Question 1

Do you provide fixed-bid proposals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every project starts with a design consultation and ends pre-construction with a written fixed-bid proposal that includes a detailed scope, finish selections, and a schedule. We don't hide numbers behind allowances.

Question 2

Are you licensed and insured in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Elevate holds a Tennessee general contractor license and carries general liability and workers' comp. Certificates available on request.

Question 3

How long does a typical project take?

Accepted Answer

Kitchens run 8 to 14 weeks on site. Baths 3 to 6. Additions 4 to 7 months. Whole-home renovations 5 to 10 months. Design and ordering usually add 6 to 12 weeks before demo.

Question 4

Can we stay in the house during construction?

Accepted Answer

For most projects, yes. We zip-wall the work zone, plan a temporary kitchen when we're touching the real one, and coordinate loud work around your schedule.

Question 5

Do you handle design in-house?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Priya leads design on every project, and every design decision is coordinated with the build side before you approve it — so what's drawn is what's buildable at the price we quoted.

Question 6

What's included in the two-year workmanship warranty?

Accepted Answer

Anything we built or installed. If a cabinet door drifts, a caulk joint fails, or a fixture we installed leaks, we come back and make it right at no charge.

Question 7

Do you charge for the initial consultation?

Accepted Answer

No. The first on-site meeting is free. If we move into detailed design work, a design deposit applies and is credited toward the project if we build it.

Question 8

How do change orders work?

Accepted Answer

A change order is a written amendment with a new number and a new schedule impact. We only issue them when you request a change or when we uncover a genuinely unknown condition — like a rotted joist behind a bath wall.

Question 9

Do you work with clients' own architects or designers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, regularly. We can start from an architect's drawings and build them, or we can design in-house. Either way, the build-side team is the same.

Question 10

How do payments work?

Accepted Answer

We invoice on a draw schedule tied to milestones — permit issue, framing, drywall, install, and final. The final draw is not billed until the punch list is cleared.

Question 11

Do you handle permits and inspections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We pull permits under our GC license and coordinate every inspection.

Question 12

How do you protect the rest of the house during a project?

Accepted Answer

Floor protection on every walkway, zip walls at every work-zone opening, boot covers, and a daily broom. Dust and noise are scheduled around your household.

Question 13

Can we make selections after we sign?

Accepted Answer

We prefer to resolve major selections before you sign so the fixed bid is real. Small selections — hardware finish, paint color — can slide later if needed.

Question 14

What if we're not sure exactly what we want yet?

Accepted Answer

That's most first meetings. We'll walk the space, ask questions, and help you get clear before you spend real money on design.

Answers, before you ask.

The basics

Process, payments, and protection

Want it done by the holidays? The best projects start 3–4 months ahead.