Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our services, process, and policies. If you don't see your question here, please contact us.
General Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the greater Seattle area, including King County, Snohomish County, and Pierce County. This includes cities such as Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Renton, Kent, Federal Way, Tacoma, Everett, and surrounding communities.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, Kolmo Construction is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of Washington (License KOLMOL*753JS). We are also a WA State Certified Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SEDBE #D700031098) and a King County Small Contractor and Supplier (SCS #7259). We carry comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation for all our employees.
We're happy to provide verification of our credentials before starting any project.
How long has Kolmo Construction been in business?
Kolmo LLC was formed in 2025. The company is led by working trades professionals with prior Seattle-area construction, renovation, and project management experience as self-employed craftsmen.
Residential Services
What types of residential projects do you handle?
We handle a wide range of residential projects, including but not limited to:
- Kitchen remodels and renovations
- Bathroom remodels
- Basement finishing and remodeling
- Home additions and extensions
- Whole house renovations
- Deck and outdoor living space construction
- Interior and exterior painting
- Flooring installation and replacement
- Custom cabinetry and built-ins
No project is too small or too large. We're happy to provide a consultation for any residential construction needs you may have.
Do you work with existing plans or can you help with design?
We offer both services. If you already have architectural plans or designs, we're happy to work with them. If you need design assistance, we provide comprehensive design services through our network of experienced designers and architects. Our design-build approach ensures a seamless process from concept to completion.
How long does a typical kitchen or bathroom remodel take?
Project timelines vary based on scope and complexity:
- Bathroom remodels: Typically 3-6 weeks, depending on the size and complexity
- Kitchen remodels: Usually 6-12 weeks, depending on the scope of work, material selections, and any structural changes
We provide detailed timelines during the proposal phase and keep you updated throughout the project. Our goal is to complete every project on time while maintaining our high-quality standards.
Commercial Services
What types of commercial projects do you handle?
Our commercial construction services include:
- Office build-outs and renovations
- Retail space construction and remodeling
- Restaurant and hospitality projects
- Medical and dental office construction — ICRA 2.0 certified for work in occupied clinics
- Industrial space renovations
- Tenant improvements
- ADA compliance upgrades
- Commercial property maintenance and repairs
We work with businesses of all sizes, from small local establishments to larger corporate clients.
Do you handle permitting for commercial projects?
Yes, we handle all necessary permitting for commercial projects. Our team is familiar with local building codes and regulations across the Puget Sound region. We manage the entire permitting process, from initial applications to final inspections, ensuring compliance with all relevant codes and regulations.
Can you work around our business hours to minimize disruption?
Absolutely. We understand that business continuity is crucial for our commercial clients. We offer flexible scheduling options, including evenings, weekends, and phased construction approaches to minimize disruption to your operations. Our team works efficiently and maintains a clean, safe work environment to ensure your business can continue functioning with minimal interruption.
Pricing & Payments
How do you determine project costs?
We determine project costs based on several factors:
- Scope and complexity of work
- Size of the area being renovated
- Quality and cost of selected materials
- Any necessary structural changes
- Specialized requirements (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.)
- Permit and inspection fees
We provide detailed, transparent estimates that break down all costs. Our online cost calculator can give you a preliminary estimate, but we always recommend a personal consultation for the most accurate pricing.
What payment terms do you offer?
Our standard payment schedule typically follows this structure:
- Initial deposit to secure your place in our schedule (typically 10-30% depending on project size)
- Progress payments at predetermined project milestones
- Final payment upon satisfactory completion of all work
We accept various payment methods including checks, bank transfers, and major credit cards. For larger projects, we can discuss customized payment plans to fit your budget needs.
Do you offer financing options?
Yes, we partner with several financing institutions that specialize in home improvement loans. These options include unsecured personal loans, home equity lines of credit, and specialized renovation loans. We can provide information about these financing options during your consultation, though the final arrangements would be made directly between you and the financial institution.
Our Process
What is your typical project process?
Our construction process typically follows these steps:
- Initial Consultation: We discuss your needs, vision, and budget
- Design Phase: We develop designs and plans (if needed)
- Proposal: We provide a detailed proposal with pricing and timeline
- Contract: Once agreed, we formalize the arrangement with a clear contract
- Pre-Construction: We secure permits, order materials, and finalize schedules
- Construction: We execute the project with regular progress updates
- Final Walkthrough: We ensure your complete satisfaction
- Warranty: We provide ongoing support through our warranty period
Throughout this process, you'll have a dedicated project manager as your main point of contact.
How do you handle change orders or modifications during a project?
We handle change orders through a formal process that ensures clarity and transparency. When you request changes to the original scope, we provide a written change order detailing the additional work, associated costs, and any impact on the project timeline. Work on the changes only begins after you've reviewed and approved the change order. This process ensures that all modifications are properly documented and there are no surprises when it comes to final costs.
How do you communicate project progress?
We maintain regular communication throughout your project. You'll be assigned a dedicated project manager who provides weekly progress updates. We use a combination of methods including in-person meetings, phone calls, emails, and, if you prefer, a digital project management platform where you can view photos, schedules, and important documents. We're always accessible to answer questions or address concerns as they arise.
Cost Calculator
How accurate is the online cost calculator?
Our cost calculator provides a good starting point for budgeting purposes, shown as a range of 15% below to 15% above the point total. It uses regional averages and standard specifications for materials and labor. For a more precise estimate, we recommend scheduling a free in-home consultation where we can assess your specific space, discuss your exact requirements, and account for any unique challenges or opportunities your project presents.
Why might my actual quote differ from the calculator estimate?
Your actual project quote may differ from the calculator estimate due to several factors:
- Existing conditions that aren't visible until work begins
- Specific material selections that are higher or lower than standard options
- Custom features or specialized work
- Structural issues that need to be addressed
- Code compliance requirements specific to your property
- Access challenges or logistical complexities
Our in-person assessment allows us to account for these variables and provide a more accurate quote.
Can I save or share my estimate from the calculator?
Yes, after generating an estimate with our calculator, you can save it for future reference or share it with others. The system provides options to download a PDF version, email the estimate to yourself or others, or save it to your account if you're logged in. This makes it easy to share ideas with family members or to have the information ready when you schedule a consultation with our team.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to help you with any specific questions about your project.