FAQs

The following are the questions most frequently asked by our clients:

Does J2 Solutions only do remodeling?

No. J2 Solutions is a full service general contractor that focuses in three specific areas; residential remodeling, detached garages, and interior commercial improvements. You can get more information about these other areas by going to www.J2SolutionsInc.com

What makes J2 Solutions different from other contractors?

• Professional, multi-million dollar project manager experience focused on smaller type commercial and residential projects. All J2 Solutions project managers have experience working with former 50 to100+ million dollar commercial construction companies. The skills and knowledge gained there applied to small and medium sized projects gives us a unique advantage.

• Our company is guided by fundamental business and financial management procedures. It is no surprise that general contractors are the #1 failing industry in the State of Florida (restaurants are #2). The reason; most residential general contractors are former tradesmen with little or no business management experience. Our company is guided by time-tested business practices in marketing, accounting, cash-management and operations.

• We are a debt-free construction company. History tells us the #1 reason why contractors fail is because of ‘lack of cash’. By not having to answer to the bank making expensive payments month after month, our company overhead is drastically reduced. This results in greater stability for our team members, reduced overhead, better pricing for our clients, faster payment to our subcontractors and enhanced protection against economic downturns.

• We utilize time-resource management techniques. Over the years we have religiously tracked how much of our time needs to be devoted to each type of project (residential remodels, detached garages, and commercial improvements, etc). As new jobs come into our company pipeline, we can accurately predict how full our workday schedules will be. New work, if it comes in when we are at or near capacity, is asked to wait. By purposely not taking on too much work at any given time, our team can guarantee our schedules, budgets and customer services that we are known for.

• We believe in having a specialization. In construction there is no such thing as a ‘jack of all trades’. We focus on detached garages, residential remodeling and commercial interiors. That’s it. By limiting our work to these three areas, we can constantly review and analyze our performances and bring new improvements to bear on upcoming projects. With every completed job, we become more efficient, knowledgeable and cost effective.

I understand that you subcontract all of your work.
What does that mean?

Rather than employing a large staff of skilled construction workers as our employees, we choose to hire independent subcontractors as needed. We have found this method to be beneficial for the following reasons:

• Reduced costs: Because we do not have to keep a large staff on the payroll, our overhead costs are drastically reduced. Furthermore we can competitively bid subcontractors as we need them. This results in lower costs to our clients.
• Increased quality: Rather than having a 'jack-of-all-trades', we hire the experts who specialize in their particular area of work. This experience and focus produces higher quality, faster schedules and less mistakes.
• Efficiency: We do not have to waste our time trying to keep idle employees busy. We devote this 'saved time' to our clients jobs to help them run smoother and faster.

How many projects do you have going at any one time?

We typically have between 15-25 projects running at any given time. We do utilize time-resource planning to prevent our staff from being overburdened. If we find ourselves in a situation where our current capacity can no longer meet the flow of new work, we will advise the new clients to wait for next available slot. We do not hire new employees as a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction to increased work. We believe that reactive, non-strategic hiring decisions can only lead to problems.

How long will it take to complete my project?

Because every project is different, schedules will vary. Once we understand your project completly, we can give you a schedule and guaranteed completion date.

Will my remodeling project increase my taxes?

Sometimes. For small remodeling projects that do not require a permit, your taxes will not be increased because of the construction. However on larger type projects (additions, major overhauls, etc) your taxes will go up the following tax year. It is important to talk to your local assessor to get exact information for your particular circumstance.

What areas/municipalities do you build in?

We work in the following Florida counties: Manatee, Sarasota, Desoto, Charlotte. Please contact us if you have a specific inquiry outside these areas.

Can I do some of the work myself to save some money?

Occasionally. However certain rules apply. Please contact us for details.

What is the ‘50%’ rule and will it affect my project?

The 50% rule deals with construction activities on residential homes in flood zones. If your home is not in a flood zone, the rule will not apply. Simply put, if the construction activity (contractor and/or replacement price including labor, materials & mark-up) exceeds 50% of the ‘improved-value’ of your home, the rule will apply. You can only perform work (dollar value) up to 50% of your ‘improved value’ OR you must bring your home out of the flood zone. For a more specific interpretation for your exact property, please give us a call.

I want to put an addition on my home. Will I have to modify my septic system?

Not necessarily. Depending on what the addition will be used for and/or how big your finished home will be ultimately determines if you have to alter your existing septic system. Please call us and we can give you an exact answer for your particular project.

Do you offer design services?

Yes. As part of our service to you, we will give you an unlimited supply of design and layout ideas. Furthermore you will have access to our interior designer to help you with color selections and pattern designs.