Home / FAQ
General contractor FAQ: common questions.
Quick answers to what homeowners and businesses in Mount Vernon and nearby towns ask before the consult. Still stuck? Call (425) 791-1185.
Cost
Pricing and estimates.
How much will my project cost?
It depends on the scope, the materials, and the condition of what you are starting with. We give you a ballpark on the call, then a fixed written number after a free site consult, so you get a real figure, not a guess. See our pricing page and our guide to home addition cost.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Every project starts with a free in-home consultation where we walk the project and understand the scope. From there we put together a written proposal with a fixed number, agreed before any work starts.
What is included in your written proposal?
The proposal describes the scope of work for your specific project and the number for it. If you are comparing bids, ask every contractor for the same level of detail so you can compare like with like.
What is the minimum project size?
We take on projects from smaller additions and repairs up to full custom builds. The pricing page gives the ranges we typically work in, including our minimum project size, and if you are unsure, call and describe the job.
About Us
Trust and credentials.
Are you a licensed contractor?
Yes. Sarber Construction holds Washington contractor license number SARBECL752L4. You can verify any Washington contractor with the state before you hire, and we encourage you to.
Do you use subcontractors?
Yes, for most of the trade work, and that is by design. Samuel manages the project personally from the first walk-through to the final punch list, so you have one point of contact who is accountable for the whole job, even when specialty trades are on site.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes, a one-year workmanship warranty on everything we build.
Who will I actually deal with?
Samuel Sarber, the owner. He takes the call, walks the property, writes the proposal, and manages the job, so you are not passed between a salesperson, an estimator, and a crew.
How It Works
Process and timing.
Do you pull the permits?
Yes. We handle permitting as part of the project so the work is inspected, code-compliant, and closed out properly. Requirements vary by city and county, so we check what applies to your address.
How long will my project take?
We set a realistic timeline up front, based on the scope and the permitting, and then we hold to it. You always know where the job stands and what is next. For more, read how long a remodel takes.
Can I stay in my home during a remodel?
In most cases, yes. We sequence the work to keep as much of the home usable as possible and keep the jobsite contained and clean.
What happens on the free consultation?
We come out, walk the project with you, ask what you want the space to do, and look at site conditions. Then we put a written scope and a fixed number together for you.
What are your hours, and how fast will you call back?
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm. Request a callback through the form or call (425) 791-1185 and we will follow up to schedule your walk-through.
What We Do
Services and service areas.
What kinds of projects do you take?
New construction, home additions and remodels, decks and exterior work, repairs, commercial projects, and maintenance. If you are not sure where your project fits, describe it and we will tell you.
Do you build ADUs?
ADU and addition work, meaning extending living space or adding a separate living space to a home, is part of what we do. Local rules on size and setbacks vary by city and county.
Where do you work?
We are based in Mount Vernon and serve Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, Anacortes, Arlington, Marysville, Everett, Stanwood, and Camano Island. See all service areas.
What if my town is not on your list?
Call and ask. Odds are we are already working nearby.
Free Consultations
Still have a question?
The fastest answer is a phone call. Describe your project and we will tell you exactly what it needs. Or visit the contact page.