Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about TaDow's services, pricing, process, and how we help homeowners protect their renovation investments.
General Questions
What exactly does TaDow Consulting do?
TaDow Consulting provides expert project guidance and consumer-side project management for homeowners tackling renovations, DIY projects, and construction. We are NOT a contractor, we work exclusively for homeowners. Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring someone, we help you plan correctly, avoid costly mistakes, choose the right materials, and hold work accountable from start to finish.
Is TaDow a construction contractor?
No. TaDow is an independent homeowner advocate, project manager, consultant, advisor, and owner's representative. We do not perform any physical construction work. Our role is to protect your interests, provide expert guidance, and ensure your project is completed correctly and on budget.
Who is TaDow for?
We serve homeowners of all types: those taking on DIY projects who want expert guidance, those hiring contractors who want independent oversight, property investors managing renovations, first-time homeowners planning improvements, and anyone who wants to protect their investment during a home improvement project.
What types of projects do you work on?
Our core specialties include flooring, decking, hardscape, patios, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and indoor and outdoor renovation projects. From early planning to final inspection, we provide subject matter expertise across materials selection, installation standards, and contractor accountability.
How do I get started with TaDow?
Contact us at (240) 234-0390 or info@tadowconsulting.com. We'll discuss your project and recommend the right service level. Most homeowners start with a consultation so we can assess the scope together and create a plan.
Contractor Hiring & Vetting
How do I verify a contractor's license?
You can verify contractor licenses through your state's licensing board. In Virginia, check with DPOR (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation). In Maryland, check with MHIC (Maryland Home Improvement Commission). TaDow's contractor vetting service handles this verification for you, including checking that the license is active, in good standing, and appropriate for your project type.
What should I look for when hiring a contractor?
Verify active licensing, confirm general liability and workers' compensation insurance, check at least 3 recent references, review their portfolio of similar projects, get detailed written estimates, check for liens or lawsuits, and ensure they pull required permits. TaDow's contractor vetting service covers all of these steps.
How many contractor bids should I get?
Get at least 3 bids for any significant renovation project. This gives you a baseline for comparison and helps identify outliers, both suspiciously low bids (which may indicate cut corners) and inflated bids. TaDow's estimate review service creates apples-to-apples comparisons of multiple bids.
What are red flags when hiring a contractor?
Major red flags include: no license or expired license, no insurance documentation, demands for large upfront payments (over 30%), refusal to provide written contracts, pressure to decide immediately, no physical business address, unsolicited door-to-door offers, and prices significantly below other bids.
Contracts & Estimates
What should a renovation contract include?
A solid renovation contract should include: detailed scope of work, itemized cost breakdown, payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion dates, warranty terms, change order procedures, dispute resolution process, permit responsibilities, insurance requirements, and a clear termination clause.
How do I know if a contractor's estimate is fair?
Compare it against regional averages for your project type, check that line items are specific (not vague lump sums), verify material quantities and quality levels, ensure allowances are realistic, and confirm all necessary work is included. TaDow's estimate review service does this analysis for you using current market data.
What is a change order and how should it work?
A change order is a written amendment to the original contract that documents changes in scope, cost, or timeline. Every change order should be in writing, signed by both parties, and include the specific change, cost impact, and schedule impact before work proceeds. Never accept verbal change orders.
DIY Projects
Can TaDow help me with a DIY project?
Absolutely. Our DIY Expert Guidance service is designed specifically for homeowners tackling projects themselves. We offer video consultations for quick questions, on-site visits for complex projects, material guidance, step-by-step planning, and troubleshooting support when things don't go as expected.
What DIY projects can I do myself?
Many home improvement projects are suitable for DIY, including painting, basic flooring installation, simple tile work, deck building, fence installation, and landscaping. Projects involving structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, and gas lines typically require licensed professionals. TaDow can help you assess which projects are appropriate for your skill level.
How does a video consultation work for DIY projects?
Join a video call from your project site using your phone or tablet. Show our expert what you're working on, ask questions, and get real-time guidance. Sessions range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Most homeowners find that a single session answers their questions and gives them confidence to proceed.
Project Management & Oversight
What does a homeowner project manager do?
A homeowner project manager acts as your independent representative throughout the renovation process. We vet contractors, review contracts and estimates, conduct quality inspections at milestones, monitor progress, manage change orders, resolve issues, and ensure the project stays on budget and on schedule, all while protecting your interests.
Is hiring a project manager worth the cost?
For projects over $10,000, professional project management typically saves homeowners money by preventing overcharges, catching defects early, avoiding change order disputes, and ensuring work is done right the first time. The cost of project management is usually 3-8% of the project cost, while the average unmanaged project goes 20-30% over budget.
When should I hire a project manager?
Ideally before you sign a contract. A project manager can help with contractor selection, contract negotiation, and project planning, which prevents problems before they start. However, we also offer rescue services for projects that are already in progress and experiencing problems.
Quality & Inspections
When should I get a quality inspection?
Key inspection points include: after framing, after rough-in plumbing and electrical, before drywall closes, after tile and flooring installation, and before final payment. TaDow offers single inspections and multi-inspection packages for projects of all sizes.
What's the difference between a city inspection and a TaDow inspection?
Municipal inspectors verify code compliance but typically spend only 15-20 minutes on site. TaDow inspections are more thorough, covering workmanship quality, material specifications, installation standards, and details that code inspections don't address. We work alongside city inspections, not as a replacement.
What if an inspection finds problems?
We document all findings in a detailed written report with photos and specific correction requirements. You share this report with your contractor to ensure issues are addressed before the project progresses or final payment is made. Our reports give you leverage to hold contractors accountable.
Service Areas & Pricing
What areas does TaDow serve?
TaDow serves homeowners across the United States, with primary markets in Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington DC Metro Area. We also serve North Carolina, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Tennessee, Kentucky, and all surrounding Mid-Atlantic and East Coast states. Video consultations are available nationwide.
How much do TaDow's services cost?
DIY consultations start at $95 for a 60-minute session. Contractor vetting starts at $250. Contract review starts at $250. Estimate review starts at $185. Project management ranges from 3-8% of project cost depending on the level of involvement. Rescue services start at $150. Contact us for a custom quote based on your project.
Do you offer free consultations?
We offer a brief initial phone call to discuss your project and recommend the right service level at no charge. Full consultations, evaluations, and services are provided at our published rates. This ensures we can give every client the thorough, expert attention they deserve.
Don't See Your Question?
Contact us directly and we'll be happy to answer any questions about your project.