FAQs

Yes, we are fully insured and licensed in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

1. Always include a contingency of ten to twenty percent for unexpected conditions, especially with older homes
2. Use local comps and city-level Cost vs Value pages when estimating recapture and setting client expectations
3. For resale-focused projects, prioritize modest kitchen updates, bathroom updates, and curb appeal improvements first

Yes Kitchen cost always depends on size, scope of work and how many areas are affected by the remodel and what those cost impacts might be. The average complete kitchen remodeling project typically spreads into other areas and is somewhere between $80k–$160k, depending on scope and finishes.

Yes, if the goal is more targeted refreshing and/or cosmetic updates such as flooring, painting, trim, or minor repairs. $20k won’t fully overhaul an entire home, but can make meaningful improvements.

Our process is designed to provide you with the highest value for your investment, providing the best materials and products that fit your budget, and we don’t compromise on including the highest quality craftsmanship and installation available. We strongly recommend that our clients utilize our long-established relationships with resources, vendors and suppliers in order for us to maintain this standard in your project. Many times, people find a product online that seems to offer a lower price, or added value, only to find that their price doesn’t include all of the elements necessary for installation, or construction quality comparable to mainstream products that would make them equal to the value and price we include in our packages. In rare situations when a product or solution is only available outside our network, we will be happy to undertake research, offer our professional opinion and discuss how that option will affect the cost and value you desire.

Yes. We have our own carpenters on staff that will construct your project from start to finish. One day one you will be assigned a lead carpenter who will be in charge of your project through completion. They will be constructing your project while overseeing all aspects of the construction process-from demolition to finish.

The tradesmen we work with are of the highest quality, workmanship and reliability. In some cases our relationships go back decades. Regardless, all tradesmen will not be onsite without ALC Design supervision.

We will be in communication with you throughout the project by phone, text, email and face-to-face meetings as needed to ensure the expeditious, professional and successful completion of your project.

Yes—especially strategic projects (Adding to your home classification and square footage). But not every dollar invested is recouped; ROI varies by project, quality, and local market conditions.

It is guaranteed. Rather than what might typically be considered an estimate, when we get together to view your proposal package, you will be shown exactly what the project will look like, a written scope of work, a selection schedule that shows every product to be included in the project, and the total cost of the project based on these elements. At this point, the price for your project is guaranteed. You still have every opportunity to change the project and add or delete elements. The original guaranteed price is used as the baseline and we record and set new guaranteed pricing based on the changes you requested. Communication, Expectation, and Documentation are in everything we do!

At the consultation meeting the design build consultant will be able to give you a broad price range on where your project might fall. This is factored by years of experience and your home decor, style and taste. Broad price ranges are especially evident in kitchen and bathroom remodel projects.

The main reason for providing a broad range is because of the numerous different products that are available at various price points. This is why every home and project is very different as the products and materials selected by the homeowner can greatly impact the cost of a job. Keeping this in mind, we will always work with your budget in mind.

Selecting good quality products that are at a fair price but not the least expensive lets us create a package that allows you to get what you want at a price you want to afford. Regardless of the size of your project or budget our pricing format remains the same; Cost for materials plus labor cost and our cost of doing business equates to the total project cost.

The relationships that we have with suppliers and vendors and having the buying power of a very large design, build remodeling company allows us to provide, install and manage many products for you for less then what you could buy on your own.

We are extremely competitive as far as pricing and lead times are concerned. Due to every project being different, we encourage you to give us a call to schedule a consultation with a Designer who can walk you through the individual cost factors of your project. We strive to keep our cost of doing business down in order to offer our clients the best possible value. In addition to that we do everything within our ability to provide you with the best product at the best price available with quality service.

Project time frames vary depending on the specific scope of work. We will give you a rough time line and fine tune as needed as a result of the remodeling effort keeping you updated daily of any changes. Once we start your project we will continue to stay and work on your project until completion. We will work with you to determine what time frame works best for you based on you project specifications.

Our rule of thumb based on our previous clients throughout the years is that our clients typically invest 10–15% more than the original budget based on unexpected issues (older homes especially) and more likely, project creep.

Common options: renovation mortgages (e.g., FHA 203(k) or Fannie/Freddie products), home-equity loans or HELOCs, cash-out refinance, unsecured personal/home improvement loans, and contractor financing. Rates, terms, and qualifications vary compared to those of lenders.

Typically almost, yes, renovating an existing home is usually cheaper than tearing it down, rebuilding or moving. However, it depends on the home’;s condition and what the desired layout and specifications are and whether that fits into the existing property, needs and wants within reason.

Painting is typically a cosmetic renovation (improves condition/appearance). It’s usually classed as a low-cost improvement rather than a structural remodel, but it adds curb appeal and can help others establish a higher value.

1. Complete Kitchen remodel estimated cost range: $80,000 to $160,000 depending on scope and finishes.
2. Complete Family Bathroom remodel estimated cost range: $40,000 to $60,000 depending on scope and finishes.
3. Complete Master Bathroom remodel estimated cost range: $60,000 to $120,000 depending on scope and finishes.
4. Whole house renovation estimated cost range: $300K to $900K depending on scope and finishes depending on scope and finishes.

That answer is totally up to you. Some of our clients only want to meet with one or two companies while others meet with many. It’s important to keep in mind that choosing the right company for you may consist of many different factors, price being a main one. When comparing similar companies (in size and services) most companies are within a few percent of each other when comparing them side by side.

However, it is difficult to do so without having a complete set of conceptuals, floor plans, scope of work and selection schedule. Having this information takes our team of experienced industry specialists weeks to complete and would be all but impossible for to do on your own. This is why we personally feel that relationship, company values, experience and process play a much better gauge of which company will fit you best. Normally you will know right away which company is the best fit for you!

Often, yes, especially if you love the location/character and your home. Older homes can be great investments, but expect surprises (wiring, rot, insulation), budget contingencies, and hire experienced pros familiar with remodeling. New England is a harsh environment with hot summers and cold winters. Unfortunately, our homes start decaying as soon as they are complete and require consistent attention and when it does not receive that, like so many in the area don’t, it leads to extensive repairs. Don’t be afraid of needed repairs as almost all homes need some, new and old.

An in-person consultation where we discuss the potential project needs, wants, wishes and budget from which we can form a design. This includes 3D renderings of the new proposed space, complete scope of work of what we are doing and not doing, a complete list of every selection included in the proposed scope of work and what the total project cost would be if you don’t change anything. Best part…this all done with your budget in mind! So now you know what it looks like, what is being done, what the products are included and what it will cost. Now you can start fine tuning your project!

Design/Build brings the design and contracting services together in a single, integrated process.

During the Design Phase, our team will design your project, meaning:

• We will discuss your dreams and wishes.
• We will discuss your budget, needs and wants to define the priorities and objectives of your project.
• We take measurements and photograph your entire home inside and out, so we know as much as possible about your home and can predict as many potential problems ahead of time as possible.
• We will create a conceptual design in conjunction with your budget.
• When we present the design for your project, we don’t just show you what the layout will be, Our design presentation will provide you with a complete insight on your project, through the selection of every item in the entire project and detailed 3D images so you can easily visualize the finished project, even feel what it will be like to inhabit the new spaces before we start remodeling. With everything laid out, guaranteed pricing will also be provided to the penny within a budget.
• You will be able to go through the entire project and make decisions based on the design, form, function, selections and cost.

During the Build Phase, our team will undertake the construction of your project, meaning:

• We will create the detailed plan of construction for the necessary work.
• We will source and provide the specified materials required for the agreed upon scope of work.
• Our carpenters will undertake the plan of construction noted above.
• We will source and provide the required skilled trades people and installers necessary to fulfill the plan of construction.
  We will adjust and change the plan of construction within the agreed scope of work to facilitate the successful completion of the project.

With a Design/Build approach, you do not hire us to design your project, and you do not hire us to build your project, you are hiring us to help you design and build your project.

This consolidated process allows those two phases to overlap, even co-exist and ultimately, interact. This eliminates the chance that you could complete the design process with plans that have significant construction or budget issues. With everyone working as a team at the outset, surprises and issues are minimized. Our designers communicate with our contractors throughout the design process to bring you a project you love, within your budget needs, while also meeting our high building standards. Our contractors communicate with our designers throughout the building process to ensure that any city required changes or items that are adjusted during construction adhere to your desired conceptual design. The same team that is helping you through the design process will be with you through the construction. That is how we can guarantee the price point and meet your expectations throughout the project, from concept to culmination!

Total home remodeling projects vary from home to home and are driven by size of home and condition of home and scope of work which can vary immensely from home to home. Typically, in our area a project like this would go from 300k-900k.

Typically, Additions and complete home remodels, kitchens and bathrooms and major system upgrades are the costliest. Most projects have lots of selections with countless price points, making ranges for all projects quite wide and driven by the individual perspective on value per selection.

Projects commonly cited as highest ROI are typically projects that change the classification of your home and thus are compared to different properties than you would prior to remodeling. For example…. changing your home from a three-bedroom, two- bath home to a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home.

You will get the best value with us. “Price shopping” is risky because not all remodeling companies price out jobs the same way. We partner with you to combine your priorities and desires with our expertise in design, craftsmanship, and with our project management system that controls costs without sacrificing quality.

We constantly work to develop methods to provide better services and value without increasing our over head and/or cost of doing business so we can stand tall as the best value in the area and offer our services to everyone!