Frequently asked questions

Every job starts with an on-site visit — we look at the space, measure, and talk through what you want. Then you get a written estimate and scope of work before anything starts, so you know exactly what's included.

It depends on the size of the space, the condition of what's behind the walls, and the materials you choose, so we don't guess at numbers over the phone. After the estimate visit you get a written estimate that spells out the scope, so you can compare options before deciding.

Yes. Maine's home construction contracts law generally requires a written contract for home construction or improvement work over $3,000, and we put the scope, schedule and payment terms in writing before work begins.

It depends on the scope, whether a permit is needed, and lead times on materials like cabinets, windows or tile. We give you an expected schedule with your written estimate and keep you updated if anything changes.

Often, yes. Many older Maine homes have plaster walls, balloon framing or fieldstone foundations, and opening them up can reveal surprises. We look for those signs during the estimate visit and explain how we'll handle hidden conditions if we find them.

Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint, and renovation that disturbs painted surfaces should follow EPA lead-safe (RRP) work practices — containment, dust control and careful cleanup. Let us know the age of your home so we can plan for it in the scope.

Usually, yes. We seal off the work area to control dust and talk with you ahead of time about when the kitchen, a bathroom or the water will be out of service, so you can plan around it.

Whatever your project needs — cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting layout, plumbing for sinks and dishwashers, and layout changes like moving or removing a wall. The written scope lists every item so nothing is assumed.

Often, yes. First we check whether the wall is load-bearing and what runs through it — plumbing, wiring or ducts. A bearing wall needs a properly sized beam and usually a permit, which we handle when the town requires one.

Yes — tub-to-shower conversions are one of our most common bathroom projects. We remove the tub, adjust the drain and plumbing, waterproof the shower area, and finish it with tile or the surround you choose.

Tile and grout aren't waterproof on their own. The membrane or board system behind the tile is what keeps water out of the walls and subfloor, and that's where many failed showers went wrong — so we treat it as the most important layer.

Yes. Common changes include a low-threshold or curbless shower, solid blocking in the walls for grab bars, a comfort-height toilet, wider doorways and better lighting. We'll talk through what fits your space at the estimate visit.

Tell us at the estimate visit what you'd like to choose or buy yourself. We'll note in the written scope who supplies what, so lead times and responsibilities are clear before work starts.

Yes. In Maine the first step is dealing with moisture — many basements, especially with fieldstone foundations, need water issues addressed before framing and drywall go in. Then we can add rooms, a bathroom, flooring and lighting.

Yes. We rebuild after water and fire damage — drywall, framing, flooring, cabinets and finishes. If you're working with an insurance claim, our written scope gives you clear documentation of the work.

Many projects do — additions, structural changes, new decks, and a lot of plumbing work usually need one. In Maine, permits are issued by your town's code enforcement office, and we pull permits when the town requires them.

The Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) applies statewide, with enforcement handled by larger municipalities; smaller towns may handle inspections differently. We check with your town's code office at the start of the project.

In-law suites, garages, sunrooms, room additions and new homes. Larger projects like these we take on anywhere in Maine and New Hampshire.

Frost. Footings for additions, garages and even deck posts generally need to sit below the local frost line so the ground can't heave them in winter. Roofs on new construction also have to be framed for Maine snow loads.

Interior remodeling goes on year-round. Foundation, roofing and other exterior work depends on the weather, so we plan those phases around the season and tell you up front how winter may affect the schedule.

It can. Whether you're on septic or town sewer differs by town, and adding bedrooms or a bathroom on septic may require checking the system's capacity with the town. We look at this early so it doesn't hold up your permit.

Ice dams form when heat escaping into the attic melts snow on the roof and the water refreezes at the colder eaves, backing up under the shingles. We repair the damage and look at the causes — roof underlayment at the eaves, attic insulation and ventilation, and gutters.

Watch for curling, cracked or missing shingles, granules collecting in the gutters, stains on the ceilings or in the attic, and leaks after heavy rain or snowmelt. We'll inspect it at the estimate visit and tell you whether a repair or a replacement makes sense.

Heavy, wet snow adds real weight. Sagging ceilings, doors that suddenly stick, or new cracks in drywall can be warning signs — call us, and don't climb onto an icy roof yourself.

Yes. We replace siding, windows, entry and patio doors, and gutters, and we check the sheathing and flashing underneath while the old material is off, since that's where water damage usually hides.

Yes. We build and rebuild decks, porches and stairs, with footings set for Maine frost and a proper connection to the house. A new deck usually needs a permit, which we pull when the town requires it.

Yes. Finish and rough carpentry, trim, built-ins, stairs, and flooring installation are all part of what we do — on their own or as part of a bigger remodel.

Shut off the main water valve if water is leaking, stop running water if drains are backing up, and call us at 207-555-0199 — urgent leaks and sewer backups get priority.

Yes. We clear drains and, when clogs keep coming back, look for the cause further down the line — such as roots, a sagging pipe or a damaged sewer line — and repair it.

Yes. We replace water heaters and can talk through options for your household's hot-water use at the estimate visit. Signs it's time include rusty water, leaking at the base, or running out of hot water sooner than before.

If you have frequent leaks, low water pressure, or old galvanized or mixed piping, re-piping can be worth it — and it's often easiest to do while walls are already open for a remodel. We'll look at your system and give you the options in writing.

Yes. We repair leaks and install and replace fixtures — faucets, toilets, sinks, showers and tubs — as stand-alone jobs or as part of a kitchen or bath remodel.

We're based at 26 Farley Road in Brunswick and work regularly across the Midcoast, Greater Portland and Southern Maine — Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Androscoggin, Lincoln, Kennebec and York counties. Larger projects we take on anywhere in Maine and New Hampshire.

Book online by picking a day and a 2-hour arrival window, call 207-555-0199, or chat with Amy, our assistant. We confirm the visit and come out to see the project in person.

Heating and cooling are handled by our sister company, Y.Q HVAC Services LLC — same owner, same building (Unit 1). Reach them at hvacr4u.com or 207-426-4090; on a remodel or addition we can coordinate the work together.

Usually, yes. Carpentry, drywall, flooring, tile, roofing, siding and plumbing are all in our wheelhouse, and heating and cooling come from our sister company next door — so you have one point of contact from estimate to finish.

Yes. Our website and Amy, our assistant, work in English, Chinese and Spanish.