Construction Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Straightforward answers about estimates, permits, contracts, timelines, ADUs, remodeling, inspections, warranties, and working with American Renovation Inc.
Plan With Confidence
Know What to Expect Before We Build
Every property and construction project is different. These answers explain our general process; your written proposal and contract will define the details for your project.
Getting Started
What to know before your first consultation with our construction team.
What construction services does American Renovation Inc. provide?
We provide full-service residential and commercial construction, including new construction, ADUs, additions, whole-home remodeling, kitchens, bathrooms, structural modifications, roofing, concrete, framing, drywall, cabinetry, flooring, tile, painting, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, windows, doors, and finish work. We can coordinate the project from footings through final finishes.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. American Renovation Inc. is a licensed and insured California general contractor. Our California General B contractor license number is #1014729.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Southern California, with Orange County as our primary service area, followed by Los Angeles County, San Diego County, and Riverside County. Contact us with your project address so we can confirm availability.
Do you work on both residential and commercial properties?
Yes. We work with homeowners, buyers, investors, property managers, and commercial clients on projects ranging from focused renovations to additions, ADUs, tenant improvements, and complete builds.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. We offer a free initial estimate. We will discuss your goals, review the property and project scope, and explain the next steps needed to develop a detailed proposal.
What should I prepare for the first consultation?
Bring any plans, inspiration photos, property information, desired finishes, target budget, and ideal timing you already have. If you are still early in the process, that is fine—we can help you identify priorities and a practical path forward.
Planning, Permits & Pricing
Clear expectations before work begins help protect your budget and schedule.
Do you help with plans, engineering, permits, and inspections?
Yes. Depending on the project, we can coordinate design professionals, engineering, permit submittals, corrections, and required inspections. Requirements and approval times vary by city, county, and project type.
Will I receive a written construction proposal and contract?
Yes. Before construction begins, the approved scope, pricing, payment terms, responsibilities, and other project details are documented in writing. We encourage clients to review the documents carefully and ask questions before signing.
How is the project price determined?
Pricing is based on the approved scope, plans, site conditions, labor, materials, permits, specialty trades, access, and finish selections. A site visit and complete project information produce a more reliable estimate than a price based only on photographs or square footage.
How are payments scheduled?
Payment schedules are established in the written contract and tied to the project and applicable California requirements. We explain the schedule before work starts so you understand when each payment is due.
What is a change order?
A change order is a written adjustment to the agreed scope, price, materials, or schedule. It may result from an owner-requested upgrade, a design revision, or an unforeseen condition. We document changes for approval before the additional work proceeds whenever reasonably possible.
Can you work from plans I already have?
Yes. We can review existing architectural or engineering plans, identify construction questions, and build from permit-ready documents. If revisions or additional details are needed, we can help coordinate them.
Is financing available?
Financing options may be available through third-party providers such as Acorn Finance. You can visit our Financing page to review the pre-qualification option. Financing is subject to the provider's terms, approval, and eligibility requirements.
Explore Financing →During Construction
How we coordinate people, materials, inspections, and day-to-day progress.
How long will my construction project take?
The timeline depends on design, permits, scope, material lead times, inspections, weather, and existing conditions. After the scope is defined, we provide a project-specific schedule and communicate material changes as the work progresses.
Who manages the project and communicates with me?
American Renovation Inc. coordinates the project, trades, scheduling, and quality control. You will have a clear point of contact for updates, decisions, questions, and access needs throughout construction.
Can I stay in my home during a remodel?
Often, yes—but it depends on the size and location of the work, utility shutdowns, dust, noise, and safety requirements. We will discuss whether remaining in the home is practical and explain any periods when temporary relocation may be advisable.
How do you protect my home and keep the jobsite safe?
We plan access, isolate active work areas when practical, use appropriate surface and dust protection, manage debris, and maintain an orderly work zone. Safety and protection measures are tailored to the conditions of each project.
Who schedules subcontractors and required inspections?
We coordinate the construction trades within our scope and schedule applicable inspections with the local authority. Inspection timing is controlled by the jurisdiction, so we build reasonable flexibility into the schedule.
What happens if hidden damage or an unforeseen condition is discovered?
We stop and evaluate the affected work, document the condition, explain available solutions, and discuss any price or schedule impact. If the scope must change, it is addressed through a written change order.
How are material selections and lead times handled?
We identify important selections early, confirm availability, and help sequence ordering around the project schedule. Special-order products can affect timing, so prompt approvals and backup choices are helpful.
ADUs, Completion & Warranty
Answers for complete builds, final turnover, and long-term project value.
Do you build ADUs and additions from start to finish?
Yes. We can manage ADUs and additions through site review, plans and engineering coordination, permits, excavation, footings, foundation, framing, roofing, utilities, insulation, drywall, finishes, inspections, and final completion.
Can you remove a load-bearing wall or make structural changes?
Yes, when the work is properly evaluated, engineered, permitted, and supported. Structural modifications may require calculations, plans, temporary shoring, inspections, and specialized installation.
Do you handle plumbing, electrical, HVAC, tile, flooring, and painting?
Yes. We coordinate the major building systems and finish trades required for a complete project, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, drywall, waterproofing, tile, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, trim, and painting.
What happens at the end of the project?
We complete required inspections, review the finished work with you, identify any remaining punch-list items, and coordinate final corrections and project closeout. Applicable documents and final details depend on the project.
Is the work covered by a warranty?
Warranty terms are stated in the construction contract, and applicable California requirements also apply. We will explain the project-specific coverage, exclusions, and process for reporting a concern before work begins.
Can you help evaluate an investment property before I buy?
Yes. TJ Afdasta brings 25 years of construction experience and is also a California real estate professional with Keller Williams Realty, DRE #02070144. He can help buyers and investors evaluate renovation opportunities and likely construction considerations before a purchase. Real estate services are provided through Keller Williams Realty.
Learn About Real Estate Services →Still Have Questions?
Talk Directly With Our Team
Call or text us about your property, project goals, and next steps.
Free Estimate
Ready to Start Your Project?
Get a free, no-obligation estimate. We'll visit your property, assess the scope, and provide a detailed written quote.
