Question 1

Do I need architectural plans before contacting Fontaine Brothers?

Accepted Answer

No. Some clients arrive with finished plans, engineering, and permits. Others have little more than a piece of land and an idea. We're comfortable at either stage. If you haven't started the design process, we can introduce you to architects, engineers, and surveyors we trust. If you already have an architect, we're glad to join your project team.

Question 2

Is Fontaine Brothers a design-build firm?

Accepted Answer

No. We don't employ an architect in-house. We're the builder, and we prefer to get involved early, because input on materials, sequencing, structure, and budget is easier to use while the drawings can still change. The architect and other design professionals stay independent and responsible for their own work.

Question 3

When should I reach out before I want construction to start?

Accepted Answer

We recommend reaching out six months to a year before you'd like construction to begin. There's a lot of work before anyone breaks ground, and starting early lets everyone make thoughtful decisions. Our schedule fills well in advance, and if your timeline won't work, we'll tell you honestly.

Question 4

What areas of Rhode Island do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We work throughout Rhode Island, with a particular focus on the state's coastal and waterfront communities. We also take on projects in inland towns when the project and client are the right fit.

Question 5

Do you offer free estimates?

Accepted Answer

We offer complimentary ballpark pricing early on, to help us both see whether the project and your budget are aligned. It's a starting point, not a formal quote or a guaranteed price. If you'd like to move forward, we start detailed estimating, which begins with a letter of intent and a small payment to cover our time, and ends in a fixed contract price.

Question 6

Do you work on a fixed price or cost-plus?

Accepted Answer

Fixed price. We build a detailed scope, price it with our subcontractors and suppliers, set allowances where selections aren't final, and give you a defined contract amount before construction begins. Our Master Job Summary spreadsheet covers 17 construction divisions and hundreds of itemized lines. That number changes only through written change orders.

Question 7

How do payments work during construction?

Accepted Answer

After the contract is signed, we typically invoice a down payment of about 5 to 10 percent of the contract value. The rest is divided into a detailed Schedule of Values, and we bill against the actual percentage of completion of each line. Each invoice shows what's been completed, what's been billed, and what remains. Certain custom or special-order items may require deposits up front.

Question 8

What happens if there are changes or unexpected costs?

Accepted Answer

We plan for them as much as we can, and we typically build a project contingency into the budget. No work outside the contract proceeds without a written, signed change order. The change is documented and priced, you review and approve it, and payment is due when it's signed. You should never reach the end of a project with undocumented extras.

Question 9

How long does a custom home or renovation take?

Accepted Answer

It varies widely with design, structure, existing conditions, finishes, and permitting. As a general guide, most of our mid-size renovations and additions finish within about 6 to 9 months. Before construction starts, planning, engineering, and permitting can take a few months when the paperwork is already in place, or a year or two when we're starting from scratch. We'd rather set a realistic schedule for your project than quote a date based on square footage.

Question 10

How long does permitting take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the property and the town, because each building department has its own process and workload. Coastal projects can also need approvals from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). During pre-construction, we work with you, your architect, engineers, and the agencies to identify what's required and build it into the schedule.

Question 11

What makes building on the coast different?

Accepted Answer

Wind, salt, moisture, flooding, and groundwater affect almost every decision. That can mean elevation requirements in flood zones, enhanced structural connections, careful flashing and waterproofing, corrosion-resistant fasteners and hardware, and elevated mechanical equipment. A coastal home shouldn't be an inland home built next to the ocean.

Question 12

Do you work on historic homes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We aim to preserve the character of the original home while adding what modern living needs: restoring or reproducing trim and millwork, repairing historic framing, matching siding and details, and discreetly adding modern systems. Sometimes the better answer is to repair or reproduce instead of replacing. If the property is in a historic district, we work with the architect and local officials on the approved design.

Question 13

Is Fontaine Brothers licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

We're registered with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (#19127). We carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage as Rhode Island requires, and we'll provide a current certificate of insurance on request. Bonding is handled project by project, if a particular project calls for it.

Question 14

Do you offer a warranty?

Accepted Answer

We provide a one-year workmanship warranty, which generally starts at substantial completion and turnover of the home. It covers qualifying workmanship items that appear during that first year. Manufacturer warranties on products and appliances are separate, and our warranty doesn't replace any rights you have under Rhode Island law. We also stay available to past clients after the year ends.

YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT BUILDING WITH FONTAINE BROTHERS

Frequently asked questions

Do I need architectural plans before contacting Fontaine Brothers?

Is Fontaine Brothers a design-build firm?

How long has Fontaine Brothers been in business?

When should I reach out before I want construction to start?

What happens in the first conversation?

What kinds of projects are the best fit for Fontaine Brothers?

What areas of Rhode Island do you serve?

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