Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

Hiring a contractor

What is Design-Build? Is It the Right Choice for My Remodel?

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The design-build model has been gaining popularity amongst New Hampshire homeowners. But is it the right choice for your remodel? Have you been wondering:

  • What does design-build mean?

  • How is a design-build company different from a general contractor?

  • How does the design-build process work for home remodeling?

  • Are there benefits to hiring a design-build firm for my remodel?

  • What are the disadvantages of hiring a design-build firm?

  • Is a design-build company more expensive than hiring separate designers and contractors?

Let’s explore these questions, and more, and see if the design-build approach will be a good fit for your remodeling plans!

What Information Does a Contractor Need to Provide a Price Quote for My Project?

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When you’re planning a remodeling project, getting a price quote from a contractor is a key step. How can you ensure that your contractor understands your vision, and the quote is accurate and thorough? Have you been wondering:

  • What should I include in my project description to get an accurate quote from a contractor?

  • How detailed should my project plans be before asking for a quote?

  • Do I need to have a budget in mind before requesting a quote from a contractor?

  • Do I need to have a complete design before getting a quote from a contractor?

  • How do I compare quotes from different contractors?

  • What factors influence a contractor’s price?

Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the process so you can be sure that you have the details you need for a successful remodeling experience!

How Can I Avoid Hiring a Shoddy or Unethical Contractor?

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Have you heard all the horror stories of home improvement projects gone wrong? Are you worried that this might happen to you?

  • Have you been asking:

  • How will I know if the contractor I hire is trustworthy?

  • How can I know if my contractor is ripping me off?

  • How can I tell if my contractor’s work is good?

  • How will I know if my contractor will complete my project on time and on budget?

Recently, my sister bought a home that needed some updating. Since she lives 1200 miles away, our company was unable to complete the projects for her. So, she asked me for advice on hiring the right contractor. 

What follows is the advice I gave her (in a more structured format). You might be surprised by what I told her!

Why Are Some Contractors More Expensive Than Others?

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Have you ever wondered why some contractors are more expensive than others? Why might one contractor quote $30,000 for a remodeling project, while another will charge $50,000 for the same job? Is the pricier contractor overcharging? Is the cheaper one cutting corners? 

Have you been wondering:

  • Why is there a difference between contractors’ prices?

  • Why are some contractors more expensive than others?

  • How do contractors come up with their prices?

  • What factors affect how much a contractor charges?

  • What are contractor prices based on? 

  • How will I know if a contractor’s price is fair?

  • How can I avoid being overcharged by a contractor?

Let’s explore the factors that influence contractors’ pricing and help you make an informed decision for your project.

Should I Hire a Kitchen Remodel Contractor or Do It Myself?

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Considering a kitchen remodel can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when deciding whether to hire a professional or tackle the project yourself. For homeowners in the New Hampshire Seacoast, this decision can be even more nuanced. 

Have you been wondering:

  • How much money can I save by doing a kitchen remodel myself compared to hiring a contractor?

  • What are the hidden costs or challenges of a DIY kitchen remodel?

  • What skills do I need to have to remodel my kitchen on my own?

  • How do I determine if my kitchen remodel project is too complex to handle on my own?

  • What are the risks of DIY kitchen remodeling compared to hiring a professional contractor?

  • Can I handle some parts of the kitchen remodel myself and hire a contractor for the rest?

  • How much time does a DIY kitchen remodel typically take versus a professional remodel?

  • How do I ensure quality and durability if I decide to remodel my kitchen on my own?

What Type of Contractor Do I Need for a Remodel?

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It seems like there are million different kinds of home improvement contractors. There are general contractors, subcontractors, trade contractors, remodeling contractors, plumbing contractors, painting contractors, tile contractors, etc., etc. You get what I’m saying. 

The task of sorting through the industry jargon and figuring out which type of contractor you need for your project can be frustrating for new and veteran homeowners alike. What does it all mean? Who does what? And, who do you need to hire for your project?

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

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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.

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

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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.

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