CJ Craft Construction in Chattanooga: General Contractor for Residential Remodels and Additions

CJ Craft Construction is a residential general contractor operating in the Chattanooga area, specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions, and structural repairs. The company handles full project management from permit acquisition through completion, working primarily with homeowners undertaking projects between $25,000 and $150,000.

What CJ Craft Construction actually does

CJ Craft Construction manages renovation projects as the general contractor, meaning the company secures necessary permits, schedules subcontractors, and oversees daily construction. The work centers on interior remodels (kitchens, bathrooms, basements) and structural work (additions, deck construction, roof repair). Most projects run 4 to 12 weeks depending on scope. The company does not perform electrical or plumbing work directly but coordinates licensed subcontractors for those trades, which is standard practice among Chattanooga GCs and ensures compliance with local codes.

Services and pricing

Kitchen remodels typically range from $35,000 (new cabinets, countertops, and appliance swap on existing layout) to $75,000 (new layout, custom cabinetry, tile backsplash, and high-end finishes). Bathroom remodels start around $12,000 for cosmetic updates (new fixtures, tile, vanity) and reach $35,000 for gut renovations with structural changes. Additions (bedrooms, sunrooms, enclosed porches) begin at $50,000 for simple single-room builds and scale upward based on square footage and finish level. Single-room basement finishes (drywall, flooring, electrical rough-in coordination) typically fall between $8,000 and $18,000.

The company provides written estimates at no charge. A deposit of 30 percent is standard at project start, with payments staged at construction milestones (framing completion, rough-in completion, final). Verify current pricing directly, as material costs fluctuate quarterly.

How it compares to other Chattanooga contractors

CJ Craft Construction competes directly with larger firms like Tennessee General Contracting (which handles commercial and residential work but minimum projects of $100,000) and smaller handyman operations that do not pull permits. CJ Craft's middle ground suits homeowners wanting a licensed general contractor on mid-sized residential projects without the overhead costs of larger commercial GCs. For projects under $10,000 (single-room cosmetic updates), licensed handymen may be more economical. For complex additions or structural work requiring detailed architectural drawings, homeowners should confirm that CJ Craft has experience with that specific project type; some GCs specialize in remodels and subcontract out new construction.

Who it suits and who it does not

CJ Craft Construction is appropriate for homeowners with budgets between $15,000 and $150,000 who want a single point of contact managing their project and coordinating trades. It suits people planning to stay in their Chattanooga home and willing to tolerate 6 to 12 weeks of construction disruption. It is less suitable for emergency repairs (burst pipes, roof damage requiring immediate action) or for projects requiring specialty trades like pool installation or commercial HVAC systems. Homeowners uncomfortable with staged payments or those needing work completed in under three weeks should look elsewhere.

What the first visit involves

A homeowner typically calls or submits photos and a project description. CJ Craft schedules a site visit (usually within 5 to 10 business days) where the owner walks the contractor through the space, discusses desired finishes, timeline, and budget. The contractor measures, photographs, and may ask questions about existing conditions (plumbing location, electrical panel access, structural concerns). An estimate, including itemized labor and material costs, a project timeline, and a payment schedule, is delivered within 7 to 14 days. If the homeowner accepts, a contract is signed and a start date is set; the company then applies for permits (adding 2 to 4 weeks before demolition or framing begins, depending on Chattanooga's review queue).

Hours, location, and logistics

CJ Craft Construction operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with job sites typically open to homeowner visits during those hours. The company is based in East Chattanooga and serves most of Hamilton County. Parking and site access depend on the individual project; most residential remodels use driveway or on-street parking. Confirm the exact office address and current phone number before scheduling, as this information may have changed.

CJ Craft Construction fills a practical niche for Chattanooga homeowners: licensed, permitted work on mid-range residential projects with straightforward oversight and fixed billing. It works best for people who prefer working with a known contractor rather than coordinating multiple subcontractors themselves.