Restoration Construction and Remodeling Services

What is the difference between mitigation and reconstruction?

Mitigation is the emergency work that keeps damage from spreading, such as removing water, drying the structure, or cleaning up soot. Reconstruction is the repair work that follows, when damaged framing, walls, and floors are rebuilt.

Can I make changes or upgrades during the rebuild?

Yes, and the rebuild is a good time for them, since the damaged materials are already out. You can switch carpet to tile or choose a new cabinet style now instead of replacing brand-new finishes in a remodel later. We can build the changes you choose while our crew makes the repairs. While the walls are open, you can also add outlets or wood blocking behind the drywall for a wall-mounted TV or towel bars.

Can you take out a wall to open up my kitchen or living room?

Yes, most walls can come out. A wall that only divides two rooms comes down once any wiring, plumbing, or ductwork inside it is rerouted. A load-bearing wall carries the floor or roof above it, so it’s replaced with a beam sized for that load and posts that carry the weight down to solid support. Temporary walls usually hold up the structure while our crew takes out the old wall and sets the beam.

Does new flooring go in before or after the kitchen cabinets?

Floating floors go in after the cabinets, while tile and nail-down hardwood usually go in first. A floating floor, such as click-together vinyl plank, laminate, or floating engineered wood, needs room to expand and contract, and cabinets set on top of it would pin it in place. Running tile or nail-down hardwood under the cabinets gives you one continuous floor.

Can you turn my bathtub into a walk-in shower?

Yes, the space a tub takes up is usually enough room for a walk-in shower. The tub drain is replaced with a larger shower drain, and the shower floor is built with a gentle slope toward it. Tile and grout don’t stop water by themselves, so a waterproof membrane goes behind and under the tile. The shower can have a low curb at the entry, or no curb at all when the shower floor can be set lower than the bathroom floor.

What is a tenant improvement, and what work does it include?

A tenant improvement, often called a build-out, is the construction work that fits a leased commercial space to the business using it. It often means framing new offices or taking out old partitions, then finishing the new walls, ceilings, and floors. The lighting, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC usually change along with the layout. When the build-out is finished, the space is ready for your furniture and equipment.