FAQ’s

Yes absolutely, Caruso’s Construction is licensed by the CSLB, Bonded by Hudson Insurance Company, and Insured with Clear Spring Property and Casualty Company

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Unfortunately Every Single Project is Different. There are 100's variables that make up the pricing. We don't not have a typical price per square foot as every project is different, other contractors who have a set price, will either

A: Charge you way more than the project costs, or

B: lose money and end up abandoning your job.

A few examples that are crucial to know before we can get any kind of a rough estimate, Such as

-Access, is it a small street? How big is the lot? Is there a side yard?

-Services, where is the main sewer and depth of it? Where does the power come in?

-Usage: Will this predominantly be used as a rental property or will it have custom features such as a steam room, sauna, wine wall, big living area, exercise room, etc? What other custom features?

-Engineering: Is it on any kind of a slope? Are there tall ceilings, or vaulted ceilings? Are there big doors or windows that require large beams or steel? Is it a slab on grade, or a raised foundation? Are retaining walls required? Is it an open floor plan? Multiple stories? Do you plan on having a staircase made out of framing or a custom floating style made from steel? Is a crane required?

-FINISHES: Finishes are one of the main components of construction projects as there's millions of options for each item, here are some examples?

What kind of countertops do you plan on using? Prefabricated Countertops? Quartz, Quartzite, Granite, Porcelain? 

Do you plan on having a Waterfall Island?

Do you plan on having prefabricated, ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities? Or do you want custom cabinets?

Appliances? Do you plan on having Whirlpool or GE Appliances? Or do you plan on having Viking, Thermador, or Wolf?

Do you plan on having Luxury Vinyl Planking, Engineered Wood Flooring, Tile, or Imported Flooring?

Do you plan on having a Movie Theater, Wine Cellar, Steam Room, Sauna, Fireplaces?

Do you plan on having ceiling speakers, security systems, and a smart home?

Do you plan on having custom chandeliers? 

Do you plan on having a standard garage door, or a custom glass garage door?

Do you plan on having a metal roof or a shingle roof?

Do you plan on having custom closets, or shelf and pole standard closets?

Do you plan on having accent walls?

Do you plan on having Level 5 Smooth Drywall?

Do you plan on buying prefabricated vanities for the bathrooms, or custom vanities with a custom countertop and backsplash?

Do you plan on using 12”x24” tiles for the floor and walls of bathrooms, or do you plan on having 1”x3” Imported Tiles with a special design such as herringbone?

Do you plan on having linear vents for your air conditioning supply, or do you plan on having standard vents?

For painting, do you plan on painting the walls and ceilings the same color? Do you plan on having Lime Wash or Roman Clay bathrooms, laundry rooms, and feature walls?

Do you plan on having MDF Baseboards and Casing or Real Wood ?

Are your doors and windows stock items or do they need to be custom ordered with custom sizes? Will they be tinted?

Do you plan on using $100 toilets or do you plan on having floating, self flushing, self opening bidet toilets?

Do you plan on using siding or stucco?

Do you plan on having standard prehung doors, or custom ordered doors that need to be bored and hung manually? Will they be solid core or hollow core?

Do you plan on having photocell auto turn on/off sconces (exterior lights), or do they need to be all tied together on a switch?

Do you plan on having a finished garage with shelving, drywall, paint, epoxy floors?

Do you plan on having pocket sliding 30’ doors, bifold doors, or just standard 8’x8’ sliding doors?

The list goes on, these are just some of the thousands of questions to take into consideration when planning on a new construction project. Now you will likely see why a cost per square foot is almost impossible without having a ton of detail on the project.

Caruso’s Construction predominately services Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, and surrounding cities, if you're curious if we service your area you can contact us at carusosconstruction@gmail.com or via Phone (818) 321-1208

-Preliminary

We will start by first preparing for the initial job visit by asking you a few questions to see if we would be the right fit for your job.

-Job Visit

We will come out to the Project Location and go over a few things with you and ask you various questions as well as check current conditions. We will also come up with a game plan of how we will get the job done.

-Proposal / Contract

Depending on the Size and Complexity we will come up with pricing in around 1-2 Business Days and up to 5-7 Business Days for Large Custom Homes. Our Estimates are Extremely Detailed and include every single aspect of the job, from start to finish with a detailed description. Some line items include budgets, this will be for items like flooring, tile, appliances, and all of your finishes we will give you a Budget (i.e.. for Flooring we may give you $5/Sq. Ft) that way you are able to make these decisions as we get closer to the specified line item, and have time to change your mind

If everything works out and you decide to move forward we will now collect pertinent information, we will send you a long form contract to make the agreement binding. This contract protects you (the Client) as well as us, and contains extremely important information about how/when payments will be made, as well as how every situation is handled. It contains details about everything, we know its long, however please read it in full before signing.

-Signing

Upon reviewing the Proposal / Contract and accepting it, we will send you an Email with a link to sign the contract via DocuSign. We can also sign the contract in person if you prefer. A refundable deposit of $1,000 will need to be made upon signing, you will have 3 business days to cancel (5 days if you are over 65 years old).

-Construction Begins

The construction on your project will move extremely quickly. Typically Monday through Saturday we start at 7AM and work until 3:30OM (If your city does not allow Work to Commence until 8AM, we will work until 4:30). There may be days we work additional hours upon your approval while following City Guidelines. Please make sure the site is accessible during these times.

Noise and Dust: Construction is very Noisy and there are a lot of debris, we suggest for the duration of construction that you keep your windows and doors closed and replace your air conditioning Filter upon completion.

Safety: Safety is the utmost important aspect during construction, we take safety very seriously, extreme measures are in place to protect everyone involved, including workers, visitors, and our clients. Heavy Machinery, Open Trenches, Scaffolding, and Other Equipment may be used or in place throughout the project, take extreme caution if checking out the site. Caruso's Construction is not responsible for injuries of any person other than its' personnel.

-Communication

Depending on the clients preference Caruso's Construction will communicate (typically via Phone) as often as you prefer. Often we give updates daily and weekly detailed updates. If you see something that you don't like and even think about changing it please let personnel know immediately so we can go over other options, as we continue the Change Order will get more and more expensive (i.e.. If you noticed you don't have an outlet where you plan on putting a desk, you will save a lot of money by letting us know during electrical stage when walls are open, as we progress and the walls closed it will be more expensive, and it will be about 20X as much as it initially would've if it is painted.) This is just an example, however we are just trying to emphasize on how important it is to let us know about these things early. In this case if it is one outlet we are likely to not even charge you if you let us know early enough.

-Collaborative Problem Solving

Construction is an industry of problems, if anyone tells you that there won't be any problems, they are lying to you unfortunately. Our job is to avoid these problems as much as we can, if something does not work, we will let you know why it doesn't work and come up with a solution, if you have suggestions please bring them to the table, or if you have seen inspirations please share those with us. We work as a team. Our shared goal is the get the job done exactly to how you want it.

-Inspections

At each stage of the Project inspections will be made, our team will ensure that your project not only passes city inspections done by your cities Building and Safety Department, but passes our own strict Quality Control.

-Change Orders

Should you change your design ideas or adjustments to the plans, want to add something that wasn't initially included, we will discuss everything together to ensure that it aligns with your vision of the project, and how it may affect your budget, and how this may affect the timeline. The approval process is simple we will send you an Addendum to the original contract with the Description, Price, how it will affect the payments, and the effect on the timeline. It will need to be signed and dated by both the client and us.

If you have any other questions or concerns regarding any part of this process please reach out to us and we will try to clear it up as best as possible! We look forward with working with you!

Caruso's Construction is your one-stop destination for all your construction needs. We provide a comprehensive range of construction services, from new construction projects and remodels to renovations, additions, and more. With our experienced team and unwavering commitment to quality, we are dedicated to delivering top-notch results on every project. Whether you're looking to build a dream home from the ground up or enhance your existing space, Caruso's Construction has the expertise and craftsmanship to bring your vision to life. Choose us for all your construction-related needs and experience excellence at every step of the way.

Increasing your property value through construction projects involves various factors, including the project's type, location, quality, and market conditions. Here are some types of construction projects that can enhance your property's value and the key factors to consider:

Kitchen Remodel: A well-designed and modern kitchen is a major selling point. Quality appliances, countertops, and cabinets can significantly increase the value of your home.

Bathroom Remodel: Upgrading bathrooms with contemporary fixtures, tiling, and storage can boost your property's appeal and value.

Room Additions: Adding an extra bedroom, bathroom, or living space can expand your property's functionality and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Basement Conversion: Transforming an underutilized basement into a living area, office, or entertainment space can add valuable square footage.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Installing energy-efficient windows, insulation, and HVAC systems can lower utility costs and increase your property's value.

Exterior Improvements: Curb appeal is crucial. Consider landscaping, exterior painting, and front door upgrades to create a positive first impression.

Deck or Patio Addition: Outdoor living spaces are highly desirable. Adding a deck or patio for entertainment and relaxation can be a valuable investment.

Roof Replacement: An old or damaged roof can deter buyers. A new roof not only adds value but also ensures the integrity of your property.

Smart Home Technology: Integrating smart home features such as security systems, thermostats, and lighting can make your property more attractive and convenient.

Upgrading Mechanical Systems: Modernizing plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems ensures safety and efficiency, enhancing the overall value.

Many homeowners are aware that they have the option to undertake a project as an Owner-Builder; however, there are potential risks associated with it. An analogy we often use is to imagine yourself being placed in the midst of a musical orchestra and tasked with leading the musicians. While you may have all the musicians who know how to play their individual instruments, if you don't know how to orchestrate each group, the musicians can't come together smoothly and effectively. When building your home, you may also make costly mistakes that will cost you far more money and stress than assistance of a professional General Contractor like Caruso’s Construction for your project.

Absolutely, estimates are always free. Simply reach out, we will ask you a few questions and we can get you a free no obligation estimate.

Payment schedule is tailored to every client and job. However, typically we always charge an initial deposit no greater than $1,000, Then, Caruso’s Construction will typically bill you 2-4 times per month depending on size of job with Progressive Draws based upon Project Completion. Payments. Draws can be made by Checks, Cash, Wire Transfers, or Credit/Debit Cards (Please do advise we charge a 4.5% processing charge for Credit/Debit Cards).

Typically Caruso’s Construction will reach back out to you by the next Business Day after you fill our a form to go over all of your information, from there please allow 3-5 Business Days for us to create your estimate!

The average room addition is anywhere between $170/Square Foot to Over $600/Square Foot depending greatly on the Quality of Materials and The Purpose of the Addition.

Here at Caruso’s Construction this is one of our favorite questions to answer.

Experience & Expertise

With the Founder having over 35 years of Construction Experience, as well as being actively licensed for the past 13 years we have unmatched service. A great way to compare us to other companies, is imagine each of us as Doctors of your Construction Site, both may get the job done, but at what cost. A rookie surgeon risks, additional problems and errors due to lack of knowledge and experience creating additional costs and unnecessary delays on your home. An expert surgeon (in this case, us) may charge more money than the competition, but will have a significantly less chance of issues, saving you money, and will finish faster than the rookie, saving you time. By us charging more money than some the competition we are able to offer higher level of security to our customers by employing and only using the most competent employees and subcontractors for the job. If your looking to get the cheapest bid for your project I’d recommend stop reading now, it most likely won’t be us. We wouldn’t have put our Last Name on our Products and Services if we weren’t comfortable with it!

Efficiency.

Efficiency is one of the most important parts of your construction project. The only way we are able to provide the level of efficiency on your project that we offer is 35 years of experience on one subject and a team who thrives in systems and strict schedule management. Making sure your project moves quickly and efficiently is our job, that’s why we guarantee we will finish your project by our deadline or you will receive a daily compensation relative to the contract each day that we incur you a delay.

Communication

With one of the most dedicated and work motivated teams, our level of communication is unmatched. Other contractors leave you on edge for weeks, don’t give you updates on project timeline, problems, etc. At Caruso’s Construction you will be led through the journey side by side with us, step by step all the way through from the time of excavation, to the final touch and beyond always keeping you in the know, aware of what’s going on. We go above and beyond to take care of our clients needs, by working around the clock to meet your schedule. We also offer around the clock texting, (5PM-10PM Daily, After Normal Business Hours). Experience Excellence.