Your Questions,
Answered Honestly.
We've worked with homeowners all across Fairfield and Litchfield Counties for years. These are the questions we hear most — and the straight answers you deserve before starting any project.
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Design-Build Process
With a traditional approach, you hire an architect to create plans, then go out and find a separate contractor to build them. That creates two contracts, two teams, and a lot of room for each side to blame the other when something goes wrong.
With Solimine Contracting's design-build model, design and construction are handled by one team under one contract. We develop the plans and build them, so there's no finger-pointing, no miscommunication between designer and builder, and one clear point of accountability from the first sketch to the final walkthrough.For homeowners in Fairfield and Litchfield Counties, this typically means fewer delays, more predictable pricing, and a smoother experience overall.
Every project at Solimine follows a clear sequence so you always know where you stand:
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Discovery call & site visit — We learn your goals, assess the space, and listen before we suggest anything.
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Design & planning — Our team develops layouts, selects materials, and identifies any permit or zoning requirements specific to your town.
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Detailed proposal — You receive a clear, written scope and fixed price before anything is signed.
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Permits pulled — We handle the permitting process with your local building department.
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Construction — A dedicated foreman is on-site throughout, keeping you updated daily.
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Final walkthrough & sign-off — We don't consider a job done until you're satisfied.
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It depends significantly on scope. As rough guidance:
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Kitchen or bathroom remodel: 6–12 weeks
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Whole-floor renovation: 10–16 weeks
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Addition or second story: 4–8 months
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Custom home build: 10–18 months
Permit approval timelines vary by town — some municipalities move faster than others. We factor local permit lead times into every schedule we give you, so there are no surprises.
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You'll have a dedicated project manager and a working foreman who is physically on your site throughout construction. No call centers, no being passed around. You have direct access to the people making decisions on your home — and they know your project inside and out.
Design-Build Process
Cost & Budgeting
Costs in Fairfield and Litchfield Counties reflect the local market and skilled labor.
General starting ranges:
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Bathroom remodel: $30,000–$80,000+
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Kitchen remodel: $60,000–$150,000+
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Home addition (per sq. ft.): $250–$450+
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Full home renovation: Highly variable based on size and scope
Several factors influence the final number: the grade of finishes you choose, structural complexity, existing conditions we discover during demo, and current material costs.
We'll always give you a detailed, written estimate before any work begins — never a verbal ballpark that changes later.
We prioritize honesty over a low quote. Underestimating only leads to disappointment later.
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We work hard to provide fixed-price contracts based on a thorough scope of work. That said, unforeseen conditions — like hidden water damage, aging infrastructure, or structural issues only visible after demo — can occasionally require a change order. When that happens, we communicate immediately, document everything in writing, and never proceed on additional work without your approval.
The most effective strategy: define your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves early, and be upfront with us about your budget ceiling. We can often achieve the same look with different materials or sequencing the project in phases. Changes made during design cost far less than changes made during construction — so the more clarity we have upfront, the better protected your budget is.
Yes, we collect a deposit to begin design and secure your place in our schedule. After that, payments are structured as draw schedules tied to project milestones — not arbitrary dates. You'll see this spelled out clearly in your contract before you sign anything. Be wary of any contractor who asks for more than 1/3 of the total price upfront — that's a red flag flagged by Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection.
Permits & Codes
Most structural, electrical, plumbing, or significant cosmetic projects require a building permit in Connecticut. This includes:
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Additions, new rooms, or converting spaces (basements, attics, garages)
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Kitchen and bathroom remodels with electrical or plumbing work
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Deck, porch, and structural exterior work
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HVAC system replacements or relocations
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Roofing on most structures
Minor cosmetic work — painting, flooring, cabinet refacing — typically does not require a permit. When in doubt, always ask first. Renovating without a required permit can result in fines, forced removal of completed work, and problems selling your home down the road.
We determine permit requirements for every project and handle the filing with your local building department so you don't have to.-
Permit timelines vary by town and project complexity. A realistic range is 1–4 weeks for most residential projects. Some towns move faster; others have longer queues. We build permit lead time into every project schedule and submit complete, accurate documentation from the start — which significantly reduces the chance of delays or rejections.
Solimine Contracting pulls all required permits as your licensed general contractor. This protects you: if a homeowner pulls their own permit, they legally assume responsibility for overseeing all sub-trades and verifying their licensing and insurance. Our team handles all of that on your behalf, keeping you protected and compliant throughout the project.
Yes — and this is one area where local experience matters. Both counties include towns with historic districts, inland wetland setbacks, steep slope regulations, and Conservation Commission requirements that can affect what you're allowed to build and where. Some coastal Fairfield County towns also have flood zone and FEMA elevation requirements. We know these local rules across the towns we serve and we flag any zoning considerations before design begins — not after.
Projects We Handle
We handle the full spectrum of residential design-build work:
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Home additions (first floor, second floor, in-law suites)
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Whole-home renovations
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Basement finishing & conversions
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Outdoor living spaces — decks, patios, pool houses, cabanas
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Mudrooms, laundry rooms, and utility space transformations
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Custom cabinetry and built-ins
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Aging-in-place and accessibility modifications
If you're unsure whether your project fits, just call us. We'll give you a straight answer.
Absolutely — and this is where knowing the area matters. Fairfield and Litchfield Counties are home to many Colonial, Federal, and Victorian-era properties, as well as mid-century homes with aging infrastructure. We have extensive experience navigating the complications older homes present: knob-and-tube wiring, lead paint, asbestos, stone foundations, and non-standard framing. We know how to preserve character while bringing a home up to modern code and comfort.
Most of our renovation projects are completed while clients remain in their homes. We take extra care with dust containment, daily cleanup, and protecting finished areas. For major whole-home renovations or projects involving utilities being shut down for extended periods, we'll discuss the most practical plan with you well in advance so you can make arrangements if needed.
Choosing the Right Contractor
Yes. We hold all required licenses to operate as a general contractor and home improvement contractor in Connecticut, and we carry full general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. We're happy to provide documentation before you sign anything — and we encourage you to verify any contractor's license status on the State of Connecticut's eLicense portal at elicense.ct.gov before hiring anyone.
We'd ask the same things ourselves. The essentials:
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Are you licensed and insured in Connecticut? Can you provide documentation?
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Who will be on my job site every day — your own crew or subcontractors?
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Do you pull permits, and how do you handle inspections?
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Can I speak with recent clients in my town?
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What does your contract cover — scope, timeline, and payment schedule?
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How do you handle changes or unexpected conditions mid-project?
A contractor who hesitates on any of these is worth reconsidering.
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That's your call — and we genuinely respect it. But here's what to investigate before deciding: a significantly lower bid usually means something is excluded, underestimated, or the contractor is counting on change orders later to make up the difference.
Ask the low bidder exactly what's included vs. excluded, what allowances are built in for materials, and what their payment terms are. Then compare apples to apples. In our experience, the cost of fixing poor work almost always exceeds the original savings.
We'd rather lose a job honestly than win it by underquoting and surprising you later.
Quality contractors in Fairfield and Litchfield Counties tend to book out 2–6 months, depending on the season. Spring and summer starts are most in demand. If you have a target start date in mind, reach out sooner rather than later — design and permitting alone take time, and you don't want to lose your window. A quick call to discuss your timeline costs you nothing.