Question 1

What projects do you take?

Accepted Answer

Dormer additions, home additions (second-story, rear, primary-suite, kitchen, in-law suite), and ground-up custom homes or tear-down rebuilds. We don't take projects under $75K — the vertically-integrated model doesn't make financial sense for smaller work.

Question 2

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nassau County license H-1609230000, Suffolk County license 46721-HI, and town-level licenses in Hempstead, Huntington, Smithtown, and Babylon. We carry $4,000,000 general liability, workers comp, builders risk, and pollution insurance. Certificates of insurance are filed with each municipality before we break ground.

Question 3

Do you use subcontractors?

Accepted Answer

For structural work — framing, rough carpentry, interior finishing — no. That's our in-house crew, permanent employees, not day labor. We do engage licensed specialty trades (MEPs, roofers, masons) who we've worked with for years, and those trades carry their own insurance which we file.

Question 4

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

All of Nassau County and all of Suffolk County. East End (Hamptons) coverage for new home construction. No travel fees within our service area.

Question 5

Do you handle permits?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every one. Lisa Park runs our permit desk. From drawings through final inspection, she handles the filing. Permit costs are itemized in your estimate, not added later.

Question 6

Are structural plans PE-stamped?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every structural detail is reviewed and stamped by a licensed professional engineer before filing. Our in-house AIA architect (Tim Novak) drafts; the PE reviews and stamps; the set that goes to the township is the set we build.

Question 7

How long does the permit process take?

Accepted Answer

Nassau townships: typically 4–10 weeks. Suffolk townships: 5–12 weeks. East End (Southampton, East Hampton): 12–22 weeks due to architectural review boards. We front-load permitting in the project schedule so it doesn't delay your start.

Question 8

What if my township requires historic or ARB review?

Accepted Answer

We've navigated Garden City, Lloyd Harbor, Southampton, East Hampton, Stony Brook, and other ARB-reviewed jurisdictions. Timeline is longer but process is clear. We identify this in the walk-through and price accordingly.

Question 9

How long does a dormer addition take?

Accepted Answer

Design + permit: 2–4 months. Build: 6–9 weeks from permit issue to completion (the framed-and-watertight day is day one of the build).

Question 10

How long does a home addition take?

Accepted Answer

Design + permit: 2–4 months. Build: varies by type. Bump-out or rear addition: 10–14 weeks. Primary suite addition: 12–16 weeks. Full second-story: 16–24 weeks. Gantt chart provided at scoping visit.

Question 11

How long does a new home take?

Accepted Answer

Design + permit: 4–8 months. Construction: 12–16 months for a typical 4,000–6,000 sq ft custom. Tear-down rebuilds add 2–3 weeks for demolition and site clearing.

Question 12

Will I need to move out during construction?

Accepted Answer

Varies by project type. Dormers, rear additions, and bump-outs usually no. Full second-story additions often yes, for 2–4 weeks mid-build. Tear-down rebuilds: yes, for the full project. We help coordinate timing and short-term housing options.

Question 13

Is your pricing fixed or T&M?

Accepted Answer

Fixed price, every time. We've built 618 projects on fixed-price contracts without a single non-client-requested change order. Pricing includes a formal contingency we control.

Question 14

Do you give free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Frank visits your property personally — usually within 7 business days of your call. You get a one-page scope summary within 48 hours and a formal fixed-price quote within 10 business days of the walk-through.

Question 15

What's the deposit structure?

Accepted Answer

Typical: 10% at contract signing, then milestone-based draws (framed, dry-in, rough, finish, final). Each draw ties to a defined milestone. For lender-financed projects we coordinate with the bank's inspection schedule.

Question 16

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with several Long Island lenders on home equity products, addition loans, and construction-to-perm loans. See our /financing page for options.

Common questions about our work

General

Permits & Plans

Build Timeline

Pricing & Contracts

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