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Frequently Asked Questions About Remodeling With Stak

Alex Shostak, owner of Stak Construction, based in Nicholasville, KY.

Helpful Answers Before You Start Your Remodel

Planning a remodel usually comes with a lot of questions. You may be wondering what the process looks like, how estimates work, how long the project may take, which materials to choose, or whether your project is a good fit for Stak Construction.

Given that, we’ve made an effort to answer some of the most common questions that homeowners ask us below.

Getting Started

The best first step is to fill out our contact form. This gives our owner Alex Shostak a basic understanding of your project before he calls.

Helpful details include:

  • What type of project you're planning
  • Where your home is located
  • What you want to change
  • Your rough timeline
  • Your rough budget

Alex usually responds the same day when possible. If the project sounds like a good fit, he’ll schedule a free in-home walkthrough and estimate, typically within 1–2 days.

No, you definitely don’t need to have every detail figured out before contacting us.

Some homeowners come to us with a clear plan. Others know the room is outdated, too small, worn out, or not working well, but they aren’t sure what the best solution is. That’s normal!

During the walkthrough, we'll listen to your goals, look at the space, and help you think through what’s realistic for your home, budget, and timeline.

Estimates, Budget, and Financing

Yes. Stak Construction gladly offers a free in-home walkthrough and estimate.

After you reach out, Alex will review your project details, call you to learn more, and schedule the in-home walkthrough if the project is a good fit.

Quotes are typically prepared 1–2 days after the walkthrough.

Whenever possible, Alex comes by your home and reviews the quote in person so you can ask questions and understand what’s included, what may affect the cost, and what decisions still need to be made before work begins.

A quote may include the project scope, labor, materials, timeline, allowances, payment schedule, exclusions, project notes, and next steps.

The goal is to make the project clear before work begins so you’re not left guessing about what is or isn’t included.

Yes. Stak Construction offers financing through QuickBooks. Ask us about financing options during your estimate.

That happens often, and it doesn’t mean the conversation is over.

We can walk through the project with you and explain what would need to be changed, simplified, phased, or removed to bring the project closer to your budget. Sometimes it makes sense to do part of the work now and another phase later. Other times, it’s better to complete everything at once because of scheduling, family disruption, or how the project is connected.

Services

Stak Construction handles a wide range of general contractor services, including:

  • Bathroom remodeling
  • Kitchen remodeling
  • Deck building and deck replacement
  • Basement finishing
  • Whole home remodeling
  • Flooring
  • Tile work
  • Carpentry
  • Trim and finish work
  • Multi-room renovations

We are a general contractor, so we can help coordinate projects that involve multiple parts of the home or several trades.

Stak prefers larger remodeling projects, but we also take on smaller projects when they’re a good fit.

For example, we may handle new backsplash, tile flooring, vanity replacement, deck repair, or other smaller updates. If you’re not sure whether your project is a fit, please just reach out and ask!

No, sorry. Stak Construction is not a handyman repair company.

We focus on remodeling, renovations, deck building, basement finishing, tile, flooring, carpentry, and home improvement projects that require planning, craftsmanship, and a clear scope of work.

When specialized plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or other licensed trade work is needed, we coordinate with trusted local professionals that we regularly work with.

Fortunately, this means you don’t have to find and manage separate contractors yourself. Alex coordinates the work, communication, schedule, and expectations with tradesmen that he’d trust with his own home.

Materials and Design Help

Yes. Alex can help you compare options and understand the pros and cons of different materials.

Depending on the project, we can help with:

  • Tile
  • Cabinets
  • Countertops
  • Flooring
  • Vanities
  • Fixtures
  • Decking
  • Railings
  • Paint
  • Trim
  • Lighting
  • Storage options

We can bring samples to you or go with you to local stores where Stak has business accounts. This helps you see materials in person and make better decisions before the work begins.

Yes, we offer everything from minimal to full-fledged design work for your project. 

Stak Construction can work with your architect or designer when needed. We can also provide 3d renderings for you to better understand the potential of your space. We'll gladly provide practical layout ideas, material guidance, layout concepts based on your home, family life, hosting needs, budget, and how the space will be used. You can trust Stak to be there with you every step of the way, from design to demolition, to construction and finally to the grand reveal. 

Yes. Some upgrades are worth the money because they improve daily use, durability, or long-term value. Other upgrades may look nice but not make as much sense for your home or budget.

We’ve seen it all with various trends, different materials, and long-term practicality, so Alex will talk through those decisions honestly so you can spend your money where it matters most.

Timeline and Construction

A smaller bathroom update may take about 1–2 weeks. A full hall bathroom remodel often takes about 2–4 weeks. A larger primary bathroom remodel may take about 4–8+ weeks, depending on scope, materials, custom work, and any issues found during demolition.

A small kitchen update may take about 1–2 weeks. A cabinet, countertop, and backsplash update may take about 2–5 weeks. A full kitchen remodel often takes about 4–8 weeks. A full kitchen remodel with layout changes may take 8–12+ weeks, depending on scope, materials, trade work, and hidden conditions.

Small deck repairs may take a few days. Deck resurfacing or board replacement may take about 1–2 weeks. A standard new deck often takes about 1–3 weeks. Larger custom decks, covered decks, or screened porch projects may take 3–8+ weeks, depending on scope, permitting, materials, weather, and site conditions.

A smaller basement update may take a few weeks. A larger basement finishing project with multiple rooms, a bathroom, custom storage, or more involved plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work may take longer. Given the various sizes and needs of basements, it’s hard to say without seeing it in person.

Common causes include:

  • Material delays
  • Hidden water damage
  • Subfloor or framing issues
  • Plumbing or electrical changes
  • Permit or inspection requirements
  • Custom materials
  • Change orders
  • Weather, especially for exterior work
  • Larger project scope than originally expected

We would rather take the time to handle issues correctly than rush through details that affect the long-term quality of the project.

Timeline and Construction

You will communicate directly with Alex.

One of the main things homeowners appreciate about Stak is having one clear point of contact who is highly experienced in hands-on construction. Alex knows your project, your goals, your budget, and the decisions behind the work.

Communication can happen by call, text, email, or in person. Alex often prefers text for clarity, especially when decisions or updates need to be documented.

You can expect updates when a new phase is starting, materials arrive, loud work is expected, a schedule change is needed, a hidden issue is found, or a decision needs to be made.

If hidden damage is found, we document it with photos, notify you quickly, explain the solution, and provide the cost before moving forward.

Examples may include water damage under bathroom flooring, old plumbing issues, electrical problems, framing concerns, moisture behind walls, subfloor damage, or poor previous workmanship.

Yes. If a change affects scope, cost, or timeline, we explain it in writing before moving forward.

Service Areas

Stak Construction is based in Nicholasville and serves homeowners throughout Central Kentucky, including:

  • Lexington, KY
  • Nicholasville, KY
  • Georgetown, KY
  • Frankfort, KY
  • Versailles, KY
  • Nearby Central Kentucky communities

Sometimes. Projects outside the main service area may depend on the location, scope, schedule, and type of work.

If you are nearby and not sure whether we serve your area, reach out and ask.

Yes. Stak Construction is based in Nicholasville, KY. We are local to the area and serve homeowners throughout Lexington and Central Kentucky.

Warranty and Aftercare

Yes, Stak Construction offers a 3-year limited warranty. Our warranty details depend on the type of project, materials, manufacturers, and scope of work. We can review warranty expectations for your specific project before you sign up with us.

Take a photo and text it to Alex with a short explanation. We will review it, talk through what is happening, and let you know the next step.

We want to be clear that our goal is not to disappear after the final walkthrough. We want you to feel confident in the finished work and comfortable reaching out if something needs attention.

Still Have Questions?

Every home is different, and your project may not fit neatly into a short answer. If you are thinking about remodeling and want to know whether Stak Construction is the right fit, reach out and tell us what you have in mind.