Frequently Asked Questions

A. CBR has been designing and building custom homes and remodeling others since 1992.

A. MA General Contractor License # 060175 (since 1991), Home Improvement Contractor License # 112751 (since 1992), Certified Architectural & Civil Designer (since 1990), Certified Energy Crafted Home Builder (since 1993), Certified Gold Seal Steel Building Distributor & Erector (since 1995), Certified Vectorworks Architectural Designer (since 2002), Certified 20/20 Kitchen Designer (since 2004), EPA Certified RRP rule compliant (since 2010), Member of the National Association of Home Builders (1995 ‐ 1999)

A. Mainly Western Massachusetts and the Pioneer Valley; however, depending on the scope of the project, we will travel beyond this area.

A. CBR does not offer financing. You would need to secure that on your own. We do, however, accept credit cards as well as cash and checks.

A. We accept cash, check, money order, certified check, and Visa, MC, and Discover credit cards.

A. Yes! CBR is fully licensed and insured. We carry a General Liability policy as well as Worker’s Comp.

A. Both, CBR has its own employees, as well as a select group of licensed and insured trade partners that have earned our trust by meeting the same high‐quality standards that we value. Although our employees are experts in their respective trades, they are also capable of handling just about any project related to your home. With that said, they can’t be experts in all areas, so we feel it’s best to use trade partners that are experts in their respective fields to allow the project to be completed more efficiently and on budget.

A. Do to ever changing material prices, written proposals are good for 15 days.

A. If you look at your estimates line by line, I’m sure the scope of work in each estimate is different. A more detailed estimate will give you the best look at what you are paying for. A less detailed estimate will likely result in a lot of change orders and additional fees at the end of your project due to unrealistic pricing in the beginning.

Your best bet is to conduct multiple interviews, don’t just get three estimates. Look for a contractor that is asking detailed questions about your project. He is the one who will give you the most accurate pricing for your project.

A. Should you require design assistance for your project, CBR does offer this service.

A. CBR does guarantee our contract pricing for the terms stated in the contract. However, should changes occur either from the homeowner or due to unforeseen circumstances like rot, water damage, bug infestation, etc., there may be extra costs incurred that will be added to the contract price in the form of a change order.

A. CBR understands that sometimes decisions that are made early on, may change as the project progresses. We are happy to accommodate them and any change in costs throughout the build, however, depending on the timing of the change as well as the scope of work of the change, additional costs could be incurred. For instance, after seeing the project structure get framed, if you decide that you would like to change the interior door swing the opposite way, as long as the door was not ordered yet, that can be accommodated without a charge. If you would like to relocate a window opening that was already framed in, CBR will calculated the cost for the change and would require you as the owner to sign the change order prior to that change being executed.

A. CBR uses an online project management system, which you will have access to throughout your entire project, as well as your warranty period. Through this portal, you will be able to communicate with us, view the daily schedule of what will be happening with your project, upload documents/photos as needed and make selections on finishes, products or options in a timely manner; in general, you’ll know exactly what is happening at all times with your project.

A. Every project is different. The duration of your project depends on multiple aspects, including the size of the renovation or new construction project, scope of work and materials/finishes used. We prepare a construction schedule for each remodeling project based on our full understanding of the scope. We also work together with you to ensure it can be completed within the estimated time frame.

A. This depends upon the scope of the work and the agreement between Homeowner and Builder of how that work will progress. While it is never our goal to inconvenience you any more than necessary with our work, there may be times when, depending on the project, you may decide it would be better for you to be elsewhere.

A. CBR has over 28 years’ experience in the construction industry! During that timeframe, we have seen lots of unique situations amongst a broad range of project types. We have experience in making modifications to our plans for these projects and finding the best solution as well as keeping with the original timeframe and budget as best possible. We are happy to share our past projects with you and are confident in our expert craftsmanship and ability to problem solve.

A. At CBR, it is never our goal to leave you in a messy construction zone. We understand that your life needs to continue outside of the renovation. We do use HEPA negative air filtration systems, as well as dust control doors and walls during the project to keep the dust to a minimum. However, you will still get some dust in rooms adjacent to the area of the house that is being renovated. This is unavoidable. It will tend to be most predominate during the demolition phase, as well as drywall installation. We recommend covering sensitive items like electronics or fine furniture with a plastic sheet during this time. Be assured that upon completion of the project, CBR will clean your newly renovated area as well as any adjacent rooms that were affected by the dust.

A. For most projects, CBR uses portable restrooms during the project. This will ensure the job progresses in a timely manner.

A. If your project requires a permit, CBR will obtain this permit from the city or town your home is located in. Not all projects will require a building permit. The best way to determine this is by talking with your contractor or local town or city building official to determine if a permit is required for your project. In Massachusetts it is in your best interest to let the contractor apply and obtain all permits required for the project.

A. Having good communication with your contractor is important. CBR uses an online project management software that you, as the client, will have access to throughout the project and warranty period. Through this client portal, you will be able to see the project schedule, see all project financial information, make selections on finishes, products and options, etc, communicate with CBR about individual items as well as the project in general. All these things help keep the project on schedule and on budget.

A. Being upfront regarding your needs, timeline and budget constraints will help CBR plan your project as well as keep your project on schedule and on budget.

A. It’s simple – just email us or give us a call to schedule a consultation