COMMON QUESTIONS.
How are you different than anyone else?
The short answer—our profound appreciation for older homes and the Lakewood community.
The long answer—many clients have expressed that they love our itemized estimates. It is a simple 1-2 page document that shows, line by line, each ‘task’—from project start to completion—and each associated cost for that specific task. The estimates are easily modifiable so both parties can come to an agreement before the project begins.
We also only specifically work in Lakewood, Ohio. We are extremely familiar with Lakewood homes built between 1900-1928, and have years of experience in interweaving older characteristics and existing architectural elements into a new renovation. E.g., stain-matching, trim profile matching (back band, 1x4 casing), using same wood species featured in the rest of the home; etc.
How did you get into renovating houses?
I've always loved building and being creative. From treehouses, to building LEGO, to buying my first house at 20 years old -- I live and breathe the work we do and I wouldn't change it for the world. Building is part of my DNA, and equally as important is making sure our clients are thrilled with our work.
What kind of work do you do?
Interior renovations, including total kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, basements renovations, attic conversions, structural modifications, porches, decks. This includes framing, mechanicals, insulation, drywall, carpentry, cabinet installations, trim, tile and painting. We do, however, have a sub-contractor for HVAC and ductwork. We also build porches, decks, and have completed many porch repairs and builds. We generally do NOT work on siding, roofing, or masonry.
Where are you located? Do you travel?
All of our work is in Lakewood, Ohio. We’re always within a 10-minute drive from any work site.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes, we are -- up to 2MM as required by the City of Cleveland and Lakewood, and most other municipalities. Please note that the City of Lakewood does NOT require a bond, so it is important that you have an active homeowner’s insurance policy on your home (Lindsay at State Farm can help you with this).
Who is on your crew? Do you work full-time?
We are a 3-person crew, and we do not take on more than 2 or 3 projects at once without hiring out or subbing out much of the work at all (if any) -- this actually allows us to complete projects in a smaller timeframe than normal. Our working hours are generally from 9A-4P Monday through Friday. We generally do NOT work weekends, however, in-person estimates can be scheduled on weekends as we try to be as flexible as possible.
What jobs do you outsource?
Generally, we do NOT call third-parties or subcontractors that also work for other companies -- most work is done by our skilled in-house W2 employees. This is what really keeps projects moving forward consistently and allows us to finish jobs at the same level of quality or better, but in half the time as it would be to hire a General Contractor.
How long does it take to finish a project?
It really depends on the project scope of work, but an average-sized kitchen in a home in Lakewood may take anywhere from 2-3 months, bathroom remodels may take 1-2 months, and all other jobs just really depend on how many ‘tasks’ are associated with the complete renovation.
How can I get a quote, and what happens from there?
Call or text (440) 465-7570 and the owner will spend roughly 30-60 minutes with you for a free consultation and estimate. Within a few days, you'll get an official itemized estimate that you sign once a start date is agreed upon.
In order to be added to the calendar for a project, we require:
Small deposit (usually $500-$1,000). The first 50% due 1-2 weeks before project start date
Signed estimate (normally this is on PAGE 2 of the itemized estimate).
Finalized plans (achieved with 1-2 visits to discuss project layout, details, vision; etc.)
My name is Jesse. I’m the proud owner of Practical Renovations, Inc. I live and work from my home in Lakewood, OH.
My hobbies include music, art, gardening, cooking, working in my wood shop, and traveling.
I’ve traveled to roughly 40 states and 8 countries. My favorite destinations include Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and London, England.
I attended the University of Akron for Journalism, earned my Associate of Arts Degree from Cuyahoga Community College, and majored in Civil Engineering at Cleveland State University before I decided to operate the business on a full-time basis.