Chapter 07 · FAQ

Questions we hear most often.

Q.01Do you hold a general contractor license?+

Yes — WA L&I number SPIVEBC764M4. We're licensed, bonded, and insured for every project we take on.

Q.02How long does construction take, start to finish?+

Depends on size. 3–4 months is fairly common; homes above ~2,500–3,000 sq ft may take 6 months or more. From the very first conversation to keys, plan on 6–9 months total.

Q.03How do you charge for your services?+

As of January 2026 we are a fixed-fee company — what you see in the estimate is what we charge. No cost-plus, no surprise markups.

Q.04Can the price increase after signing the contract?+

No, not really. If construction starts more than 6 months in the future and material or sub costs shift, yes — but that is very rare.

Q.05What if I run out of money before the build is done?+

You won't. If financed, lenders include a 5–10% contingency for the unexpected. If paying cash, we recommend keeping 5–10% above the build cost for the same reason. Our estimates are thorough — no blindsides.

Q.06Do you offer a warranty?+

Yes — one year for labor defects. And because we're a local company, if something wasn't done right, we'll make it right.

Q.07How often does your team visit the job site?+

Almost always. Our construction manager is on-site 1–2× per week, designer 1–2× per month. You're welcome to visit anytime — just give the crew space to keep working.

Q.08Do I have to use the subcontractors you use?+

Generally, yes. We have preferred subs who know our pace and quality. We've substituted for an owner-preferred sub in special circumstances.

Spivey crew on site
Painting trim
Hanging a mirror