Frequently Asked Questions About Remodeling in Bergen County, NJ
For more than 25 years, Best of The Best Construction has handled roofing, siding, window, and full-interior remodeling projects for homeowners and businesses across Bergen County, New Jersey. Below are the questions we’re asked most often — about cost, permits, timelines, materials, and what to expect once work begins. If your question isn’t here, call us at (201) 992-5994 for a free consultation.
About Best of The Best Construction
What areas of Bergen County do you serve?
We serve homeowners and business owners throughout Bergen County, New Jersey, including Englewood, Fair Lawn, Hackensack, Leonia, New Milford, Oradell, Paramus, Ridgefield Park, and River Edge. We also take projects in neighboring North Jersey communities. If your town isn’t listed, call us at (201) 992-5994 — we most likely cover it.
How long has Best of The Best Construction been in business?
Are you licensed and insured in New Jersey?
Yes. We are a fully licensed and insured New Jersey home improvement contractor, registered with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Every registered contractor in the state carries a 13-digit registration number beginning with “13VH” and must maintain at least $500,000 in general liability insurance – and you should ask any contractor you’re considering for theirs before signing anything.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Consultations and written estimates are free with no obligation. We visit the property, measure and inspect the actual conditions, discuss materials and scope, and then give you an itemized written proposal — not a ballpark number over the phone.
What makes you different from other Bergen County remodeling contractors?
Three things: we’re a local company with 25+ years in the same county, we self-perform most of our work rather than subcontracting it out to whoever is cheapest that month, and one point of contact stays with your project from the estimate through final walkthrough. Our average customer rating is 4.9 out of 5.
Do you handle commercial projects as well as homes?
Yes. Alongside residential remodeling we take on commercial roofing, siding, storefront, and interior build-out work for offices, retail spaces, and multi-family buildings across Bergen County. Commercial jobs are scheduled around your operating hours wherever possible.
Cost, Contracts, Permits & Process
How much does a remodeling project cost in Bergen County?
It depends almost entirely on scope, materials, and the condition of what’s already there — which is why any contractor who quotes you a firm price without seeing the property is guessing. As general ranges for Bergen County: a full roof replacement on an average single-family home typically runs in the five figures, a kitchen remodel varies widely with cabinetry and appliance selections, and a bathroom sits below that. We’ll give you an itemized written estimate at no cost so you’re comparing real numbers, not averages.
Do I need a written contract, and what should it include?
Yes! New Jersey law requires a written contract for any home improvement work over $500. It must be signed by both parties and include the total price, the work to be performed, start and completion dates, and the contractor’s registration number and liability insurance information. You also have the right to cancel a signed home improvement contract for any reason before midnight of the third business day. Every job we do is contracted this way.
Are you licensed and insured in New Jersey?
Yes. We are a fully licensed and insured New Jersey home improvement contractor, registered with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Every registered contractor in the state carries a 13-digit registration number beginning with “13VH” and must maintain at least $500,000 in general liability insurance – and you should ask any contractor you’re considering for theirs before signing anything.
Do you pull the permits for my project?
Yes. We handle permit applications and coordinate inspections with your municipality’s building department as part of the project. Most structural, roofing, electrical, plumbing, and deck work in Bergen County requires a permit, and requirements vary town by town — Hackensack and Paramus, for example, don’t run identical processes. Working without required permits can create serious problems when you sell the house.
How long will my project take?
Roof replacements on a typical home take one to three days. Siding runs about one to two weeks. Window and door replacements are often a single day. Kitchens generally run four to eight weeks, bathrooms two to four, and finished basements four to eight — longer if we hit surprises behind the walls. You’ll get a projected schedule in writing with your estimate.
What happens after I accept the estimate?
We schedule a start date, file for permits, and order materials — long-lead items like custom windows or specialty cabinetry are ordered first so they don’t hold up the job. Before work begins we walk the site with you to confirm scope, staging, and protection of the surrounding area. From there you have one point of contact for the duration of the project.
Do you offer financing or a payment schedule?
Payments are structured in stages tied to project milestones rather than collected up front — New Jersey caps what a contractor can require as a deposit, and you should be skeptical of anyone asking for the full amount before work starts. Currently, we don’t offer financing.
Do your projects come with a warranty?
Yes — two separate ones. Manufacturer warranties cover the materials themselves (roofing shingles, siding, and windows often carry 25-year to lifetime limited coverage depending on the product line), and our own workmanship warranty covers the installation. Both are spelled out in writing in your contract.
Still have questions about your project? Call (201) 992-5994 or request a free consultation — we’ll walk the property with you and put real numbers in writing.
Roofing
What are the signs that my roof needs to be replaced?
Watch for curling, cracked, or missing shingles; granules collecting in your gutters; daylight visible through the roof boards in the attic; sagging rooflines; and water stains on upstairs ceilings. Age matters too — most asphalt shingle roofs in New Jersey last 20 to 25 years, so if yours is in that range and showing any of the above, it’s worth an inspection.
Should I repair my roof or replace it?
Repair usually makes sense when the damage is isolated — a few shingles blown off in a storm, a failed flashing detail, one small leak on an otherwise sound roof under about 15 years old. Replacement makes more sense when the roof is near the end of its service life, when there are multiple leaks, or when the decking underneath has been compromised. We’ll tell you honestly which one your roof needs; patching a roof that has two years left is money spent twice.
What are the best roofing materials for New Jersey homes?
Architectural asphalt shingles are the most common choice here — they handle freeze-thaw cycles and nor’easter winds well, and they’re cost-effective. Standing-seam metal costs more up front but lasts 40 to 70 years and sheds snow efficiently. Cedar shake suits certain historic Bergen County homes but needs more maintenance. Flat and low-slope roofs, common on additions and commercial buildings, need a membrane system like TPO or EPDM rather than shingles.
Will my homeowners insurance cover a roof replacement?
Usually only when the damage comes from a covered event such as wind, hail, or a fallen tree not from age or general wear. Document the damage with photos, report it promptly, and get an independent inspection before the adjuster’s visit so you know what your roof actually needs. We can meet with your adjuster on site and provide the documentation your claim requires.
Can you install a new roof over the existing one?
New Jersey code generally allows a second layer of shingles over an existing single layer, but we rarely recommend it. Layering over hides rotted decking, adds weight, shortens the life of the new shingles, and can void the manufacturer’s warranty. Full tear-off costs more up front and is almost always the better decision.
What time of year is best for roof work in Bergen County?
Late spring through fall is ideal, since asphalt shingles need moderate temperatures to seal properly. That said, we work year-round — winter installs are entirely doable with the right techniques, and emergency repairs can’t wait for good weather. Booking in the off-season often means faster scheduling.
Siding, Gutters & Chimneys
Which siding material holds up best in New Jersey weather?
Vinyl remains the most popular for its price and near-zero maintenance. Fiber cement (James Hardie and similar) resists moisture, impact, and fire, and holds paint well through our freeze-thaw cycles — it’s the premium choice for durability. Engineered wood gives you a natural look with better stability than traditional cedar. All three work in Bergen County; the right one depends on your budget, your home’s architecture, and how much maintenance you want to do.
Can new siding be installed over the old siding?
It’s sometimes possible, but we generally remove the old material first. Tearing off lets us inspect the sheathing for hidden water damage and rot, install proper house wrap and flashing, and add insulation — none of which you can do by covering over. Siding installed over existing material can also trap moisture in the wall assembly.
What are seamless gutters and are they worth it?
Seamless gutters are formed on site from a single continuous coil of aluminum, cut to the exact length of each run, so there are no joints along the gutter except at corners and downspouts. Since seams are where sectional gutters leak first, seamless systems mean far fewer leaks, less maintenance, and a cleaner look. For most Bergen County homes the modest extra cost is worth it.
How often should gutters be cleaned or inspected?
At least twice a year — once in late spring and again in late fall after the leaves drop. Homes with mature oaks or maples overhead may need three or four cleanings. Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of basement water intrusion, fascia rot, and ice dams in New Jersey winters, and they’re one of the cheapest problems to prevent.
How do I know if my chimney needs repair?
Common warning signs are crumbling or missing mortar joints, spalling brick (faces flaking off), a cracked or missing crown, a rusted or damaged chimney cap, white staining on the exterior brick, and any dampness on interior walls near the chimney. Water is the enemy: freeze-thaw cycles push moisture into the masonry and split it apart. Repointing early is far cheaper than rebuilding later.
Windows & Doors
When should I replace my windows?
Replace them when you feel drafts near closed windows, see condensation or fogging between the panes (a failed seal, which can’t be repaired), notice rising heating and cooling bills, find sashes that stick or won’t stay open, or see rot in wood frames. Single-pane windows in an older Bergen County home are almost always worth upgrading on energy savings alone.
Are replacement windows worth the cost in New Jersey?
Generally yes, for two reasons. New Jersey’s climate swings from humid summers to hard winters, so double- or triple-pane windows with low-E glass cut a real amount off heating and cooling costs. And window replacement consistently ranks among the highest-return remodeling projects at resale. ENERGY STAR–rated products may also qualify for federal tax credits or utility rebates — worth checking before you buy.
What should I look for in a new entry door?
Fiberglass and steel doors both outperform wood on insulation, security, and resistance to warping in humid weather, and modern fiberglass can be finished to look convincingly like wood. Beyond the slab itself, the installation matters more than most people realize — a premium door set in a poorly flashed, out-of-square opening will leak air and water regardless of its rating.
Interior Remodeling, Decks & Value
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Most kitchen remodels run four to eight weeks on site, with design and material selection happening before that. Custom cabinetry has the longest lead time and typically drives the schedule, so we order it first. We’ll give you a phased timeline up front so you know roughly how long you’ll be without a working kitchen.
How long does a bathroom remodel take, and what drives the cost?
A typical bathroom remodel takes two to four weeks on site. Cost is driven less by square footage than by whether plumbing fixtures move — relocating a toilet or shower drain means opening the floor and rerouting supply and waste lines, which adds significant labor. Keeping the existing layout and upgrading finishes, tile, and fixtures is the most cost-effective path; a full reconfiguration costs more but is worth it when the current layout doesn’t work.
Do you build sunrooms and three-season additions?
Yes. Sunrooms are one of the more cost-effective ways to add usable square footage to a Bergen County home. The main decision is three-season versus four-season: a four-season room is insulated and tied into your HVAC so it’s usable in January, which costs more but adds genuine living space rather than a room you close up each fall. Both require permits and a proper foundation.
Can you handle a whole-home interior renovation?
Yes. We take on full interior remodeling projects — kitchens, bathrooms, basements, flooring, trim, and layout changes — managed as one project with one schedule and one point of contact rather than as separate jobs. Doing it in one phase is usually less disruptive and less expensive than remodeling room by room over several years, since demolition, permitting, and finish work overlap.
Can you finish my basement, and do I need a permit?
Yes, and yes — finishing a basement in Bergen County requires permits for framing, electrical, plumbing, and often egress and fire separation. Your town will have specific requirements for ceiling height and emergency exit windows. We handle the permitting and inspections, and we address moisture and waterproofing before any framing goes up, because finishing over a damp basement guarantees you’ll be tearing it out again.
Do you refinish existing hardwood floors, or only install new ones?
Both. Solid hardwood can usually be sanded and refinished several times over its life, which costs considerably less than replacement and is the right call when the boards are sound. We’ll assess whether refinishing will get you the result you want or whether the floor is too worn, water-damaged, or thin to sand again.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in New Jersey?
Almost always. New Jersey municipalities require permits for decks over a certain height or size, and inspections cover footing depth, ledger attachment, framing, and railing height. Footings here must go below the frost line — typically 36 inches — or the deck will heave over the winter. We pull the permits and build to code so the deck passes inspection the first time.
Which remodeling projects add the most value to a Bergen County home?
Exterior projects tend to lead on return: siding replacement, roof replacement, window replacement, and entry door replacement all recover a strong share of their cost at resale, partly because they drive curb appeal and buyers’ first impressions. Interior kitchens and bathrooms return less on paper but heavily influence whether a house sells at all, and how fast. If you’re remodeling to sell, start with the exterior; if you’re staying, remodel for how you actually live.
Ready to get started? Best of The Best Construction has served Bergen County homeowners for over 25 years. Call (201) 992-5994 or schedule your free estimate today.