Frequently Asked Questions
You asked and we have the answers
General
At Valor, we value our customers and place your satisfaction above profits. Our core values is the best way to explain why you should consider our company. Integrity: We treat people fairly and do the right thing. Service: We exceed our customers’ expectations every time. Excellence: We are relentless in our pursuit of greatness.
A project manager will be assigned to your project. This person will be responsible for ensuring your project is completed on time and with zero defects. The project manager will meet with you at least once a week but in most cases will be in contact with you daily. We also ask you for your feedback on a weekly basis if your project is longer than one week in duration.
Short answer, yes we charge a nominal fee for our onsite consultations and then credit that amount towards any qualified service you hire us for. Our experts have invested many years perfecting their craft and gaining valuable knowledge in order to see things that the average contractor doesn’t. We know our clients are super smart and they understand nothing is really free in today’s world. Those expenses related to researching and composing a detailed and accurate proposal, always ends
There is a lot of confusion around these terms. Many contractors will state they are licensed, bonded and insured when in fact, most are not, and often try to mislead homeowners.
In Illinois, general contractors are not required to be licensed and bonded at the state level. The state only handles licensing for irrigation, plumbing and roofing. As some of our work requires a plumber, we only work with licensed, bonded and insured plumbers. Bonds are typically required on large public sector projects. Although we do not carry a bond, we are open to discussing obtaining certain bonds should you require one for your project.
When it comes to insurance, we carry General Liability, Workers’ Compensation and Commercial Auto policies. Many smaller contractors will only carry General Liability and not Workers’ Compensation or Commercial Auto policies.
Some will skirt the Workers’ Compensation policy due to current laws. The state of Illinois does not require owners to be covered by workers’ compensation, but each employee must be covered. The way some smaller contractors circumvent this is by hiring individual 1099 contractors for each job, thus placing the burden of coverage on them.
That’s the million-dollar question, but don’t be alarmed, it’s not gonna cost a million bucks! We don’t think so anyway.
We hear it a lot, and since no two jobs are the same it’s pretty difficult to say over the phone “site” unseen, especially for small projects. The only way to get an exact price on a specific project or task is to get one of our service experts out to your home so we can take a look at it.
Now if your project involves a remodel to a kitchen, bathroom or basement, we can provide some estimated budgets during our Discovery Consultation Call.
Our company has been in the remodeling and home improvement industry for over 20 years, and we have completed hundreds of successful projects for homeowners throughout the region. We have a team of experienced professionals who are skilled in a wide range of remodeling services, including kitchen and bathroom renovations, basement finishing, flooring and even hardwood floor refinishing.
We have a strong reputation in the community, and we are known for our attention to detail, high-quality workmanship, and excellent customer service. We have received numerous positive reviews and referrals from satisfied clients, and we are proud of the relationships we have built with our customers over the years.
In addition to our experience and reputation, we are also licensed and insured, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your project is in good hands. We are committed to delivering outstanding results on every project.
Our pricing and payment process is designed to be transparent and straightforward. We offer competitive pricing and provide detailed estimates that outline the scope of the project and the cost of each aspect of the remodel.
We typically require a deposit at the time of signing the contract, which is typically around 50% of the total project cost. The balance of the payment is due upon completion of each phase or milestone of the project. We accept a variety of payment methods, including cash, check, and credit card.
We also offer financing options through third-party lenders for qualified customers. If you are interested in financing, we can provide you with information about the options that are available and help you apply for financing.
We believe that it’s important for our customers to have a clear understanding of the cost of their remodel, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have about our pricing and payment process. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions or concerns.
Our design process is designed to be collaborative and personalized to meet the needs and preferences of our customers. We believe that the key to a successful remodel is clear communication and a shared vision, and we work closely with our customers to ensure that their vision is brought to life.
Here’s an overview of our design process:
- Consultation: We start by meeting with you to discuss your goals and preferences for the remodel. We’ll listen to your ideas and offer our professional insights and suggestions.
- Design proposal: Based on our consultation, we’ll create a design proposal that includes a detailed plan for the project, along with renderings and material samples to help you visualize the finished product.
- Review and revisions: We’ll work with you to review and refine the design proposal until it meets your satisfaction.
- Final design: Once the design is finalized, we’ll provide you with a detailed contract that outlines the scope of the project and the cost of each aspect of the remodel.
- Throughout the design process, we’ll keep you informed and involved every step of the way. We believe that open communication is key to a successful project, and we are committed to making sure that you are satisfied with the final design.
Basement Finishing
Finishing your basement does increase the resale value of your home. The appraised value of finished basement space is generally 50% to 60% of the value of the main level square footage. To maximize the cost/value ratio, the market experts recommend keeping the basement budget below 10% of the existing home’s value. Staying between 5-10% is a good plan.
There are many reasons why you should finish your basement. From utilizing to its fullest potential to adding value to your home, there is no bad reason for you not to. If you are still wary, talk to one of our team members today. We are happy to go over any questions or concerns you may have.
Basements are prone to leaky pipes and floods. During your basement remodel, we highly recommend adding waterproof features to the room. Your contractor can give you a full breakdown of waterproofing the area.
A basement finishing project varies in time. Once we have all the supplies and materials and start working, it can take anywhere from one to eleven days to complete. This can change depending on the size of your basement, what all needs worked on, the status of materials and any other situations that may cause a delay. Once you approve our estimate, we will give you a full breakdown of a schedule. If things are falling behind or are ahead, we will let you know right away.
Unfinished basements have support beams and open walls. When you finish your basement, you will fill in these open walls. Here are some of the best basement wall options:
- Drywall
- Wood paneling
- Panel living system
- Basement finishing system
- Cement board with tile
There are even more choices. Our design and production team will sit down with you and discuss what kind of walls would work for your basement.
Basements are prone to flooding and extra moisture. Therefore, carpet, laminate and hardwood flooring has the capability of being destroyed if they come in contact with water and moisture. To avoid this from happening, we recommend waterproof flooring, luxury vinyl and ceramic tile as the floors in this room. If you want inspiration or to see our products, check out our product catalogs.
When it comes to the best ceiling for your basement, there are many options to choose from, including:
- Panels
- Suspended ceilings
- Coffers
- Textured choices
Our design and product team will sit down with you to figure out the best ceiling options for your basement.
An egress window is a large window that opens fully to allow people to escape due to an emergency. All finished basements must have an egress window before converting into a living space.
Our team of designers is happy to sit down with you and plan out your basement remodel. One of our designers will discuss with you everything you want and need. From there, we will build out a design approved by you for our remodeling team to follow. If you have a plan in mind, we will sit down with you and discuss it in full detail. We will let you know realistically what we can do and what fits your budget. You also can provide us with inspiration photos.Do you have design services available?
For many homes with basements, mold and mildew buildup are common problems. Dark, moist and cold areas tend to grow unwanted bacteria and germs. To avoid this from happening, you will want to check for leaky pipes and air gaps. If you notice these issues, fix them right away. We recommend performing a yearly inspection of your basement to ensure mold is not growing.
At Valor Home Services, we have additional warranties to help with your basement renovation. All our projects have a 3-year craftsmanship guarantee on our labor. If there are any issues with our labor, our team will help you out. All other warranties vary depending on the product’s manufacturer.
The cost to finish your basement varies depending on size, materials, design and labor. Typically, homeowners spend about $30000 on an average basement remodel. Our basement finishing services for small basements can range from $10000 to $15000. Medium basements can range from $15000 to $30000. And our large basement remodels can be $30000 and up. Our team does work with your budget and will give you a reasonable estimate for what you are looking for.
Adding a bathroom to your basement depends on many factors, such as:
- The space
- Your budget
- The capabilities to add one
- What you plan on using your basement for
We recommend talking with our team to see if adding a bathroom to your basement is the best option for you.
You can essentially turn your basement into anything. But here are some common room ideas.
- Second bedroom
- Studio apartment
- Mother-in-law suite
- Entertainment or game room
- Wine cellar
- Office
- Playroom
Our skilled team of experts can help you with any basement renovation. Just let us know your ideas to get started.
Bathroom Remodeling
While it varies depending on the age of the home and your specific product selection, the average bathroom remodeling project takes 5 to 11 working days.
From the outset, you should be hyper-vigilant about quality. Start with your own planning and research. Seek out quality advice from expert sources. Don’t settle for fly-by-night contractors. Make sure everything is in writing. Be prepared to be your own quality control specialist. If you can do this, you can guarantee that your bathroom renovation will be a dream.
Yes. According to the Remodeling 2020 Cost vs. Value Report, homeowners can expect a 45% – 58% return on their investment upon selling their home. This return on the investment is worth it. Aside from adding joy and comfort to your life, it adds to the value of your home.
In certain cases, residents need to obtain a permit to remodel their bathrooms. While a simple bathroom renovation (new walls, tiles, and appliances) does not require a permit, complex remodels will require one in most cities. Our team at Valor Home Services will work with you to determine which types of permits you’ll need before the project begins.
The beauty of a bathroom remodeling project is that it can be customized entirely to suit your needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, it may be more convenient and cost-effective to complete your bathroom remodeling project all at once, instead of in phases. An experienced remodeling contractor will work with you on a budget, timetable and needs to transform your bathroom. A full bathroom remodels normally includes:
- Shower/ Tub Replacement
- Lighting Installation
- Flooring Installation
- Cabinets Installation
- Countertops Installation
- New Faucets
- Vanity Replacement
- Toilet Replacement
The average cost of a bathroom remodel varies depending on the type of work you need to be done and the size of your restroom. Typically, it can cost $10,000 or more. We have a cost breakdown based on the size on our bathroom remodeling page as well as a guide that goes into further detail.
Handyman
To put it simply, we provide Total Home Care services, including maintenance and repair. Our services cover common everyday chores, seasonal tasks, and special projects. We will work both inside and outside your home to handle all your needs.
Your Valor Home Services expert will come to your home and discuss your project with you in detail. If you like, you can provide us with all the information we need with pictures, and in most cases, we can provide an over-the-phone estimate range. Once we have all the information, we will present you with a detailed firm quote for all the work.
Valor charges by the project on most projects, not by the hour, so you know exactly what to expect.
It’s simple! Move anything that could be disturbed away from the work area. Ensure pets and/or children are in the least disruptive space throughout the progress of the project. If you prefer to be home while we work, we can work around you as you go throughout your day.
It is quite common for us to work while you are out of the house. Typically, homeowners will provide us either a garage code or key to enter the house. You can rest assured that our handymen are insured and go through a background check. We know your home is your safe haven, so earning your trust is paramount. Also, it is perfectly fine if you are home while we work. We are happy to work with your schedule and comfort level.
Your Valor Home Services expert can provide you with a list of materials that you can purchase yourself. But if you can’t find the time, we understand. Simply allow Valor Home Services to purchase the agreed-upon materials on your behalf.
Our handyman repair costs range depending on the project, the materials needed and the time it takes. The best way to get an exact price is to book a consultation with our team.
While our office is in Freeburg, IL, our mobile showroom and team travel out to you! Our three main service areas are Belleville, IL, O’Fallon, IL and Edwardsville, IL. However, we travel about 30 miles outside of all three cities. To see if your town is part of our service area, check out our service area list.
Valor Home Services has been serving the area for over 25 years. We started as A&H Floors. We eventually evolved into who we are now. We have worked on hundreds of different projects. You can check out our Facebook page to see customer reviews as well as project photos.
During a business week, our team will reach out to you either through email, phone or social media within 24 to 48 hours. Weekends vary between one to three days.
There are many reasons why you would want to hire a small projects contractor over doing it yourself. Time constraints, experience level and expenses are just to name a few.
Our pros are skilled experts who are licensed, bonded and insured. Plus, they were hand-selected and trained to provide you with a stress-free experience.
Each job varies depending on what needs to be done and the size. Typically, most of our handyman jobs only take one to three days.
A small projects contractor is a person who is able or employed to do occasional domestic repairs and minor renovations. While some people consider themselves a handyman, we fall under professional handymen. To learn the difference between the two, check out this guide.
Flooring
The cost of the carpet material will vary depending on the fiber the carpet is made of, the quality of the carpet construction, the color & style of the carpet, and the warranty covering the carpet.
How long a carpet will last depends on the quality of the product, the amount of traffic/use it experiences, and how well it is maintained.
Just like people, hardwood floors need time to “acclimate” to new environments. Acclimation, which is a critical stage of the floor installation process, is defined by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) as “the process of adjusting (conditioning) the moisture content of wood flooring to the environment, in which it is expected to perform.” This process generally requires at least 72 hours.
The cost to install hardwood flooring is different for every homeowner, depending on factors like the type of wood you choose, the size of the area you are covering, and how much maintenance you need to perform over time.
In some cases, yes, but not always. Some laminate products on the market advertise themselves as waterproof, but typically laminate floors are not.
Laminate is a multilayered flooring product made from tightly compressed wood fiber and designed to look like wood, tile or stone. Laminate flooring products typically have four layers: the backing layer, the core layer, the image layer, and the wear layer.
There are many different types of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring. And as a result, the materials they are made from can vary. But generally, all LVT is made of layers which typically include a wear layer, an image layer, a core layer, and a backing layer. The wear layer consists of polyurethane-treated plastic or aluminum oxide, which creates scratch and UV resistant surfaces.
Luxury Vinyl is known for its high durability thanks to its superior wear layer. The wear layer keeps the original appearance of the floor and provides easy maintenance.
Yes. Valor Home Services team members are craftsmen and have decades of experience. Our combined experience has allowed us to create and improve thousands of hardwood floors for a variety of purposes throughout the last two decades.
Laminate flooring has one of the easiest installation methods — the click and lock method. We even have a guide that goes over the installation process in more detail. However, we always recommend homeowners sticking with a professional with any flooring installation to cut down on your chances of mistakes.
The cost of a flooring project ranges in price depending on the room size, the type of flooring, the installation method and the brand. We can give you a full breakdown of costs if you book a consultation with us.
All flooring options range in pricing depending on the type of flooring, its installation method, the area getting the flooring and the brand you go with. In general, hardwood flooring is the most expensive, but again, it really depends on what you want.
All flooring options range in pricing depending on the type of flooring, its installation method, the area getting the flooring and the brand you go with. However, carpet and laminate are on the more affordable side. There are also many different ways to install flooring, but laminate and carpet are typically the easiest to install in a home. However, we always recommend working with the experts, so you don’t waste time and money.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing
At Valor Home Services, we trust in Bona wood flooring finishes, cleaning and maintenance products. We also use Duraseal stains.
Absolutely. Contact us for a consultation. We are happy to evaluate your space, answer all your questions, and make recommendations for how to best meet your hardwood flooring needs.
It depends on the size of the project. If refinishing hardwood floors is taking place in the majority of your living space, you may need to stay elsewhere until the project is complete. For one or two rooms, you may be able to occupy the other parts of your home while the restoration is completed.
It depends on the size of the room or rooms. The average time for a hardwood flooring installation is three to seven days. In your consultation, you will receive a more concise estimate for the length of your project.
We recommend waiting 4-6 hours before walking on your new floors in socks. After 24 hours, you can walk through with shoes on. Allow 48 hours before setting furniture and returning pets. Carpets and area rugs can be placed after 2 full weeks. We do provide options where the finish will cure much faster, in some cases 48 hours.
With proper care, hardwood floors may never have to be replaced.
Yes. Water-damaged floors may need repair or replacement, depending on the amount of water and the length of time they have spent wet.
Of course. Depending on the damage and how many boards are affected, we will evaluate your floors and provide you an estimate for repairs.
The short answer is no. Keep in mind that painted baseboards may need a paint touch-up after staining.
On average, a hardwood flooring finish lasts approximately ten years. We recommend a yearly evaluation. A maintenance coat may need to be applied. But with proper care and maintenance, it can last much longer.
Prices vary depending on the stain used and the size of the area. You can spend anywhere from $835 to $3400. Once we take a look and measure the room, we can give you a detailed price. To get a better understanding of how the pricing works, check out this guide.
Cheapest is not always the best option when it comes to refinishing your floors. The most affordable route would be to restain on your own. However, many complications and unpleasing outcomes can arise if you do not know how to refinish. We always recommend calling around and finding the best company that fits your needs and budget. Do not be afraid to spend a little money though. You still want quality work.
Sanding and refinishing your hardwood floors is cheaper than replacing them all. New wood floors can easily hit over $5,000, while you are looking at under $3,500 to refinish. However, if the wood is too damaged, you need to replace them before refinishing them.
Kitchen Remodeling
A kitchen renovation varies in time. Once we have all the supplies and materials and start working, it can take anywhere from one to eleven days to complete. This can change depending on the size of your kitchen, the status of materials and any other situations that may cause a delay. Once you approve our estimate, we will give you a full breakdown of a schedule. If things are falling behind or are ahead, we will let you know right away.
Kitchen remodeling can increase the value of your home. In fact, 80% of home shoppers are looking for houses with updated kitchens. Medium to large remodels can see about 50% to 60% ROI, while small to medium renovations can see about 75% to 80% ROI.
When it comes to kitchen remodeling, there are many different moving parts and features added to the space. The areas that you may need to invest the most in include:
- Flooring
- Cabinets and islands
- Appliances
- Fixtures
- Walls and backsplash
Before we start our project, our designing and production team will discuss everything you need to know about your kitchen remodel.
You can install wood flooring in your kitchen. If you do install hardwood, we recommend having wood floor refinishing for extra protection. However, kitchens are prone to floods, spills, stains, scratches and other issues. Over the years, your wood floors cannot withstand it. Therefore, we suggest trying out durable flooring like waterproof flooring or luxury vinyl. For more inspiration or to see our products, check out our product catalogs.
The cost to remodel your kitchen varies depending on the size, materials, design and labor. Small kitchen remodels can range from $5000 to $10000. Medium kitchen remodels can range from $10000 to $20000. And, large kitchen remodels can be $20000 and up. Our team will sit down with you and discuss your budget as well as give you a reasonable estimate.
You can do either. If you have a plan in mind, we will sit down with you and discuss it in full detail. We will let you know realistically what we can do and what fits your budget. You also can provide us with inspiration photos. One of our designers will discuss with you everything you want and need. From there, we will build out a design approved by you for our remodeling team to follow.
You can provide your own materials, like flooring, cabinets, backsplash, etc. However, if you do not have the time or expertise, our skilled team of experts can help you choose the materials. We will also pick it up from the location that it is ordered from. During the renovation, we will also remove and dispose of any old materials that you would not like to keep and any debris.
Valor Home Services has a simple process:
Step 1: The Consultation
First, send us photos of your current kitchen and any inspiration photos. During our phone call, we will discuss further details as well as schedule an in-home consultation. After the in-home consultation, you will sit down with our designing and production team to get the details settled.
Step 2: Getting to Work
Once all the details are set, we will send you an estimate and wait for your approval. After we receive your approval and deposit, we will purchase materials and provide you with installation dates. Kitchen remodels can take 1-11 days.
Step 3: Your Kitchen is Ready
Once the work is complete, we’ll clean the area and ensure that your kitchen is ready to go. Our customer experience coordinator will also follow up a few times over the next year to ensure that you’re happy with your new space.
When it comes to preparing for your kitchen remodel, we ask for you to clear out the area — remove furniture, decorations, food and beverages, small appliances (blenders, mixers, etc.) and anything else that may get damaged or contaminated during the remodel. Our team of experts can also help you move anything too heavy for you to lift. Once the team arrives, let us know any specific details you like what bathrooms to use and any other relevant information.
Deciding on whether you want to refinish or replace your cabinets depends on their wear and tear as well as their functionality. For example, if you have had the cabinets for over 10 years, it is time to update them. Anything under 10 years, varies on its condition.
