FAQ

WHAT IS A DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTOR?

As you decide to remodel your home, you may hire an architect or designer to help you create your dream home or space and then hire a general contractor to bring your dream to life. Trapp Construction & Remodeling, LLC offers the best of both worlds by combining the design and the build process. Our in-house design team will unify your concept and visual layout under one roof.

Our team can help you handle every step of the remodeling process, from the initial concept to the final project completion.

WHAT TYPES OF INSURANCE SHOULD A GENERAL CONTRACTOR CARRY?

Contractors should carry at least three types of insurance:

1. South Carolina state builder's license

2. Worker's Compensation

3. Comprehensive General Liability Insurance

Trapp Construction & Remodeling, LLC has the three types of insurances listed above and we are also bonded.

WHAT TYPE OF HOMEOWNER ARE YOU?

Do you fall into the category of a seller or long-term homeowner?

People who plan to stay in their home for many years often have different priorities than people who plan to sell soon or near future.

The best and ideal situation is to make your long-term plan, then formulate your remodeling goals.

Note: If you plan to flip the house to sell, then we may not be a good fit for you as we do not use builder grade materials because we are a custom builder and remodeler.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RENOVATION VS. REMODEL?

Renovation involves updating the look of the home while maintaining its existing layout and structure.

Renovating entails refreshing or restoring a project to a like-new state.


Renovation consists of making something old look and feel new, while remodeling consists of making something new out of something old.

A simple refresh of your space with new finishes and fixtures is a renovation. If you're looking to remove a wall or rearrange the floor plan, and incorporate an addition or extra closet or pantry, you're remodeling.

WHAT ARE THE 5 STAGES OF REMODELING?

1. Planning - Be organized when you begin a remodeling project or home addition.

2. Budgeting - Know how you plan to pay for your project. Will you secure financing through a bank or mortgage company or will you be solely funding and responsible for cost of project? Always plan a buffer for incidentals along the way.

3. Demolition

4. Construction

5. Cleanup

WHAT IS THE TYPICAL TIMELINE OF A REMODELING PROJECT?

Week 1-2 - Site preparation and demolition
Week 2-3 - Rough work (plumbing and electrical)
Week 4-5 - Drywalling and finishes
Week 6-7 - Interior trim and cabinetry
Week 8-9 - Trim out, lighting, and fixtures
Week 10-12 - Flooring, final finishes, and cleaning

Note: This is merely a tentative and fluid outline of an ideal project, please keep in mind that your project is unique and may require more time in some of the stages due to unforeseen events, such as weather conditions, material availability, delivery times, and change orders.

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE REMODELING?

There are several items to consider while you take account of the before and after points of any remodeling and/or renovation project. For example, what are your ultimate goals for this project? 

• The functionality goals for the space

• Understanding that during this process, your home or space will be a construction zone and it will produce lots of dust until the final clean. If you or a family member has allergies or suffers from any respiratory illness, you should make other living arrangements during this time.

• Do you have pets and will they be contained during process? If they are sensitive to the noise, strangers, and dust, you should consider alternatives for them, as well. 

• Your aesthetic preferences and goals

• Your family's needs and preferences of those in the space

• Your budget for the remodeling and/or renovation

• Your expectations for returns on investment (ROI)

• Will you be adding square footage to your space?

• Your flexibility with regard to time and schedule?

• Your idea of the remodeling and/or renovation timeline

• Do you have a place to store your furniture and personal items during construction?

• Do you have room to store materials (wood, flooring, windows, appliances, etc.) for the project, if needed?

• Will your home be accessible throughout the day Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., or later, if needed? Weekends? 

• Do you plan to live on-site while the construction is going on? Note: We will discuss your options during our meeting. Sometimes, it's best to not be in the home during some of the construction in spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.

• How is your remodel going to affect your personal time, schedule, and space constraints?

WHICH HOME IMPROVEMENTS ADD THE MOST VALUE?

Planning and identifying which upgrades can help increase your home's value for when the time to sell inevitably arrives depends on the type of house you own, the neighborhood you live in, and to whom you are selling the home. Overall, the list below can add a significant amount of aesthetic, functional, and financial value to your home.

• Upgrades that add physical square footage to the home

• Renovations for an open layout floor plan

• Exterior remodels that enhance your home's curb appeal

• Full kitchen remodels using hiqh-quality materials, functional, and spacious layouts

• Kitchen renovations with new cabinetry, countertops, hardware, and fixtures

• A bathroom renovation with new fixtures, cabinetry, and countertops

• Upgrades which will increase and improve the efficiency and functionality of your home. 

• Upgrades such as a new roof, siding, or revamped entryway that reduce maintenance issues

• Installing hardwood floors or refinishing existing hardwood flooring

• Renovation projects that improve lighting and lighting fixtures

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO START A HOME REMODELING PROJECT?

• This depends on many factors unique to your budget, lifestyle, and schedule.

• Will you be living in the home or do you have other living arrangements for the duration of the project?

• During your initial consultation, we will be happy to discuss and answer any questions and consider the timeline of your project before moving forward.

HOW DO I START THE REMODELING PROCESS?

• Whether it's a full-scale kitchen remodel or a simple bathroom revamp, the first step to remodeling any part of your home is research. Take the time to look around, identify and note any functional problems and design issues you'd like to address and change. Take some photos to share with us. Email those to info@trappcon.com

• When you find any design or function inspirations, make a note of them, as well to share with us. Our Design-Build team can help you solidify your vision and take all preferences and requirements into account while helping you achieve your dream. We can help with finding the best materials for your space and customize construction to accommodate optimal use of your home. 

HOW LONG WILL MY REMODEL TAKE?

Each remodeling project is as unique as each client's vision for their home's needs vary. During your consultation with our Design-Build team, we will provide you with a timeline for both the design and construction stages. We will also define and refine the details of your project as the process progresses.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I BUDGET FOR HOME REMODELING?

The budget for your home remodel largely depends on the type and scope of the project, cost of materials, and labor costs, among additional factors. Sometimes and more often than not, there are other costs associated with the remodel if there are other items that need attention or replacement once the project begins, and things are uncovered.

If you plan to finance the project through a home equity line of credit or loan, please do not begin demolishing anything because most lenders will want to appraise the value of your home before assigning a credit or loan amount.

Also, most lenders will require design plans to evaluate the extent and scope of the work.

DOES MY HOA NEED TO BE NOTIFIED?

Yes. HOAs provide architectural and aesthetic standards. HOAs may restrict the appearance of homes and properties, such as specifying colors for paint or roofing materials, and limiting the type of exterior alterations that can be made to a property, including landscaping and outdoor living spaces.

HOA's (Home Owners Associations) have strict guidelines that require approval before starting a project. We, as your contractor, will submit design plans and any other pertinent items they need to review prior to starting the project.

WILL I NEED A PERMIT FOR THE REMODELING WORK?

Yes, most cities and counties will require permitting, especially if the remodel involves the structure, foundation, electrical, and plumbing. We will arrange to submit and acquire the permits as your contractor.

DO YOU BUILD HOMES?

Yes, we build custom homes on your property.

WHAT IS YOUR PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT?

Due to the varied variables affecting cost when designing and building a home, we do not have a set price per square foot. Your desired home is unique in every aspect, therefore, your property, choices of design, and materials throughout will ultimately dictate cost.