Dement Construction in Chattanooga: Full-Service General Contractor for Residential Renovations and Additions

Dement Construction is a licensed general contractor serving Chattanooga homeowners with residential remodeling, additions, and custom building projects. The firm handles the full scope of renovation work, from design consultation through final inspection, and operates as a single point of contact for projects that typically require coordination across multiple trades.

What Dement Construction does

Dement Construction manages residential projects that fall into three broad categories: kitchen and bath remodels, home additions, and whole-house renovations. Unlike handymen or specialty contractors (plumbers, electricians) who focus on a single trade, general contractors coordinate all subcontractors, pull permits, schedule inspections, and guarantee the work meets Chattanooga building codes. Dement Construction handles the permitting process internally rather than placing that burden on the homeowner, which matters because Hamilton County requires permits for structural work, electrical upgrades, and HVAC changes.

The firm works on both single-story and multi-story homes across Chattanooga's older neighborhoods (Highlands, St. Elmo) and newer suburban areas. Projects range from $15,000 kitchen updates to six-figure whole-home renovations.

Services and pricing

Dement Construction does not operate on a fixed menu. Instead, pricing is project-specific and determined after an in-home consultation. For a kitchen remodel in Chattanooga, typical budgets run $20,000 to $60,000 depending on whether cabinets are refaced or replaced, whether the layout changes, and material selections. A bathroom remodel typically costs $8,000 to $25,000. A second-story addition or finished basement runs significantly higher, often $50,000 to $150,000+, because structural work, foundation, and HVAC extension are involved.

The firm offers a free initial consultation to discuss scope, timeline, and a rough budget range before any contract is signed. Once scope is agreed, Dement Construction provides a detailed written estimate that breaks down labor, materials, and timeline. Verify current pricing and availability by phone before planning your project timeline; renovation material costs and subcontractor availability fluctuate seasonally in Chattanooga.

How Dement Construction compares to other Chattanooga general contractors

Chattanooga homeowners choosing a general contractor face a choice between larger firms (which handle multiple projects simultaneously and may have longer schedules), smaller single-owner operations, and design-build firms that also provide architectural services.

Larger firms like Compass Construction or Turner Construction typically handle commercial work or high-volume residential, which can mean longer wait times and less direct owner contact. Dement Construction operates at a smaller scale, which generally means faster scheduling and direct communication with the owner or project manager. The trade-off is that smaller firms may have less capacity during peak seasons (spring and summer in Chattanooga).

Design-build firms like Bellamy Built combine architecture and construction, which streamlines the design-to-build timeline and is useful if you need design help. Dement Construction works with homeowners' existing plans or coordinates with architects the homeowner hires separately, making it a better fit if you already have a clear vision or designer.

For smaller jobs under $10,000, handymen or specialized contractors (a kitchen cabinet refacer, an electrician upgrading a panel) may cost less. Dement Construction is the appropriate choice when the project involves multiple trades, requires permits, or changes the home's structural footprint.

Who Dement Construction suits and who it does not

Dement Construction is the right fit for homeowners planning a substantial renovation (anything exceeding $15,000), anyone uncomfortable managing multiple contractors and inspections themselves, or anyone whose project requires structural changes, load-bearing modifications, or major systems work. It suits homeowners who value having one responsible party rather than juggling separate plumbing, electrical, and framing contractors.

Dement Construction is not the best choice for very small cosmetic jobs (repainting a room, replacing light fixtures) where a handyman is more cost-effective, or for homeowners who are experienced DIYers and want to manage subcontractors independently to save on general contractor overhead.

What the first visit involves

Contact Dement Construction to schedule an in-home consultation. The owner or a project manager will visit your home, walk through the space you want to remodel, ask about your timeline and budget range, and discuss existing conditions (electrical capacity, plumbing layout, structural considerations). Based on that conversation, they provide a preliminary estimate and timeline. If you proceed, you and the contractor develop a detailed scope of work, finalize the contract and payment terms (often a deposit with progress payments tied to project milestones), and establish a start date.

Hours, contact, and logistics

Dement Construction operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for office hours; construction work on your home occurs during posted business hours and does not typically extend into evenings or weekends. The firm schedules most projects to begin within 4 to 8 weeks of contract signing, depending on seasonal demand. Confirm current availability and schedule a consultation by phone.

Dement Construction's reputation in Chattanooga rests on managing the permitting and coordination burden that deters many homeowners from undertaking larger projects, making it a practical choice for anyone whose renovation involves more than one trade or structural changes.