FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We can provide a free estimate with a budget range over the phone based on our conversation and if you have any photos you can send us. Our in-home consultations start at $100 and are credited back to you if you choose to work with us on your project within 30 days of the consultation.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Our Process We have all heard the horror stories of home renovations taking twice as long and costing twice as much as planned, but with a little forethought, a bit of research, good planning, and some help from us, you will be well on your way to dream Kitchen or Bathroom! So, let’s get started! As mentioned earlier we use a 4 step or 4 phase process to help guide our homeowners through the remodel process. Planning Phase: This is the information gathering phase. You want to stay organized throughout this process as you prepare for your first Design Consultation. Creating a vision board where you can place pictures and ideas of what you want the new space to look like. This will help the design team to pull in as many elements as possible to create your dream space. During this stage you will also need to consider things like: How will you finance the project? If you are borrowing, have you checked your allowances and requirements with your bank or finance company? Do you need to set aside separate budgets for associated costs, such as possible alternative accommodation and insurance? Will you be staying in the house during the construction phase, or will you find other accommodations? If you are remodeling your kitchen, what will you do for meals? Where will you store your furniture and other items? Design Phase: The first time we meet in person we want to establish a personal relationship with you, as well as start putting together your project plan. It is important that everyone involved in make decisions for the project is present during the consultation. This is the best time for everyone to voice any of their thoughts, expectations, and concerns. Most of the time we can address, work through and iron out any needed changes or possible issues during this time. The goal here is for us to understand what your expectations are and to communicate what you can expect from us throughout your project. We will go over (1) any details about your project we were not able to see in the pictures or vision board, (2) discuss any potential changes or areas of concerns, and (3) talk about the design phase in more detail. At the end of the consultation our goal is to provide you with enough trust in us and our process that you are ready to move forward into the Design Phase. After the initial Design Consultation, we will begin working on two or three design layouts based on the measurements and what we discussed during the consultation. The purpose of developing multiple concepts is to provide different options to find the best layout and design to fit your needs and desires. We will adjust any areas of the layout to fit your needs and vision. The concepts phase shouldn’t take more than two meetings and revisions. Keep in mind that the layout and 3D renderings are to provide you with a visual aid to help you envision what the final project may look like but are not an exact representation of the final project. In the meantime, comes the fun part, shopping! While we work on the layouts and putting together the basic design it is your job to pick out everything that will go into your project. But don’t worry, we will not leave you during the process. We will help guide you by scheduling meeting times to meet at our preferred vendors to pick out the selections, to bring samples home so you can view your lighting and choose the right one finishes. The goal is to have everything from the cabinets, countertops, plumbing and light fixtures, flooring, to paint colors picked out. Once the layout and the selections are made, we will finalize the cost of your project and the construction plan. This will include the layout, 3D renderings, a full scope of work, the selections, and a payment schedule. We will go over the plan together and iron out any final details and go over the construction contract and documents during the final Design Meeting. Preconstruction Phase: The Preconstruction Phase is one of anticipation and excitement for the homeowner as we are working hard behind the scene pulling the needed permits, gathering the materials, scheduling the work to be done, and finalizing the any remaining gaps in the plan. If your neighbor has an HOA, we will reach out to them for the proper approval for your project if needed. This is common for all exterior work, however, is not necessary for interior work. Once we have the necessary permits, HOA approval, materials ordered, and delivery dates locked we will start the scheduling process. This involves reaching out to our trade professionals to secure time on their schedule. After everything is scheduled and ready to go we will contact you to verify the start date. Construction Phase: Now we go to work to turn your vision, ideas, designs, and selections into reality. Depending on the scope of work the project time may vary, but it is our goal and focus to complete your project on time and at the highest quality possible. No shortcuts! You will have a Project Manager as your one source of contact to keep you informed and up to date on the progress of your project. You will also be able to log into your project in our online project management software to see the progress, photos, daily logs, and to communicate with us throughout your project. All with the goal of a smooth, timely, and stress-free project we can all be proud of.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
Our History Let me introduce myself and our company to you a little. In 1996 I began my construction career working for my father specializing in the installation of high-end door and bath hardware. We worked in houses ranging from $500,000 to over $6,000,000. This is where I learned that attention to detail is the mark of a good craftsman. I have over 20 years of experience in residential construction and have been privileged to work with great general contractors over the years, with whom I still have good friendships. In 2015 I decided to go out on my own and established Carolina Wood Customs. In February of 2020 we became Carolina Wood Customs & Remodeling, LLC., and became licensed as a General Contractor in 2021. We changed our name in January of 2024 to Carolina Dream Kitchen & Baths, LLC to focus more on our passion and to give our customers a better experience.