasks and repair, while maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. The Lead Carpenter is also responsible for organizing material orders, managing, and overseeing trades and employees, and keeping project timelines. Requirements: Must possess the following: Examples of your work. Power tools and equipment that make the applicant autonomous on a job site. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to get to job sites in Greenville, Anderson, Keowee, etc. Follow both verbal and written directions in English, professional and productive interaction with customers and co-workers The ability to understand and perform in multiple areas of residential construction. Framing, trim, flooring, windows and doors, drywall, light plumbing, light electrical, roofing as required. The ability to operate hand tools, power tools, and other equipment. Knowledge of local building codes, and health/safety regulations. Highly motivated toward excellent customer service. The ability to stand for prolonged periods, climb, pull, and lift heavy objects. Physically fit with good hand-eye coordination. Minimum of six years of carpentry experience. Good communication skills. Team player who can direct trades, carpenters, and helpers. Knowledge of basic mathematics. Daniel Builder Culture: Business guided by 3 core values (Jesus Christ, Trust, and Generous Giving) Consistent work schedule; regular 40-hour work week Competitive pay High employee retention Paid Vacation Verizon Phone Plan Team Building Events Company Provided Gear & Apparel Tool Reimbursement Commitment to professional development of all employees APPLY HERE < Previous Next > Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

  • CONDO MORTGAGES - Building Trust Renovation Blog - South Carolina - Daniel Builders

    Brandon Calhoun of Countybank joins us on this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! to share a few unique characteristics of a condo mortgage. We discuss rates, the pros of condo ownership, the ideal condo buyer, and more! So let’s get to it! BUILDING TRUST BLOG CONDO MORTGAGES What is the process for purchasing a condo? It’s a bit different from purchasing a house. Back to Blog 2024-08-01 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-WycqHG0bM What is the process for purchasing a condo? It’s a bit different from purchasing a house. Our guest on this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! can explain how. Brandon Calhoun of Countybank joins us to share a few unique characteristics of a condo mortgage. We discuss rates, the pros of condo ownership, the ideal condo buyer, and more! A great episode for anyone ready to “move on up” to a condo! So let’s get to it! How might your home or condo benefit from a Guide-Design-Build remodel? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! 0:00 Introduction 0:50 Brandon’s Background & Experience 1:12 Mortgage Differences: Condos vs. Single Family Homes 1:58 How a Mortgage Consultant Approves a Condo Complex 3:58 Condo Mortgage Rates 4:57 Hidden Fees 5:47 Condo Property Values 6:48 Pros of Condo Ownership 7:20 How to Contact Brandon 8:04 The Ideal Condo Buyer 8:51 Conclusion 8:55 How to Contact Daniel Builders 9:07 Invitation to Future Podcast Guests < Previous Next > Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

  • TRUST BLUEPRINT - Building Trust Renovation Blog - South Carolina - Daniel Builders

    Build trust with Candor, Competence & Commitment. BUILDING TRUST BLOG TRUST BLUEPRINT Build trust with Candor, Competence & Commitment. Back to Blog 2022-01-31 Trust is a common value and tagline for businesses everywhere. As a renovation contractor we're building trust on the basis of competence, honesty, communication, connection, and commitment. It can't be built with passivity or indifference. And even though TRUST may feel uncertain at the start, there's no reason that feeling should continue. Trustworthy behavior doesn't take long to become apparent. Enduring TRUST isn’t blind TRUST. Here are 5 key building blocks for Building Trust. Honesty - Nothing builds TRUST more rapidly than speaking in a straightforward and truthful manner. Even major personality differences won't sabotage a relationship when transparency and factual communication prevail. Communication - Being super articulate isn’t necessary to foster TRUST through communication. Consistent communication is necessary though, even to the point of being uncomfortably repetitive. Speaking is only a small part of communication equation. Listening well is a higher priority. Simply paying attention leads to identifying and addressing faulty expectations before they undermine TRUST. And it’s vital to follow-up important conversations in writing. Competence - Being excellent and proficient at something will build TRUST. In the Bible there’s a proverb that says, “A person’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great people.” (Proverbs 18:16). In other words, doing something really well creates such a high level of TRUST in your ability that you can't keep it a secret. Connection - Humans are wired with emotions. Emotion should be understood, but never manipulated. Honoring a person’s emotion shows a level of respect that is memorable. As Maya Angelou said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Commitment - All of these building blocks require repetition. At any moment trust can crumble if there’s no willingness to continue building. Someone once said TRUST is gained in drips but lost in buckets. In other words, the accumulation of TRUST is quickly lost by a single act of untrustworthiness. Our team at Daniel Builders is serious about Building Trust. It’s much more than our tagline. It’s always on our mind. We realize entrusting your home to us is no small matter. Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! < Previous Next > Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

  • UPLIFTING VIEW - Building Trust Renovation Blog - South Carolina - Daniel Builders

    Nowadays building tools come in all shapes and sizes. Really good general contractors, project managers, and carpenters all seek to build more efficiently and with greater precision. BUILDING TRUST BLOG UPLIFTING VIEW An interview with Ryan Swanson of Upper Edge Drone Photography. Back to Blog 2023-08-04 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V88a7VqeM_o Nowadays building tools come in all shapes and sizes. Really good general contractors, project managers, and carpenters all seek to build more efficiently and with greater precision. Drones are providing this edge and you might say the technology is really taking off! Mark Twain once said, "the difference between the right word and the almost right word is really a large matter - it is the difference between the lightning and the lightning bug." That same difference exists between having the right tool and having the almost right tool. On this episode of Ready, Set Renovate! We speak with drone photographer Ryan Swanson of Upper Edge Drone Photography . Ryan shares technological benefits that go beyond capturing cool photos. It’s an uplifting conversation sure to elevate your view of the building process. So let's get to it! Are you contemplating a major home renovation? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! < Previous Next > Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

  • RENO ROLLER COASTER - Building Trust Renovation Blog - South Carolina - Daniel Builders

    Brace yourself for the twists and turns of a custom renovation. BUILDING TRUST BLOG RENO ROLLER COASTER Brace yourself for the twists and turns of a custom renovation. Back to Blog 2017-05-29 Here's what to expect during a custom renovation. Your renovation experience feels less likely a roller coaster when you know what to expect. The key to enjoying a major renovation is knowing what to expect. A good contractor sets clear expectations before starting and communicates regularly throughout the process. The customer never feels “jerked around” regarding the project’s timeline or outcome. Have you ever strapped yourself on a roller coaster and within moments asked yourself “Why?!!” Why does anyone willingly subject themselves to sheer terror? The appeal is somewhat a mystery. Here’s the point though: Roller Coasters are meant to be terrifying. Expecting less is unwise. Meet Takabisha, the world's steepest roller coaster. Located in Japan, this machine moves from 0-60 in less than 2 seconds going down at 121° grade for 141 feet. Translation: Terrifying! Imagine boarding Takabisha convinced this was a calm, gentle ride. You tell yourself Takabisha is like a horse-drawn carriage moving through a serene countryside at a predictable pace. You feel confident a courteous tour guide is included. Someone to periodically explain the landscape around you. Those expectations would be obliterated in the screaming chaos of Takabisha! Major renovations and roller coasters share some common characteristics. Excitement can quickly turn to terror if you’re uncertain how the ride goes, and especially how it ends. Here’s an overview of common emotional ups and downs during a renovation. The design phase (UP) - At least it’s where a renovation should start. Skipping this first step could be disastrous. Creating a well-thought-out design ensures everyone is on the same page. The outcome is clearly defined. Otherwise, you’re on a roller coaster launching out into the unknown. Workable Drawings (DOWN slightly, but quickly back UP) - As you go through this phase you may experience a few frustrations as details are analyzed and discussed. Once everything is clarified you’re back on a high note and should be feeling very confident about proceeding to the next phase. Bidding the Project & Agreeing to a Contract (DOWN) - The process takes a big drop here if your contractor wasn’t involved in the design phase. The bidding/pricing get’s dicey, and you quickly realize general contractors come in all different varieties. Some will offer great pricing, but you wonder about the quality. Others offer extreme quality, but you wonder about the affordability. Skipping this stage all together is preferable. Taking a Design-Build approach makes it possible. A Design-Build renovation has the contractor involved from the start. Construction Begins (UP) - High levels of excitement characterize this phase. Visible progress is happening. Seeing this progress typically makes the customer very happy! The speed of Demolition and Rough Framing makes the customer feel they’re on HGTV. That fantasy doesn’t last long though. Rough Ins (Down dramatically) - Plumbing, heating, electrical and insulation trades all get involved at this stage and production slows way down. Frustrations begin to surface as the customer starts to feel their home has been “under construction” way too long. These frustrations are minimized by a good project manager who keeps the trades moving efficiently and the customer clearly informed. Hanging/Sanding Drywall (Down further) - This might very well be rock bottom on the renovation roller coaster. (Call it “sheet rock bottom”.) The customer still hasn’t seen the beautiful progress they expected, and their patience is usually wearing thin about now. Might feel like the ride has stalled, but rest assured progress is happening. Trim & Cabinet to Painting (Up) - Finally traces of true craftsmanship are seen. The customer can visualize the end product. Emotions improve dramatically through this stage. Punch List complete (Up higher) - Emotions continue to rise as the end is only a few simple steps away. Move In (Up higher still and coasting to a gentle stop) - Relief and celebration occur. After seeing the finished product, the customer quickly forgets all frustration. Now the outlook is bright and cheerful. Only one thing left to do. Enjoy the newly renovated space for years to come! The takeaway: If you plan to ride the renovation roller coaster, ride responsibly. Choose a contractor able to ensure the level of quality, service, and calm you expect. Choose someone who will provide a clear path to completion, while minimizing stress and frustration along the way. Are you contemplating a major home renovation? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! < Previous Next > Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

  • BREATHABILITY - Building Trust Renovation Blog - South Carolina - Daniel Builders

    Let your home breath while being energy efficient. BUILDING TRUST BLOG BREATHABILITY Let your home breath while being energy efficient. Back to Blog 2022-03-31 Professional opinion among contractors can vary when it comes to building a home so it can “breathe.” From the house wrap used, to the type of window sealant, to caulks, siding types and even how a house is painted, there are a number of choices that impact the breathability of your home. The trade off of sealing your home too much. Homes need to breath. How much air flow should be allowed through the exterior envelope of your home? Making your home "airtight" can lead to poor ventilation, unless mechanical systems are installed to force fresh air throughout the structure. On the other end of the spectrum too much natural, or passive, ventilation makes your home energy inefficient . Everyone can agree on one thing, fresh air is essential to a healthy home. Without it you can expect problems. Here are 7 of them: Air Pollutants - ventilation keeps volatile organic compounds and gases such as carbon monoxide and radon, from building up. Plus, good ventilation lessens the impact of 2nd hand smoke. Uncomfortable Interior - A home that doesn’t have fresh air circulating can feel damp and stuffy. That’s great if you’re building a sauna, but not so good if you want a tranquil place to crash after an exhausting day at work. Rot/Pests - Speaking of moisture, keeping it outside has additional benefit. Your home won’t be eaten alive by rot! The building materials in your home last longer when they are able to dry rapidly. (*Note - water entering your home is inevitable. You just need it to dry rapidly, and definitely not build up.) A good circulation of fresh air keeps humidity at an optimal level. Pests aren't attracted to a low moisture environment, which means they won't take up residence in your home. And that’s a good thing! Poor Health - Health issues like dry throat and eyes, concentration disorders, fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, poor sleep and dizziness can be triggered by poor ventilation. Yikes! Sounds like the end of a pharmaceutical commercial. Mold & Mildew - In addition to being unsightly, mold can also be a serious threat to your health. Either way mold and mildew are unwelcome guests in your home. Fresh air circulating through your home prohibits mold from getting the moisture it needs to survive. Odor - Yes, odor can be masked, but purchasing an abundance of candles and air fresheners isn’t the solution when it’s a ventilation issue. Removing foul odors is always the better option. Additional Expense - Fixing an overly sealed home can be costly, not to mention fixing the damage caused by moisture. An HVAC system upgrade might be necessary. Air that doesn’t naturally circulate through a home requires a mechanical system to move it through. That might be the best long-term option for your home, but it is an added expense in the short term. Your home is a system made up of multiple parts. Each part impacts the overall health of your home. Making this system more robust is a challenge that Daniel Builders is uniquely suited to perform. Are you considering a major renovation to enhance your home’s durability, functionality, and appeal? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! < Previous Next > Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

  • PRICE IT RIGHT - Building Trust Renovation Blog - South Carolina - Daniel Builders

    Compare and contrast Cost Plus to Fixed Cost Pricing. BUILDING TRUST BLOG PRICE IT RIGHT Compare and contrast Cost Plus to Fixed Cost Pricing. Back to Blog 2022-10-24 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC31pcIHsuQ Will the conversation on price result in sticker shock or pleasant surprise? Comparing and contrasting two methods for pricing a custom renovation; Cost Plus Pricing vs Fixed Cost Pricing is the topic discussed by Steve Carson and Larry Myers. At some point the "price conversation" happens for every custom renovation. Generally speaking, there are 2 ways a client receives their price. Many builders take a Cost Plus approach, while others take a Fixed Cost (or Fixed Price) approach. In this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! Steve Carson and Larry Myers compare and contrast these 2 approaches. Both are reputable builders and have given much thought to how they price their projects. Spoiler alert, neither approach fits every client perfectly, although you may discover one is preferable to you. Only one way to find out. Watch and decide! Also, in case you didn't hear, Daniel Builders is renovating a home that's over a100 years old. We've been tracking our progress in a documentary format called "Another 100 Years". It's a story we're excited to tell. Here's Part 1 & Part 2 of that story. Sam Parkinson articulates the renovation progress he sees in a home over 100 years old. Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIu1ExS15ps Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Lhi-DWnZro Are you contemplating a major home renovation? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! < Previous Next > Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

  • UNIVERSAL HOME DESIGN - Building Trust Renovation Blog - South Carolina - Daniel Builders

    Modify your home to accommodate you as you age. BUILDING TRUST BLOG UNIVERSAL HOME DESIGN Modify your home to accommodate you as you age. Back to Blog 2017-01-20 Have you found the home you want to grow old in? Modify it to accommodate you as you age. How much thought have you given to your future living arrangements? For one of our customers the future had a sudden and unexpected twist which left him with a big decision to make. After a life altering injury his living arrangements needed to change. Where would he live? Fortunately, moving wasn't necessary, but modifying his house was. Daniel Builders designed and renovated a living environment to fit his level of physical ability. Renovations included widening doorways, replacing flooring with hard surface types, designing, and installing a curbless shower with grab bars, installing a wheelchair lift, and creating step-less entrances. At some point all of us need to evaluate our living arrangements due to age or injury. Assisted living facilities offer to meet long term physical needs when change becomes necessary. Problem is 1 in 5 Americans don't like the assisted living option, and prefer to age in their own homes. Universal Design (or UD) takes many forms , and ultimately addresses the desire to age in place . Universal Design creates accessible and accommodating living environments for those who otherwise would experience significant limitations living in their home. Elements of UD include maneuverability, ease of operation (specifically in the kitchen and bathroom), range of reach (ex. lowering countertops), and support (ex. grab bars). Due to our aging population, UD is rapidly becoming relevant for a growing number of people. New construction spec homes are even being designed based on UD principles. Are physical limitations due to age and/or injury causing your home to become a danger zone? Universal Design can clarify your options regarding future living arrangements, and help you plan effectively. More important it might just keep you where most Americans wish to stay - at home. Are you contemplating a major home renovation? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! < Previous Next > Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

  • WALLS COME DOWN - Building Trust Renovation Blog - South Carolina - Daniel Builders

    Bring down load bearing and non load bearing walls. BUILDING TRUST BLOG WALLS COME DOWN Considerations for open concept floor plans. Back to Blog 2020-11-24 Creating an open floor plan in your renovation requires walls to come down. Daniel Builders discusses this process of bringing down load bearing and non load bearing walls. BEFORE: Example of interior walls throughout: AFTER: Walls in the above example removed. Kitchen, dining area and living area no longer separated by walls: In one of the more established neighborhoods of Greenville, Daniel Builders is performing a major renovation. The scope of work encompasses just about every aspect of the home, including removal of a few interior walls. You can see what we’re talking about via video on Instagram Live this Wednesday November 25th at 1:15PM. (Follow us on Instagram if you haven’t already. In fact, why not now ?) We hope you join us! Speaking of wall removal, that’s what frequently happens during major renovations. Here are 7 questions to answer before bidding farewell to an interior wall. Once a wall is gone, what separates one area of your home from another? A permanent feature like a kitchen island or furniture pieces are two options. A good designer will create a fluid transition from room to room and prevent your home from feeling like one, giant box. What is inside the wall? Electrical wiring, plumbing and duct work must be considered. A wall containing these items is likely still removable, but to reroute wiring/plumbing/duct requires creativity. And should be figured out before wall meets sledgehammer. Plus, for your own safety, never destroy a wall without knowing what’s inside. Is the wall load bearing? Load bearing walls are removable, but other structural elements need to be installed. Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) beams are good options for carrying the load. Consulting a Structural Engineer is always wise and can prevent significant damage to your home. What finished flooring will be installed? A patchwork of missing flooring (as shown in the photo below) can be problematic, although you do have some options. Although some types of flooring can be patched, in many cases replacing a “patch” is not recommended. Especially when you have different types of floors (like carpet and hardwood) on either side of the wall. If possible, plan to put down all new flooring. This is the best way to ensure a seamless look. Will you be able to ward clutter? There is an advantage to keeping your home compartmentalized, particularly if you tend to be messy. Unfortunately, clutter is much more visible when walls no longer block the view. Are you willing to banish your current wall decor? Fewer walls mean less space to hang decorative displays and artwork. Sacrificing wall decor is a big deal and should definitely be considered, especially when your favorite artwork can no longer be displayed. Do you need the entire wall removed, or will a modified opening suffice? Yes, you can have it both ways and sometimes that is your best option. This design avoids a suffocating compartmentalization of your home, yet still achieves a clear delineation from room to room. Here’s an example from one of our renovations. We hope you plan to join us Wednesday, November 25 at 1:15 on Instagram Live as we showcase a major renovation in process. We’ll discuss wall removal and other intriguing aspects of this project. Want to explore wall removal further? We routinely remove walls in many major renovations we perform and we’re ready to help you answer “wall removal” questions for your home. Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! < Previous Next > Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

  • HOME PRICES SOAR - Building Trust Renovation Blog - South Carolina - Daniel Builders

    James Anderson discusses soaring home prices. BUILDING TRUST BLOG HOME PRICES SOAR James Anderson discusses soaring home prices. Back to Blog 2021-06-15 You probably noticed homes are selling for significantly more now than a year ago. The Building Trust Blog interviews mortgage lender James Anderson on the topic of soaring home prices. As a homeowner this is great news, but not-so-good-news if you’re trying to purchase (much less find) your dream home. Homes are disappearing from the market at sonic speed, or at least faster than many would-be home buyers can even compose an offer. The good news is you have options and equity to Design-Build renovate your current home into a dream home. Recently, the Building Trust Blog (BTB) reached out to respected mortgage lender, James Anderson (JA) to get his take on what's happening. BTB: How much longer can we expect to see these “historically low" rates? JA: There is not a crystal ball in my office, but it is clear they won’t last forever. Inflation will eventually catch up to the bond markets, and then mortgage rates will follow. BTB: How frequently do rates change? Are you seeing significant volatility day to day? JA: Mortgage rates can change at any time. Until a loan is locked, there is no guarantee. Many times, they can move up or down several times during the day. Some days are fairly quiet, and we can see stable rates for a week or more, but then it can change on a dime. Typically rates creep DOWN and shoot UP very quickly. BTB: With home values on the rise, would you recommend starting a renovation now? JA: If you like your location/neighborhood but want some better options and functions in the dwelling- renovation is a great option. Yes, now is a great time to add value to your property. BTB: When it comes to investing in your home, which is the better option a Renovation Loan or Cash Out Refinance? Why? JA: Both are great options depending on each individual case. The main reason for the renovation loan is to tap into the future equity once the project is complete. The budget and scope of work will also drive the decision for which financial path. BTB: What makes a mortgage lender elite? Truly beneficial to the client? JA: Many banks “say” they offer construction and renovation products, but the execution of the product and program is severely lacking. HomeTrust Bank has shown a great track record in the execution and delivery of renovation loans. Our process results in taking care of the client’s needs. Want to explore funding options for your renovation? Reach out to James at James.Anderson@htb.com Are you contemplating a major home renovation? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! < Previous Next > Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

  • CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS - Building Trust Renovation Blog - South Carolina - Daniel Builders

    Ask your renovation contractor these seven questions. BUILDING TRUST BLOG CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS 7 questions for evaluating a renovation contractor. Back to Blog 2017-06-27 Be prepared to speak with your renovation contractor prior to a face-to-face meeting. Great questions to ask a GC before starting a custom renovation. Hiring a renovation contractor is a major investment. As with any investment, you must determine cost (not to be confused with price; more on that difference here), and value. This info can be acquired by asking your contractor the right questions. Here are 7 questions for evaluating a renovation contractor. Are reviews and references available? Avoid making mistakes others have already made. Instead, listen to their feedback. This feedback is available in the form of reviews and references. Reviews can often be found by doing a simple online search. Houzz, Guild Quality and Angie’s List are places to look. Anything you can learn about the contractor’s track record is beneficial. Before getting too serious with a contractor (especially when a large project is at stake), request references. A reference typically has favorable feedback, but pay close attention when speaking with references. Obviously, a contractor will provide positive references who say nice things about their work. Which is helpful (identifying strengths), but you’ll also want to identify “red flags”, or areas where the contractor could improve. Asking a reference appropriate question will help you figure out those details. Ask specifically what matters most to you (ie. your interest in quality, communication, timeliness, safety, etc). Bottom line: Word of mouth feedback can take the form of reviews and references and is still a great method for assessing a contractor. Do you provide a detailed scope, appropriate renderings/drawings, guaranteed cost and clear payment schedule? Red flags should fly up if any of these are missing. Detailed scopes and renderings provide a clear idea of what to expect. As opposed to being unpleasantly surprised by getting less than you expected. Don’t just “hope” you and your contractor share the same expectations. Get clear documentation and renderings before construction moves forward. Bottom line: Clear, documented expectations ensure you and your contractor are on the “same page”. How long is your craftsmanship warrantied? Move quickly away from the contractor who offers no warranty. A contractor unwilling to warranty his work likely has little confidence in the quality of his craftsmanship. Or, he sees little value in customer service. Neither scenario is good. Don’t fall victim to a disappearing contractor. His role after the renovation is every bit as important as his role during it. Should simple questions or major issues arise, you’ll want a contractor who is responsive to your concerns. Bottom line: The best contractors stand behind their work for years to come and beyond . Will you provide a copy of your insurance and contractor’s license? Many “would be” contractors attempt to skip this requirement, and consequences can be devastating. Some of the potential problems include investigations, fraud, and liability disputes. Instead, protect your investment (ie. value) by hiring someone who is operating legally. Plus, you can be assured any person trying to circumvent the law is likely to take advantage of you as well. Bottom line: Don’t entrust your home to a contractor breaking the law . What is your process for handling change orders? Changing your mind or encountering unforeseen problems during a renovation can be costly, but it happens. Knowing the change order process upfront can really protect your budget. (No renovation is worth bankruptcy.) A contractor who says, “Let’s worry about change orders when they happen,” is really saying, “I don’t have a process. “Bottom line: A clear change order process prevents the homeowner from feeling trapped when unforeseen expenses escalate. How frequently will a dedicated project manager communicate with me throughout the project? “I can’t get my contractor to call me back,” is a far-too-frequent complaint among homeowners working with contractors. This is a great topic to discuss as you speak with references. Before starting a project make sure you 1) meet the project manager assigned to you and 2) receive an overview of the communication process. Otherwise, your renovation might cost you significant confusion, frustration and lost time. Bottom line: Know the plan for communication before construction begins . How do you resolve disagreements? Granted this is a bold question to ask and may cause a slight bit of awkwardness. However, that’s a small price compared to a project gridlocked by a disagreement. A serious disagreement can still happen despite every effort on the front end. The good news is disagreements don’t need to be terrible experiences. A clear method for resolving disagreements will ultimately strengthen the credibility of a contractor. Bottom line: Disagreements can be costly if not handled in a professional, ethical and timely manner. For more questions to ask before starting a renovation, check out this post . Are you contemplating a major home renovation? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! < Previous Next > Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

  • MAKE IT MYSELF - Building Trust Renovation Blog - South Carolina - Daniel Builders

    Circumvent a supply chain issue with the right craftsman. BUILDING TRUST BLOG MAKE IT MYSELF Circumvent a supply chain issue with the right craftsman. Back to Blog 2022-09-12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eoZRb9KcV0 Why are window delays taking so long? Supply chain issues can happen a custom renovation. Having a craftsman custom build windows and doors helps. Who knows? And when you're able to make your own , who cares? In this podcast episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! we speak with Rob Young , a contractor who had no interest in waiting on a custom window package. Instead, he cut out the supply chain chaos and found a way to get the exact windows he needed, exactly when he needed them. With the help of an accomplished craftsman, Stu McConnell of Resonant Woodworks , Rob faces the window challenge head-on in this mid-century modern renovation. Are you considering a Guide-Design-Build renovation with window package included? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! < Previous Next > Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

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