Question 1

What types of construction services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Swanson Construction provides a full range of residential construction and remodeling services. Our most popular offerings include kitchen renovations, bathroom remodeling, home additions, new home construction, deck and porch building, interior and exterior painting, custom carpentry, flooring installation, and fence installation. We handle projects of all sizes — from a single-room update to a complete custom home build. As a licensed general contractor, we manage every trade and subcontractor so you have one point of contact from start to finish.

Question 2

How long does a typical renovation project take?

Accepted Answer

Timelines depend on the scope and complexity of the work. As a general guide: a bathroom renovation typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, kitchen renovations run 4 to 8 weeks depending on whether walls are moved, and home additions can take 2 to 4 months including permits and inspections. During your free consultation, we provide a detailed project timeline with key milestones. We also build in buffer time for material deliveries and inspections so that our quoted completion date is realistic, not optimistic.

Question 3

Do you provide free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every project begins with a free, no-obligation in-home consultation and written estimate. We visit your property, discuss your goals and budget, take measurements, and then prepare a detailed quote that itemizes materials, labor, permits, and any subcontractor costs. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges. Most homeowners receive their estimate within a few business days of the consultation, and we're happy to walk through every line item with you.

Question 4

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Swanson Construction and Development, Inc. is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in the State of North Carolina. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage to protect both our crew and your property throughout every phase of construction. We're happy to provide proof of insurance and our license number upon request — just ask during your consultation or give us a call.

Question 5

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve the greater Wilmington, NC region, including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Hampstead, Leland, Oak Island, Southport, and surrounding communities across New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties. If you're unsure whether your property falls within our service area, give us a call at (910) 443-4113 and we'll confirm availability. Most projects within a 45-minute drive of Wilmington are within range.

Question 6

How do you handle permits and inspections?

Accepted Answer

We manage the entire permitting and inspection process as part of our service. Before construction begins, we pull all required building permits from the local jurisdiction and coordinate any HOA approvals if applicable. During the build, we schedule all code-required inspections — structural, electrical, plumbing, and final — and ensure each one passes before moving to the next phase. Our familiarity with New Hanover and Brunswick county building departments helps keep this process smooth and on schedule.

Question 7

What is your payment schedule?

Accepted Answer

We use a milestone-based payment schedule that keeps the process fair and transparent for both sides. A typical structure includes a small deposit to secure your spot on the schedule, progress payments tied to completion of defined milestones (such as framing, rough-in, and finishes), and a final payment upon successful walk-through. We never require a large lump sum upfront. The specific schedule is detailed in your project agreement so there are no surprises.

Question 8

Do you warranty your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we stand behind every project with a 3-year workmanship warranty. If anything we built or installed doesn't perform as it should during that period, we come back and fix it at no cost to you. In addition to our workmanship guarantee, we help facilitate manufacturer warranties on materials like roofing, windows, appliances, and flooring. Specific warranty terms are detailed in your project agreement before any work begins.

Question 9

Can you work with my existing design or do you provide design services?

Accepted Answer

We work with both approaches. If you already have architectural plans or a designer you're working with, we're happy to build from those specifications. If you're starting from scratch, our team provides design consultation to help you develop a layout, select materials, and make finish choices that fit your style and budget. Many of our clients come to us with inspiration photos and a general vision, and we help refine it into a buildable plan.

Question 10

How do you ensure quality throughout the project?

Accepted Answer

Quality control is built into every phase of our process. Our project managers conduct daily site checks and hold our crew to strict standards on materials, installation methods, and cleanliness. We follow manufacturer specifications for every product we install and adhere to all local building codes. We also encourage homeowner walk-throughs at key milestones so you can see the progress firsthand and raise any questions before the next phase begins.

Question 11

What happens if there are unexpected issues during construction?

Accepted Answer

In older homes especially, hidden conditions like water damage, outdated wiring, or structural concerns can emerge once walls are opened. We conduct thorough pre-construction assessments to minimize surprises, but if something unexpected is discovered, we stop, document it with photos, and contact you immediately. We present clear options with associated costs and timelines, and we never proceed with additional work without your written approval. Transparency during these situations is one of the things our customers value most.

Question 12

How far in advance should I schedule my project?

Accepted Answer

We recommend reaching out 4 to 8 weeks before your desired start date, especially during the busy spring and summer months when our schedule fills quickly. Larger projects like home additions or new builds benefit from 2 to 3 months of lead time to allow for design, permitting, and material ordering. That said, we can often accommodate shorter timelines — give us a call and we'll let you know our current availability.

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