Homeowner’s buying guide to finishing the basement
You can use the following questions to qualify the basement builders that you’re receiving bids from. ElkStone’s answers are included below…
1. Question? – On what day does trim carpentry start?
a. Answer – This question gets after the builder’s schedule – do they have one? For ElkStone it’s always the third Wednesday after we start. We know this because we have a standard schedule for every job. In fact we can tell you what’s happening every single day – who’s going to be there and what they’ll be doing. A schedule window like “8-10 weeks” is really not a schedule – it’s a guess. I know because I used to do this myself. Typically in this practice they’ll call their subs just prior to them starting in hopes they’ll be available. With ElkStone, all our workers know weeks ahead of time what day they need to start your job, what day they need to finish your job, and exactly what to bring to complete your job. This is one of the reasons how ElkStone can consistently complete quality basements in less than four weeks with happy customers. ElkStone has been doing this since January 2008 so we’re really good at it. Cutting the time by 66% makes a huge impact towards a very pleasant construction experience. Just think, you can be enjoying your new space watching the movie on the big screen and getting drinks from the bar but with other contractors you'd have two more months of noise & dust.
2. Question? – How many studs are you planning to use to frame my basement and long are they?
a. Answer – This question gets after how detailed is the builder’s estimate. ElkStone will give you an answer something like 323 studs 92-5/8” long. We calculate exactly what it takes to build your basement. We can even tell you how many sheets of drywall and linear feet of baseboard we’ll need specifically for your project. ElkStone measures the wall length from the plan and inputs that data into our worksheet which uses a formula to calculate exactly how many studs are required. This means two things: a.) we’re not charging too much or too little for the materials and b.) Because of this we won’t have the need to try and make up for it somewhere else with change/add orders or cutting corners. Ultimately if the builder doesn’t estimate your job correctly then you become a liability and they’ll start to prioritize other jobs over yours and compromise the quality & service of your project.question gets after the builder’s estimate. ElkStone will give you an answer something like 323 studs 92-5/8” long. We calculate exactly what it takes to build your basement. We can even tell you how many 60D nails and tubes of construction adhesive we’ll need specifically for your project.
3. Question? –How can I expect my basement to receive the attention it deserves during construction?
a. Answer - This question will allow you to get an idea of how experienced your builder is and what resources they’ll allocate for your job. ElkStone has a fulltime project manager that is assigned to your job and runs your basement from start to finish. Our project managers are pros at their job and critical to our operation. Kind of like an orchestra conductor our managers keep the worksite humming and make sure you’re in-the-know and satisfied. With our proprietary scheduling timeline we are able to stagger our start dates which allow us to build your basement in less than 4 weeks and still give you and your basement all the attention they deserve.
4. Question? – How much tile do I need to purchase, where do I purchase it, how much will it cost, and when do I need it by?
a. Answer – This question addresses what we call the ‘Project List’. This is a document we generate specifically for your project and it includes everything you need to know as it relates to items you’re providing like tile, carpet, & electric/plumbing fixtures. We provide you with two tile vendors with four locations throughout the metro area that we recommend. We also let you know what quantity to purchase for each area being tiled, how much you can expect to spend on your tile, and the date you need to have it purchased by. We do this not only for tile but everything you need to purchase.
5. Question? – How long have you been working with your drywaller & electrician?
a. Answer - This question gets at the relationship with trade partners – our answer is 8 & 9 years respectively. Our relationships mean everything to us. Our philosophy is once we find a trade partner who shares our same values in terms of service, quality, & reliability, we hold onto them. And because we pay fairly and promptly (every Friday) they demonstrate extreme loyalty to ElkStone.
6. Question? – What is your pay schedule?
a. Answer – No money down, no money to start, no money to schedule, and no design fee. In fact, the first invoice isn’t due until three days after we start. ElkStone has a very equitable pay schedule because neither you nor ElkStone is too extended at any one point in time. Our pay schedule is based on progress payments: 1st payment is three days after we start. This way you know we’re committed to the job and we’ve allocated all our resources in terms of materials, labor & scheduling. Second payment is after drywall completion. Picture walking into your basement and you smell the fragrance of new carpet and Pine Sol cleaner. The windows are almost invisible because they’ve been Windexed and the whole basement looks and feels like a brand new model home. It’s only at this point when we’re totally complete and you’re totally satisfied that final payment is due. So I would think twice about paying a contractor before work has begun and before he’s complete.
7. How many basements have you finished last year?
a. Answer – ElkStone has finished 54 basements in 2011. This question addresses a company’s serviceability and reputation. ElkStone has a lot of satisfied customers because we deliver what we promise. We don’t charge extra for the benefit to move into your basement two months early but that feature is unique to ElkStone and is a significant value to you. One of our company core values is: ‘All of our customers refer us always’ and this is only possible because your satisfaction is our number one goal.
8. Question? – Have you been paid 100% in full on 100% of all your jobs?
a. Answer – Yes! ElkStone is proud of our reputation and we take it very seriously because it means to world to us. Not only have we been paid in full on all our jobs but ElkStone has paid out in full to all our subs and vendors. In fact we pay our subs in full every Friday. We have also completely finished every job we’ve started.
9. Question? – was your contractor on time and promptly returned your call?
a. Answer – Keep in mind your contractor is on his best behavior trying to make a good first impression. If he’s slow in getting back to you now, then how’s he going to act after he deposits your first check? I always ask my clients if they’ve already received other bids and I can’t tell you how many times their answer is “I’ve left messages but you’re the first one I’ve talked to”. ElkStone’s responsiveness upfront is indicative of our service throughout the project. It’s our way of life in our work.
Denver Colorado's Best Basement Finishing Company!
For more than 10 years, ElkStone, Inc. has been giving homes a beautiful makeover with our quality basement remodeling and basement finishing services in Denver, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, and the entire Denver metro area. You'll find our commitment to value, service and a speedy basement makeover gives ElkStone, Inc. a leg-up on the competition. For starters, we'll come to your home for a free and thorough basement design and basement finish consultation to discuss how we can make your dreams become a reality. After our initial consultation, we'll provide you with our custom basement plans and a proposal for your basement design that will meet or beat the price of the other basement companies.
Plus, we guarantee your entire experience with Elkstone, Inc. will be hassle free and filled with enjoyment. Our professional staff will complete your basement remodeling project and be out of your home in only three weeks - this is three times faster than the average basement renovation company. Ask any of our previous customers or read our testimonials page, you'll see customer satisfaction and service are a top-priority at Elkstone, Inc. In fact, more than half of our business comes from the wonderful references of our satisfied customers.
Elkstone, Inc. is experts in: Basement Remodeling, Basement Finish, Fast Basement Makeover, Custom Basement Renovation and More
Contact Elkstone, Inc. for a free, no obligation consultation. Take a look at our basement finish gallery to see our work and get an idea how we can build a beautiful basement for you.
Elkstone, Inc. specializes in the following basement jobs: Basement Finishing, Remodeling, Finish, Refinishing, Rooms, Fast, Design, Contractor, Company, Remodel, Estimate, Cost, Construction, Residential, Renovation, Custom, Decorating, Makeover.
Elkstone, Inc. serves the following locations: Colorado, Denver CO 80237, Littleton CO 80126, Lone Tree CO 80124, Highlands Ranch CO 80124, Castle Rock CO 80109, Parker CO 80134, Englewood CO 80113, Aurora CO 80016, Sedalia CO 80135, Cherry Hills Village CO 80113, Castle Pines CO 80108, Greenwood Village CO 80121, Lone Tree CO 80124,Centennial CO 80112, Parker CO 80134, Broomfield CO 80021, Westminster CO 80031, Lafayette CO 80026, Arvada CO 80004, Thornton CO 80229, Boulder CO 80303, Golden CO 80401,Lakewood CO 80226, Northglenn CO 80223, Brighton CO 80601, Wheat Ridge CO 80033, Douglas County, Arapahoe County
