Home Remodeling & Home Building FAQs
For Spokane Metro Homeowners

No, not necessarily. We're flexible. In most cases, you can stay put. We're used to working around people, kids, pets, etc. The whole deal. We have family and furry friends ourselves. If your project involves a big, whole-home remodel, the process can take longer because we're shuffling work areas and keeping everything safe and livable. But we'll adjust the schedule and the workflow to fit just about any situation.

It all comes down to the scope of your interior remodeling project. Some rooms come together quickly, while others take longer. Every house and every layout is different. What we can tell you is this: our daily on-site presence and in-house tradesmen keep things moving. When someone from NIB is on the job every day, the work stays tight, the schedule stays honest, and we often beat contractors' timelines when they bounce between jobs.

No, we don't. We don't believe you should have to pay three different companies just to figure out who's the right fit. We're hands-on tradesmen with enough construction experience to walk your home with you, talk through your goals, and give you a solid estimate. As the project moves forward, we'll bring in specialists only when it makes sense, and we hold ourselves accountable. Our pre-agreement pricing is almost always within about 10%, because we know what we're looking at before we ever pick up a tool.

At NIB, we stand behind our work for the long haul. Product warranties are controlled by the manufacturers, and we can't override their limits, but craftsmanship is on us. If something we built or installed ever needs attention down the road, we'll step back in and make it right. Nobody's perfect, and we don't pretend to be, but we take care of our customers and stand by the work we charged you for. Simple as that.

While we can't predict the future, we can look back at our project history and confidently say – yes. That's a big reason most of our work comes from referrals. We don't blindside people with surprise costs. If something must change, it goes through a written, signed change order first. We also make a point to really understand the Spokane homes we're working in. The more we can spot ahead of time, the fewer surprises later. It's about accountability, honest forecasting, and treating people the way we'd want to be treated.

If 'home' is within or close to the Greater Spokane Metro area, you're in reach. We keep our trucks well-maintained, stocked, and ready to rock. From South Hill to Latah Valley and beyond, give us a call if you're unsure. You can also visit our Service Areas page for more information.

NIB is adamant about full project presence. Someone from our team – owner, crew chief, another in-house lead – is always on-site. It's about showing you the respect you deserve and protecting our hard-earned reputation across Spokane.

Yes, along with custom home building, we can help you transform the outside of your home as well. This includes functional outdoor spaces, windows & doors, siding installation, and so on. Just let us know how we can be of service!

No, we don't. But we respect designers and work well with them. Pick whoever fits your vision, and we'll build it exactly as planned. Design is their lane. Craftsmanship is ours.

If you're working with a designer, we usually let them lead the way on product choices. If you're not, we can help as much (or as little) as you want. We don't limit you to certain vendors or suppliers, and we don't push brands. We can simply give you the quantities you need and let you shop around… or we can take the whole chore off your plate and offer suggestions, source products, and handle deliveries. Adaptability is our superpower. Whatever makes your project smoother is the route we take.

Yes, at some point, it's inevitable. There will come a stretch where your kitchen isn't usable. That's just part of the remodeling process, especially when new solid-surface countertops are involved. We get that it's tough to prepare meals without your normal setup, so when it makes sense, we've provided temporary counters and even a temporary sink to help homeowners get by while their new tops are being fabricated and installed.

Absolutely. Truth be told, we've done every type of kitchen reconfiguration you can dream of. We're not kidding. That could include moving your kitchen space across the home. Or, into a newly added space.

Yes, we sure can. For example, we could add a functional outdoor space for cooking and entertaining under a newly-built porch covering. Or, how about on a new deck? Similar to inside your home, there's not much in terms of general exterior remodeling that we can't handle skillfully and professionally.

You are if you call Spokane Metro home. Our trucks are well-maintained, and you'll find us on projects across the region, from South Hill and Comstock to Glenrose and even up north in Fairwood. If you're unsure, please contact us. You can also visit our Service Area page for more information.

When we say there's nothing we aren't capable of, we're not kidding. This includes additions and living spaces, which we mentioned, and scales all the way to full home interiors and custom home building. We also do a lot of bathroom remodeling, as well.

You bet, and we love the challenge! We enjoy that kind of work. Zero-entry showers take a little more planning and precision with framing, waterproofing, and drainage, but that's right in our wheelhouse. If you want a clean, modern, easy-access shower, we're more than capable of building it the right way.

Tile is our top recommendation—it handles moisture best and lasts longest. LVP is another waterproof option. Sheet goods like marmoleum work in certain layouts. We'll walk you through the pros and cons of each to help you choose what fits your space and goals.

Yes, no problem. Partnered with our electrician, we can install underfloor heat in most bathrooms. It's a great upgrade for comfort, and the installation usually fits right into the normal remodeling workflow.

Yep, we can. Again, if it's safe, legal, and up to code, we can build it. We've installed both steam rooms and saunas as part of bathroom remodels. These projects take a little extra planning with moisture control, framing, and electrical, but we've done them before and will build yours as though it's going into our own home.

Yes, we can. We convert tubs to showers (often walk-in) all the time, and we can also add a freestanding tub to just about any bathroom layout. Whether you want more accessibility, more space, or a feature-piece soaking tub, we can build the setup you're after.

We serve in and near to the greater Spokane Metro area. From South Hill and Moran Prairie to Latah Valley and Rockwood, our trucks are well-maintained. If you're unsure whether you're within reach, just contact us or visit our Service Area page for more information.

The sky's the limit! We can do it all, including custom home building. All we ask is that your plan is feasible, safe, and fully up to code. That said, other than bathrooms, additions, and living spaces in general, which we mentioned, we also do a lot of kitchen remodeling projects.

Yes, we can help with all your home remodeling needs, including exterior remodeling. Whether you need us to build a new functional outdoor space, replace (or move) windows & doors, or install siding – we've got your back.

Most of the time, yes. It usually means installing a beam and doing a little structural problem-solving, but that's all part of the work. Our engineer handles the structural calculations to ensure everything stays safe and sound. We move walls all the time – load-bearing or not.

You bet. First, we check for water infiltration and address any potential water issues. Then, we need to address all the systems that matter. For example, is your main drain to the city above the basement floor and need a pump? Can your HVAC system handle the extra square footage? Can your electrical panel handle the extra circuits? And the best part, no matter what your answers are to these questions, we have the solution and the means to handle any situation (if codes allow).

Yes, we can. As full remodel and new-construction contractors, we've cut and framed just about every kind of opening you can think of. That experience translates directly into egress window installs. For us, it's just another day on the job. We'll make sure the opening, framing, and window meet code so those extra bedrooms are safe, legal, and ready for a growing family.

Simply put, yes. As long as your attic has the room and structure for it, we can build it out. But attic conversions are more involved than they look. Most ceiling rafters aren't sized to act as floor joists, so this is definitely a "call in the pros" type of project. We'll make sure the plan is safe and structurally sound, check how the new space affects airflow in the attic, confirm whether your HVAC can handle the extra load, and figure out what changes are needed for insulation. If the space is workable, we can turn that unused square footage into a fully livable room – safely and up to code.

Absolutely. Whether you want a small backyard office or a she-shed, or something larger like an ADU, we can build it. We also do other functional outdoor spaces like covered patios, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, you name it. If it sits in the yard and it needs to be built right, we can take it from idea to finished living space.

If you're inside or near the greater Spokane Metro area, you're probably within our playhouse. South Hill. Liberty Lake. Eagle Ridge. Latah Valley. Our trucks are strong, and we keep them running well. If you're unsure, just contact us or visit our Service Area page for more info.

If it's feasible, up to code, and you've got plans…we can build it (including custom home building). Other than living spaces and additions, which we mentioned, many of our interior projects involve kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling.

We do. We can do pretty much anything under the umbrella of exterior home remodeling. This includes a variety of projects like windows & doors, siding installation, etc. Just let us know what you need done, and we'll get it all mapped out, planned, and executed with expert-grade precision.

Experience in the trades at NIB comes in different forms. For some of us, it started young – long before we ever wore a company logo. Others got into them later in life. Our team includes professionals with decades of hands-on experience, as well as newer crew members who've proven they meet our expectations. The common thread is this: everyone on your project earns their place by upholding our standards for quality and professionalism.

The honest (albeit cliché) answer is, it depends. The only way we're going to know for sure is to take a close look at your home's exterior. Once we're on site, we check for things like swelling or damage in siding, loose panels, cracked or failing caulking around windows and trim, and visible wear on roofing materials. Once we understand what's going on, we'll explain it clearly and walk you through what can be repaired, what may need to be replaced, and what your options are. Our goal is to help you make the most informed decisions possible.

One of the most common surprises we uncover is what's hidden beneath the surface. In many cases, we find older siding that was simply covered over instead of properly removed, sometimes in multiple layers – we've seen as many as four layers underneath! That can affect everything from how windows were installed to how well your home's been insulated. Once materials are opened up, issues like improper framing, missing insulation, or poorly handled window openings can come to light. When that happens, we stop, explain what we've found, and walk you through the right way to address it without guesswork or shortcuts.

As you might imagine, not all issues are the same. Sometimes we uncover something hidden inside a wall. Other times, an issue may relate to previous work or another trade. Because we've been doing this for a long time, we can usually anticipate what we're going to find and account for it upfront. That's why change orders are uncommon with NIB (unless you want to change something). Most situations are handled as part of the original scope, without added cost. If something truly falls outside that scope, we explain it clearly before any decisions are made.

Weather delays don't happen with us because we plan around them. We don't start exterior projects during times of year when rain, snow, or freezing conditions could compromise your home. When cold-weather work is appropriate, we use job-site heaters and protective measures to keep work on track. And if conditions truly aren't right, we adjust the schedule rather than forcing progress at the expense of quality.

If your home's anywhere in or around the Spokane Metro, you're well within our reach. We work all over – South Hill, Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley, Eagle Ridge, Fairwood, Latah Valley, Moran Prairie, Rockwood, Comstock, Glenrose, etc. If you're unsure, just give us a call. You can also check out our Service Area page for more information.

NIB is serious about full project presence. Even when a larger exterior project calls for a specialist or two, we keep as much work in-house as possible. Regardless, NIB is always on-site. Owner, crew chief, or an in-house lead, you'll never wonder who's in charge. It's how we show respect, maintain control, and protect our hard-earned Spokane reputation.

Yes. To be clear, we can do it all, including comprehensive home remodeling and custom home building. For interiors, specifically, most of our projects break down into either kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, or remodeling other living spaces. Just let us know how we can be of service.

Yes. We can install roughly 10-12 a day if they're smaller windows and 8-10 for regular-sized. For larger, or more custom windows, the trend continues. Swap-outs can be quick. We do a lot of resizing or retrosizing, which can take longer.

Window replacement is typically best done before other exterior work. Windows sit behind trim and siding. They rely on proper integration with those layers to perform as intended. Installing new siding or trim first often means having to remove it later to replace windows, which isn't ideal.

In the Spokane Metro area, we still have many older homes with original wood windows with built-in counterweights made of metal or iron. These weights sit inside the wall cavity and require open space to move, which means insulation was often minimal or nonexistent. When the old windows are removed, those wall cavities are exposed and must be properly insulated to eliminate cold spots and improve energy performance. This is a common condition in older homes, and we account for it during window replacement.

One wall at a time is usually the best approach. This allows siding, trim, and flashing details to be addressed consistently on each elevation, rather than mixing old and new materials in a way that's hard to manage later. Phasing work this way helps keep your exterior balanced while allowing your project to move forward over time.

Similar to windows, it's best to replace your exterior doors before new siding, trim, or other exterior finishes are installed. Doors also need proper flashing and integration with surrounding materials to manage water effectively. Completing these openings first ensures everything is built in the correct order and reduces the need for rework later.

If you're in or around the Spokane Metro area, chances are good you're in our backyard. We keep our trucks ready and our schedule flexible, so you're likely within reach. South Hill, Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley, Mead, Airway Heights, Latah Valley. We're out your way all the time. Still unsure? Give us a call. Or, you can visit our Service Area page for more info.

NIB can help with all of your General Exterior Remodeling needs. This could include anything from a full tear-off and remodel, from top to bottom, or we could build you a Custom Home. Whether it's a functional outdoor space for your backyard, or installing new siding, we're excited to see what you've got planned.

We sure can. Inside and out, if it's up to code and planned out, we can build it with precision and professional finesse. Along with general living areas and additions, which we mentioned, many of our interior projects involve Kitchen Remodeling and Bathroom Remodeling, as well. But let's say you wanted to completely redo your home's interior? NIB's ready for service!

In many older homes around Spokane Metro, we find multiple layers of siding installed over each other instead of being properly removed. We also see older construction methods like exterior shiplap instead of modern wall sheathing. Once exposed, this explains why proper removal matters. We take siding down to the structural layer and rebuild exteriors correctly rather than covering problems.

Water management is built into every step of our siding process. We focus on proper sealing at all transitions where siding meets trim, around openings, and at the start and end of each run. Those areas are carefully sealed, caulked, and finished to protect against moisture intrusion. Our goal is to create a tight, well-protected exterior system for you from start to finish.

Once your siding is removed, it's possible to uncover underlying issues such as loose or deteriorated sheathing, older shiplap boards that need to be renailed, or past modifications around windows and doors that weren't properly sealed or supported. These conditions are especially common in Spokane Metro homes built decades ago. We account for this possibility, communicate clearly, and address issues the right way before moving forward.

Long-term siding issues are typically tied to improper installation. Missing structural framing when fastening, insufficient sealing, and poorly detailed vapor or weather barriers, moisture intrusion, and premature failure. These issues may not be obvious right away, but they often show up years later. Proper practices and attention to detail are what prevent them.

At NIB, weather is something we plan for, not react to. When conditions require it, we use protective measures like tarps and covered scaffolding to create a controlled work area and keep your home protected. These steps allow work to continue safely when appropriate, and when conditions aren't right, we adjust accordingly. We work around the weather.

If you're anywhere in or around the Spokane Metro area, chances are we've got you covered. South Hill, Liberty Lake, Eagle Ridge, Latah Valley – our crews are out and about in the region every week. Our trucks stay tuned, stocked, and ready to roll. If you're not sure, just reach out or swing by our Service Area page for more information.

Name it. Along with General Exterior Remodeling, we can do Windows & Doors, Functional Outdoor Spaces, Home Additions, and even Custom Home Building. What do you have in mind? Once we get an idea to chat and wrap our minds around your vision, we can get really specific.

We sure can. Like exteriors, there's almost nothing under the umbrella of interior home remodeling we can't handle – including complete top-to-bottom transformations. Many of our projects are oriented around the triad of Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, and remodeling other Living Spaces. Let us know what we can do for you!

Every yard is different. Trees, lot lines, fire-code setbacks, and local zoning rules all affect what can be built. In many areas of Spokane, outdoor structures must be set back several feet from property lines and can only cover a certain percentage of the lot. We take all of that into account during the planning phase and ensure you get a structure that fits your space – and local requirements – without surprises later.

This is going to vary by project, but layout and utilities usually come first. How your space functions – where people sit, cook, or move through the area – directly affects where power, gas, and water need to be placed. Materials tend to come later, once those fundamentals are set. We build with our region in mind, and materials hold up well in local conditions, helping ensure your outdoor space looks good and performs as intended over time.

Connection starts with your home. We look at architecture, finishes, and overall style, then match the outdoor space so it reflects those elements. Whether that means matching materials, colors, or structural details, our goal is to create a cohesive look. With our experience, we're able to make these decisions confidently and build spaces that feel high-quality and well-integrated.

Most standalone outdoor structures, like kitchens, sheds, backyard offices, etc., are completed in about three weeks of construction. Projects that include elements like grading, hardscaping, or full landscape renovations may extend over a few months. We outline your timeline clearly before work begins. So, rest assured, we'll keep you informed as your project progresses.

Disruptions do happen, but we keep them to an absolute minimum through a variety of ways. One of them is protecting your property, which is a huge priority for us. We often install temporary walk paths over grass to reduce wear, remove them regularly so the lawn can breathe, and take steps to protect existing landscaping and exterior surfaces. Our crews clean up daily and stay mindful of how the work impacts your routine. Most homeowners find the process far less disruptive than they expected.

If you're in or near the Greater Spokane area, there's a good chance you're in our service area. We work all over Spokane Metro – Liberty Lake, South Hill, Airway Heights, Spokane Valley, and the smaller pockets in between. If you're unsure, give us a call. We'll tell you straight up whether it's a fit. Or, feel free to visit our Service Area page for more information.

Pretty much anything you can imagine and get plans for. This could range from a full General Exterior Remodeling and Custom Home Building to replacing or moving Windows & Doors, Siding Installation, etc. Name it.

It would be our honor and pleasure, yes. Similar to exterior remodeling, we can do everything under the interior remodeling umbrella, as well. These projects range from A-to-Z interior remodels to Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, and remodeling your Living Spaces.

There isn't a single right answer, but most projects reach a key point once plans or blueprints are in place. While we can't provide accurate pricing without solid drawings, we're helpful earlier in the process. Getting us involved during planning allows us to offer a builder's perspective, identify potential setbacks, and flag design or site considerations before they become costly issues.

Preventing costly changes starts long before construction begins. We conduct thorough walkthroughs and carefully review plans, site conditions, and existing structures to identify potential issues early. Experience plays a big role here. After 15+ years, we know what to look for. Things like irregular floor elevations, questionable wall layouts, and utility constraints (especially HVAC) are easier and less expensive to address during planning than after work is underway.

We don't believe in disappearing once construction starts. We maintain job-site presence, and ownership stays involved and reachable throughout your project. If you need to get in touch, you can. Being available, answering questions, and staying accountable are part of our responsibility – not an extra service. Honestly, you can call us around the clock if need be.

We (very) rarely instigate change orders. 99.9% of them come from our clients who've decided to change/add something. If an unexpected situation comes up, we use a formal change order to document it clearly. That includes updated pricing and any timeline adjustments. Our goal is to minimize surprises through thorough planning and accurate bids from the start.

Many return because of the people we bring into their homes. We prioritize professionalism, respect, and customer service just as much as the quality of the work itself. Our team tends to be laid-back, humble, and approachable – qualities that make the process easier and more enjoyable. That experience is what leads clients to call us again.

If the lot where you want us to build a new custom home is anywhere in or around the Greater Spokane Metro area, it should be fine. North, south, east, and west, we cover the whole region. We've been known to go a long way for great people, too. So, if you're unsure, just give us a call. We're friendly. You can also visit our Service Area page for more information.

Sure do. While we wish we were building custom homes all the time, the brunt of our work is more specific home remodeling projects, including General Exterior Remodeling. This could be anything from Siding Installation or Windows & Doors, to building new Functional Outdoor Spaces. The sky's the limit. Just hand us the plans, and we'll bring them into reality.

On the flip side, we can also handle anything under the General Interior Remodeling umbrella – including Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, remodeling other Living Spaces, or completely transforming the interior from A to Z. We can handle it all.

Most homes in the Northwest are built with either a crawl space or a basement. A slab-on-grade foundation is generally a less expensive option, but in our climate, it requires deeper, thicker edges than in warmer regions and offers less flexibility for future changes or upgrades. Crawl space foundations allow utilities to be run more easily and make future modifications or renovations simpler. A full basement has the highest upfront cost, as it requires deep footings below frost depth, and it can carry a higher risk of water infiltration or damp conditions if not constructed properly. We can help you find the best foundation for your situation.

Basement finishing is usually not recommended during the first year after initial construction. Allowing time for the structure to settle can help reveal any potential water infiltration issues. If a basement is finished as part of the initial construction, additional water-prevention measures are recommended that go above and beyond typical construction methods, which are usually sufficient for unfinished basements.

Absolutely. Much of this cost impact occurs during the pre-drywall phase, particularly with foundation work, framing, and the routing of utility systems. However, design choices can affect costs all the way through the project. Factors such as accessibility to work areas, ceiling heights, window trimming, and finish details can influence labor time. Plumbing lines that stretch across the structure and HVAC systems that require adequate space to function properly may also affect cost. Engineering the structure to accommodate these systems can require additional framing labor and materials.

Material choices can impact cost throughout your build, from exterior selections like siding, roofing, and windows to interior details such as fixtures and finishes. While every decision plays a role, the largest cost swings typically come from exterior materials, followed by kitchen and bathroom design requirements, the labor involved, and the type of flooring selected.

If you're anywhere in or around the Greater Spokane Metro area, you're likely within reach of our work trucks. Do we go outside the region from time to time? Sure. We bend over backward for the folks we work with. If you're unsure whether your project's in our wheelhouse, just give us a call. You can also visit our Service Area page for more information.

While we do custom home builds, many of our projects involve General Exterior Remodeling like Functional Outdoor Spaces, Windows & Doors, Siding Installation, Home Additions, and so on. You name it. We've been involved in all aspects of home remodeling and building.

We can handle whatever General Interior Remodeling is needed. Along with exterior projects, we do a lot of Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, and remodeling other Living Spaces. If it can be planned and permitted, we can build it with professional finesse and precision.

Most additions we build are crawlspace foundations. We match the existing floor system and create a crawlspace with proper clearance, making utilities accessible and future repairs easier. For smaller additions, a slab-on-grade foundation works well. In some cases, a full basement addition is better. We help you choose what fits your home and long-term plans.

Yes. We start with a site visit, then work with your local city or county building department to confirm zoning, setback, and lot coverage requirements for your property. This information tells us what's allowed, how close an addition can be built, and how much of your lot can be used. The real value is that we translate those rules into plain language. Zoning documents can be confusing, so we help you understand what they mean for your specific home and goals, and how they shape what's realistically possible for your addition.

Utilities are usually the biggest cost driver, especially plumbing. Electrical and HVAC are expected in most additions, but plumbing may or may not already be nearby, and extending water, drain, and vent lines can add significant labor and material costs. Access to existing utilities also plays a big role. After utilities, finishing materials have the biggest impact. Exterior elements like siding and roofing, followed by insulation, interior finishes, and fixture selections, can move the budget up or down depending on the materials you choose.

When we have a clear understanding of the scope, we're typically able to provide estimates within about 10%. That accuracy comes from reviewing the layout, overall design, and intended use of the space before a contract is signed. The more complete the details, the tighter the estimate. Final selections like finishes, fixtures, or specialty items matter, and we work through those early so there are no surprises later. With a full plan and material list in place, you can expect pricing to stay within that 10% range.

We've always been largely referral-based. Folks around here choose us for our accurate estimating, hands-on project management, and consistent on-site presence. We stay involved from planning through completion, making sure details don't get missed and expectations stay aligned. Equally important is accessibility. Clients appreciate being able to reach us, get clear answers, and stay informed throughout the build. You can literally call us anytime…and we're going to be there. We pick up. We answer. We're involved. We're available, and that availability and follow-through make complex addition projects feel far more manageable.

If we can get a truck to your place without a helicopter, you're probably in our service area. Seriously. We cover the Spokane Metro and the surrounding communities day in and day out – South Hill, Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley, Mead, and plenty more. If you're close and not sure, just ask. We'll tell you straight if it's a fit. You can also visit our Service Area page.

If it's up to code and safe, we can build it. Along with custom home building, which we mentioned, we can handle other types of Functional Outdoor Spaces, Windows & Doors, Siding Installation, or anything else you and your home need. Just let us know what you've got cooking, and we'll give you our insights.

We sure do. Whether Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, remodeling other Living Spaces, or as we mentioned above, creating a whole new second floor on your home…we can handle just about anything you need.