Frequently Asked Questions
Star Remodeling focuses on fixed-price residential remodeling: kitchens, bathrooms, additions, ADUs, porches, and whole-home updates. If it involves improving an existing home—not building a subdivision—we’re usually a great fit.
We offer a free initial consultation and a project-range estimate. Any detailed scope or fixed price requires a Design & Planning Agreement. Why? Because accuracy takes time, measurements, and decisions — not guesswork.
A design agreement prevents budget “surprises,” missing details, and mid-project chaos. It gives us time to build a clear scope, define materials, confirm layouts, and produce an accurate fixed price.
Some projects may qualify for a design-fee credit applied to the final build agreement.
Design is where the clarity happens — not on demo day.
- Site measurements
- Layout options
- Budget alignment
- Guidance on materials + allowances
- Final scope
- Fixed-price contract
Absolutely. We frequently coordinate with outside designers and architects and integrate their plans into our scope.
We use milestone or benchmark-based payments, not hourly billing. A typical schedule looks like:
- Initial Deposit — contract signing (MA compliant)
- Mobilization — scheduling + ordering long-lead materials
- Rough-In Benchmark — plumbing/electrical/framing
- Mid-Project Benchmark — varies by job
- Substantial Completion — functionally complete
- Final Payment — a percentage of the total project amount
A change order is required when:
- You add something
- You remove something
- Or something hidden or not normally expected in the existing building surprises us
We price and approve all change orders before work continues.
Durations vary based on selections, lead times, subcontractor availability, inspections, and complexity:
- Bathrooms: 2–4 weeks
- Kitchens: 4–8 weeks
- Additions/ADUs: 8–20+ weeks
- Whole-home updates: varies
These are typical — real-life homes sometimes love to “keep things interesting.”
Not every day. Some phases require waiting, not swinging hammers.
Examples:
- Concrete needing set time
- Plaster or finish coats drying
- Inspections
- Subcontractors doing off-site prep or fabrication
These “quiet days” are normal and don’t mean the project has stalled.
Yes — dust happens. We put up barriers, floor protection, seal vents, run air scrubbers, and clean daily.
But even with all that:
- Fine dust travels
- Ductwork moves air
- Demolition and plaster work create heavy dust
- Dust settles for days after major phases
This is normal in residential remodeling.
We strongly recommend removing:
- Artwork (especially canvas or textured pieces)
- Electronics and TVs
- Collectibles
- Instruments
- Anything irreplaceable
We can connect you with a professional art curator for high-value items.
Usually yes — but comfort depends on the scope.
Smaller projects:
You can stay, but you may need to:
- Use a different bathroom
- Set up an indoor “camping kitchen”
- Time coffee breaks around power tools
Bigger projects:
When walls are open, power or water is shut off, or multiple rooms are impacted, staying can feel… ambitious.
We’ll always give advance notice. Our job isn’t to scare you — just to keep you safe and informed, with your sanity intact.
Pets are the homeowner’s responsibility.
Doors may be open for materials or ventilation — if a pet escapes or gets injured, it is the owner’s responsibility.
For their safety (and ours), pets must be secured away from the workspace.
Allowances act as placeholders for items not yet selected.
- Over the allowance → you pay the difference
- Under the allowance → you get a credit
Choosing materials earlier = fewer surprises.
We supply all materials except:
- Appliances
- Decorative lighting fixtures
Owner-supplied items must come from preferred vendors to ensure quality, accuracy, proper quantities, and reliable lead times.
- 1-year craftsmanship warranty
- Manufacturer warranties cover defects in products
- Our quality standards follow NAHB Residential Construction Performance Guidelines
If it’s workmanship — we fix it. If it’s the product — the manufacturer fixes it. If it meets industry tolerances — it’s considered acceptable construction.
If something goes wrong, reach out.
- Workmanship issues within the year → we handle it
- Manufacturer defects → go through the manufacturer
- Beyond the warranty → we offer paid service calls
We’re here to help — just not as your permanent free handyman.
Yes.
- MA HIC License: 141844
- Fully insured
- All subcontractors are licensed and insured
Yes.
- Star Remodeling pulls the building permit
- Licensed subcontractors pull plumbing, electrical, and HVAC permits
Your job is simple: provide access when inspectors need to visit.
Regular check-ins
- Phone/text/email updates
- Advance notice for decisions
- Photos when useful
- Direct contact with your project manager
No portals. No apps. No hoops.
Emergencies → call immediately
Everything else → text/email anytime; we respond next business day.