Frequently Asked Questions
- GENERAL
- What do you guys do?
- Do you have in-house designers and architects?
- My project is small, do I need an architect/designer?
- What factors impact the cost of a project?
- Do you do projects on the coast?
- How big is your custom door and window shop?
- How much does a custom wood window/door cost?
- Do you offer services such as replacing windows/doors (installation only)?
- Can you refer me to an alternative contractor if my project’s scope isn’t a good fit with H&H?
- REMODELING
- Can you come look at my house, or house I’m planning on buying, and assess its “remodeling potential” so I can decide whether it’s a good investment or not?
- Do you offer handyman or small repair services?
- HOME BUILDING
- How much do you charge per square foot for a new home build?
- How much do you charge per square foot for an Accessory Dwelling Unit build?
- What is the average cost per square foot for building a Passive House?
- Do you offer out-of-state Passive House consulting?
- Do you build homes out-of-state?
- Do you offer prefab homes?
- Do you sell the plans of the homes on your website?
GENERAL
What do you guys do?
Hammer & Hand is a general contractor that works with designers, architects, and clients on a variety of projects including commercial construction, new homes, remodels, and high performance buildings. We are dedicated to better building through service, craft, and science.
Do you have in-house designers and architects?
No, we do not have in-house designers or architects; we’re focused on being the best general contractor we can be. We collaborate with a diverse cadre of architectural firms and will match you with a designer whose expertise, style, and personality best serve you and your project. If you already have a designer selected, we’re happy to work with them as well. Visit our Partnering with Architects page to read more about how we collaborate with architect and client on all of our projects.
My project is small, do I need an architect/designer?
Yes. We need architectural drawings and specifications to guide our installations, so the services of a design professional will most likely be necessary. Even for small projects that don’t require additional design input, plans are necessary to efficiently and accurately communicate project expectations to our skilled craftspeople and subcontractors. They are also necessary to secure permits to do the work. The scope of project we normally undertake requires a design professional.
What factors impact the cost of a project?
Construction costs for any new build or remodeling project can vary significantly. In addition to the level of finish desired, many other factors are at play. This could include the ability for us to access the space (is it in a high rise or a stand alone building with lots of staging area?), are there adequate utilities in place (or do they need to be upgraded or moved?), and what is the construction schedule (do we need to expedite the work?). With answers to these questions, as well as a keen eye for finding efficiencies, we can zero in on a budget that meets the goals of the project.
Do you do projects on the coast?
Yes, for large remodels, new homes, and commercial projects. For logistical reasons, we can’t do smaller projects on the coast.
How big is your custom door and window shop?
Our woodshop is 3000sf with 2-3 shop carpenters. We can generally take on up to 5 projects at a time.
How much does a custom wood window/door cost?
Custom window sashes start at $950, with operable windows starting at $1,500. Custom doors (non-Passive House) also start at $1,500. A few factors that impact cost are wood species, design, and finish selection.
Due to the cost of specialized components and materials like multipoint locking mechanisms, gasketing, and high performance insulation, a custom Passive House door starts at about $8,000.
Do you offer services such as replacing windows/doors (installation only)?
As part of a larger project scope or for long standing clients, yes. However, it may be more economical to source a small remodeling company or a handyman service.
Can you refer me to an alternative contractor if my project’s scope isn’t a good fit with H&H?
We are happy to direct you to outside resources that will assist you with your project.
REMODELING
Can you come look at my house, or house I’m planning on buying, and assess its “remodeling potential” so I can decide whether it’s a good investment or not?
Yes. We can send an experienced project manager for a site visit to assess the home, its site, and its constraints. We’ll then prepare a report with our perspectives on the property’s potential and rough, “order of magnitude,” estimates of remodeling costs. The service costs between $250 – $500 for the first home assessed by Hammer & Hand, depending on the location of the project and the scope. This fee is credited back to you if you decide to complete your remodeling project with us.
Do you offer handyman or small repair services?
We do not offer standalone handyman services, though we do perform repairs and handyman work for our existing clients following the completion of a project as part of ongoing maintenance plans.
HOME BUILDING
How much do you charge per square foot for a new home build?
The cost per square foot for a new home build depends on a variety of factors, but the projects we build generally cost between $250 and $400 per square foot. For more info, read this post about pricing a new home build.
How much do you charge per square foot for an Accessory Dwelling Unit build?
The cost per square foot for an ADU depends on a variety of factors, but the projects we build generally cost between $250 and $350 per square foot. To learn more, check out this post about the cost of building an ADU.
What is the average cost per square foot for building a Passive House?
The costs for building a new Passive House vary based on factors such as material selection, design, and site. Generally a Passive House costs 5-15% more than standard construction, but much (sometimes all) of this extra cost is offset by energy savings over time.
Do you offer out-of-state Passive House consulting?
Yes, we do. Read more about our Passive House consulting services here.
Do you build homes out-of-state?
Not typically. We serve the Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington regions, including NW Oregon and the I-5 corridor up through Everett.
Do you offer prefab homes?
No. All the new homes we build are all custom-designed and built on site.
Do you sell the plans of the homes on your website?
No, we do not. The plans for the homes on our site belong to the architect/designer who created them.