FAQs

The following are the questions most frequently asked by our clients:

Does J2 Solutions only build garages?

No. J2 Solutions is a full service general contractor that focuses in three specific areas; detached garages, residential remodeling and commercial remodeling. You can find more information about these other divisions by going to www.J2SolutionsInc.com

What makes J2 Solutions different from other contractors?

• Professional, multi-million dollar project manager experience focused on smaller type commercial and residential projects. All J2 Solutions project managers have experience working with former 50 to100+ million dollar white-collar construction companies. The skills and knowledge gained there applied to the competitive arena of small to medium sized construction companies gives us a clear competitive advantage.

• Our company is guided by fundamental business and financial management procedures. It is no surprise that general contractors are the #1 failing industry in the state of Florida (restaurants are #2). The reason; most general contractors are former craftsman with little or no business management experience. Our company is managed by time-tested business procedures in marketing, accounting, cash-management and operations.

• We are a debt-free construction company. History tells us the #1 reason why contractors fail is because of 'lack of cash'. By not having to answer to the bank making expensive payments month after month, our company overhead is drastically reduced. This results in greater stability for our team members, reduced overhead, better pricing for our clients, faster payment to our subcontractors and enhanced protection against economic downturns.

• We utilize time-resource management techniques. Over the years we have religiously tracked how much of our time needs to be devoted to each type of project (estimators, project managers, superintendents, etc). As new jobs come into our company pipeline, we can accurately predict when we are at capacity. New work, if it comes at that point, is asked to wait. By purposely not taking on too much work at any given time, our team can guarantee our schedules, budgets and customer services that we are known for.

• We believe in having a specialization. In construction there is no such thing as a 'jack of all trades'. We focus on detached garages, residential remodeling and commercial interiors. That's it. By limiting our work to these three areas, we can constantly review and analyze our performances and bring new improvements to bear on upcoming projects. With every completed job, we become more efficient, knowledgeable and cost effective.

I understand that you subcontract all of your work.
What does that mean?

Rather than employing a large staff of skilled construction workers as our employees, we choose to hire independent subcontractors as needed. We have found this method to be beneficial for the following reasons:

• Reduced costs: Because we do not have to keep a large staff on the payroll, our overhead costs are drastically reduced. Furthermore we can competitively bid subcontractors as we need them. This results in lower costs to our clients.
• Increased quality: Rather than having a 'jack-of-all-trades', we hire the experts who specialize in their particular area of work. This experience and focus produces higher quality, faster schedules and less mistakes.
• Efficiency: We do not have to waste our time trying to keep idle employees busy. We devote this 'saved time' to our clients jobs to help them run smoother and faster.

How many projects do you have going at any one time?

We typically have between 15-25 projects running at any given time. We do utilize time-resource planning to prevent our staff from being overburdened. If we find ourselves in a situation where our current capacity can no longer meet the flow of new work, we will advise the new clients to wait for next available slot. We do not hire new employees as a 'knee-jerk' reaction to increased work. We believe that reactive, non-strategic hiring decisions can only lead to problems.

How long does it take to build?

It takes approximately 5 months from the time we sign the paperwork to the time we hand over the keys at completion. Roughly half of that time is devoted to permitting (blueprints, surveys, architects, building departments, etc) and the other half for actual construction. We do guarantee in writing that your garage will be done within 90 days of receiving your permit.

Will it increase my property taxes?

Eventually, yes. The assessed value of you property is determined by two factors. First the value of your land; and second, the value of the structure(s) on your land. Because we are increasing the total value of the 'structures' on your property, your total appraised value will go up. It is important to call your local property appraiser to get specific information for your particular area.

What areas/municipalities do you build in?

We work in the following Florida counties: Manatee, Sarasota, Desoto, Charlotte. Please contact us if you have a specific inquiry outside these areas.

Will it match my house?

Yes. We can achieve any look you want for the outside of your garage. We can keep it plain and simple, or make it look identical to your home. You decide.

Can I do some of the work myself to save money?

Yes. However certain rules apply. Please contact us for details.

Can you use wood framed walls instead of masonry?

Yes. However there are a few things to consider. First, they are more susceptible to rot and termites. And second, they are not as strong as a masonry walls. Although the wood framed garage is cheaper than a comparable sized masonry garage, the price is comparable.

Can I add a bathroom?

Yes it is possible to add water and a bathroom to your detached garage. Certain site conditions will have to be considered. An individual site analysis must be performed. Please contact us for details.

How do I know if I can even build on my lot?

As a general rule of thumb, you must maintain both a 10' rear and 10' side setback from your property lines. Furthermore, the maximum allowable lot coverage (structures under roof) must not exceed 35%. However, it is very important to know that every area is different. You can take our free Garage Feasibility Test on our home page to find out more. Or you can contact us and we will gladly tell you if you qualify to build.

Do you finance?

We have a list of qualified lenders who can help you get financing for your detached garage in as little as 10 minutes. Their rates are extremely competitive and easy to qualify for. Try using our Payment Calculator on our home page to see what your estimated monthly payment would be.

Can I use an existing garaged door, window or
swinging door in the new garage?

No. One of the best features of your new garage is that it is built to the most current and latest hurricane building codes available. If we were to compromise its structural integrity by installing an older non-wind rated component, the entire structure would be jeopardized should a hurricane hit. Furthermore, during the construction process inspectors must see the engineering specifications and installation instructions for each type of door and window installed. New windows and doors come with this literature, whereas older existing ones do not.

How much does a garage cost to build?

Since we have been building garages (100+ to date), no two have ever been alike. Although we have tried to come up with a simple 'cost-per-foot' pricing, the fact is there are just too many variables from job to job.

Things like the amount of trees to be removed, the quantity of fill to be imported, the amount of concrete drives & walks, electrical specifications, aesthetic features, doors & windows (quantity & sizes) and of course the overall size of the garage itself all contribute to the total cost.

A good analogy of asking how much a detached garage costs per square foot is like asking how much a car costs per pound. However, based on past customer averages, detached garages usually fall between $40 to $75 per square foot.

If another contractor does give you price per foot without doing a detailed estimate, be careful. Rarely, if ever, will they get it correct. And considering how much you are willing to invest, wouldn't you rather have a contractor spend some time with you to discuss your options and give you advice?

The safe bet is to get an exact quote based specifically on what you want. The first step in getting a quote from J2 Solutions is to request your free garage information package.