Frequently Asked Questions

1. What geographic area do you work in? Hudson Valley Preservation is licensed to work in Connecticut and New York State. This includes Connecticut’s Upper Fairfield and Litchfield Counties and Upper Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties in New York. HVP’s principals reside in the Sherman Connecticut area and are actively involved community life - from coaching sports teams to serving on the local boards. Owner, Mason Lord, is a member of the Board of Trustees for Sherman Library, a member of the Sherman Historical Society, and serves as Commissioner for the Historic District Commission. HVP is a member of the New Milford and Pawling Chambers of Commerce. Co-owner, Dave Seegers serves on the Board of Education at the Sherman School.  In 2005, Hudson Valley Preservation hosted a Home and Trade Show in Sherman supporting homeowners and businesses with this local community and networking event. Hudson Valley Preservation’s strength is its experienced, local and dedicated team of contractors and craftsmen. The fact that over 90% of its work is acquired by word of mouth and referrals speaks for itself.

2. What does design and build mean? The design and build concept has its origins in the "Master Builder" approach, where a single person or company holds total project accountability- from start to finish. Hudson Valley Preservation’s method of home remodeling offers the homeowner single- source, integrated building solutions under one roof. It is a bottom up process that mutually supports the client, designer and construction team members in realizing the client’s dream. HVP’s innovative 24-hour, web-based communications system provides on-demand access to a project from start to finish. For more about the design and build process.

3. Can I use my own electrician? Our strength is our team.  If a client were to bring someone new onto the team—he/she would be weakening the team regardless of the strength of the new member. It’s the difference between running a professional basketball team versus an untested pick-up team. HVP takes full accountability for each project’s success and stands behind its work 300%-even after a job is done. A proven, consistent team is a must-have for delivering client satisfaction. It’s why we give a two-year warranty on every project we do. Learn more abut our team of design/build professionals.

4. What does an average job cost? Is HVP more expensive than a builder? Sometimes, yes. Projects and their prices vary tremendously. Hudson Valley Preservation’s remodeling expertise is extensive- from stonewalls to single room additions to whole house, historic renovations. The design portion of a project can cost between 10 and 15% of the total project. HVP uses a proprietary 3D modeling system that re-creates the exact project specifications online. As a result, we can build a virtual addition to exact spec, ensuring real pricing up front, allowing you to get actively involved in your dream design - secure in its functionality and within your investment program. No surprises.

5. Is design and build for everyone? Hudson Valley Preservation understands that translating a client’s dream into reality takes the right fit on many levels: personality; style; and the investment necessary to do the job well.  We can’t be everything for everybody and the first step in our design and build process is to discover if we’re the right fit for you. Hudson Valley works with people who want to be actively involved in their remodeling project but realize they don’t have the time. We look to partner with the client to find a design solution that works for them. We research all projects- things are never as simple as they look. This takes time. If you want the lowest price you may prefer the design/ bid/ build method - and all that implies. HVP clients choose us because they’ve placed a priority on a guaranteed price and delivery schedule, and the ability to resolve issues before they become problems. Hudson Valley delivers peace of mind.

6. When can you start?  We’ll start your job, when we know we can finish it -on time and to your satisfaction. Working with HVP is unlike any other building experience you may have had. In order to guarantee pricing, get the necessary permitting, build the house of your dreams and do it on time, we execute serious planning up front. We take all variables into account- (including that special order tile your heart was set on). We build your project on paper before we start in your home. We try to get as many questions answered before the project begins. Each project requires your approval -a signed contract, completed designs to your specs, materials and permits in hand. Last but not least, we will not start unless we have honorably fulfilled prior commitments. Adherence to this last rule positions us extremely well for generating very high levels of satisfaction. 

7. Can you guarantee a fixed price? Absolutely. Our research in the design phase removes most of the variables associated with remodeling. Our trade contractors have all seen the project during the design phase so they know what to expect during the construction phase. The 3D rendering of the proposed work and 24-hour online access gives the homeowner a clear picture and input on what she’s getting before the work begins. Materials and appliance or fixture shopping with an HVP member who maintains a clear budget with the client minimizes the possibility for any add-on costs. Once the project is signed at the beginning of the construction process, we give you a fixed price. If we are asked to do more than the terms of the contract, we’ll have to charge more and it will take longer. The reciprocal is that if the client chooses to cut back on the project, we cut back on price and duration. Any changes that might affect cost or timing are fully understood and approved before they are executed. Hudson Valley has a master carpenter on-site daily to stay on top of any issues as they might emerge.
 
8. What is an historic home? Often, a combination of a couple of significant characteristics will land a house on the National Register of Historical Places. It may be of architectural significance due to age, it may be a good and intact example of a particular style -Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Carpenter Gothic, Prairie style, or Craftsman.  A famous person, architect or event may be associated with the house. Hudson Valley Preservation’s owners, Dave and Mason met during an internship at Lyndhurst, America's finest Gothic Revival mansion located on the Hudson River. Over the years, they have worked on more than forty National Register and National Historic Landmark Buildings. Their breadth of knowledge in understanding how these buildings were originally assembled and why lends valuable knowledge in how best to restore, update or add onto the original structures with authentic expertise and sensitivity.

Have more questions?
Pick up the phone and give Laura a call at 860-355-0906. We’d love to hear from you.

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