Planning & Process
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
A typical kitchen renovation takes 3 to 5 months of construction, following 12 to 16 weeks of preconstruction planning through our Building the Blueprint process. Total timeline from first meeting to move-in is usually 7 to 9 months. Complex projects involving structural changes, historic district approvals, or custom millwork may take longer.
What is preconstruction and why do I need it?
Preconstruction is the planning phase before construction begins. At SA&Co, it's a structured 5-phase process called Building the Blueprint that takes 12 to 16 weeks. It includes site evaluation, design development, material selections, detailed estimating, and contract preparation. Every selection is finalized, every subcontractor bid is in, and every dollar is accounted for before we break ground. This prevents the change orders, delays, and budget overruns that plague projects that skip this step.
Do I need an architect for my renovation?
Not always, but we strongly recommend engaging a licensed architect or interior designer for any project involving layout changes, structural modifications, or significant design decisions. Quality architectural drawings produce tighter subcontractor bids, fewer surprises, and a dramatically faster path from planning to construction. For simpler projects like a bathroom refresh with no layout changes, a kitchen designer may be sufficient. We can make introductions to trusted design professionals. Read more about when you need an architect.
When is the best time to start planning a renovation?
Start planning 6 to 9 months before you want construction to begin. Preconstruction takes 12 to 16 weeks, and you'll want time before that for initial conversations and architect engagement. If you're thinking about a spring start, reach out in the fall. Summer construction start means planning should begin in early winter.
What happens during the first meeting?
The first meeting is a free, no-obligation conversation — usually at your home. We walk the space together, discuss your vision, talk about budget expectations, and explain our process. If the project is a good fit, we outline next steps including our preconstruction services agreement. There's no pressure and no hard sell. We're figuring out if we're the right match for each other.
Cost & Contracts
How much does a renovation cost in Baltimore County?
Most of our clients invest $250,000 to $600,000 in their renovation. Kitchen renovations typically range from $150,000 to $400,000 or more depending on scope and selections. Bathroom renovations run $50,000 to $150,000. Whole-house renovations and additions range from $400,000 to over $1 million. Our project minimum is $125,000. These ranges reflect the premium materials, detailed planning, and 20-year warranty that come with every SA&Co project. Read our full cost guide.
What does the 21% overhead and profit cover?
The 21% overhead and profit covers everything required to manage your project professionally: full-time project management, general liability and workers compensation insurance, office operations, vehicle and equipment costs, accounting and legal, technology systems, and warranty reserves. It also funds our 20-year warranty obligation — future inspections, potential repairs, and the long-term record-keeping that makes a two-decade warranty possible. Learn what a general contractor actually does.
What is the difference between a lump sum and a cost-plus contract?
A lump sum contract is a fixed price for a defined scope of work — you know the total cost before construction begins. A cost-plus contract bills the actual cost of materials and labor plus a fixed percentage fee. Samuel Adams & Company charges 21% overhead and profit on cost-plus projects. Cost-plus offers more flexibility for projects where the scope may evolve, while lump sum provides budget certainty. Both contract types are available and the right choice depends on your project.
Why do you charge for preconstruction?
Preconstruction is real work — site evaluation, design coordination, selection guidance, subcontractor bidding, detailed estimating, and scope development. It takes 12 to 16 weeks of professional time. We charge for it because doing it right requires a genuine investment of resources, and because charging for it means we can do it thoroughly without cutting corners. If you proceed to construction, 100% of your preconstruction investment is credited toward your construction contract. Read why a blueprint beats a bid.
What are allowances in a construction estimate?
An allowance is a placeholder dollar amount for an item that hasn't been selected yet. For example, a tile allowance of $5,000 means we've budgeted that amount for tile materials, but you haven't picked the specific tile yet. We minimize allowances by completing selections before estimating. When we do use them, they're based on realistic pricing for the quality level you expect — not low numbers designed to make the bid look cheaper.
Our Warranty
How long is your warranty?
We offer two warranty levels. Every SA&Co project gets our 3-Year Limited Warranty at minimum — already three times the industry standard of one year. Projects that meet our quality thresholds qualify for our flagship 20-Year Workmanship Warranty, structured in three tiers covering comprehensive workmanship, major systems, and structural elements.
What does the 20-year warranty cover?
The 20-year warranty is structured in three tiers. Years 1 through 5 provide comprehensive coverage of all workmanship — framing, mechanical systems, drywall, tile, cabinetry, trim, paint, everything we built. Years 6 through 10 cover major building systems including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and waterproofing. Years 11 through 20 cover structural elements — foundation, framing, load-bearing walls, and roof structure. Full warranty details.
What qualifies a project for the 20-year warranty?
A project qualifies for the 20-year warranty when it meets two criteria: the project carries a minimum 20% overhead and profit margin, and SA&Co-supplied fixtures and materials are used. Our standard 21% rate meets this threshold. Projects below 20% receive the 3-year limited warranty instead.
What are the bi-annual inspections?
The 20-year warranty includes mandatory bi-annual inspections. Every two years, we return to your home and walk through the work we completed, looking for any issues before they become problems. This is how we catch small concerns — a caulk joint that needs refreshing, a door that's settled slightly — before they turn into expensive repairs. Most contractors never come back after the final check is cashed. We come back for twenty years.
What is the difference between a workmanship warranty and a manufacturer warranty?
A workmanship warranty covers how things were built — the quality of installation and construction labor. A manufacturer warranty covers the product itself — whether the appliance, fixture, or material is defective. Both matter, but the workmanship warranty is the one most homeowners overlook. A poorly installed high-end product can fail just as easily as a cheap one installed correctly. Read our full warranty guide.
Working With Us
What areas do you serve?
We serve Baltimore County and Baltimore City, with a focus on affluent neighborhoods including Roland Park, Guilford, Homeland, Ruxton, Towson, Lutherville, Cockeysville, Hunt Valley, Monkton, Butler, Greenspring Valley, Sparks-Glencoe, Worthington Valley, Stevenson, and Brooklandville. Our office is at 14919 Falls Road in Butler, Maryland.
Do you do small projects like a single bathroom?
Our project minimum is $125,000, and most of our projects range from $250,000 to over $1 million. A standalone single-bathroom renovation generally doesn't fit our overhead structure. However, for existing clients or as part of a larger project, we're happy to include bathroom work. If your project is below our minimum, we can often recommend other quality contractors who specialize in smaller renovations.
How do you communicate during construction?
Your construction manager is on site daily and is your primary point of contact during construction. You'll receive regular updates on progress, schedule, and any decisions that need your input. We maintain detailed daily logs documenting what happened on your project each day — who was there, what work was completed, any issues that came up. You can reach us by phone, email, or text, and we respond promptly.
Can I live in my home during a renovation?
In most cases, yes — though comfort level depends on the scope. A kitchen renovation means you'll be without a kitchen for several months, so most clients set up a temporary kitchen in another room. Whole-house renovations may require temporary relocation for portions of the project, especially during demolition and when systems like plumbing or HVAC are being replaced. We'll give you an honest assessment during preconstruction so you can plan accordingly.
How do I get started?
Call us at (443) 846-6979, email sam@samadamsco.com, or fill out the form on our contact page. We'll schedule a free, no-obligation conversation to learn about your project and determine if we're the right fit. If we are, we'll outline next steps including our preconstruction services agreement. Every great project starts with a conversation.