Premier Home Remodeling Services in Ohio

Frequently Asked Questions

Home Remodeling Questions

What is a general contractor?

A general contractor is the person responsible for providing all of the material, labor, equipment (such as engineering, vehicles, and tools) and services necessary for the construction of the project. A general contractor often hires specialized subcontractors to perform all or portions of the construction work. 

Design build is the method of project delivery we use. It means that Home Sweet Home, solely as one entity, works under a single contract with the home/business owner to provide design and construction services. One entity, one contract, one unified flow of work from initial concept through completion. This means our clients have clear communication, efficiency and consistent information throughout the project. It is a completely turnkey process for the owner from idea to finished reality!

The words “renovate”, and “remodel” are often used interchangeably. A renovation refers to restoring something to a previous state, while a remodel refers to creating something new. For the modern conveniences needed in home and business life today, you are likely undergoing a remodeling project. However, we have deep experience working on historical, century or multi-century old properties, and can preserve their integrity.

Home remodeling is performed on a year-round basis. The only seasonal affects we manage are:  

  • foundation concrete/masonry work would ideally be done when the earth is not frozen (January /February) 
  • removing the roof is beneficial to do the work when there is less rain and snow, which means summer and fall 
  • being without a place to cook during a kitchen remodel can mean scheduling at a time when homeowners can use their outdoor gas grill to cook their meals 

Finally, serious weather conditions might slow work progress, but are manageable despite schedule setbacks.

Project timelines depend on the complexity and scale of the work. Smaller renovations can take a few weeks, while larger remodels or additions may span several months. We provide a detailed schedule before starting and keep you informed every step of the way.

If you’re unsure whether to opt for a remodel or just a repair, consider the scope and underlying issues. Repairs are typically focused on fixing specific problems, such as a leaking roof or faulty plumbing. However, if you’re dealing with outdated or inefficient layouts, space constraints, or if your home no longer suits your lifestyle, a remodel might be the right solution. It’s best to consult with a professional like us to assess your needs and provide expert guidance on whether a remodel or repair is most appropriate for your situation.

During your consultation, we evaluate your home’s structure, available space, and local building codes to determine what’s feasible. Most properties can accommodate an addition, but we’ll help you understand the best options for your specific situation.

Yes, all custom-built additions require permits, which we handle for you. The permitting process can vary depending on your local zoning laws and the scope of the addition, but we take care of all the necessary paperwork to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations. We’ll also coordinate with the appropriate authorities and inspectors to make sure that the project meets all safety standards. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible, so you can focus on the exciting parts of the project, like design and material selection, while we take care of the technical details.

You can expect clear communication, organized project management, and a clean, respectful work environment. We prioritize minimizing disruption and keeping you informed throughout the construction process.

FAQs about Home Sweet Home Remodeling

Where are you located and what areas do you serve?

Our home base is Norton, Ohio. We serve the entire northeast Ohio region, including Summit, Media, Wayne, Portage, Stark and parts of Geauga and Cuyahoga County. We have a very specific area we serve because we want to make sure we can manage your project with a high level of customer service and attention.

We listen to home and business owners about their needs and make it a reality. We do 3D design renderings of every project, secure all permits and blueprints, manage crews, and complete all construction. Some of our most frequent projects are: 

  • Kitchen remodeling 
  • Bathroom remodeling 
  • Home additions 
  • Historic home renovations 
  • New home construction 
  • Commercial remodeling 
  • Commercial buildouts 
  • Structural remediation 
  • Minimum property standard achievement

What sets Home Sweet Home Remodeling apart is our genuine commitment to making your remodeling experience effortless and enjoyable. With over 25 years of experience, we listen closely to your needs and design solutions that truly reflect your lifestyle. Proud to hold a BBB A+ rating, we’re the trusted choice for Ohio homeowners who want dependable, quality work. Let’s work together to make your home the best it can be—after all, there’s no place like home!

Yes, Home Sweet Home Remodeling is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We adhere to all local regulations and industry standards to ensure your project is completed safely and professionally.

All of our new construction is completely custom. Your home should reflect your personality and lifestyle. Through a conversation with the homeowners, Home Sweet Home designs plans and renderings for any style: ranch, cape, colonial,… To help guide the process, we will use visual plans, photographs, and of course our lifelike renderings. While there are no templates to pick from, you will certainly know what you are getting – and it will meet all of your needs! 

We are available Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm and Saturday from 8:00am – 1:00pm. If a consultation needs to take place outside of regular business hours we can make adjustments. Also, depending on the remodeling job, in-home work hours may vary.

Ric Sir Louis will manage your project personally. He serves and the general contractor on all jobs, and accepts a modest number of projects (less than 5) at any time in order to ensure you get the level of attention and service you deserve. He will be available to answer any questions you have and will be onsite weekly if not more.

All of our craftsmen are appropriately licensed and insured. We want to make sure that you are totally comfortable with our employees. Each and every craftsman we employ upholds our values of honesty, integrity, quality and courtesy. Additionally, no one is allowed to smoke on the job site or take care of personal business during work hours.

We want our clients to feel happy and comfortable in their home or business. While we leave the choice of colors, materials, and overall design up to you, our on-staff interior designer is available to assist with selections if you’d like. You’re also welcome to make those decisions on your own if you prefer.

We are required; if a contractor asks a homeowner to do a “Homeowner Permit” it is because the contractor is dishonest.  

Permit fee varies based on county jurisdiction.

Yes, we can! Visit our testimonials. You may also want to check third party reviews on websites such as GoogleHouzzBetter Business Bureau and Facebook

FAQs about budget

Can you provide upfront pricing?

Yes, we can! We believe in clear and straightforward pricing. Instead of a detailed line-by-line breakdown, we provide a comprehensive scope of work and all-inclusive project cost. Once agreed upon, that price is fixed. We also aim to avoid using “allowances”, and if the homeowner is willing to invest the time to complete their selections during the design phase, we can offer a “Fixed Price Quote”, so you’ll know exactly what’s included from the very beginning.

We have more than thirty years of experience and work with the best trade professionals around, so you can be confident we are giving you numbers based in reality and experience.  

When you work with us, we start with a phone/video conference planning meeting to understand your project and answer all your questions.  We will confirm if your budget aligns with the scope of work you’d like to do. It is not necessary for us to visit your property and submit an estimate (like a roofer or plumber might.) 

Next, if you feel we are a good fit, we will begin our design build stages.

Before accepting the project, we will have an open, honest conversation with you about if your remodeling dreams are aligned with your budget. We will tell you how to scale back, or warn you that you are going to exceed your stated budget. It’s very normal not to know what a realistic budget should be for your project. Let’s talk and we can help you get a better idea of the money you should set aside. You can also see our cost vs. value resource sheet

Leading publications and associations have published many articles on the topic of remodeling professionals. The key message is always consistent – work with a company who you are comfortable with. Judging service, craftsmanship and comfort are imperative. Our team will be in your home on a daily basis and doing a once-in-a-lifetime project. You need to completely trust the quality and service you are receiving.  This is a feeling you don’t achieve when comparing a few estimate papers. Experience, credentials, and reputation matter.

Home Sweet Home accepts cash, checks, home equity checks and money orders. We do not offer credit card payments because we believe it a disservice to our clients to have to pay additional service fees. Other payment types allows us to keep our prices direct without service charges. If you need help with financing or understanding bank options, we have worked with several and can help find the best option for your project.

Yes – we have a 1-year warranty on all of our labor. Your materials will be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. We only work with materials we trust.

FAQs about the design process

How do I know what I’m getting?

We utilize sophisticated, three-dimensional architectural software that produces detailed renderings. Quite honestly, more refined than any other company in Ohio. This allows you to “see” the finished project before we start. We often hear from clients that once a project is finished, they feel like they have already been in the room.

It will depend upon the scope of work. You will be instructed as to what exact steps you need to take throughout the process. But, generally speaking, you’ll want to clear out the area being worked on of all your personal belongings that can be removed easily.

That depends on the scope of the project and your comfort level. Some projects will require the family to live elsewhere temporarily (removing the top of a home, turning off plumbing, etc.) Even if you can live on-site during a remodel you will be inconvenienced – seeing dust/debris, workers going in and out, and hearing loud noises. You may be without bathroom or kitchen facilities and may need to make alternate arrangements for those necessities.

We recommend that you remove everything possible – especially your most important possessions. We cover floors with either rosin paper and block off the areas surrounding the construction area with heavy gauge plastic sheets. We also cover furniture in the surrounding area to protect it as much as possible. Screens are placed over heating and cooling vents in homes with forced air heat. Still, fine dust will migrate to the farthest reaches of the home. Although we take extreme precautions to protect your belongings, dust flies!

When we visit you for the measurements after the job is awarded, we will give you a schedule we can be held accountable for. Our owner will communicate the status of your job regularly. Our goal is to answer your questions before you have to ask them.

We have never left a job unfinished! It is devastating for a homeowner! We have finished several unfinished jobs that were abandoned by others…you would be surprised at the company names! This is why consumer advocacy organizations remind you to hire someone you feel you can trust, rather than looking at the price tag alone. In the remodeling process you will have to get along and compromise. We know there is stress and anxiety and we do our best to keep the project on track and the homeowner informed.

When possible, we will salvage quality materials to donate to businesses such as Habitat for Humanity. Sometimes in historical renovations we go to great lengths to reuse antique components.