Custom Home & Remodeling FAQs

Issue A major concern is whether the project will stay within budget. Costs can exceed preliminary estimates due to hidden issues, material price changes, or an expanded project scope. Many owners add a 10–20% contingency to cover surprises, but still fear overspending.

Answer Sonrise strives to stay strictly within budget. Increase in scope or unforeseen issues may result in cost increases, which are presented to the client for approval. Clear, concise communication and open discussions are an integral part of our client relationships.

Issue When remodeling, wiring issues, plumbing problems, or structural problems can arise during demolition, which can increase costs and cause delays.

Answer Although never 100% unavoidable, Sonrise carefully looks for possible issues beforehand in order to minimize such surprises. Your dedicated Project Manager will provide weekly project reports and schedule updates. Challenges will be met with researched options to minimize cost increases while keeping projects moving forward.

Issue Owners worry about contractors who overpromise and underdeliver, or don’t communicate promptly, all creating misunderstandings, frustration and delays.

Answer Communication is our strong point. Located in downtown Naples, our conference room is available for in-person or Zoom meetings. Each client is assigned a dedicated Project Manager who is only a phone call away and supported by a staff that is always close by.

Issue The smooth coordination of subcontractors, suppliers, and inspections are essential to minimizing delays, rework, and missed deadlines.

Answer In addition to a dedicated Sonrise Project Manager, each Friday throughout the project clients receive an email that includes notes from our team, a link to all progress photos, and an updated Job Schedule showing completed work, upcoming work, inspections, and material deliveries.

Issue Major projects take months and can potentially disrupt a client’s daily life. Knocking down walls or kitchen and bathroom projects make staying in the home challenging. Much depends on the project scope and how much daily disruption can be tolerated.

Answer While challenging, Sonrise’s goal is always to make remodeling as painless as possible. We can schedule extra cleaning or limiting work hours to accommodate the hardiest of our client’s needs.

Issue While decisions can become overwhelming and can make it difficult to prioritize choices, poor selection of materials and finishes can lead to both short-term and long-term disappointment along with additional future costs.

Answer The answer for some of our clients is to hire a Designer. Sonrise has relationships with numerous Designers offering a variety of involvement options. If that isn’t preferred, Sonrise has decades of project experience involving updated design trends and cutting edge materials. We can be a great sounding board for selecting materials and finishes that will fit your style and budget while at the same time standing up to our rugged climate.

Issue High heat and humidity, sandy and abrasive soil, salt air, and storm season all add up to the need for moisture-resistant finishes, impact-rated windows and doors, and durable flooring. Selecting the right materials is critical to avoid premature deterioration and costly repairs.

Answer Through decades of experience, both Sonrise and our trusted partners are well versed in the right materials and, just as importantly, their proper application and installation.

Issue Owners must factor in irrigation, drainage, and HOA landscaping rules when considering the addition of patios, decks, pools or outdoor kitchens.

Answer Our clients have no need for multiple contractors to cover the various challenges inside and outside of the residence. Sonrise is well versed in covering all aspects of site drainage, swimming pools, and landscaping while meeting the requirements of the local government and HOAs. Most times the exterior and interior can be accomplished concurrently to keep a compact schedule all under Sonrise’s guidance and with open client communication.

Issue Because of varied soil conditions, varied water tables, and whether added fill or pilings are required, two building sites might look the same but could have different sub-surface conditions.

Answer Sonrise advises prospective clients on possible pitfalls interpreting FEMA flood zone maps, surveys, and the various requirements. Sonrise also takes into  consideration soil conditions in its pricing process.

Issue Permitting, inspections, and compliance can be complex and time-consuming and generally takes learned skills to seamlessly work these requirements into a project

Answer Coordination of all permitting and inspections is included in our services, thus eliminating this stress altogether for the client. Our local government has strict building codes that we have learned to navigate in our 30 plus years in the building business in Collier County. In addition, our owner, Luke Fredrickson, has served on both the Naples Design Review Board and Naples Architectural Review Board. He has become an expert through practice and can guide projects safely through local permitting approvals.

Issue HOAs often have design, material, and size restrictions. Owners need to take these into account in the initial design phase of their project.

Answer After 30 plus years, working with HOAs has become a Sonrise specialty. If necessary, we can communicate directly to the HOA Board your intent to mesh your project with the overall aesthetics of the community.

Issue Owners want to ensure their projects not only meets their personal comfort needs, but will add value and appeal to a future buyer. So they want trends, functionality, and energy efficiency designed into their project.

Answer Good materials and finishes always work well for resale. Otherwise, it’s your investment, so be comfortable. The next owner’s will generally tailor things to their needs. Naples has always been a good investment and an opportunity for new homeowners to be creative.

Issue When owners consider the remodeling of an existing dwelling, FEMA and the Florida Building Code floodplain management rules are a major concern. That’s because of Collier County’s storm related high-flood risk. Much of coastal Collier County is located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), and FEMA has established elevation standards.

Answer The first floor of living space must be at or above the BFE in order to avoid flood damage to that living space. If your project involves an existing home and the home’s elevation is below the required BFE, floodplain management regulations can limit the scope or require major design changes before work is allowed to proceed. Sonrise can help you make these determinations.

It should also be noted that FEMA’s flood insurance rules link your home’s elevation and compliance status to flood insurance premiums. A non-compliant structure can result in higher premiums or denial of coverage.

Issue In the event of storm damage, if the cost of your remodel is 50% or greater of your pre-improvement market value (excluding land), the project will be considered a “substantial improvement” under FEMA/NFIP regulations. If that’s the case, the structure must be brought into compliance with current floodplain management standards, which will likely include elevating the home to meet current BFE requirements along with upgrading structural components and meeting modern hurricane and flood safety codes, turning a modest project into a large-scale and costly project.

Answer Sonrise has become experts in navigating FEMA and can guide you through this process of precisely executing the scope and costs to meet the everchanging rules and regulations. In the event 50% is not attainable, we are here to get the ball rolling on an updated home fluidly.

Issue From time-to-time revisions are made the FEMA flood maps. Such revisions can raise Base Flood Elevation requirements and change flood zone designations, affecting whether a property is in a regulated zone. This, in turn, can alter compliance obligations for planned projects.

Answer Sonrise stays abreast of flood map updates and early in the exploratory phase will make certain that applicable projects conform to the latest flood map requirements.