Remodeling

As San Antonio’s premier remodeling company, Virtuoso Builders offers a full range of remodeling services with the latest technological advances to transform your house into the home you’ve always dreamed of.  We specialize in home additions, whole house remodels, kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling.  Mike and Molly Sowry personally oversee the entire project from initial concept to the finished product.

The Creative Process

A. Pre-Construction

1. On-Site Complimentary Consultation
This first meeting is one way for you to become familiar with us and the work we do.  We’ll take a look at your home and existing conditions.  We’ll discuss your priorities, your budget, design and possible solutions.  We will also make sure you fully understand the remodeling process.  From this initial consultation we can provide you with an estimate.    

2. Construction planning
Once you’ve become familiar with us and are ready to begin setting up your project, we can start pre-construction planning.  We’re happy to work with your Architect or Designer if you’ve already acquired construction drawings for your project.  If you haven’t yet chosen an Architect or Designer, we can bring in the right professional for you.

Virtuoso Builders will set the pricing for your project.  We never provide ballpark figures!  Mike Sowry will meet with all subcontractors on-site for pricing before the project begins, so there’s no guesswork.  We provide detailed budgets, pricing, and job specifications before our clients agree to any work.  Every issue, whether it involves your budget, design priorities, draw schedule, or any other matter, will be addressed and completely resolved before construction begins.  

At this point, we do charge for this service based on the size of the project.  This fee is deducted from the overall cost of the project if you choose to move forward with Virtuoso handling your construction.

B. Construction

While the construction phase is an exciting time, it can also be invasive and messy.  Mike Sowry is on the job-site daily and makes sure each job site is orderly and clean.  Our tradesman follow specific site rules as designated by Virtuoso Builders. Aside from the first rule, all others are based on three basic themes: respect for others and their property, safety, and keeping the project on schedule.  Our first rule states that no one is permitted to work on the site without proof of current insurance coverage, a completed W-9, and completed Independent Contract Agreement.  Our Site Rules are posted at each and every jobsite.

During the project we will have progress meetings to make sure we are proceeding according to contract.  We’ll also guide you through the process of choosing any materials as they are needed.  Mike and Molly Sowry are always available to answer questions and address concerns as they arise.

C. Completion

Final walk-through
At completion, we’ll schedule a final walk-through with you and produce a punch-list of any minor items that need our attention.  We’ll also show you how to use any new thermostats, water heaters, and security systems we’ve installed.  You’ll receive the product manuals for these items as well as a homeowner’s manual with your project’s warranty agreement.

Follow up

Virtuoso Builders is committed to you beyond the building process, and we will be available long after your project is completed.  You are welcome to contact us with any questions about your project. We rely on referrals from our previous clients and believe the best referrals come out of good communication, trust, and organization.

FAQs

DO YOU GUARANTEE YOUR WORK?
All of the work we do is guaranteed for one year.  If there are any defects in our workmanship, we come back promptly - for FREE!

SHOULD I CONSIDER MOVING OUT OF MY HOUSE DURING THE REMODEL?
Remodeling can be inconvenient and messy, especially when it comes to interior living spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.  Most of our projects are completed while our clients occupy their homes, however, if your project is extensive, it may become more practical for you to temporarily move out.  You can discuss your specific situation with us prior to scheduling your project.

WILL THERE BE ANY COSTS BEYOND THE CONTRACT PRICE?
Given our level of experience, we anticipate many potential problems ahead of time; problems often overlooked by other contractors, and do our best to factor these into our price.  Virtuoso Builders will not charge more than the original contract price unless we do additional work incurring added costs beyond what is stated in our contracts.  If you ask for different materials or more work is needed, the price may change.  In such cases, the changes and costs would be included in a written Change Order.  Virtuoso Builders provides very detailed proposals so you will know exactly what was included and what wasn't.  As a result, we rarely have misunderstandings.

Despite our best efforts to control costs, our clients typically spend between 5 - 10% more than the original contract amount, therefore, we recommend having additional funds set aside to afford you the flexibility to make changes and upgrades as you see fit as the job progresses.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ESTIMATE AND A PRICE?
An "Estimate" is just that, "an Estimate".  It can and most likely will change.  Many contractors lack the ability and/or patience to produce accurate estimates and tend to "guesstimate" the costs based on very little information.  This method offers you no protection against cost escalation.

A "Price" is generally fixed (depending on your written agreement) and is based on more detailed information taken from the site visit and/or drawings.  A price generally requires a fixed set of specifications and scope of work which involves a great deal of pre-planning and possible designing.  This method offers the most in the way of price protection.  Usually the client and the contractor agree (in writing) on a fixed scope and fixed price.  Virtuoso does all jobs on a fixed price.

SHOULD I GET OTHER ESTIMATES?
Getting other estimates is a personal decision.  Only you can decide if you will feel comfortable having not pursued additional estimates.  Keep in mind, it's easy to compare prices but difficult to compare scopes of work and specifications.  It's even more difficult to compare service and craftsmanship.  All too often people are tempted by a lower price and live to regret it when they don't get the job they expected or worse, things start falling apart.  Our advice has always been -- hire a contractor your trust and feel confident will do a professional job for you. 

WILL I BE ABLE TO SELECT THE ACTUAL MATERIALS FOR MY PROJECT?
Yes.  Virtuoso will guide you on the selection of all products such as doors, hardware, trim, windows, plumbing and electrical fixtures, flooring, and paint colors.  We will provide a checklist that will identify all of the products that need your attention along with a due date to keep the project moving swiftly and keep within your personal schedule.