Q:  How many remodeling projects does GDR average in a year?
A:   We work on an average of 150 – 200 jobs a year.

Q:  How successful has GDR been in integrating the latest technologies into the work that you do?
A: We’re fully computerized in the areas of 3D design, estimating, project management, proposals, accounting, job costing, and warranties. We follow information on cutting-edge techniques and materials and put them to use after the level of quality has been proven in trade journals, trade associations, and national trade shows. Also, our craftsmen receive manufacturers training and certification from our suppliers.

Q:  How long are your written estimates valid for?
A:  They are good for 30 days because most of the materials/commodities change in price on a regular basis.    

Q:  What types of insurance does your company have?
A:  We have worker's compensation, property damage, personal liability, and vehicle insurances.

Q:  Do you use subcontractors and in what areas do they service?
A:  Yes, we sometimes use subcontractors with excavation, concrete, masonry, insulation, air conditioning, and installing stone counters.  But our tradesmen are well-skilled in all areas of the remodeling process.

Q:  What are your daily hours on the job site?   
A: They are from 7 am to 5 pm. We begin at 7 am, working 9 to 10 hours per day Monday through Friday. Tradesmen unload debris from the day and pick up supplies for the next day at the end of their work day. Therefore the time they leave their project sites vary.

Q:  What type of business is GDR?
A:  An S – corporation.

Q:  What are your payment schedules and forms of payment?
A:  Payments are scheduled starting with an initial deposit with progress payments as the project moves forward. Final payment isn’t due for 30 days after the work is completed.  We accept cash, personal checks, bank checks, and money order.  We also accept credit cards for payment up to $3,000 per project.

Q:  What is your policy on canceling a project?
A: Federal law gives three working days to cancel a contract without questions being asked. But legally, a signed written contract with a deposit in place is binding. Our policy is that if something changes, we’ll work with you to close out the project with as minimal impact to you as possible. However, if any long-lead items were ordered within the first week of a contract, being that some are non-returnable, there could be some cost to the clients for these materials and the time GDR has invested in the project to date.

Q:  What are the start dates and estimations of a typical job?
A: We’ll make an estimation regarding the length of time a project will take. But due to weather, additional work orders, material back orders, and the projection of when other current clients will be finished, we’re unable to give an exact finish date. Once we establish that starting date, we commit to being there each work day until your job is finished.

Q:  Who would be my contact throughout my project?
A: We would assign you a Project Manager, which is also referred to in the remodeling industry as a Lead Carpenter. Our Project Managers are responsible for day-to-day communication with the clients who are usually living in the house we’re working on. They report to the Production Supervisor who works with them to order long-lead material items and schedule labor. Project Managers can order readily accessible / in stock materials directly via a fax machine that we bring to the project site.

Q:  How easily can I contact my Project Manager?
A: Your Project Manager will be at your house each work day morning at 7am and can also be contacted via cell phone. If you need to contact our office, it is staffed during normal work hours.

Q:  What steps would GDR take to ensure minimal disruption to my home during the project?  
A: We do such things as stage the project in phases when it makes sense, using plastic walls and floor runners to collect dust and dirt. We put fans in the windows, cloth filters over return air grilles, and we clean up daily and remove debris on a daily basis.

Q:  What safety, clean-up & recycling efforts does GDR take on the job?   
A: Safety: We hold bi-weekly safety tool box talks and we have a PA-approved Safety Committee in place at GDR. We have first aid kits and fire extinguishers on all work trucks and cell phones are on site in case of an emergency. We issue personal safety devices, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats, back braces, first aid kits. In terms of clean-up and recycling, we reuse salvage materials when and where it’s appropriate, donate unused salvage materials to non-profits, and recycling bins of aluminum, appliances, mixed metals, plastics, glass and tin both at our shop and showroom office.

Q:  What do you do when a customer feels GDR is not meeting their expectations?
A: We do whatever is needed to come to an agreement. We do have a Mediation Clause in our contracts, but in 20 years in business, we’ve never needed a mediator. There have been times where we experienced disagreements, but commit ourselves to always be fair and honest in all of our dealings. Word of mouth is our best advertising so satisfied clients are the backbone of our future.

Q: Does Gehman Design Remodeling accept credit cards?
A: We can accept personal credit cards (MasterCard or Visa) with a MAXIMUM chargeable amount limited to $3,000.00 per project for the following services: Preconstruction services, small projects of one day or less, emergency services, deposits and/or payments on remodeling projects.

Q: What certifications and professional affiliations do you have?
A: Gehman Design Remodeling is proud to employ an amazing staff of master craftsman and highly qualified experts. We have the most National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Certified Lead Carpenters in the state of Pennsylvania, and a full line up of Master Shingle Applicators (CertainTeed® Roofing Certification). Dennis Gehman is also a NARI Certified Remodeler and Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler, as well as Green Advantage certified through the Delaware Valley Green Building Council, we are also a Lead-Safe certified firm.

We are associated with both NARI National and Bucks Mont NARI. We are a member of the Building Industries Exchange of Pottstown and Vicinity. We belong to the Better Business Bureau and we actively participate in a local Chamber of Commerce; Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce.