Renovation 101

Britton Neeley tours a completed remodel in the Coosawattee River Resort where the team converted an existing bedroom into a dedicated dining room. The project involved opening up the wall with a 10-foot beam, tying new flooring into the home's existing knotty pine 1x12 boards, and creating a vaulted ceiling that added about 18 inches of height. New double doors were installed for future porch access, and the homeowners chose a bold modern accent design that brings a fresh pop of style to the rest of the home.

Britton Neeley breaks down kitchen remodel timelines and what homeowners should plan for during the process. The national average runs 6 to 12 weeks, while Neeley Built Homes typically targets a 5 to 6 week turnaround. Britton also covers the practical considerations of living without a kitchen, from utilizing a basement kitchen to setting up a temporary prep area with a crock pot and microwave, so homeowners know exactly what to expect before construction begins.

Britton Neeley breaks down what a turnkey contract really means and when it makes the most sense for your project. From small remodels to full home builds, turnkey pricing gives homeowners a set price and clearly defined scope from start to finish, so you know exactly what you're getting and what you're paying. Britton covers the biggest pro (certainty for both homeowner and builder), the main downside (upfront planning, design, and engineering costs on larger projects), and why that upfront investment is critical to getting an accurate price and the home you actually want. Stay tuned for a follow-up video covering the Cost Plus pricing option and its pitfalls.

Britton Neeley shares the five biggest red flags homeowners should look for when interviewing a contractor for their project. From simple things like whether they show up on time and follow through on quotes, to bigger concerns like technical knowledge, willingness to listen to what you actually want, and the all-important gut feeling, Britton walks through what to pay attention to during the hiring process. Whether you're planning a small remodel or a full home build, knowing how to spot these warning signs early can save you serious time, money, and headaches down the road.

Britton Neeley breaks down the Cost Plus contract, where homeowners pay the actual cost of materials, labor, and equipment plus a percentage (typically 20-30%) or a flat fee on top. This pricing structure offers flexibility for projects with lots of unknowns, like additions or builds on tricky lots, and provides full financial transparency so homeowners can see exactly where every dollar is going. Britton also covers the biggest downside: without predetermined specifics, ballpark estimates can easily balloon over budget, which is why trust in your contractor is absolutely critical when entering this kind of agreement

Britton Neeley answers one of the most common questions homeowners ask: does my project need a permit? The short answer is to always check with your local planning and permitting office first, but Britton goes deeper into the pros, cons, and key considerations to help you make an informed decision. He covers the benefits of third-party inspections and avoiding setback issues down the road, the trade-offs of added time, cost, and potential tax assessments, and shares two important tips: don't let a contractor talk you out of getting a permit if you want one, and never surprise your builder with a permit requirement mid-project.