D. Cook Construction Frequently Asked Questions

(831) 288-8089
1143 Echo Avenue, Suite E
Seaside, CA 93955
Q: Do you use subcontractors?
A: "It depends on the size of the job. On smaller jobs, we’ll do almost everything. On larger jobs, we’ll just take on the foundation, framing and finish work."
Q: I’ve heard horror stories about subcontractors who are messy and unruly. How can I be sure your subcontractors aren’t like that?
A: "I’ve worked with my subcontractors for, in most cases, more than 10 years. They’re on board. They take care of us and we take care of them. They’re almost like our own employees. You won’t have any problems."
Q: What about cost overruns?
A: "The cost that’s quoted is the final cost, and the description that’s written is what’s going to happen. If there needs to be a change, we all sit down and agree on it before anything is done."
Q: Will a project disrupt my home?
A: "We’re considerate. We clean up daily and accommodate you. Sometimes we’ll set up a temporary kitchen—take the old cabinet and sink and set them up in a spare bedroom, just so you’re not burdened by the lack of a kitchen. Washing your dishes in a bathtub gets real old, real fast. Or people say, ‘Oh, I get to eat out.’ But you’re going to hate that after the first week. We try to minimize our intrusion into your lives."
Q: Why shouldn’t I go with big handyman stores, like Lowe’s or Home Depot, for a kitchen or bathroom remodel?
A: "I think they’re going to be more rigid in terms of pricing and keeping costs ‘low.’ Their options are going to be limited. It’ll be custom up to a point, and then they’re going to say, ‘Well, we don’t have time to research those things.’ I think it’s more of a cookie cutter kind of approach.Although we like to make money, our clients are our primary concern. If nothing else, client relationships translate to referrals and longevity for us. Whereas a large outfit can drop a few customers and make a few folks unhappy, we don’t have any unhappy folks. Also, our materials are equal in price but a little better in quality. And if there’s a problem, we can take care of it without a hassle. With those big stores, it’s a huge hassle."
Q: How many estimates should I get for a remodeling project?
A: "I think three estimates are sufficient."
Q: What if the estimates vary greatly?
A: "That’s exactly what’s happening these days because of the economy. One huge problem is clients’ ability to compare apples to apples. If you don’t have a good, detailed set of plans and a list of specifications, each individual bidder will bid it however he or she wants.If you go to a car lot and there’s a Mercedes 200 for $10,000, and six miles away there’s the same car for $9,000, you’re going to take the cheaper deal. But with remodeling, you’re not necessarily getting the same product."