Where to start, when a structural engineer is needed, how long a remodel takes and what drives the cost. O'Laughlin Construction is founded and led by a licensed South Carolina Professional Engineer.
You don't need to have drawings completed before calling us. The first step is understanding the project goals and existing conditions. From there, we determine what drawings, engineering or additional investigation are needed before the scope and reliable pricing can be developed. We prefer to understand the existing conditions before design decisions are finalized.
On your own: Photograph the rooms you want to change and note what you know about the house: the year it was built, past additions, anything that has moved or cracked.
The first step is a conversation about your project, goals, scope, location, budget and timeline. If the project appears to be a good fit, the next step is an on-site consultation. On site, we look at the existing conditions, how the proposed work interacts with the structure and building systems, and what may need additional investigation before the scope can be accurately defined.
On your own: If you would rather see how a project is run before you talk to anyone, our How We Run a Job page shows a real schedule and the weekly reports the client received.
Design-build provides homeowners with a coordinated approach to planning, design, engineering, and construction. Rather than managing separate relationships between designers, engineers, and contractors, our team works collaboratively to develop a project that aligns with your vision, budget, and construction requirements. We also welcome opportunities to collaborate with architects and designers already involved in a project.
On your own: Whichever route you choose, ask who is responsible if the drawings and the conditions found on site don't match, and how that gets resolved.
Structural engineering may be necessary when a renovation involves modifying load-bearing walls, enlarging openings, constructing additions, or addressing foundation concerns. The specific requirements depend on the scope of work and applicable building codes. O'Laughlin Construction is founded and led by Andrew O'Laughlin, a licensed South Carolina Professional Engineer with 25 years of construction experience. When structural work is involved, we provide or coordinate structural design, calculations, and stamped drawings as appropriate.
On your own: Ask any builder who will evaluate the structure, and whether the drawings will be stamped by a licensed engineer where one is required.
Remodeling timelines vary depending on the project scope, material selections, permitting requirements, and whether structural modifications are involved. Rather than providing a generic timeline, we develop a project-specific construction schedule that accounts for trade sequencing, material lead times, and anticipated construction activities. Finalizing design decisions and material selections before construction begins helps minimize unnecessary delays.
On your own: Ask any builder what has to be selected, and by when, to keep their schedule.
You receive a written update every week: the work completed, what comes next, open items and their status, and progress photographs. The updates follow the written schedule, so you can see whether the work is on track without having to ask.
On your own: Ask what the weekly update looks like and who writes it. A builder who has one can show you one.
Remodeling costs are primarily influenced by the scope of work, material and finish selections, structural modifications, and existing building conditions. Labor requirements, project complexity, and permitting can also significantly affect pricing. We emphasize thorough planning and detailed estimates to establish realistic budgets and minimize unexpected costs during construction.
On your own: Before asking for pricing, write down what must be included and what could wait. It makes the first conversation about cost more useful.
Two contractors may provide significantly different estimates because they are not necessarily pricing the same scope of work. Differences in material specifications, allowances, exclusions, construction methods, and project management costs can substantially affect pricing. We encourage homeowners to compare estimates carefully and understand exactly what is included before selecting a contractor.
On your own: Put the bids side by side and mark every allowance and exclusion. The bid with fewer unknowns is the one you can hold someone to.
See how we run a job: a real schedule and the weekly reports the client received.
A 30-minute phone call with Andrew.