Contract & Warranty FAQs
These FAQs are intended to help explain how our process, contract, and warranty generally work. They are only a summary. If there is any conflict between this page and your signed agreement, the signed agreement and warranty govern.
Project Pricing, Scope, and Deposits
How does pricing work for my project?
Your pricing depends on the type of project. Standard remodeling projects typically receive project pricing and a scope outline upfront, while larger or structural projects may require a pre-construction planning phase before final pricing is established. In both cases, Amplified’s process is designed to fully plan the project before construction begins.
When is my project cost finalized?
For standard remodeling projects, the initial project estimate is intended to provide a realistic and reliable total cost, and for most standard projects, that estimate becomes the final project cost unless selections or scope changes are made. For larger or structural projects, the project cost is established after the planning and engineering phase, before final material selections are completed.
Why do you require a deposit?
A deposit is required to secure scheduling and move the project forward. Under the contract, the deposit is generally 20% of the project estimate and may be up to 25% depending on project scope or early procurement needs for long-lead materials such as windows, custom cabinetry, specialty materials, or similar items.
When do I receive my payment schedule and project timeline?
A comprehensive payment schedule and project timeline are provided within 48 hours of contract execution. The payment schedule is customized to fit the project timeline and typically includes 3 to 5 installments as work progresses.
What if I cancel after signing?
If the project is cancelled within 45 days of the scheduled start date, the deposit is non-refundable. If the project is cancelled more than 45 days before the scheduled start date, the deposit is refunded minus incurred costs such as estimating fees, materials ordered, administrative fees, trip fees, and other incurred costs.
How long is an estimate valid?
Your estimate remains valid for 14 days from the date it is issued.
Scope, Selections, and Change Orders
What happens if I want to change something after approval?
Any work that deviates from the approved scope of work is treated as a change order. That includes additions, deletions, substitutions, rework, resequencing, or changes in materials, layout, timing, or construction means and methods. All change orders must be approved in writing before the work is performed.
Are there fees for change orders?
Yes. Each approved change order is subject to a minimum $200 administrative and coordination fee, in addition to the cost of the work itself. If the change requires rescheduling, resequencing, remobilization, or timeline adjustments, an additional $900 schedule adjustment fee may apply.
What if my decisions or materials delay the project?
If work is delayed because approvals are late, owner-supplied materials are not ready, or owner-supplied materials are incomplete, incompatible, or not approved on time, Amplified may assess schedule re-coordination fees ($900) and other resulting costs. The contract also allows a $150 return trip fee if a crew arrives and cannot perform scheduled work because owner-supplied materials are not ready for installation.
This is not a rule, but the logic behind these fees is as follows: A $900 fee is assessed when subcontractors need to be rescheduled, as this can result in increased trade job costs and significant rescheduling across the board. The $150 return trip fee is assessed when the internal crew is impacted by a delay, and there are minimal changes to the broader schedule.
Do delayed selections affect schedule and cost?
Yes. Under the Builder-Guided Selections policy, all required material and finish selections must be finalized and approved no later than two weeks before the locked project start date. Delayed selections may cause material price changes, extended lead times, rescheduling, and additional costs.
How do your builder-guided selections work?
Builder-guided selections are the default selection method unless otherwise agreed in writing. For each applicable material category, Amplified includes one curated option set of up to three vetted product options plus one revision, provided the revision stays within the original scope and allowance. Requests beyond that are treated as overage selection work and billed at $500 per additional option set, plus the cost of the work.
We are flexible when it comes to offering a hybrid builder-guided selections process where the homeowner procures select products themselves, and Amplified provides curated option sets for the other products.
Can I choose my own materials?
Yes, self-selection is one of the selection paths in Amplified’s process. However, owner-supplied materials that are late, incomplete, damaged, incompatible, or otherwise not ready for installation can cause schedule delays, additional costs, and return-trip fees.
If you choose to self-select all or a handful of your finished materials, we highly recommend that you browse the showrooms and inventory of our preferred vendors, as our close relationships with these vendors help reduce the risk of material procurement delays.
When does the scope become final?
The scope becomes final after the detailed scope of work has been approved and signed. Once the final scope of work is approved and the project moves into execution, any requested changes are treated as change orders.
Hidden Conditions, Hazardous Materials, and Work by Others
What happens if hidden conditions are discovered during construction?
If concealed damage, code-required upgrades, or conditions not visible or known at the time of estimating are discovered during construction, those items are treated as supplemental change orders and billed accordingly.
Does the contract include asbestos, mold, or lead abatement?
No, not unless that work is expressly included in writing. Hazardous material identification, testing, or abatement, including asbestos, mold, contaminated soil, lead-based paint abatement, and similar hazardous substances, is excluded from the scope unless specifically stated otherwise in writing. However, if we identify potential and apparent hazards during our scope development, we will construct the scope to ensure safe testing and handling of those hazards.
According to RRP lead-safe work practices, we follow strict jobsite cleaning and risk mitigation protocol on houses built prior to 1978.
What if hazardous materials are found during the project?
If hazardous materials that were not visible or disclosed at the time of estimating are discovered before or during construction, Amplified may suspend the affected work until the condition is properly evaluated and remediated by a qualified specialist. Any resulting costs, delays, or scope adjustments are treated as change orders.
Can I hire my own subcontractor or perform work in the project area?
Not without Amplified’s prior written consent. The contract prohibits the owner from hiring outside subcontractors or performing work within the project area without written approval, and Amplified is not responsible for damage, delay, or defects caused by work performed by others.
Warranty Coverage
What warranty do you provide?
Amplified provides a Three-Year Limited Warranty for residential projects in Oregon and Washington. If a defect in workmanship or installation occurs in work performed by our team or subcontractors, we will address it in accordance with our warranty terms for a period of three years from the date of final payment.
When does the warranty begin?
The warranty period begins on the date of final payment under the construction agreement. No warranty coverage exists unless and until final payment is received in full.
What does the warranty cover?
The warranty covers defects in workmanship and installation for work performed by Amplified or our subcontractors. This includes structural work performed as part of the project, provided the issue is a direct result of our workmanship.
What is not covered by the warranty?
Our warranty covers defects in workmanship for work performed by Amplified. It does not cover things outside of our control, including:
Pre-existing conditions or parts of the home we didn’t build or modify
Work performed by others or owner-supplied materials
Normal wear and tear or natural material movement (like minor cracking, shrinkage, nail pops, or wood movement)
Damage caused by moisture not related to our work, lack of maintenance, or third parties
Manufacturer-covered items like appliances or fixtures
Acts of God, abuse, or neglect
A quick note on the “small stuff”. Things like minor drywall cracks, nail pops, or caulk and grout settling are completely normal after a remodel as materials dry and adjust.
We don’t formally list those under warranty coverage, but we’re not going to leave you hanging over something like that. If something comes up shortly after completion, we’ll take care of it. We want you to feel good about the finished product.
What about structural items?
We stand behind the structural work we perform. If something we built, like framing or a beam, has an issue due to our workmanship, that’s on us.
What we don’t warranty are pre-existing structural conditions. For example, if an older foundation shifts or something outside our scope moves, that’s not something we can reasonably guarantee.
Our goal is to be clear about what we’re responsible for and stand fully behind the work we do.
Are manufacturer warranties included?
Manufacturer warranties belong to the product manufacturer, not Amplified. Any assignable manufacturer warranties are assigned to the owner, but Amplified does not make an independent warranty for third-party manufactured products.
Is the warranty transferable to a future owner?
No. The warranty applies only to the owner who executed the construction agreement and is not transferable to subsequent owners or occupants.
Warranty Claims and After-Project Issues
How do I submit a warranty claim?
Warranty claims must be made in writing and must include the location of the alleged defect, a description of the issue, the date it was first observed, and photographs if available. Notice must be sent by certified mail, recognized overnight delivery service, or by email to the designated warranty email address: scott@amplifiedrenovations.com. An email notice is deemed received only when Amplified provides written confirmation of receipt. Verbal notice, texts, or informal communications do not count as proper notice.
How long do I have to report a warranty issue?
The owner must provide written notice of an alleged defect within 30 days of discovery. In addition, any claim or cause of action must be commenced within one year after the claim is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered, and no later than three years after final payment, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
What happens after I submit a warranty claim?
Amplified has the right to inspect the alleged defect within 21 calendar days after receiving proper written notice. Within 14 calendar days after inspection, Amplified will provide a written response accepting the claim, partially accepting it, denying it, or requesting additional investigation. If repair is accepted, Amplified has the sole right to determine the repair method, select subcontractors, and choose reasonably comparable materials.
Can I hire someone else to fix the problem and send you the bill?
Generally no. The owner may not authorize third parties to perform corrective work, back-charge Amplified, deduct repair costs, or undertake unauthorized repairs without Amplified’s prior written consent. Unauthorized repairs void the warranty as to the affected claim.
What if there is an emergency condition?
If a condition poses an immediate risk of personal injury or significant property damage, the owner may take reasonable temporary measures to mitigate damage. The owner must notify Amplified immediately, preserve evidence of the condition, and allow Amplified to inspect as soon as reasonably possible. Permanent corrective work must still be performed by Amplified unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Disputes and Legal Process
Do I have to let Amplified inspect and repair before taking legal action?
Yes. The contract and warranty both require that Amplified be given notice and a reasonable opportunity to inspect and cure any alleged defect before a lawsuit, arbitration, or other legal proceeding is initiated.
How are disputes handled?
The agreement requires disputes to go first to mediation in the county where the project is located. If mediation is unsuccessful, disputes proceed to binding arbitration in the same county unless applicable state law requires otherwise.
Are there special notice rules for Washington projects?
Yes. For Washington projects, the warranty requires compliance with Chapter 64.50 RCW before legal action relating to alleged construction defects is initiated. The warranty’s notice and right-to-cure procedures are intended to supplement, not replace, those statutory requirements.