Questions, answered

Two of us spend most of a day in the building. A few days later you get a written report with three lists, and then an estimate for the fix-now work with its scope, allowances and exclusions. The survey is a paid visit; the fee is quoted when you book.

The condition of the frame and the stone, how high and how hard the work is to reach, what earlier owners altered, the materials we match, and permits. The pricing page has the long answer.

Structural, foundation and porch work usually needs one, and like-for-like repairs often don't. It depends on your town or village. We check during the survey and pull the permit when we hold the work.

Surveys are booked a few weeks ahead. Exterior frame and masonry work runs from spring to fall; interior plaster and floors fill the winter. The estimate gives the weeks for your job.

A Putnam County home improvement contractor license, general liability insurance and workers' compensation. The license number is in the footer; check it with the county. Insurance certificates come before work starts.

Almost every farmhouse and barn we see is older than that. Paint from before 1978 may contain lead, and the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting rule (RRP) says a certified firm must follow set work practices whenever paid work disturbs it. You get the EPA's renovation pamphlet before we start. We treat old paint as lead paint unless a test says otherwise, we seal off the work area, we don't dry-scrape or burn paint, and we clean with HEPA vacuums and wet wipes. Jobs under 6 square feet inside or 20 square feet outside are exempt, but window replacement and demolition never are. Our certification is listed under Credentials.

We stop, photograph it and show you. A change order says what it is, what it will take and what it costs. We don't go on until you have signed it.

In writing, with photographs, before the work they describe. Nothing is added to the bill that you haven't agreed.

A deposit at signing as New York rules allow, payments tied to stages of the work, and a last payment after the walk-through. The schedule is in your contract.

Our own crew, led by Renee Pinkney, who is your contact every working day. Fiona Atwood visits at each stage.

Our workmanship. The contract states what is covered, for how long, and what isn't, such as wear, weather and hidden conditions beyond the scope.

We don't arrange financing. If you plan to borrow, ask your bank before the survey, and we'll give them the estimate.

New houses, roof-only jobs and work outside Putnam and Dutchess counties. We don't do stand-alone kitchens or baths.

Usually, yes. We close off the work area and keep a path to a kitchen and a bathroom.