FAQ - Semper Fi Custom Remodeling

Q: How long does the Pre-Construction process take?

Being a fixed cost contractor, plans require a substantial amount of planning and detail on the frontend. From experience, we know it’s worth proper detailed planning for a bottom line cost you can trust. If design, engineering, and/or geotech is needed, you can expect to add at least 2 months to the Pre-Construction process.

Q: Do you have a designer on staff?

Not only do we have in-house designers, we also work with several other very talented local designers who we match our clients with based on personality and job scope. These designers can work directly with you to get the proper considerations in place so we can estimate an accurate scope of work.

Q: We are acting as our own General Contractor; how much do you charge for that?

Our business isn’t structured for this model. We are a General Contractor and we have Project Managers that are there to see the project from start to finish. Should you want to act as your own General Contractor, we would be happy to refer you to other local contractors that may be open to that process.

Q: How much will it cost? What is the price per square foot?

Project pricing varies depending on complexity, scale, level of finish, and more. The more elaborate a build, the more expensive it usually costs per square foot. Typically, remodeling costs can vary from about $200/square foot to $500+/ square foot.

Q: Is there a cost for change orders?

We reserve the right to charge a $300 change order fee, or 1% of total change order, whichever is greater. This is to account for the research, procurement, and scheduling of any changes.

▸I have never remodeled before. What are the next steps?

First, you will have an introductory call with the Project Development Director. Next, they will physically view the property and evaluate the project scope. Should your project require either a Selections Coordinator or designer, the following step would be to schedule a meeting with them. Then, the estimate is completed and you will meet with us for a proposal presentation. Lastly, you will meet with your Project Manager 1-2 months prior to your start date to walk through the project.

▸Can you send someone out to give me an estimate?

We have a proven business model we adhere to. Your first interaction with Semper Fi’s team will be via a phone call. It’s important everyone agrees that our company is the right fit for your remodel needs. We’ll work with you to evaluate the timeline, budget, and scope by learning exactly what you want to accomplish. Following this preliminary communication, the Project Development Director will schedule a time to visit your home and gather the remaining information. They will then provide you with a ballpark figure. Based on the ballpark, if it makes sense to move into the proposal phase, next you’ll receive our detailed upfront cost proposal. On many occasions, this will require design efforts. We are happy to work with any existing plans you may have. We are also prepared to recommend designers with whom we regularly work with.

▸Do you charge for an estimate?

We provide a ballpark figure to help you decide whether you’d like to move forward with our team. We are incentivized to be as accurate as possible on these estimations. If we are off by 15%-20% (depending on project size), your estimate is free of charge. If we prepare a ballpark number and you decide to move forward with the detailed estimate, the bottom line is accurate, and you don’t decide to work with us, there is a cost. This compensation includes 1) time spent accurately developing your project, and 2) creating your project proposal binder which features your estimate. If you do any amount of the work with us, there is no charge for the proposal binder.

▸How long does the Pre-Construction process take?

▸Do you have a designer on staff?

▸Do you sub everything out?

We do not. We have a group of in-house expert carpenters that can do a lot of the work. However, when it comes to specialty work like plumbing, HVAC, tile setting, electrical, insulation, and flooring, we bring in professionals with specific knowledge of that discipline. We have developed relationships with certain subs and trades over the years and use only the ones that complete jobs to our high standards.

▸We are acting as our own General Contractor; how much do you charge for that?

▸How much will it cost? What is the price per square foot?

▸What is the difference between Fixed Cost and Cost Plus pricing?

We call fixed price upfront pricing because the method drives us to be as detailed as possible on the front end and get you an all-in price before we start your project. We like this model because if the budget doesn’t fit the scope, then we can tailor the scope back on the front end to fit your budget. This gives you the ability to make sound financial decisions. Cost plus on the other hand can sometimes be presented as a best-case scenario and can lead to costs piling up after the start which can limit your options. Click here to read our Blog about this topic!

▸Is there a cost for change orders?

▸I already have the materials, can or should I buy stuff myself?

It is recommended that you do not purchase materials, appliances, fixtures, etc yourself. However, you can. Semper Fi gets builder discounts with several vendors and we pass the savings on to our clients. Additionally, our vendors are apprised, as much as possible, on lead times and can get items ordered on schedule for their install dates. Lastly, we check each selection to ensure it will fit with the design, the specs, and is the most cost effective to implement.

▸How long do I have to pay my invoice?

▸How long will the project last?

▸Can I work in phases?

You certainly can phase projects. However, this typically runs 10%-15% more expensive. A few reasons for this include, hiring multiple trades who must visit numerous times for jobs they could have completed in 1-2 trips, and having to pull permits for each phase of your remodels. Semper Fi understands that everybody has different situations and if possible, can discuss how to phase projects effectively while not breaking the bank.

▸Should I expect any delays during the project?

▸What are common delays in the remodeling process?

Currently, due to worldwide supply chain issues material availability and lead times are disrupted. However, our model provides ample time to solve lead times and ensure we order items well in advance. Other common causes for delays are situations that can’t be identified until work begins, including termite damage, water rot, code violations, asbestos, and structural problems. Changes to scope of work and subcontractor availability also can lead to delays. The more carefully we plan upfront, the better prepared we are to mitigate and resolve any unforeseen instances.

▸How do changes impact scheduling?

▸What types of things do I need to coordinate?

We take care of most of it, but you will have a few responsibilities. These include: maintain homeowners’ insurance, the need for potential alternative sites for the use of the kitchen, bathrooms, internet, laundry, and cable should your project require shutting down those services, and coordinating movement of any furniture. You will also need to provide us with entry to your home or gated community. If you are in an HOA, we expect you to have spoken to them about the project you are proposing. We will need approval before beginning any work.

▸How long will plumbing or electrical be out?

▸Can we live in the home during construction?

In most remodels involving kitchens and bathrooms, living at home will be inconvenient. With bathroom remodels it depends on if you’re remodeling one bathroom or all your bathrooms. Additional considerations include, laborers showing up in the morning and creating noise and debris, parking issues, material staging, etc. We highly recommend living elsewhere during the remodel. However, we have the ability to adapt to your situation.