Ben Rothrock

Which is Better: a Time and Materials, Cost-Plus, or Fixed Price Contract?

Ben Rothrock · May 31, 2022

When you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel in Portsmouth, NH, one of the most critical decisions you’ll face is how your contractor will bill you. Your choice in this area can significantly impact not only your budget but also your overall experience during the remodel.

There are primarily two methods of charging for a service: a variable cost method, ie. Time & Materials or Cost-Plus. Or, a guaranteed cost method, like the aptly named Fixed Cost (also called Fixed Price). To avoid surprises, it is important to know which method your contractor will be using.

Let’s explore the different contract types—Time & Materials, Cost-Plus, and Fixed Cost—and help you decide which will be the best fit for your project.

What is the Difference Between Builder-Grade, Quality-Grade, and High-End Building Products?

Ben Rothrock · May 19, 2022

Imagine walking into a home improvement store, only to find yourself lost among aisles of cabinets, countertops, and flooring options. The labels on products are dizzying: “builder-grade,” “contractor-grade,” “high-quality,” “high-end”—what does it all mean? How do you know which is right for your home?

If you’ve ever wondered, “What does ‘builder-grade’ mean?” or “Does ‘contractor-grade’ mean high-quality?” or “What’s the difference between builder-grade and contractor-grade?”—you’re not alone. These terms can be confusing, especially since they aren’t strictly defined in the industry. But don’t worry; we’re here to break down the jargon and help you make sense of it all, so you can choose the best materials for your remodel with confidence.

Should I Pay Markup on Building Materials for My Home Renovation in NH?

Ben Rothrock · March 27, 2022

Have you ever reviewed a quote or invoice from a contractor and noticed a markup on the building materials? Did you wonder why that extra charge was there? Maybe you even thought to yourself, “Is this really necessary?”

It’s totally understandable to question whether that markup is justified. After all, it feels like it’s just extra money added on top without any real benefit. But is there more to it than just the price difference?

Before jumping to conclusions, let’s take a closer look at what that markup buys you and why it might actually be saving you more than you realize. When we’re done, you will have the information you need to decide whether paying a markup makes sense or if you should be exploring other options.

What is The Difference Between an Estimate, a Quote, and a Bid?

Ben Rothrock · March 25, 2022

Contractors and homeowners alike often use the words “estimate”, “quote”, “bid” & sometimes even “budget” interchangeably, and this leads to a lot of confusion and misunderstanding. What do all these terms mean? Do they all mean the same thing? What is the difference between an estimate, a quote, and a bid? Which one should you ask your contractor for?

How Will a Remodel Affect the Value of My Home?

Ben Rothrock · February 21, 2022

There are a lot of factors to consider when you are remodeling your home. One consideration is how the improvements will affect your home’s value.

How will a building project affect your home’s value? Do some projects have a better return on investment than others? Which remodeling projects will increase your home’s resale value the most? Should you consider some of these projects for your home?

What Is the Standard Height for Kitchen and Bathroom Accessories?

Ben Rothrock · February 4, 2022

Are you unsure about where your kitchen or bathroom fixtures and accessories are supposed to go? Are there industry standards that dictate the placement of these items? What are these standards? Would it be okay if you wanted to put some of these items in a different place?

Will Our Company Be a Good Fit For You?

Ben Rothrock · December 23, 2021

Contrary to what most of us (contractors) will tell you, there is no such thing as the best contractor in the area. There is no best car, best smartphone, or best meal either. Everyone is different, and we all have different needs, desires, and preferences. So the best choice of car, smartphone, or meal for one person isn’t the best choice for someone else. The choice of contractors is no different.

What Do Home Improvement Projects Cost in Dover, NH?

Ben Rothrock · December 22, 2021

Home improvement projects come in many different shapes and sizes. Prices vary greatly based on many factors, including project scope, materials specifications, and project location. While it may be impossible to estimate the exact cost of a project without considering all of the variables, we can still look at similar projects to get an idea of what typical projects cost.

How much can you expect to invest in a kitchen remodel? How much does a bathroom remodel cost? What would built-ins cost? How much does it cost to hire a carpenter for a project?