1. How do we get started?
Either call us or click on the contact us link at this site. We’ll ask you a few questions to better understand the scope of your project, your budget, timeframe, the location, as well as personal information about you, our potential client. We will follow up that initial contact with a phone call to set up an appointment for a project visit, where we will determine who else in our subcontract team will need to look at the project as well. Then our estimator will plan to revisit the site with the subcontractors that we need to take a look at the work, and finally an estimate will be put together. At each step of the way we will be in contact with you to discuss things that we need from you, decisions on finishes, fixtures, flooring, etc. This process often takes several weeks or even months on larger projects from the first point of contact until the project gets started, so it’s never too early to start planning.

2. Do I need a set of plans?
We can work with a set of plans if you already have them, or we can work with you to develop a set of plans through Prairie Craftsmen, Inc. We have also worked with professional architects or interior decorators hired by our clients to come up with the final designs.

3. Is there a charge for the estimates?
There is no charge for estimates, we will sometimes charge for design services if the customer wants to buy the plans that we made to take with them for future use if Prairie Craftsmen, Inc. doesn’t end up doing the work.

4. Do I need a permit?
In most cases, a permit is required, but it depends on the type of work being done, and what city/ municipality it is being done in. Prairie Craftsmen will take care of obtaining necessary permits, as well as scheduling inspections when they are needed.

5. Who coordinates all of the subcontractors for my job?
Prairie Craftsmen, Inc. is a full service remodeling company. That means that we take care of hiring the subcontractors required for the job, and we handle scheduling those subcontractors to work within and around our schedule. Often our clients might hire a sub or two of their own (carpet or security) and we will work to schedule those subcontractors as well even if they are not hired directly by us.

6. How long will it take?
Of course, this depends on the size and scope of the project. On some small bathroom remodels we may only be in the house for a couple of weeks, on whole house renovations or additions it’s not uncommon for us to be at the house for 3 to 6 months. Please make sure you make us aware of any special needs or deadlines that you want us to work within, and we will do our best to meet those needs.

7. How much disruption in my home should I expect?
At Prairie Craftsmen, Inc. we understand that when doing remodeling we are working in someone’s home, which in most cases is occupied at the time that we are doing our work. When possible we will isolate the work area with plastic dust protection, will set up temporary facilities for washing or cooking if possible, we clean the jobsite regularly and overall just respect your home as if it were our own. Disruption to your daily lives is inevitable, but we try and minimize the disruptions as much as we can.

8. What hours do you work?
Our normal hours at the jobsite will be from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please talk to us if special arrangements are needed due to another circumstance (working night shift, elderly parents in the house)

9. I work during the day, and I do not want to leave my house unlocked for you to come and go, how do you handle that?
Prairie Craftsmen will ask you for a key to one entry door at the house, and we control that entry and who comes and goes on a daily basis. The security of your home and its contents are of utmost importance to us as well as our clients.

10. Who handles the trash/debris generated from the job?
Prairie Craftsmen, Inc. will haul away debris from the site. On the more sizable projects, that usually will mean placing a 6 yard dumpster on the site during the duration of the project. We will work with our client to determine the best place to set the dumpster to be the least intrusive to their day to day lives.

11. How many of your workers will be at my job?
In most cases due to the nature of our work and the small spaces we often work in, we man our jobs with a 1 or 2 man crew. You will be introduced to the lead carpenter for your job on the first day of the project, and he will follow it from start to finish. He will also schedule subcontractors as well as additional manpower when the project requires it.

12. What if I have a question about my project as it’s going on?
The lead carpenter on the job will be your source for regular communications during the project. He will keep you notified as to the status of the project, what phase of the project is next and who will be coming to perform that work. If he cannot answer your question directly, he can refer you to someone at our office who will.