How much does a typical home improvement project cost?

Every project is priced according to the type and amount of materials used, and the time it takes to complete the project. Most people would like their home to be unique, so there are definitely cost differences. Plus, every project presents different circumstances that have to be accounted for, such as landscaping, height, and the grade of the jobsite. It would be unprofessional, if not impossible to give a price on a project without seeing the property and discussing the options with the homeowners. It is best to schedule an appointment to meet one of our representatives because he or she can size up the project, answer all your questions, and give you a reliable estimate.

How much does an estimate cost?

An estimate from Creative Energy of Virginia is always free.

Is there any obligation to go ahead with the project?

No, absolutely not.

Why does every company require all homeowners to be present for the free estimate?

Most companies provide this service for free as long as they can meet with all homeowners in order to achieve a meeting of the minds and they can price the project accurately during the first appointment.  This saves greatly on fuel costs and emissions produced, as well as overall time management.  Creative Energy of VA prefers to meet with all decision-makers the first time out, but we don’t require it.  We understand how hectic life can be and we are willing to work with your schedule to make it as convenient as possible for you to get your free estimate.

For what period of time is the estimate valid?

The estimate is valid for one full year.

Once we contract with Creative Energy, when will the project start?

We schedule your project for a time that is convenient for you. Your representative will write an approximate installation date on the contract. This is helpful because it gives you a general time to focus on until we schedule the exact start day together.

What is the best time of the year to schedule a project?

Every season has its advantages. For example, the winter is nice because there is less landscaping to worry about. The spring is good because the weather is more agreeable. The summer is good because the days are longer, allowing us to get more accomplished. The fall is a good time to have a project done before your friends and family come to visit for the holidays.

What should a homeowner do to prepare for a project?

For windows, the homeowner should remove any blinds or curtains, and move the furniture away from the window spaces. For siding, the homeowner should move all obstacles (like lawn furniture, hoses, tools, etc.) away from the house, and remove pictures and mirrors that hang on the inside of exterior walls. For roofing, cover anything in the attic that you don't way to get dirty. Also for roofing, consider removing pictures and mirrors that hang on the inside of exterior walls. For decks, move all obstacles (like lawn furniture, hoses, tools, etc.) away from the house.

Make sure there is an electrical outlet available. If there is no exterior outlet, please hang an extension cord from a window.

And finally, please be able to pay us as soon as the project is completed. This is important because we only require 50% deposits, so we need to collect the remaining balance as soon as our customers are 100% satisfied.

Do you have your own installation crews or do you pick them up off the street like many low-cost companies are doing now?

Our crews have been with us for anywhere from 3-15 years.  We DO NOT hire subcontractors off the street.  We find a crew that performs the level of professional work that we would find acceptable for our own homes.  As long as we keep that crew busy, they stick with us for as long as we want them around! 

Many other companies, which we call gypsies or storm-chasers, come into town and offer cut-rate installations at half the going price.  They can do this because they are hiring guys from the street corner and/or they don’t carry appropriate insurance.  They may walk off the job, do a chintzy installation, or do something that looks fine but 3 years later when you need a repair, that company has left the area for good. 

We have been in business since 1994 and we will NOT leave you to be the one left holding the bag in the rare instance that your project needs service.  That is the point of using high-quality installers and contracting with a sound company.

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