Frequently Asked Questions

Our Images and Reviews

Are the photos on your websites really your work?
Yes! We don’t use stock photos. The projects showcased on our website are our own work. You can learn about our award-winning projects by clicking here. You can find more of our project photographs on Facebook or Houzz. We have many in-progress photos on Facebook.

Are your reviews real? Are the quotes on your website from actual customers?
Of course! We survey our clients, and you can see the results on GuildQuality.com. Some quotes on our website also come from clients who have left reviews for us on Facebook , Houzz, Google, Yelp, and Angie’s List.

Pricing

How much does remodeling cost?
We refer to the Cost vs Value Report from Remodeling Magazine to begin conversations about remodeling prices. We know that you don’t know how much things cost, but usually you have an idea of how much you are willing to spend. To learn about the price of remodeling projects in Greater Madison, click here to fill out Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs Value form for a ballpark price for 21 popular remodeling projects.
 

Can I get a free estimate?
Ballpark budget discussions are free. These complimentary meetings take place by phone, video chat, or in our office. These are where you tell us about your wish list, you show us photos of your current home and inspiration photos of what you want to have, you share your budget goals with us, and we discuss potential project pricing with you. Click Here To Schedule A Meeting.

A ballpark budget discussion is designed to help you decide if you’d like to enter into the Design & Pre-construction Agreement by paying the retainer fee. This is when you’ll get a full design, written budget, and Scope of Work.  Click here to learn about Our Proven Process for Your Successful Project.
 

Why is remodeling more expensive than building new?
Would you be surprised to learn that remodeling usually costs more than building new, at least when you figure it out on a “cost per square foot” basis? Most people wonder why. There are several reasons.

1. We have to go backward before we go forward. There’s demolition, rework, and tying in.

2. The cost of management and permits is typically compressed into a smaller area. The permits for a remodel can cost as much as a new home, but, often a much smaller area of the home is affected. Similarly, management of a remodeling project, because it is in an existing home, takes more care relative to a new home.

3. New home projects are usually large enough to achieve a critical mass of efficiency. The minimum charges for all trades and suppliers are spread out over 2500 or 3500 square feet, but in remodeling, often we’re working in only 500-1000 square feet.

4. We are working in an existing home. We need to protect flooring, walls, sidewalks, and landscaping. We need to put up dust protection and keep the work area clean. We need to stage work so that you can continue to use your home at the same time.

The bottom line is that remodeling is much more intensive than building new construction, and it takes a special company to have happy clients. We solicit reviews from all our clients. Click here to view our 98% positive customer satisfaction results, where 90% of our clients also say it was easier than they expected.
 

Do you charge for design?
Yes! In order to provide the creative designs that make your project on-time, on-budget, and more beautiful than you imagined, we charge for our design & pre-construction process. Click here to view Our Proven Process for Your Successful Project. This is our method for delivering on our promises to you.
 

Does the retainer fee cover the cost of a full design, written budget, and Scope of Work?
No, it rarely does. In most circumstances, the retainer fee covers the first two steps of Our Proven Process For Your Successful Project. The retainer fee typically covers the time we spend to meet with you, discover your goals, measure and assess the current home, and then create several concept sketches and the comparative ballpark budgets for those concepts.

The retainer fee covers billable hours, and as a bonus, also is rebated to you as a deposit toward construction when you sign the final contract in Step 5!

Do you accept credit card payment?
No, sorry, we don’t. In order to offer you the lowest possible price, we avoid expensive credit card processing fees. We accept check and ACH bill payment transactions.

The Design Process

What is your design philosophy? What do you mean by Designed For Your Life?
Designed For Your Life means every detail fits. Kitchens, bathrooms, living, and storage spaces are functional, beautiful and efficient. Designed For Your Life also means designed for your budget. Truthful and accurate pricing, minimal change orders, and constant communication are hallmarks of Degnan Design-Build-Remodel.
 

Where do I go to select my finishes?
Part of our design service includes selection assistance. You don’t need to hire another interior designer when you work with us! We consistently work with our preferred showrooms because they have demonstrated time and time again that we can count on them for fair pricing with exemplary service and performance. We select which showrooms to work with based on the location and needs of your project.
 

Do I need to take off work to select my finishes?
The short answer for this is, yes. In order for you to take full advantage of our designer-assisted selections, we ask that you meet with us during our normal business hours. The showrooms that we recommend are open during typical business hours, but sometimes make an exception, or are open on Saturdays, for clients that need extra flexibility in scheduling. If selections need to be made outside of business hours, we will work with you to make your selection process as seamless as possible.
 

How many design meetings will we have?
For a typical mid-size remodel, we have 3 design meetings. The first meeting is usually held at your home. You can expect a designer and an assistant to attend this meeting. It is best to have photos and any ideas you are contemplating available. The designer will ask many questions and will leave with a strong understanding of the scope and goal of the project. It is at this meeting that measurements of your existing space will be taken.

The second design meeting is typically held at our office. It is at this meeting that your designer will present the designs and, together, you will come up with the best solution for your remodel.

The third design meeting is to finalize the design. Again, at our office, the designer will present the updated design. At this time, small tweaks may be made before embarking on selections. All projects are different as are all clients.

We always want our clients to feel comfortable with their decisions, and therefore, will have as many design meetings as necessary in order to create a successful project. Click to learn more about Our Proven Process for Your Successful Project.

The Time It Takes

Before Buying A Home

I’m buying a house. Can you help me figure out if it can be remodeled the way I want? or I’m a Realtor. Can you help me and my clients figure out remodeling feasibility?
We can help you! We have three options that don’t require you to start our Design & Pre-Construction Process yet. Two of the options are free, and there is a fee for the third.

1. Phone or video chat consultation. Send us your photos and the MLS listing of the home, and we’ll spend a half hour or so with you at no charge. We’ll help figure out if the home can be remodeled as you’d like it to be, and discuss a ballpark budget range that you might expect to invest in the remodel.

2. In-office meeting. Again with photos and the MLS listing, you can meet at our office to evaluate remodeling feasibility. You might be surprised just how much we can predict based on photos, videos, or virtual tours. We’ll put our decades of experience to work to help you make a decision.

3. In-person walk-thru. If you need us to see the home in person, we’re happy to do this. We have a 2-hour minimum charge, including our travel time.

With all these options, we’ll discuss the potential work needed, possible structural concerns, and probable ballpark budgets. You can book a meeting with us by clicking here and if you prefer the 3rd option, please call us at 608-846-5963.

Starting Your Project

How can I schedule a meeting? Can I book a complimentary appointment with you?
Yes, we have a no-charge meeting option for you! Initial meetings in our office, or by phone or video chat, are at no charge. You can pick your own appointment time by clicking here or you can call the office at 608-846-5963 to schedule with us