Frequently Asked Questions

Yes – our license number is 145507, and we are fully insured to cover any project-related issues. We can provide a COI (Certificate Of Insurance) upon signing of contract if necessary.

Classic Home Advisors is based out of Frederick, MD, which gives us a unique logistical edge on the industry. However, we have a distance requirement for homeowners looking to expand or build a new home of 60 miles from downtown Frederick. Beyond that radius, we belive you may spend too much on travel costs to hire us.

This depends on the size of the project. In general, we can get to 1 day projects like small home repairs within 1 week. 

Multi day projects like building a front porch or renovating a bathroom will be scheduled out 2-4 weeks in advance. Lastly, large projects like full home renovations, additions, or multi-site work typically takes 1-3 months of planning and permitting approvals before we can start. 

Smaller job estimates can be turned around in 24-48 hours, while larger project estimates may take up to 3 weeks to complete (this would include a deck, finishing basement, and other home renovations). Larger projects require more planning and an intensive selection process to determine which finishes you prefer for your home, so the time it takes varies greatly depending on the scope. 

Our initial meeting is 100% free, after that it depends on the project. If you will be doing an addition or renovation that requires extensive planning, there is a $75/hr flat rate for any planning-related work on top of any associated architect fees. Architect fees range from $1,500-$15,000 depending on the scope. 

On projects where permits are required, we handle everything from drawings to permitting. If you would like to draw your own plans and obtain your permits for the job, that is ok with us, just know that the permitting process can be tricky if you’re not used to navigating the county system.

Absolutely. During our initial meeting let us know what you’re struggling with and we can assist you. If your questions are geared more towards architectural design, we will take pictures and measurements and consult with our designers on your behalf. 

We do various design layouts in-house, while others we send to architects to complete. During our initial meeting, be sure to ask where the drawings will be coming from and we will be able to tell you on the spot once we’ve seen the project. 

Of course! We do not want to kick you out of your own home in order for us to work. We will make sure to add temporary dust and sound barriors to make the construction process the least invasive possible. If there are times coming within a few hours we know to be particularly loud, we will give you notice incase you prefer to remove yourself, your family, or your pets from the premesis for a short while until the loud bits are over. 

We order supplies from various vendors and distribution centers in the area. Some of the common vendors we use are Home Depot, TW Perry, 84 Lumber, Build.com, Lowes, Frederick Brick Works, and Floor & Décor. However, many projects require specialized finishes that cannot be found at regular stores, so we really need to see what your selections are before we decide which vendor is best for your project. 

There are a few methods to our madness – the first is communication. We are in regular communication with each client before, during, and even after their project. This allows us to talk about updates, changes, or other news relating to the project. 

We also use a CRM software that allows us to track costs, hours, tasks, and other important material. Each PM (Project Manager) is allowed to take up to 4 jobs at a time, not including future work in the planning stages. 

Yes. Subcontractors are a great way for us to ensure quality for the trades that we do not specialize in, and are not licensed complete. Electrical and plumbing are two very important aspects of any home, so using trained licensed professionals is the best way to ensure the job is done right. 

The best part is, you won’t see an increased cost because we use subcontractors for these items. All of our subs are approved, vetted, and have a positive track record while working with us.

The honest answer is - there is no way to know until you plan. If you want a general idea of how much it may cost based of your hand-drawn plans, we are happy to provide a ballpark number for you. We would love to be able to say "$x.yy/sq ft" or "$xx,yyy for x," but the reality is every project is different and presents different challenges, whether large or small. 

Decks have a wide range of cost based on size and type of material. That being said, the average deck costs between $25,000 for 500sq ft and $30,000 for 700 sq ft with composite decking and railings. You can reduce these costs by using treated materials if you like that style. 

On average, a 16x16 porch with stained ceiling would cost around $30,000. However, your project may be more or less – the only way to know for sure is to have us out to take a look. 

Basements can be finished a variety of ways – adding bathrooms, kitchens, and theatres drive up the cost significantly vs. just putting up drywall and installing lighting and floors. With that said, if you finish 800 sqft of your basement with a small kitchenette and full bathroom, you should expect to pay about $48,000.00.