FAQs
Our years of expertise mean we can answer any home design or renovation questions you have, so you can plan with confidence.
DESIGN QUESTIONS
Can you just tell me what to do?
Absolutely! We offer Designer Consultation sessions. We’ll walk your home to give our professional opinions and suggestions of how to update your home. Then you take all the notes and spruce up your space!
Do you help with decor, styling, and finishing touches?
Yes. We’re happy to help you get your decor started so you have a strong foundation to build on. Or, we can create a fully furnished and accessorized space for you. We work within your budget and style preferences, sourcing from a mix of retailers and trade vendors to make your house feel like home.
Will you incorporate my existing furniture or sentimental pieces?
We love incorporating family heirlooms, travel finds, and meaningful pieces into your design. Our goal is to create a home that feels personal and collected, not like a showroom. We’ll help you decide what to keep, what to repurpose, and what to add so the space feels cohesive and intentional.
Can you help me choose paint colors and materials?
Yes. Paint color consultations and material selections are a big part of what we do. During a Design Consultation or Designer For a Day session, we can help you choose paint colors, tile, countertops, flooring, and fixtures that work with your home’s natural light, architecture, and overall design goals.
What types of projects does Home Theory specialize in?
Kitchens and bathrooms are our specialty, but we also design other interior spaces like laundry rooms, pantries, mudrooms, home offices, and entryways. Many clients start with a kitchen or bath remodel and then bring us back for additional projects as their home evolves.
How do I know which service is right for my project?
If you want a fully managed renovation with one team overseeing design and construction, our Full Service Design + Renovations is usually the best fit. For a detailed design plan for your own contractor to follow, Design Only Services may be ideal. If you just need expert advice, help making selections, or a second opinion on plans, a Design Consultation is a great place to start.
What’s the difference between Full Service Design + Renovations and Design Only Services?
With Full Service Design + Renovations, our team handles both the interior design and the construction process alongside our partner Licensed General Contractor. This is ideal for homeowners in the Charlotte, NC area who want a turnkey experience.
With Design Only Services, we create the complete design plan, selections, and documentation, then your contractor executes the work. This option works well if you already have a contractor you love or live outside our local service area.
Do you offer virtual interior design or virtual design consultations?
Yes. We offer virtual interior design consultations and design-only packages that work beautifully for clients who are not local to Charlotte, NC. Through video calls, shared photos, and measurements, we can help you plan your renovation or refresh your home from anywhere.
CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION QUESTIONS
What's the difference between a licensed GC and a handyman / contractor / maintenance company?
Legally, there are many. North Carolina currently does NOT license or qualify Handymen or other Home Maintenance companies, only true Licensed General Contractors. It is ILLEGAL for any individual or company that is not also a Licensed North Carolina General Contractor to complete work exceeding $40,000 (less in some cases) or act as a subcontractor in any project.
North Carolina licensed General Contractors must also:
- Demonstrate their knowledge in a wide range of construction and demolition activities and Building Code by taking a test administered by the State of North Carolina or recognized agency (NASCLA).
- Attend yearly Continuing Education and test their knowledge.
- Meet certain financial criteria (working capital) based on the classification of licensure.
All these factors are extremely important to consider when selecting your project team. We are staffed with a fully licensed General Contractor who is licensed for both residential and commercial projects.
Why is it important to hire a Licensed General Contractor in North Carolina?
The state of NC has enacted strict laws and guidelines on who is allowed to complete various tasks, including plumbing, electrical, and other trades. General Contractors typically have a team of qualified individuals to complete the work under state guidelines.
Handymen and Home Maintenance companies are not legally able to provide these services. If someone is coming in and doing the whole project without licensed trades, that’s a red flag. You should see a separate plumber, electrician, HVAC, etc as needed on-site throughout the project.
In addition, a General Contractor acts as the responsible party in the permitting process and therefore carries a license, bonding, and insurance. This is for YOUR protection and theirs. Most projects need a permit within NC. Without all of these protections in place, you as the homeowner become responsible and could be held fully liable for anything that happens on the job-site and for the quality of services provided.
What protections does a Licensed General Contractor provide for my project?
In addition to taking responsibility for permits, a Licensed General Contractor maintains proper licensing, bonding, and insurance, and coordinates licensed trades such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. These steps help ensure your project follows state guidelines and building codes. Without these protections in place, you as the homeowner may end up fully liable for accidents or substandard work on the job site.
What areas do you serve for home remodeling and interior design?
We primarily serve homeowners in the Charlotte, NC metro in communities such as Ballantyne, Waxhaw, and Matthews and Lake Norman areas, including communities like Mooresville, Cornelius, Huntersville, Davidson, and surrounding neighborhoods. We also offer virtual interior design services and design consultations for clients outside our local service area.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR GENERAL CONTRACTOR (GC)
Licensing, Insurance & Credentials
Can I see your North Carolina General Contractor license and verify it?
Don’t be afraid to ask. The company you’re considering should provide this immediately and without hesitation. The name on the license must match the person or company you’re entering into a contract with and paying for the work. You can verify licenses and classifications on the NC Licensing Board website:
https://nclbgc.org/license-search/
What insurance coverage do you and your trades carry?
This is critical. There will be many people on your property. Make sure you’re protected. Many contractors and most unlicensed individuals do not carry Worker’s Comp insurance because it’s expensive. We require all licensed tradespeople to carry full insurance, including Worker’s Comp, and we carry the same for all of our employees- even our design team.
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
GCs should stand by their work. Everyone will have a different policy, but it’s important to know what is covered, for how long, and how warranty issues are handled. We offer a 1-year workmanship warranty. Individual product warranties vary based on the product.
Project Timeline & On-Site Expectations
How often will you or your team be on site during my remodel?
Your General Contractor will periodically be onsite to ensure work is being done according to the agreed schedule and scope. Day-to-day operations are often monitored by a Team Lead or Superintendent. Your Design team comes in at specified project markers to ensure the design is coming together as envisioned.
How long will my home remodeling project take?
Your GC should be able to give you a projected timeline or range. While material availability, permitting, and unforeseen conditions can impact the schedule, you should have a general idea of how long your kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or whole-home project is expected to take. On average, bathroom can take 8-14 weeks and kitchens 10-16 weeks.
What happens if there are delays or unforeseen issues?
Things happen—weather, supply chain issues, and other factors can affect timelines. Ask how delays are handled and who is responsible for any associated costs. In contracts, this is often addressed under “Force Majeure” or escalation sections.
Will I need to move out or adjust how I live during the remodel?
Some projects require turning off utilities. All projects generate dust and noise, which your GC will manage. Ask your GC whether temporary relocation might be necessary.
Permits, Processes & Communication
Who handles permits for my kitchen or bathroom remodel?
We will. The company bidding your project should ALWAYS handle all necessary permitting. They should never ask you to submit permits in your name. Your General Contractor should be the one permitting your project, which makes them responsible for the permitted work.
How will we communicate during the project?
At Home Theory, we give you direct phone and email access to your team through our client portals so you always have someone to contact if questions or concerns arise. We also send full weekly updates for detailed updates as we go!
How are change orders handled?
Whenever the Scope of Work changes, make sure you create an official change order to protect both parties. In addition, many GCs charge administrative fees to cover the behind-the-scenes work. To avoid confusion, outline the entire change order process clearly in your contract documents.
Costs, Payments & Budget Management
How does payment work?
For larger scale projects, generally a flat fee first payment is due at the Pre-construction agreement, 20% due at Construction agreement, 20% due at permitting, 20% due at demo, 30% due at rough inspections, and final bill of 10% is due at substantial completion.
***Remember, the payment goes to the individual/company who holds the license***
How do you handle changes in cost or scope during the project?
Every company has a different approach. We offer rough numbers with material allowances before design selections are made. After design is complete and materials are selected, we fill in your final numbers.
Who pays for overruns in labor and materials?
Ask your GC’s (and confirm in their contract) for details on who pays for what when costs exceed the estimate. These are commonly known as Material Escalation clauses.
As an award-winning woman-owned boutique Interior Design and Renovation firm serving the Charlotte, NC metro and Lake Norman areas we instinctively know how to take care of you.
Reach out to us with any home design or renovation questions you have.