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Questions, Answered
The things people ask most before hiring a remodeler. If yours is not here, call or text and ask.
The work we do
Who actually does the work?
Alec Schwindt, the owner. He is the person who walks your project, gives you the number, and is on site while it is being built. For trades outside his scope he brings in people he has worked with before and coordinates them himself, so you still have one point of contact.
What else do you do besides what is listed?
Quite a bit. Alec has a broad building background and takes on most residential work: drywall and texture, painting, flooring of all types, interior doors and hardware, framing changes, mantels and fireplace surrounds, mudrooms and laundry rooms, garage build-outs, egress windows, railings and stairs, and general repairs. If it is part of a house and it does not require a separately licensed trade, ask him about it.
Do you build new homes?
Alec runs a separate custom home operation under the IronWood Homes name. This site covers remodeling and renovation work. If you are looking at a new build, call the same number and ask about it.
Pricing and payment
Do you charge for estimates?
No. Estimates are free and there is no consultation fee. Alec will come out, look at the space, and give you a written number at no cost.
Is there a minimum for small jobs?
Yes, $150. Small handyman-style work is welcome, things like swapping out light fixtures, hanging a door, patching drywall or a small tile repair. The $150 minimum covers the trip and the time it takes to do it properly. Larger projects are quoted on their own scope, and the minimum does not apply.
What happens if you find something unexpected behind the wall?
It happens on most remodels: rot, old water damage, wiring that was never right, or framing that was cut for a pipe. Alec will stop, show you what he found, and tell you what it costs to fix before doing the work. You will not find surprise charges on a final invoice.
Do you offer financing?
Not at this time. Payment is arranged directly with Alec, with terms laid out in your estimate before work starts.
During your project
How long does a project take?
It depends entirely on scope. A tub surround retiled is a matter of days. A full bathroom gut is typically a few weeks. A kitchen or a finished basement runs longer, and material lead times often drive the schedule more than the labor does. Alec gives you a realistic timeline in the estimate rather than an optimistic one he cannot hit.
Will Alec be working other jobs at the same time as mine?
Alec is on your job site every day it is running. He does not start a project, disappear onto another one, and leave you guessing. If something comes up that affects your schedule, you will hear it from him directly rather than noticing that nobody showed up.
Do you clean up while the work is going on?
Yes. The site gets cleaned at the end of each day rather than at the end of the job, and dust control goes up before demolition starts. You still have to live there while the work happens, and that gets planned around.
Do I need a permit?
It depends on the work and the jurisdiction. Structural changes, egress windows, and some electrical and plumbing work typically require one. A tile floor or a backsplash typically does not. Alec will tell you what your project needs during the estimate.
Insurance and service area
Are you insured?
Yes. Alec carries liability insurance, and he is happy to provide proof of coverage before any work starts. Just ask when he comes out.
What areas do you serve?
Augusta, Wichita, Andover, El Dorado, Derby, Mulvane, Park City and Bel Aire, plus the surrounding Butler and Sedgwick County towns. If you are just outside that ring, call and ask, because for a larger project the drive is usually workable. See the service areas page.
Ready to get a number on it?
Estimates are free. Call Alec directly, or send the form and he will reach out to set up a walkthrough.