Frequently Asked Questions

Are you fully licensed and insured?

Yes. Every member of Lewis Design Build is appropriately licensed in California. We carry workers comp and liability insurance policies that will protect you from risk in the event of an accident.

You should only work with insured contractors and should verify their coverage before you begin your home remodeling project. Lewis Design Build will be happy to provide you with proof of coverage before we begin work.

How Much Will My Remodel Cost?

The Lewis Design Build Remodel Pricing Guides provide guidance and understanding for those considering a new remodeling project. Based on our years of experience and regional remodeling project estimations, our pricing guides provide a range of kitchen, bathroom, and additions remodel pricing, setting basic financial expectation as you begin the project planning process. Please take a moment to download our guides.

Which areas do you serve?

We work with homeowners who live in Aptos, Capitola, Ben Lomond, Felton, Live Oak, Pasatiempo, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and Soquel. We have more than a decade of experience in these locations and have a unique understanding of the most common challenges encountered in these homes.

Do you guarantee your work?

Yes. We offer a limited warranty on all labor and materials for one year following the completion of work.

Is the first estimate free?

Yes. Smart homeowners shop around to compare costs and services before they choose a home remodeling professional. Lewis Design Build would be thrilled to meet with you and help you get a sense of the cost and work required to create your perfect space, all at no charge to you.

Will the proposal be broken down by each individual item?

Technically we do not give an item by item breakdown because all remodeling projects have many individual variables. These variables are often affected by the choices you will make along the way. We find it makes sense to help our clients assess the value of various design options and discuss how they impact the budget rather than looking at costs on an item basis. This type of back and forth dialogue allows our clients the highest amount of control over cost.

Will you stay within my budget?

Every remodeling project has different costs, and it is vital to set a realistic budget from the start. Most people do not know the cost of renovating a home and don’t know how much to plan for. Our designers have extensive experience helping clients create the home they imagine by offering creative solutions and value-driven ideas that align with the budget they have. We promise to be honest and transparent about all costs throughout your project.

How long will it take to complete my home remodel or home remodeling project?

Every job is quite unique, so timing is based on the final scope of work. As a general rule:

  • Room additions take a minimum of 120 working days
  • Kitchens take 60 – 90 working days
  • Bathrooms take 35 – 65 working days
  • Total home renovations take 125 – 150 working days
Can I provide the materials for the remodel?

Our policy is to only use products we purchase through our vendors. This allows us to better manage delivery times and receive personalized support for unusual installations. We partner with trusted suppliers and local showrooms to offer you a selection of high-quality materials and decorative finishes. We are confident that you will be more than pleased with the variety of options available through Lewis Design Build.

Will you create a schedule for my project?

Yes. We will provide you with a schedule at the start of the project and will keep you updated as we go along. Remodeling a home is disruptive to your life and we want to make the process as quick and painless as possible. You can log in to your client portal at any time, making it easy to plan around construction.

What if I need to make adjustments to my remodeling plans after the project starts?

If you need extra work or want to change a part of the original plans, we will process the additional cost through a charge order. All charge orders are posted in your client portal and can be signed digitally for your convenience. By using our client portal to track your project, you will always have an up-to-date status and can easily manage your costs.

If I (we) have trouble making choices will you help?

Yes. Every remodeling project we undertake requires making choices from the largest design considerations to the smallest details. It can feel overwhelming. As a way to help you through the process, Lewis Design Build will ensure that you always have access to your design professional for any assistance needed

Can I live in my home during the remodel?

This depends on the extent of your project and your tolerance for the disruption caused by construction. Our team members will do their best to minimize the impact on your daily routine. Many of our clients live in their homes for the duration of the remodel. We always discuss your specific situation to help you decide what living arrangement will work best for you.

How do I know who will be in my home?

We understand that having workmen in your home can be unnerving. We want you to feel comfortable with the craftsman who work on your project. That’s why every member of the Lewis Design Build team is licensed in the State of California and personally chosen by Jared Lewis. We promise respect, honesty, and integrity to every homeowner we serve.

How will you keep the other areas in my home clean during construction?

Home remodeling creates a lot of dirt and dust that can be unsightly and unhealthy for your family. Rest assured that we will do everything we can to limit the mess. We use plastic barriers and drop cloths around the work area to contain debris. We cover all vents and registers to keep dust out of your HVAC system. We may also use negative draft methods to reduce the spread of construction dust to other parts of your home.

How do I know what building permits I need and where do I get them?

We serve homeowners in Aptos, Capitola, Ben Lomond, Felton, Live Oak, Pasatiempo, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and Soquel. We know the requirements and procedures for getting the proper permits in each of these areas. Our expert team will handle every aspect of the permit process so you don’t have to.

Will Lewis Design Build create the drawings for my project?

Our expert designers use CAD software to draw plans for projects that are within the existing structure of your home.

If your project includes building an addition onto your home, we may partner with our local architects and engineers to draft the drawings for your project and assess any structural concerns.

We will provide you with drawings after you have signed our agreement and made the required down payment. During the initial process, we will meet with you to discuss any revisions to your remodeling plans.

Do you accept credit card payments or have financing?

We accept cash or check payments only. Unfortunately, we do not offer financing and cannot accept credit card payments at this time. By avoiding extra interest and merchant fees, we can keep costs down for all our clients.

Should I budget for extra costs?

Sometimes, unexpected issues come up during construction. Outdated electric wiring, previous work that is not up to code, and rotted framing are some of the most common issues we see. We recommend that you leave room in your budget to cover the added cost of any unpleasant surprises. While unexpected issues can seem overwhelming when they happen, our team knows how to handle even the worst circumstances. We will make sure that everything is done right so you won’t have problems in the future.

What is the difference between an estimate and a proposal?

Estimate: When we first evaluate your project, we will provide you with an estimate. This is a rough idea of how much you will need to complete the project. An estimate is not the final cost and will change depending on the options and materials you choose.

Proposal: After we have finalized all the specifications for your project, we will present a proposal that must be signed by you and a member of our team. It will list the design plans, cost of labor and materials, and detail the scope of work. You will have a chance to review the proposal and address any questions before we start work on your project.

How do I know I can trust Lewis Design Build to provide quality work?

Hiring a reputable contractor is the most important part of any home remodel. We have all heard horror stories from homeowners who have been taken advantage of by unscrupulous “construction companies.”

When you choose Lewis Design Build, you can rest easy knowing that you’re working with a locally owned company that has been recognized by several organizations for high-quality work and exceptional customer service. We are proud to have been included on Best of Houzz for 5 years in a row; screened and approved by Service Magic; certified Lead Safe by the EPA; and associated with Build It Green. We also boast numerous 5-star reviews from our clients on Google , Yelp, HomeAdvisor, and Angie’s List.