Frequently Asked Questions
About Peaceful Haven Homes
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Peaceful Haven Homes is a licensed General Contractor in Tennessee. Our license is issued through the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance. We also carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. That means your home, your family, and everyone on site are fully protected.
What services do you provide?
We handle a wide range of residential projects, including:
• Custom homes – complete ground-up builds.
• Major remodels – kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and whole-house renovations.
• Additions – garages, porches, bonus rooms, and second-story expansions.
• Outdoor living – decks, patios, and screened porches.
• General repairs and upgrades.
No matter the size of your project, our focus is on clear communication, clean job
sites, and lasting craftsmanship.
What makes PHH different from other contractors?
Many contractors say “we respect your home.” For us, respect is proven with actions, not just words. Here’s how we’re different:
• Transparency from day one. We’ll show you what we see with photos and videos in
your client portal, even if it’s hidden behind drywall.
• Education, not jargon. We explain issues in plain English so you understand how
your home is built.
• Same-day communication on surprises. If something unexpected shows up, you’ll
see it in your portal that day, with cost and time impacts documented before we continue.
• A living record. Your client portal keeps all updates, approvals, and photos
organized — so you have a full history of your project for years to come.
Getting Started
How do I start a project with you?
It begins with a consultation. We’ll talk through your vision, needs, budget, and timeline. Then we’ll schedule a site visit to take measurements and evaluate your space. From there, we’ll prepare a detailed proposal, which you’ll review and approve through your client portal.
Do you provide free estimates?
Yes. We provide free initial estimates. After our site visit, we create a written proposal with scope of work, cost breakdown, and estimated schedule. You’ll be able to review and approve everything through your client portal — no vague numbers, no surprises.
Do you work with architects or designers?
Yes. We can collaborate with your chosen architect or designer, or connect you with trusted professionals we know in Tennessee. Our role is to make sure their designs are built safely, within code, and within your budget.
Permits, Codes & Inspections
Do I need a permit for my project?
In Tennessee, permits are typically required for structural work, electrical or plumbing changes, additions, and decks higher than 30 inches. Cosmetic updates (like painting, flooring, or cabinet replacements) usually do not. Don’t worry — we’ll handle all permitting for you and keep the approval documents in your client portal.
Who manages inspections?
We schedule all required inspections with your local building department. Common inspections include foundation, framing, electrical/plumbing rough-ins, insulation, and final. You don’t have to attend, but you’ll see inspection results and any notes uploaded to your portal for full transparency.
What do I need to do during the project?
Your role is to:
1. Make timely selections (fixtures, finishes, paint).
2. Provide access to work areas.
3. Approve updates in your portal.
We’ll guide you step by step.
What if my HOA has rules?
If you’re part of an HOA, we’ll help you submit drawings, specs, and applications to their architectural review board. We’ll also store all approvals and correspondence in your client portal.
Project Timelines
How long will my project take?
Timelines depend on project size. On average:
• Kitchens: 6–8 weeks
• Bathrooms: 3–5 weeks
• Decks/porches: 2–4 weeks
• Additions: 3–6 months
• Custom homes: 8–14 months
Before construction begins, we’ll provide a schedule. Each week, we update your portal
with progress, upcoming tasks, and any schedule adjustments.
Can I live in my home during construction?
For smaller remodels, many clients choose to stay. For larger projects or whole-home updates, you may want to relocate temporarily. We use dust control systems, floor protection, and daily cleanup to make staying more comfortable if you choose to remain
Budget & Payments
Can you work within my budge
Yes. We’ll review your budget upfront and help you prioritize. If needed, we’ll recommend alternative materials or phasing strategies to keep costs manageable without compromising safety or quality
Are there hidden costs?
We’ll never surprise you with hidden fees. But during demo, unforeseen conditions (like
rot, termites, outdated wiring, or undersized framing) can appear. Here’s how we handle it:
1. Pause work in that area.
2. Upload photos/videos of the issue to your client portal.
3. Explain the issue in plain English with repair options.
4. Provide a written change order with scope, cost, and time impact.
5. Proceed only after you approve in the portal.
We recommend a 10–15% contingency fund to cover these surprises, especially in older
homes.
How do payments work?
Payments are tied to milestones — like deposit, framing complete, rough-ins complete, finishes, and final walkthrough. Each invoice and receipt is uploaded to your client portal, so you always know what’s been billed and why.
Construction Experience
Who will be working on my project?
A dedicated project manager oversees your project and visits as needed. They’re present
for major phases and quality checks, and they keep your portal updated throughout.
What if I want to make changes after we start?
You can, but timing matters. If work is already in place, changing it may require redoing parts we’ve built. We’ll outline the cost and schedule impact in a change order for your approval before moving forward.
What if I want to make changes after we start?
You can, but timing matters. If work is already in place, changing it may require redoing parts we’ve built. We’ll outline the cost and schedule impact in a change order for your approval before moving forward.
What happens if there are delays, like weather or supply chain issues?
Some things are outside anyone’s control. If delays occur, you’ll see them documented in your portal with a revised schedule and options to keep work moving where possible.
How do you keep the job site safe and clean?
Respect is shown through habits: daily cleanup, dust control, floor and surface protection, safe material storage, and locked tools. You’ll see the difference every evening when you check your space.
How will I stay updated day to day?
Your client portal is your command center. Weekly progress notes, milestone photos, inspection updates, and daily messages from your project manager all live there. If an urgent issue arises, you’ll also get a same-day call or text.
Living Through Remodeling
What’s it like to live in my home during construction?
Remodeling can be disruptive — but we do everything possible to make it manageable. Expect dust, noise, and some utility interruptions. We minimize this with dust barriers, HEPA filters, floor protection, and scheduling noisy or utility-heavy tasks at predictable times. You’ll see updates in your portal so nothing catches you off guard.
Will my utilities be affected?
Yes, but only temporarily. During electrical or plumbing work, utilities may be shut off for a few hours. We’ll notify you in your portal before any planned disruption.
After Completion
What happens at the final walkthrough?
We’ll walk your home together, test every system and fixture, and build a punch list. All punch list items are tracked in your client portal with photos and completion dates. Once complete, we provide your warranty documents and a “Home Build Log” with photos of framing, wiring, plumbing, and finishes.
What kind of warranty do you offer?
We provide a written warranty on our workmanship, plus all manufacturer warranties for materials and products. If an issue arises, simply log it in your client portal or call us — we’ll schedule a visit and take care of it promptly.
The Peaceful Haven Homes Promise
Why should I trust PHH with my home?
Because your home is more than walls and a roof — it’s where your life happens. Our
promise is simple:
• Transparency: If we see it, you’ll see it — in your portal, with photos andexplanations.
• Clarity: We explain in plain English, not contractor jargon.
• Respect: Your time, your budget, and your home are treated with care.
• Accountability: Every decision, every cost, every schedule change is documented.
• Education: You’ll walk away not just with a finished project, but with anunderstanding of how your home was built.
Get an estimate for your upcoming project
From kitchen remodels to full home transformations, our team will walk you through the process and give you a clear, honest quote tailored to your needs.