Before you drop your hard-earned money on a virtual consultant, you probably have some questions. Here are the straight answers to what homeowners and DIYers ask me before we start working together.
How Online Construction Consulting Works
How does online construction consulting actually work?
Most jobs go south before day one. Bad planning, bad budgets, and hiring the wrong guys ruin projects. I handle all that remotely via Zoom, phone, and text. We figure out your ideas, I build you a step-by-step plan and budget, and then I help you execute it. You get a professional builder in your corner without paying for a full-time on-site project manager.
Can you help me if I live outside of Texas?
Yes. Since everything is online, I work with folks all over the country. I cannot pull permits for you, but I will tell you exactly which ones you need. I also check your plans against standard International Residential Code (IRC) guidelines so you are structurally safe before the local inspector shows up.
Do I need to hire an architect before contacting you?
Nope. If you have a rough sketch on notebook paper and a Pinterest board, we can work with that. If we get to a point where you need stamped architectural plans for the city, I will be the first to tell you to bring an architect on board.
Do you draft formal floor plans or 3D models?
No. I give you written layout guidance, help you figure out the floor plan, and provide technical advice. I will tell you exactly where the sink should go or how to frame a new closet. But I do not generate CAD files or stamped blueprints. If your city needs stamped drawings to approve the permit, you will need a local draftsperson to draw up what we agree on.
What types of projects do you NOT accept?
I stick to residential construction. I do not consult on commercial build-outs, swimming pools, major septic systems, or large excavation jobs. If your project involves moving main sewer lines or moving mountains of dirt, you need a local civil engineer or site contractor there with you.
Services and Deliverables
What exactly do I receive in the Project Roadmap package?
You get a custom PDF that breaks your project down phase by phase, from demo to final finishes. You also get a line-item budget in an Excel spreadsheet. The spreadsheet lets you plug in your own local pricing and adjust numbers as you shop for materials. Finally, you get direct links and brand recommendations for the stuff you need to buy.
Can I see a sample of the Project Roadmap and Budget Blueprint before I buy?
I know it is hard to buy a plan without seeing it first. Yes, you can view a redacted sample of a previous kitchen remodel roadmap and budget spreadsheet on the Services page. That way you can see exactly how the information is formatted and how detailed it gets.
Who actually purchases the materials?
You do. I give you the links and brand recommendations, but you buy it yourself. I do not have trade accounts that pass discounts down to you. Buying direct means you handle all the warranties and returns locally, which is what you want anyway.
What happens if the budget you provide is higher than I can afford?
We fix it. One revision session is included with the Project Roadmap. If the numbers make your eyes water, we jump on a call and figure out where we can cut fat without building a junk house. We can look at material swaps, layout changes, or doing the project in smaller chunks.
Can you review a bid I already received from a local contractor?
Absolutely. If you already have plans and a quote, you can buy the Standalone Construction Bid Review. I will read through the documents line by line to find where they are padding the bill or using cheap materials. Then we have a 30-minute call to talk about how to push back and negotiate a fair price.
How fast do you respond for DIY Rescue troubleshooting?
For DIY Rescue clients, I guarantee a response within 24 hours, but it is usually much faster. You can text me photos right from the job site. My hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time. If you text me on Saturday, I will get back to you on Monday.
Support and Logistics
How long do I have access to you for ongoing support?
The Full Support Build Package gives you 90 days of text, phone, and email support. That starts the day I hand over your custom roadmap. If your project drags on past 90 days, you can buy an extended support package.
What happens if my local inspector rejects the plans you provided?
Local building departments can have some really weird, strict rules sometimes. If an inspector rejects something, we get on a phone call to figure out exactly what he wants to see. I cannot take the financial hit if your local county has a crazy code, but I will help you rework the plan to make the inspector happy for free during your support window.
Are weekend or evening consultations available?
My normal hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time. I do keep a few evening slots open during the week for guys who work regular day jobs. If you absolutely need a weekend call, I charge an extra 50 bucks.
Can I communicate via regular phone calls, or is it strictly Zoom and Text?
I prefer Zoom for our first strategy session so we can share screens and look at photos together. But for ongoing troubleshooting and DIY Rescue calls, regular phone calls are fine. If you want to walk around your job site with your phone to your ear, that works for me.
What if we run out of time on the 60-minute strategy session?
Construction questions can get deep. If we hit 60 minutes and we are not done, you can extend the call in 15-minute chunks for 40 bucks a pop. Or we can just wrap up and you can book another session later.
Can I upgrade my package after we start working together?
Yes. If you start with the 60-Minute Strategy Session and realize you need the full Project Roadmap, the 150 bucks you paid goes straight toward the 850 package. You just pay the difference. You can also upgrade to the Full Support Build Package later on by paying the difference.
How is payment handled and what methods do you accept?
I need a 50 percent deposit to book the initial call and hold your spot on the calendar. The rest is due when I deliver the custom PDF roadmap. Standalone bid reviews and 60-minute calls are paid in full when you book. I take all major credit cards through a secure online portal, or you can do a direct bank transfer.
Do you offer refunds if I am not satisfied?
If we have not had our first Zoom call yet, your deposit is fully refundable. Once we have the consultation or I deliver the roadmap, fees are non-refundable because my time and expertise are already spent. The only exception is the Standalone Bid Review. If you buy that and the contractor’s bid is actually perfect with no issues, I will refund half your money.
Do you guarantee your budget estimates?
I guarantee the budget is based on real, current market rates for your area. But I cannot guarantee the final price. Stuff happens. You open a wall and find water damage, or material prices spike globally. The roadmap prepares you for those surprises so you can handle them without going broke.