Adam R. West, Inc.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best process for the design and completion of our project?

ARW, Inc. is a strong advocate for the "design/build" method, which is gaining prevalence in our industry. Conventional competitive bidding is not the recommended procedure in order to ensure consistency of quality throughout the process from initial design to final construction. The design/build method of construction proceeds as follows: first, a prospective client will contact us. ARW, Inc. will meet with the client and, if required, refer an architect specializing in their type of project. In most cases the architect will be retained independently by the client and all parties will work together from the early stages of design in order to achieve the maximum scope of work for the set budget. In using this method, ARW, Inc. will budget the project from inception through design development so that the client has a good understanding and a working knowledge of all costs pertaining to the project. On smaller projects not requiring an architect, ARW, Inc. will assist clients in design and product sourcing.

Do I need an architect?

If you are planning a project that requires an addition to your existing home or structural changes within your home a building permit will be required. Whenever a building permit is mandatory a licensed architect's or a licensed engineer's drawings and specifications are required by the Building Department. In the event that you are doing a simple remodel where structural changes will not be undertaken, then you may not need to retain an architect or engineer.

Can you recommend an architect or engineer?

ARW, Inc. has relationships with several architects and engineers, all specializing in different aspects of their profession. Once the scope of work is determined we can recommend a particular architect for your project.

Does ARW, Inc. work in my area?

ARW, Inc. works in northern Westchester County in a roughly 15-mile radius around the village of Croton-on-Hudson, NY, where our offices and shop are located. Depending upon the client and the referral, ARW, Inc. will travel further if requested.

Does ARW, Inc. do any drawing/planning, and in what circumstances?

ARW, Inc. has a long history of design/build type projects. We can supply our clients with design drawings and specifications of their project when a building permit is not required or simply to help our clients envision the proposed scope of work for their project prior to retaining an architect.

What kind of permits do I need and where do I get them?

Building permits may be applied for at the local level of government with jurisdiction over the subject address. ARW, Inc. can assist with obtaining all building permits and approvals.

How far in advance do I need to book ARW, Inc.?

ARW, Inc. is typically booked 3 to 6 months in advance for large projects. However, smaller projects, such as bathroom remodels, kitchen remodels, decks, window replacements, et cetera, can be scheduled with less lead time.

Is my project too small for ARW, Inc.?

ARW, Inc. works on projects as simple as single window or door replacements as well as minor home repairs – no project is considered too small.

Is ARW, Inc. insured properly?

Yes, ARW, Inc. is completely licensed and insured. We carry liability insurance, workmen's compensation insurance, disability insurance, and all our vehicles are properly licensed, registered in Westchester County, and insured. We also carry performance bonds and are a member of the Better Business Bureau of New York.

Can we live in our house during the project?

This depends largely on your ability to compromise your living conditions during the project. On smaller projects, such as kitchen and bathroom renovations, it is certainly possible to remain at home as work proceeds. Our employees are very conscientious and make every effort to accommodate our clients' needs during the process. On larger renovation projects where most of your home is affected in some way it may be more difficult to live in the house during the project but, again, ARW, Inc. will do everything possible for our clients to remain at home if they desire.

Can you recommend showrooms for building products?

Yes, once you have engaged ARW, Inc., we will provide you with an extensive list of suppliers that represent most if not all products associated with your particular project. This list of suppliers can be found in the client area of our website.

How often is Adam himself personally on the job?

Adam is very involved in the pre-production of all of projects. Once work begins the day-to-day management is handled by our production management team, but Adam continues to take a personal and professional interest in every ongoing project and is always available.

How are projects managed?

ARW, Inc. utilizes the "lead carpenter" method of project management. Our on-site lead carpenter is assigned to your project only and is there everyday for the duration. Above the lead carpenter, we have our production manager, Billy, who oversees several projects and supervises all of them with Adam.

What is a typical daily schedule?

The workday generally begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. There are certain times when it may be necessary to work later so that the schedule can proceed to the subsequent phase the following day. It is also possible that we will work on Saturdays.

How are change-orders and additional-work-orders handled?

There may come a time when certain aspects of a project will change in scope, or a client may wish to add more items to the scope of the project. In both instances a verbal agreement will first be reached between the client and ARW, Inc., to be followed up by a written change-order or additional-work-order document. In some cases this documentation is conducted via e-mail, which may expedite the process.

Can I bring my own subcontractors or tradesmen into the project?

ARW, Inc. strongly recommends the use of our own subcontractors on any project we do. However, we have, on several occasions, worked with tradesmen and others brought into the project by our clients. We ask only that any tradesman or subcontractor not directly contracted with ARW, Inc. be properly licensed and insured and provide superior service and quality of workmanship consistent with our own.

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"My wife, who admits to having been somewhat skeptical of the whole project, and unsettled by leaving her home of 43 years across the street, now has been heard on several occasions saying softly to herself, "I love this place." That's testimony enough for me."

Elton

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