COMPANY STRUCTURE

We are a small, family-owned and operated company organized as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Our company structure includes a Project Manager and an Office Manager, who work together to oversee project planning, client communication, scheduling, administrative operations, and project completion.

Our goal is to provide professional, transparent, and reliable service while maintaining clear communication and expectations throughout every project.

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PROPOSALS, BIDS & ESTIMATES

1. On-Site Assessments Required
   We do not provide estimates based solely on photographs, phone conversations, or general descriptions of a project. An on-site assessment is required in order to properly evaluate the scope of work, site conditions, measurements, materials, labor requirements, and any potential challenges associated with the project. We do not provide “average cost” estimates.

2. One Complimentary Estimate
   To ensure responsible use of company resources and maintain effective time management, we provide one complimentary estimate per potential project.

   Preparing a proposal requires time and operational resources, including scheduling an on-site visit, inspecting the property, taking measurements, consulting with the client, researching and pricing materials, calculating labor requirements, and preparing a detailed proposal.

3. What Is Included in the Complimentary Estimate
   The complimentary estimate includes:

   • An on-site visit to the property;

   • A professional consultation regarding the proposed project;

   • Evaluation of site conditions and project requirements;

   • Appropriate measurements;

   • Development of a project scope;

   • Estimated material and labor costs; and

   • One written proposal outlining the anticipated project costs, scope of work, and estimated timeline.

4. Additional Proposal Fees
   If a client requests proposals for multiple separate projects during the same site visit, or requests additional proposals that do not result in contracted work, a $50.00 proposal fee per additional proposal may be charged.

   This fee is intended to cover the time and operational costs associated with additional site evaluations, consultations, material research, labor calculations, and proposal preparation.

   If an additional proposal results in contracted work, the applicable proposal fee will be waived upon execution of the contract.

 

CONTRACTS

1. Written Contracts Required
   Our company does not begin work without a signed written contract. Written contracts establish clear expectations and responsibilities for both the client and the company and provide a clear reference point throughout the project.

2. Contract Information
   Depending on the scope and nature of the project, our contracts may include:

   • Project description or summary;

   • Detailed scope of work;

   • Material and labor specifications;

   • Estimated project timeline;

   • Permit requirements and information;

   • Insurance information;

   • Payment schedule and payment obligations;

   • Client and contractor responsibilities; and

   • Necessary permissions and authorizations.

3. Communication and Documentation
   The written contract serves as the primary reference for the agreed-upon scope, project expectations, pricing, and responsibilities. It is intended to provide clarity for both the client and the company and to support clear communication throughout the project.

4. Work Outside the Contracted Scope
   We do not perform work outside the agreed-upon scope of the contract without written authorization.

   If unforeseen conditions are discovered during a project—such as rot, mold, structural damage, concealed water damage, or other conditions that were not reasonably identifiable during the initial assessment—we will notify the client as soon as reasonably possible.

5. Work related to the newly discovered condition may require a separate contract, contract amendment, or written change order. Any additional scope of work and associated costs will be discussed with the client and agreed upon in writing before the additional work is performed, except where immediate action is reasonably necessary to protect the property or maintain safety.

 

MATERIALS

1. Material Procurement and Handling Costs
   Depending on the project, our company may apply a 20% material handling and procurement markup to material costs.

   This markup helps cover the time and operational expenses associated with sourcing and securing materials, including:

   • Communicating with vendors and suppliers;

   • Comparing material pricing and availability;

   • Coordinating deliveries;

   • Delivery and transportation expenses;

   • Loading and unloading materials;

   • Picking up and delivering materials; and

   • Other administrative and logistical costs associated with material procurement.

   Any applicable material markup will be reflected in the project proposal or contract.

2. Quality of Materials
   Whenever reasonably available and appropriate for the project, our company strives to use quality, higher-end products and materials. Material selections will be based on project requirements, durability, availability, performance, and client preferences.

 

LABOR

The majority of our projects are completed using fixed bid or project-based pricing as outlined in the proposal and contract.

For smaller projects or projects billed on an hourly basis, labor rates may generally range from $65.00 to $120.00 per hour, depending on the type, complexity, and requirements of the work.

Labor rates may vary based on the skill level required, project conditions, specialty work, scheduling requirements, and other project-specific factors.

When appropriate, our company may utilize qualified subcontractors or specialty trades to complete portions of a project. Any subcontracted work will be coordinated and managed by our company as appropriate to the project.

 

PAYMENT SCHEDULES

Payment schedules are established based on the overall contract value, project scope, material requirements, and anticipated project duration. Unless otherwise specified in the individual contract, the following payment schedules generally apply:

 

Projects Under $10,000

• 50% deposit is due after the contract is signed and before work begins. This deposit secures the project timeline and assists with initial material and project costs.

• The remaining 50% is due upon completion of the contracted work.

Projects Between $10,000 and $50,000

• 33.33% deposit is due after the contract is signed and before work begins.

• 33.33% progress payment is due upon completion of a defined project milestone identified in the contract.

• The remaining 33.33% is due upon completion of the contracted work.

Projects Over $50,000

• 25% deposit is due after the contract is signed and before work begins.

• 25% progress payment is due upon completion of the first defined project milestone.

• 25% progress payment is due upon completion of the second defined project milestone.

• The final 25% is due upon completion of the contracted work.

 

Specific payment dates and milestones will be identified in the individual project contract. If project circumstances require a different payment schedule, the agreed-upon schedule will be documented in the contract.

 

INSURANCE

Our company maintains business insurance through Accredited Surety & Casualty Company, Inc. Coverage is maintained through an annual insurance policy and is renewed in accordance with the applicable policy terms.

Proof of insurance may be provided upon request, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable insurance policy.

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PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS & COMPANY VALUES

Our company is committed to maintaining the highest level of professionalism throughout every project. We strive to provide clear proposals, written contracts, transparent communication, quality workmanship, and realistic project expectations. We believe that professionalism is reflected not only in the finished product, but also in how we communicate, conduct ourselves, care for our clients’ properties, and manage each project from beginning to end.

 

At CSE Carpentry, our namesake reflects one of the principles we believe is fundamental to every successful project:

CSE — A Clean Site is a Safe Site. A Safe Site is an Efficient Site. This leads to a job done right. We believe that maintaining a clean and organized worksite is an essential part of quality construction. A clean site helps create a safer environment for our project lead, subcontractors, clients, and others who may be present on or around the property. An organized and safe site also allows our team to work more efficiently, minimize unnecessary disruptions, protect the client’s property, and maintain a higher standard of workmanship throughout the project.

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Our commitment extends beyond the physical work we perform. We don't just build homes; we build relationships. Every project is an opportunity to establish trust, earn the confidence of our clients, and develop lasting relationships through honest communication, dependable service, respect for their property, and pride in our work. We recognize that inviting a contractor into your home or onto your property is a significant decision, and we value the trust our clients place in us.

Because every property and project is different, individual project contracts and proposals may contain terms, conditions, pricing, payment schedules, or requirements that differ from these general company policies. The executed project contract and associated written documents will govern the specific terms of each project.

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Our goal is not simply to complete a project, but to leave our clients with a finished product they are proud of, a property that has been treated with care and respect, and a relationship built on trust that extends beyond the completion of the project.