We plan extensively to try and avoid change orders. In the event that something is uncovered, we keep clients informed of what has been discovered and will propose the resolution with a fixed price. We will get approval prior to proceeding.
We have found that our work schedule of 7:30 am to 5:30 pm typically provides time in the morning or evening for us to connect with our clients. We value face-to-face communications throughout the length of a project. Clients who leave earlier in the morning often allow access to their home utilizing keys stored in a lock box or a garage entry code. If for any reason the worksite must be left unattended or we are done working before you are, we will secure appropriately (and give you a courtesy phone call).
We typically use garage, side, or back doors, whenever possible. However, sometimes the front door is the best pathway. Regardless, we always take extra steps to protect the entry points, which include laying down floor protection leading to the work area.
Noise varies, especially on demolition days, or during the installation of certain products that require tools such as saws, impact drivers, wet saws, vacuums, etc. Our lead carpenters onsite will keep you informed of the days events and can identify days/times that may be noisier than others.
We work hard to quarantine the work area with zip walls and plastic, and use HEPA filters to minimize dust. Whenever possible, we are big believers in specialty tools from Festool that further assist us in our effort to keep the work environment clean.
Project timelines vary: bathroom remodels typically take 3-5 weeks, kitchen remodels 6-8 weeks, and basement remodels 6-7 weeks, depending on the overall scope. These are general timelines and your specific project will be provided an schedule, setting expectations before the project ever starts.
As a courtesy to our clients, we provide a port-a-potty on-site for all our workers and trade partners for the duration of the project.
We recommend keeping pets in a safe, quiet area away from the work zone, or arranging for them to stay with a friend or at a pet daycare during more intense phases of the project.
Here at Ayars, we prefer to apply our time and expertise to projects with major impacts (e.g. bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, and finished basements). Minor, disconnected, or one-off tasks such as painting, installing appliances, repairs, or electrical work are best left to other contractors.
As craftsmen, we look to enhance your enjoyment of your entire home through all the work — it’s not just topical for us! Throughout the whole process, we value a collaborative relationship with our clients, nurturing their ideas, and going above and beyond what they expect. That is the kind of project we look forward to.
There’s no getting around the fact that the renovation process can be disruptive, but Ayars Complete Home Improvements takes the utmost care to minimize any mess we leave behind — through floor protection, zip-walls with plastic barriers, a HEPA air filtration system, and the introduction of a “negative draft” to keep debris contained within the work area.
Planning an open-concept home is a desired goal of many homeowners, but there can be a lot involved. The most important consideration is whether the wall to be removed is load-bearing — if so, structural support will be needed for the floors above. Additionally, if any plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC exist within that wall, they must be re-routed.
Outside of kitchens and bathrooms, home interior renovation projects that add a lot of value include:
For more in-depth coverage of return on investment, visit our Cost Vs. Value page.
The difference between interior remodeling and interior renovation is starting over vs. making the best of what you already have. Although many homeowners think their spaces aren’t working for them at all, it may only be a question of rearranging and optimizing an existing home layout.
New windows installed in a professional manner often have nice trim details on the exterior and interior. This can really highlight the quality of the home and give a refreshed look and lots of curb appeal.
Sometimes there is a room or window that is problematic and we can start there. In most instances, after seeing the positive results of a new window with all of its new features and efficiency, the rest of the windows are not far behind in being replaced.
Replacement windows have no nailing fin or flange and install inside the existing window opening. New construction style windows have this nailing flange and can be installed into existing openings, as long as there is a way to get the flange tight to the existing sheathing. This method of installation is more time-consuming and can require more skill but is often preferred in regards to waterproofing and flashing details that can be offered.
South Jersey homeowners would be wise to stick with a double-paned vinyl window with a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating designed for moderate or high solar gain, which traps more heat indoors during the cooler months.
Vinyl posts and rails have become the go-to for many wood railing/posts applications. Not all vinyl products are considered equal depending on the application. There are structural posts, railing baluster options, as well as different types of vinyl or other composite materials to consider.
UV rays are always working against the exterior of your home. Combined with acid rain and other elements, it is inevitable that there will be some fade to the products installed on the exterior of the home. The additives used in today’s products resemble that of your car’s dashboard; many of the vinyl siding & trim products have a much greater tolerance for today’s conditions and show beautifully for years to come.
The exterior trim collectively is all the finishing touches applied to the outside of your home — moldings around doors and windows, roofing, siding, gutters, shutters, vents, and so on. Exterior trim enhances curb appeal while protecting your home’s inner structure from the elements.
