FAQ
Are You Licensed and Insured in Ohio?
Yes. Dream Big Contracting LLC is a fully licensed and insured remodeling contractor operating in the state of Ohio. We carry both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage, which protects you and your property throughout every phase of your project.
- General Liability Insurance: Covers property damage and injuries that may occur on your job site during construction. This is your financial protection if something goes wrong.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Covers our crew members in the event of a workplace injury. Without this, homeowners can be held liable for on-site accidents — a risk you should never take.
- Ohio Licensing Compliance: We meet all requirements set by Ohio’s construction licensing regulations and local Dayton-area building code standards. We are happy to provide copies of our insurance certificates upon request.
- Veteran-Owned Business: Founded in 2021 by veterans Chris Butler and Noah Sebastinas, Dream Big Contracting brings the discipline, accountability, and attention to detail that comes from military service.
Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured contractor is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks workers’ comp, you could be held personally liable for medical bills and lost wages. In our experience working on homes across the Beavercreek and Dayton area, we’ve seen homeowners face five-figure bills from this exact scenario. Always verify insurance before signing any contract.
Request a copy of our current insurance certificates and Ohio licensing documentation by contacting Dream Big Contracting for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll walk you through our credentials and answer any questions about your upcoming remodeling project.
How Long Have You Been in the Remodeling Business?
Dream Big Contracting LLC was founded in 2021 by Chris Butler and Noah Sebastinas, both U.S. military veterans who transitioned their discipline and project management skills into the home remodeling industry. We have been serving the Beavercreek and greater Dayton, Ohio area with kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling projects since our founding.
- Veteran-Led Founding: Our company was built on the military values of integrity, precision, and follow-through. These principles guide every project we take on, from initial consultation to final walkthrough.
- Core Service Areas: We specialize in kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, basement upgrades, window replacements, and home additions across the Dayton metro area, including Beavercreek and Fairborn.
- Energy Efficiency Expertise: We have developed a strong focus on energy-efficient upgrades, including window replacements that may qualify for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code).
- Growing Portfolio: We are happy to share examples of recently completed projects and references from past clients in your area.
While the calendar says we’ve been in business since 2021, the leadership experience behind Dream Big Contracting goes much deeper. Military service teaches you how to manage complex operations under pressure, maintain strict quality standards, and never leave a job unfinished — skills that translate directly to running a remodeling company. In a market flooded with contractors who appear overnight and vanish after collecting a deposit, our veteran-led approach means accountability is built into everything we do.
See our work firsthand. Contact Dream Big Contracting to schedule a free consultation and request our portfolio of recent kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling projects in the Beavercreek and Dayton area.
Do You Use Your Own Crew or Subcontractors?
Dream Big Contracting uses a combination of our dedicated in-house team and trusted, vetted subcontractors for specialized trades like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Every person who works on your project operates under our direct supervision and meets our quality standards.
- In-House Project Management: Your project is overseen by our team from start to finish. You will always have a consistent point of contact who knows the details of your job.
- Vetted Subcontractors: Specialized trades (licensed plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians) are handled by subcontractors we have worked with repeatedly. Every sub is licensed, insured, and held to our standards.
- No Revolving Door: Unlike some contractors who hand your job off to a different crew every week, we maintain consistency on your project. You will know who is in your home and why.
- Workers’ Comp Coverage: Both our crew and our subcontractors carry appropriate insurance, so you are never exposed to liability.
The question of “who is actually doing the work” is one of the most important questions a homeowner can ask. Too many contractors act purely as middlemen — collecting your money and handing the job off to the lowest bidder. At Dream Big Contracting, we take a hands-on approach. Our founders, Chris and Noah, come from a military background where you don’t delegate accountability. We supervise every job personally, and our subcontractors are long-term partners, not random crews pulled from a job board.
Contact Dream Big Contracting to discuss your project. During your free consultation, we’ll explain exactly who will be working on your home and how we manage quality at every stage.
What Does Your Remodeling Process Look Like from Start to Finish?
Our remodeling process follows a structured six-step workflow from initial consultation to final walkthrough, designed to keep your project on track, on budget, and free of surprises. Every step includes clear communication checkpoints so you always know what’s happening next.
- Step 1 — Free Consultation: We meet at your home to discuss your goals, assess the space, and understand your budget. We also identify any potential challenges (structural, plumbing, electrical) early.
- Step 2 — Design & Planning: We help with layout, material selections (cabinets, countertops, fixtures, lighting), and finalize the project scope. If an architect or designer is needed, we coordinate that for you.
- Step 3 — Detailed Proposal: You receive an itemized estimate covering labor, materials, subcontractor costs, and a realistic timeline. We explain what is and is not included so there are no gray areas.
- Step 4 — Permits & Prep: We pull all required permits and schedule inspections with the city or county. We handle the paperwork — you don’t have to.
- Step 5 — Construction: Work begins with regular updates (photos, texts, or scheduled check-ins). We protect your home, manage dust and debris, and stay on schedule.
- Step 6 — Final Walkthrough & Warranty: We walk through the completed project together, address any punch-list items, and explain your warranty coverage before we consider the job done.
A clear, repeatable process is what separates professional contractors from the ones who wing it. In our experience remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, and basements across the Dayton area, the projects that go smoothly are the ones where the homeowner knows exactly what to expect at every stage. That’s why we built our process with military-grade project management discipline — because surprises on a job site are never good ones.
Ready to see how our process works for your specific project? Contact Dream Big Contracting to schedule your free in-home consultation and receive a detailed, no-obligation proposal.
How Long Does a Kitchen, Bathroom, or Basement Remodel Take?
A typical bathroom remodel takes 2–4 weeks, a kitchen remodel takes 4–8 weeks, and a basement finishing project takes 4–10 weeks, depending on the scope, complexity, and material availability. We provide a realistic timeline estimate during your consultation and keep you updated if anything changes.
- Bathroom Remodels (2–4 weeks): A straightforward cosmetic refresh (fixtures, tile, vanity) can be completed in about two weeks. Full gut renovations with plumbing relocation or structural changes extend closer to four weeks.
- Kitchen Remodels (4–8 weeks): Kitchen timelines depend heavily on cabinetry lead times (custom cabinets can add 4–6 weeks to the front end), electrical upgrades, and whether walls are being moved.
- Basement Finishing (4–10 weeks): Basements vary widely based on whether you’re adding a bathroom, egress windows, or complex framing. Moisture mitigation work, if needed, adds time but prevents costly problems later.
- Dayton-Area Seasonal Factors: Ohio winters can affect material deliveries and exterior-related work (like window replacements). We account for seasonal variables in every timeline we provide.
The honest answer is: any contractor who gives you an exact date without seeing your home is guessing. Timelines depend on what we find behind your walls (older Dayton-area homes often hide outdated plumbing or wiring), material lead times, and permit inspection schedules. We’ve learned that setting realistic expectations upfront prevents 90% of the frustration homeowners experience during a remodel. That’s why we build contingency time into every schedule and communicate proactively if anything shifts.
Get a timeline estimate tailored to your specific project. Contact Dream Big Contracting for a free consultation and we’ll provide a detailed scope and realistic schedule for your kitchen, bathroom, or basement remodel.
Is Your Quote an Estimate or a Fixed-Price Contract?
Dream Big Contracting provides detailed, itemized proposals that function as fixed-price contracts for the agreed-upon scope of work. The price we quote is the price you pay — unless you request changes or we discover unforeseen conditions (such as hidden water damage or outdated wiring) that require additional work.
- Itemized Breakdown: Our proposals include separate line items for labor, materials, subcontractor costs (plumbing, electrical, etc.), permits, and any allowances. You see exactly where every dollar goes.
- Change-Order Process: If you decide to upgrade materials or change the layout mid-project, we provide a written change order with the adjusted cost and timeline impact before any additional work begins. Nothing changes without your written approval.
- Unforeseen Conditions: Older Dayton-area homes sometimes reveal surprises behind walls — outdated plumbing, structural issues, or mold. If we encounter something unexpected, we stop, show you the problem, explain your options, and provide a written cost adjustment before proceeding.
- Payment Schedule: We use a milestone-based payment structure: a deposit to secure your start date, progress payments tied to specific project milestones, and a final payment upon your satisfaction at the walkthrough.
The difference between an “estimate” and a “fixed-price contract” matters more than most homeowners realize. Vague estimates are how contractors inflate bills by 20–40% after work begins. At Dream Big Contracting, we invest the time upfront to assess your project thoroughly so the number on your contract is the number on your final invoice. We adopted this approach because, as veterans, we believe a handshake and a contract should mean the same thing.
Request your free, itemized proposal from Dream Big Contracting. We’ll walk through every line item in person so you know exactly what you’re paying for before any work begins.
What Should I Budget for Cost Overruns?
Most remodeling professionals recommend setting aside a contingency budget of 10–20% above your base project cost to cover unexpected discoveries and potential upgrades. For older homes in the Dayton area (built before 1980), we recommend planning closer to 15–20% because of the higher likelihood of encountering outdated systems.
- Structural Surprises: Removing walls during a kitchen remodel may reveal load-bearing structures that require engineering solutions. This is one of the most common — and most expensive — surprises in remodeling.
- Plumbing & Electrical: Homes built before 1970 in the Dayton metro area may have galvanized steel plumbing or outdated electrical panels that do not meet current Ohio building codes. Upgrading these during a remodel is often required by inspectors.
- Water Damage & Mold: Bathrooms and basements are especially prone to hidden moisture damage. If we find mold or rot behind tile or drywall, remediation must happen before new finishes can be installed.
- Material Price Fluctuations: While we lock in pricing whenever possible, some specialty materials (custom cabinetry, natural stone) can experience lead-time or pricing changes between proposal and installation.
Here’s the reality: the contingency budget is not money you are planning to spend — it’s money you are planning to have available if needed. In our experience, well-planned projects where we do a thorough pre-construction assessment use only a fraction of the contingency, if any. The goal of our detailed proposal process is to identify as many potential issues as possible before demo day, so your contingency stays in your pocket.
Schedule a free consultation with Dream Big Contracting. Our pre-construction assessment is designed to uncover potential issues early, so your budget stays on target. We’ll give you an honest range for your specific home and project.
Do You Handle Permits and Inspections, or Is That on Me?
Dream Big Contracting handles all permit applications and coordinates every required inspection on your behalf. We work directly with the City of Beavercreek, City of Dayton, Greene County, and Montgomery County building departments to ensure your project meets current Ohio building codes.
- Permit Procurement: We identify which permits are required for your specific project (building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical) and submit all applications. You do not need to visit any government offices.
- Inspection Scheduling: We coordinate all required inspections (rough-in, framing, final) with the local building department and schedule them to align with our construction timeline, minimizing delays.
- Ohio Building Code Compliance: All work is performed to current Ohio Residential Code standards. This includes structural, energy efficiency (Ohio Energy Conservation Code), and safety requirements.
- HOA and Historic District Coordination: If your home is in a regulated neighborhood (HOA community or historic district), we work within those additional requirements and can coordinate approval submissions on your behalf.
- Documentation: We keep copies of all permits and inspection reports and provide them to you for your records. This documentation is valuable for future home resale.
Permits exist to protect you. A remodeling project done without proper permits can result in fines, forced demolition of completed work, and serious problems when you try to sell your home. Beyond the legal requirements, inspections are an independent quality check on the work being done in your home. As a veteran-led company, we view permits and inspections not as bureaucratic hurdles but as accountability checkpoints that validate the quality of our work.
Contact Dream Big Contracting for a free consultation. We’ll explain exactly which permits your project requires and how we manage the entire permitting and inspection process, so you can focus on choosing your finishes instead of filling out paperwork.
How Will We Communicate During Construction?
You will have a single dedicated point of contact throughout your entire project — typically the project lead or one of our owners, Chris or Noah — who will provide regular updates via your preferred communication method (text, email, phone, or in-person check-ins).
- Dedicated Contact: You will never have to chase down information or wonder who to call. Your project lead knows every detail of your job.
- Regular Updates: We provide progress updates with photos at key milestones. For larger projects (kitchens, full basements), we offer weekly scheduled check-ins to review progress and upcoming tasks.
- Real-Time Availability: Your point of contact is reachable during business hours for questions or concerns. We believe responsive communication prevents small issues from becoming big problems.
- Change-Order Communication: If any scope change or unexpected issue arises, you receive a written explanation with cost and timeline impact before we proceed. No surprises.
Poor communication is the number one complaint homeowners have about contractors — and it’s completely preventable. In our military careers, we learned that clear communication under pressure is what keeps operations on track. We bring that same discipline to your remodel. When you’re living in a house under construction, knowing what’s happening and what’s coming next makes the entire experience manageable.
Experience the difference that disciplined communication makes. Contact Dream Big Contracting for a free consultation and see how we keep homeowners informed and in control throughout every project.
How Do You Protect My Home and Manage the Job Site?
We implement comprehensive site protection measures including floor coverings, dust barriers, and daily cleanup to minimize disruption to your home and family during construction. Your furniture, finishes, and living spaces are treated with the same care as if they were our own.
- Floor & Surface Protection: We lay protective coverings (ram board, drop cloths, plastic sheeting) over all floors and surfaces in work zones and high-traffic paths. Existing fixtures and finishes in adjacent rooms are covered and sealed.
- Dust Containment: We use plastic dust barriers and zip walls to isolate the construction area from the rest of your home. For demolition-heavy phases, we use HEPA-filtered air scrubbers when needed.
- Material & Equipment Storage: Tools and materials are stored in the designated work area or in our vehicles/trailers. We keep your yard and driveway clear and accessible.
- Daily Cleanup: At the end of every workday, we clean up the job site, remove debris, and leave your home as orderly as a construction zone allows. At project completion, we perform a thorough final cleaning.
- Work Hours: We typically work standard business hours (Monday–Friday, approximately 8 AM – 5 PM) and comply with any HOA or local noise ordinance restrictions specific to your neighborhood.
Living in a home during a remodel is stressful enough without worrying about dust in your HVAC system or paint splatters on your hardwood floors. We take site protection seriously because the way a contractor treats your existing home tells you everything about the quality of the new work they’ll deliver. Our team is trained to treat every job site with the respect it deserves.
Contact Dream Big Contracting for a free consultation and we’ll walk you through our site protection plan for your specific project, including how we’ll manage dust, noise, and access while you continue living comfortably in your home.
Do You Help with Design, or Do I Need My Own Designer?
Yes, Dream Big Contracting provides design assistance and material selection guidance as part of our remodeling service. For most kitchen, bathroom, and basement projects, our team can handle layout planning, cabinet and countertop selection, fixture choices, and finish coordination without the need for an outside designer.
- Layout & Space Planning: We help optimize your floor plan for functionality, flow, and building code compliance. For kitchens, this includes the work triangle, storage optimization, and appliance placement.
- Material Selection Support: We guide you through choices for cabinetry, countertops, tile, flooring, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. We work with trusted local and national suppliers and can arrange showroom visits.
- Energy Efficiency Guidance: We advise on energy-efficient upgrades (ENERGY STAR windows, LED lighting, insulation improvements) that may qualify for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.
- When an Architect Is Needed: For structural changes (removing load-bearing walls, home additions, major floor plan alterations), we may recommend bringing in a licensed architect or structural engineer. We coordinate with them directly.
- Reusing Existing Elements: If your existing cabinets, fixtures, or flooring are in good condition and compatible with the new design, we can incorporate them to reduce costs. We’ll advise honestly on what’s worth keeping.
Many homeowners feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of decisions involved in a remodel. Our approach is to simplify that process by narrowing your choices based on your style preferences, budget, and what works best in your specific space. We’ve found that homeowners get better results and spend less when they have an experienced guide rather than navigating showrooms alone.
Schedule a free consultation with Dream Big Contracting. We’ll discuss your vision, assess your space, and show you how our design-build approach saves you time, money, and headaches compared to hiring separate designers and contractors.
Do You Offer a Warranty on Your Work?
Yes. Dream Big Contracting provides a workmanship warranty on all labor and installation, plus manufacturer warranties on the materials and products we install. If something we installed fails or needs repair due to our workmanship, we come back and fix it at no cost to you.
- Workmanship Warranty: Our labor warranty covers defects in installation and craftsmanship. The specific duration is outlined in your project contract and varies by project type.
- Manufacturer Warranties: Products like windows, cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures carry their own manufacturer warranties, which we register on your behalf when applicable. We select products with strong warranty backing.
- Warranty Claim Process: If you notice an issue after project completion, contact us directly. Document the problem with photos and a brief description. We respond to warranty claims promptly and schedule repair visits at your convenience.
- Punch-List Completion: At the final walkthrough, we create a punch list of any remaining items. These are completed before final payment is due. We do not consider a job finished until you are satisfied.
A warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it. Fly-by-night contractors may offer impressive-sounding warranties on paper, but they won’t answer the phone when you call six months later. Dream Big Contracting is a locally rooted, veteran-owned business with our reputation on the line in the Beavercreek and Dayton community. We stand behind our work because we live and work in the same neighborhoods as our clients.
Contact Dream Big Contracting for a free consultation. We’ll explain our warranty coverage in detail and provide everything in writing before your project begins, so you know exactly what’s covered and for how long.
What If Something Breaks After the Project Is Done?
If anything fails due to our workmanship after your project is complete, contact us directly and we will repair or correct the issue at no cost under our warranty. For manufacturer defects in products we installed (windows, fixtures, appliances), we help you navigate the manufacturer warranty claim process.
- How to Report an Issue: Call or email us with a description of the problem and photos if possible. The more detail you provide, the faster we can diagnose and schedule a repair.
- Response Time: We aim to respond to warranty inquiries within one to two business days and schedule a repair visit as quickly as our project calendar allows. Urgent issues (water leaks, safety concerns) are prioritized.
- Workmanship vs. Product Issues: If a faucet we installed develops a manufacturing defect, that’s a manufacturer warranty claim and we help facilitate it. If the faucet leaks because of how it was installed, that’s on us and we fix it free of charge.
- Documentation Tip: Keep your project contract, warranty documents, and any photos from your final walkthrough in a safe place. These help expedite any future warranty claims.
Post-project support is where many contractors disappear. Our philosophy is different: the relationship with our clients does not end at the final walkthrough. We want to be the contractor you call for your next project, and that only happens if we take care of you after the current one is finished. Our reputation in the Dayton area depends on it.
Have a question about an existing Dream Big Contracting project? Contact us anytime. We’re here to help with warranty claims, punch-list items, or simply answering questions about maintaining your newly remodeled space.
What Happens If I Change My Mind on Materials or Layout During the Project?
Changes during a remodel are common and manageable. Dream Big Contracting uses a formal change-order process that documents any scope change with the adjusted cost and timeline impact in writing. No additional work begins until you review and approve the change order.
- Written Change Orders: Every change — whether it’s upgrading countertops, adding an outlet, or adjusting a layout — is documented with a description of the change, the cost difference, and any impact on the project schedule.
- Approval Required: We do not proceed with any change until you sign off. This protects you from surprise charges on your final invoice.
- Timeline Impact: Some changes are minor and don’t affect the schedule. Others — like switching to custom cabinetry mid-project — can add weeks. We’ll be upfront about what each change means for your completion date.
- Cost Transparency: Change orders clearly show the difference between your original selection and the new choice, so you can make an informed decision based on real numbers.
Changing your mind is not a problem — it’s a normal part of remodeling. What becomes a problem is when those changes are handled informally, with verbal agreements that lead to billing disputes later. Our formal change-order process eliminates that risk entirely. You will never see a charge on your invoice that you did not approve in writing first.
Contact Dream Big Contracting for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through our change-order process and show you how we keep your project flexible without sacrificing budget control.
What If the Project Timeline Slips?
If your project timeline is affected by delays, we communicate the reason, the impact, and the revised schedule immediately. Common causes include material delivery delays, weather (particularly for Ohio winters), permit inspection wait times, and unforeseen conditions discovered during construction.
- Proactive Notification: We don’t wait until you ask. If a delay occurs or is anticipated, your project lead contacts you right away with an explanation and a revised timeline.
- Material Delays: Supply chain lead times for custom cabinetry, specialty tile, and windows can fluctuate. We order materials as early as possible and track deliveries actively to minimize impact.
- Weather & Seasonal Factors: Ohio winters can delay exterior work (window installations, additions). We factor seasonal considerations into your original schedule, but extreme weather events may cause unavoidable shifts.
- Inspection Scheduling: Local building departments in the Dayton area sometimes have multi-day wait times for inspections. We schedule these as early as possible to keep your project moving.
- What We Control: Delays caused by our scheduling or crew availability are our responsibility. We do not charge you more because of delays that are within our control.
Delays are frustrating, but they are part of remodeling — especially in older homes and during Ohio winters. What matters is how your contractor handles them. Our commitment is simple: we tell you immediately, we explain why, and we give you a realistic revised date. No ghosting, no excuses, no surprises on your calendar.
Contact Dream Big Contracting for a free consultation. We’ll provide a realistic project timeline with built-in contingency and explain how we manage and communicate any schedule changes.
How Do You Handle Dust, Noise, and Disruptions While We Live in the House?
We use professional dust containment systems, scheduled work hours, and clear communication to minimize the impact on your daily life while you remain in your home during construction. Most of our clients in the Beavercreek and Dayton area stay in their homes during remodels, and our process is designed with that reality in mind.
- Dust Barriers: We install plastic sheeting and zip walls to seal off the construction zone from your living areas. For projects involving heavy demolition or drywall work, we use HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to keep airborne particles contained.
- Noise Management: The loudest phases of any remodel (demolition, tile cutting, carpentry) are unavoidable but temporary. We inform you in advance which days will be the noisiest so you can plan accordingly.
- HVAC Protection: We cover supply and return vents in the construction zone to prevent dust from circulating through your heating and cooling system.
- Utility Disruptions: Certain phases require temporarily shutting off water, gas, or electricity. We notify you at least 24 hours in advance and minimize downtime. For bathroom remodels, we ensure you always have access to at least one functioning bathroom.
- Work Hours: We work standard hours (typically 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday–Friday) and respect any HOA or local noise restrictions. No surprise early-morning or weekend noise.
We understand that your home is not just a job site — it’s where your family eats, sleeps, and lives. Managing the disruption is as much a part of our job as the construction itself. Our team is trained to be respectful of your space, your schedule, and your sanity. If something is not working for you, tell us and we’ll adjust.
Contact Dream Big Contracting for a free consultation. We’ll create a disruption management plan specific to your home, your family, and your project so you know exactly what to expect before demo day.