Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely! Smart General Contractors is fully licensed and insured to operate in Maryland and Virginia. We maintain:

• Full general liability insurance
• Full compliance with all state and local licensing requirements

Your peace of mind and protection are our priority.

We are based in Silver Spring and our primary service area is Montgomery County, MD. We also serve Prince George's County and Northern Virginia.

Most aesthetic renovations don't require a permit - painting, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and cosmetic bathroom or kitchen updates typically fall into this category. Permits are generally required for structural work, plumbing or electrical changes, additions, and roofing.

If your project does require a permit, we'll work with you to figure out exactly what's needed and help guide you through the process. Ask us and we'll let you know upfront.

A typical bathroom remodel takes 1-3 weeks from start to finish:

• Simple refresh (new vanity, paint, fixtures): Less than 1 week
• Full renovation (new tile, plumbing, electrical, layout changes): 1-3 weeks

The timeline depends on the scope of work, material availability, and whether structural changes are needed. We provide a detailed project timeline before starting work and keep you updated throughout the process.

Yes! We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all projects. During the consultation, we'll:

• Visit your home at a convenient time
• Discuss your vision and goals
• Take measurements and assess the space
• Provide a detailed written estimate
• Answer all your questions

There's no pressure or obligation to hire us. We want you to feel confident in your decision.

Our typical payment structure is fair and transparent:

1. Deposit: 50% before starting the project
2. Final payment: Remaining balance upon project completion and your satisfaction

We never require full payment upfront and work within your budget.

When choosing a contractor, verify they are:

• Licensed and insured with proper credentials
• Experienced with positive reviews and references
• Communicative with clear, written estimates and contracts
• Transparent about timelines, costs, and potential issues
• Professional with proper permits and code compliance

Smart General Contractors checks all these boxes with 25+ years of experience and 5-star reviews from satisfied customers throughout the DMV area.

Most aesthetic renovations do not require a permit - this includes painting, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and cosmetic bathroom or kitchen updates throughout Montgomery County.

Permits are typically required for:

• Structural work and additions
• Plumbing or electrical changes
• Roofing replacements
• Window installations involving structural openings

If your project does require a permit, we'll work with you to figure out what's needed and help guide you through the process with Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services (DPS). Contact us and we'll assess your specific project upfront.

Absolutely! We provide design consultation services to help you:

• Select materials, colors, fixtures, and finishes
• Match your vision and budget
• Find quality materials at competitive prices
• Avoid costly mistakes and regrets

We have relationships with local suppliers and can help you source everything you need. Our goal is to make the renovation process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

We specialize in full-service home improvement:

With 25+ years of experience, we handle projects of all sizes, from small repairs to complete home renovations.

Yes! We work Saturdays and can schedule weekend consultations to accommodate your schedule.

Business Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

We're flexible and will work with you to minimize disruption to your daily routine.

It depends! We recommend scheduling at least a few weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons (spring and summer).

However, we often accommodate:

• projects with short notice
• Emergency repairs
• Smaller jobs that can fit into our schedule

Contact us as soon as you're ready to discuss your project, and we'll do our best to fit your timeline.

For most projects, you won't need to leave your home. We take care to:

• Minimize disruption to your daily life
• Work cleanly and protect your belongings
• Set up dust barriers when needed
• Clean up thoroughly each day

Special considerations:

• For major kitchen renovations, you may want to set up a temporary kitchen area
• For whole-home projects, some homeowners choose to stay with family temporarily (but it's not required)

We'll discuss the specifics during your consultation.

We're a family-owned business with 25+ years of experience and a 5-star reputation. What sets us apart:

• Personal service: Work directly with owner David Arevalo and his skilled team
• Transparent pricing: Detailed estimates with no hidden costs or surprise fees
• Quality craftsmanship: We take pride in every project, large or small
• Exceptional communication: We show up on time, return calls promptly, and keep you informed
• Clean workmanship: We protect your home and clean up thoroughly each day
• Guaranteed satisfaction: Your happiness is our priority

Our customers consistently praise our reliability, professionalism, and attention to detail. See what they have to say in our 5-star reviews!

Bathroom remodel costs in Montgomery County, MD typically range from $5,000 to $25,000+ depending on the scope:

• Cosmetic refresh (new vanity, fixtures, paint): $5,000–$10,000
• Mid-range renovation (new tile, plumbing, electrical): $10,000–$20,000
• High-end renovation (custom tile, heated floors, layout changes): $25,000+

Costs vary by city - a Bethesda or Potomac bathroom typically runs higher than Silver Spring or Rockville due to home size and finish expectations. We offer free, detailed estimates with no obligation throughout Montgomery County.

See our Bathroom Remodeling page for more details, or request a free estimate.