General Questions and Answers
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What's done at the end of the project to make sure everything is to my satisfaction?
Near project completion, a final meeting or "walk-through" is held, with the home owner(s), foreman, project manager, and sometimes company owner to review the entire project and note any "punch list" items (items not up to the home owner's or our quality standards). These items are then corrected, and where projects warrant, a home owner's manual is compiled, consisting of all product warranties, appliance instructions, paint colours, and other paperwork pertinent to the maintenance of the home or project. Any project is never officially "closed". We're always a phone call away from correcting any problem or addressing any concern you may have.
Do I have to choose my decorating selections from certain vendors?
We're happy to recommend vendors and suppliers we feel provide the widest range of goods that you may be looking for, however, anywhere the home owner finds what they are looking for is the right place.
Who is responsible for decorating selections?
The home owner is the decision maker for all design and most building decisions (the exception would be any structural aspects) for the entire project. On large-scale jobs, we provide the home owner a list of selections that need to be made and the date they should be made by in order to complete the job on schedule. Job meetings are also used to review these selections and order the necessary items.
What if something goes wrong after you've completed my project?
We will promptly respond to any concern or problem that may arise after your project is complete.
What is your standard billing procedure?
A billing schedule will generally be agreed upon as part of the contract negotiations.
Who do I contact if I have questions during the course of the project?
At the beginning of your project, you will receive contact information of the foreman on you job, the project manager, and the company owner as well. Usually the home owner will voice their question or concern to the job foreman, who in turn will turn to the project manager if he is unable to adequately answer your concerns. You may, of course, contact the company owner at any time if you feel there is a problem with your project. Generally, on projects lasting more than a few weeks, we schedule weekly job meetings in order to review job progress, potential problems, home owner selections, and any and all home owner concerns.
Do you work in my home while I'm away or at work?
Yes, usually the job requirements of our customers preclude them from taking extensive leaves of absences, leaving us to work while you're away. However, our foreman and carpenters are professional in their work habits and will respect your home and its belongings. We have never had a complaint from a home owner about the behaviour or actions of our people while working in their home.
Can I live in my house while the work is being done?
Almost all of our customers stay in they homes while the work is being done. Where possible, work areas are either partitioned or sealed off from the rest of the living environment to eliminate the spreading of dust, fumes, or noise. Most remodelling or renovation jobs are accomplished this way, and provide a great cost savings to the home owner. Of course, total living space renovations may require other scenarios.
Can I do some of the work on my project myself in order to save money?
Many of our customers prefer to do some of the work on their project themselves both for cost savings purposes and for enjoyment. Generally, the tasks the home owners wish to do themselves are left out of the contract - usually stated as NIC (Not In Contract). Each project is different so ask your sales agent for details.
How can I see some of the projects that you have completed?
We would be more than happy to set up a time to tour some of our completed projects that may relate to your own. We feel it's vital to see some of the contractor's work and if possible even discuss with the clients before making a decision. Ask your sales agent for more details.
Will ZCC provide financing for my project?
Typically the rates offered by a construction company can not compare to the benefits of refinancing or taking a second out on your property, such as a home equity line of credit. We have worked closely with United Pacific Lending in the past. If you do not wish to refinance and are interested in financing with ZCC ask your sales agent for details.
Does ZCC do work covered by my insurance company?
Yes. This is quite a frequent occurrence. Typically, before you have settled with your insurance company, we would provide you with a cost estimate and help you negotiate with your insurance company.
Does ZCC provide design services?
Yes. On smaller projects such as remodels or renovations, we’re happy to provide you with assistance designing your project – as much or as little assistance as you desire. On larger scale projects, we can recommend one of many local architects we’ve worked closely with through the years or with any architect you’ve already chosen to go with. We can also help out with the engineering aspects of a job such as beams or truss design.
Can you estimate a cost from a set of plans I already have?
Yes. On many occasions homeowners already have a set of blueprints or even sketches from which they want to get a feel for the expense of their project.
What are a “Change Order” and an “Allowance”?
During the course of a project, the homeowner may want to eliminate or add other work to the scope of the job. This will result in a “change order” – simply put, a document requiring your signature to proceed with the changes to the job along with the credit (if work is to be eliminated) or the additional sum required (if work is added). An “allowance” is a cost placeholder in a contract that represents a sum of money dedicated towards an undecided aspect of the job. For instance, if a contract is signed and the type of carpeting in an addition hasn’t been decided upon, an “allowance” may be placed in the contract telling you we have allowed a certain amount of money towards the expense of the undecided selection. When the selection is made, any amount under the allowance is credited towards the customer, and any amount over, is due the contractor. What an allowance does, is 1) help you see the cost of your project without having to remember to set aside money for a certain item, and 2) permits a job to begin without every detail being decided beforehand.
Once we agree on a price, what is the process for starting work?
After the signed contract is received, we will contact you to set up a “pre-construction” meeting where we will discuss particulars about your project (starting times, access to the work area, special requirements, etc.) Then, the work begins – all contracts have a “will begin in” and “will be completed in” number of day’s clause to ensure you your project is scheduled.
Can I get other prices on my project once ZCC has given me an estimate?
We encourage our customers to get “bids” or “price out” their project to ensure they’re getting a fair deal. We would like to caution you, however, to make sure you’re comparing similar scopes of work.
Do you give free estimates?
Rough estimates are free of charge. Detailed estimates range as to the size and complexity of the project. An estimate is in no way a contractual obligation.
What sort of warranties does your company provide?
All our materials and workmanship are warranted for one full year after project completion. Any and all material warranties carry over to the homeowner as well. Any defects in workmanship are promptly addressed and corrected to the home owner's satisfaction.
Is your company fully insured?
Yes. We are a fully insured corporation and use only licensed and insured subcontractors to protect you, the customer, and ourselves
What does your company provide that other contractors may not?
We feel our attention to detail and quality workmanship give us an edge in accomplishing your project and exceeding your expectations. We pride ourselves in delivering any job on time and on budget!
What type of projects does ZCC undertake?
Our company undertakes all phases of residential and light commercial work – remodelling, renovations (standard and historic), additions, and new construction – anything from hanging a storm door to a million dollar custom home. In our years of service we have developed an expertise in designing and building sound studios.
What areas geographically does ZCC work in?
Over the years the majority of our projects have been in and around the Los Angeles and Orange County. We have take projects in Las Vegas, and Scottsdale ares. We are now predominately in the Dana Point and Laguna Beach.
What is the history of your company?
ZCC has been in business for over 15 years. We’ve successfully completed hundreds of building, remodelling, and renovation jobs throughout the community. We have over 45 years of combined construction experience.
What type business is ZCC?
ZCC is a general contracting firm. We manage all aspects of a construction project from beginning to end. We supply the manpower, materials, and subcontractors necessary to accomplish the job. We provide the work force to achieve the majority of a project’s tasks and may hire speciality trades people (such as plumbers, electricians, drywall, or painters) as needed.
