Fontenot Construction in Chattanooga: General Contracting for Residential Remodels and Additions

Fontenot Construction is a licensed residential general contractor in Chattanooga specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions, and whole-home renovations. The firm handles projects from design consultation through completion, managing permits, subcontractors, and inspections in-house rather than referring clients elsewhere mid-project.

What Fontenot Construction actually does

Fontenot operates as a full-service general contractor rather than a trade-specific business like plumbing or electrical work. The company pulls permits, coordinates inspections, and oversees the sequence of trades required on larger jobs. This model matters because homeowners dealing with a single point of contact avoid the complexity of hiring and managing multiple contractors separately. Fontenot handles residential work only; they do not take commercial projects.

Services and typical project scope

Kitchen remodels range from $35,000 to $100,000+ depending on whether cabinetry is replaced, countertops upgraded, or appliances included. Bathroom remodels typically run $15,000 to $50,000 for a complete gut and reconfiguration versus $8,000 to $20,000 for cosmetic updates like fixture replacement and tile work. Room additions and second-story work cost significantly more and depend entirely on square footage, structural requirements, and whether HVAC extensions are needed.

Fontenot provides written estimates after an on-site walkthrough. The firm does not advertise a standard markup or overhead structure, so pricing varies by project complexity. Payment typically follows a deposit upon contract signing, progress draws as milestones are met, and a final payment upon substantial completion and inspection sign-off. Confirm current terms directly, as deposit requirements shift with material costs.

How Fontenot compares to other Chattanooga general contractors

Fontenot's model differs from larger regional firms like Mabry Construction, which handles both residential and commercial work and often takes projects exceeding $500,000. Mabry suits clients planning expansions or new construction; Fontenot is better suited to homeowners remodeling an existing house without needing infrastructure or site work expertise.

Smaller owner-operator contractors in Chattanooga often charge lower overhead but may lack bonding or insurance documentation and typically manage fewer simultaneous projects. Fontenot sits between: large enough to carry insurance and bonding, small enough to stay on-site regularly and avoid the communication gaps common on corporate jobs. Choose a large firm if your project requires engineering or extensive permitting; choose Fontenot for a mid-size remodel where the contractor is accessible and accountable.

Who this works for and who it does not

Fontenot suits homeowners planning a single major remodel or addition who want one contractor responsible for the entire scope. It works for clients who need design input but have a general sense of what they want. The firm does not accept jobs requiring structural engineers or architectural drawings as part of the contract; if your addition needs a licensed architect or engineer sign-off, you will need to hire that separately and bring plans to Fontenot.

Fontenot is not ideal for very small repairs, cosmetic-only jobs, or clients who need a subcontractor to handle only one trade. It is also a poor fit if you need rapid turnaround; residential remodels in Chattanooga typically have 6 to 12 week lead times for material ordering and scheduling.

The first conversation and estimate process

Initial contact usually happens by phone or email with details about the project scope. Fontenot schedules a site visit within 5 to 7 business days to measure, assess existing conditions, and discuss timelines and budget range. The estimating phase typically takes 2 to 3 weeks; the contractor gathers pricing from suppliers and subcontractors before presenting a written proposal and contract.

Before signing, confirm whether the estimate includes permits, inspections, and any allowances for unforeseen issues like hidden rot or outdated wiring discovered during demolition. A strong estimate specifies what is included, what is not, and what triggers change orders.

Contact and logistics

Fontenot Construction operates out of the Chattanooga area with no retail storefront; all work is site-based at your home. Office hours are standard business hours Monday through Friday. Parking and access to your property are your responsibility; the contractor will coordinate equipment and material delivery with you beforehand. Verify current contact details and scheduling availability before planning your remodel timeline.

Fontenot Construction handles the common remodel path most Chattanooga homeowners take, backed by licensing, bonding, and a track record that matters more than any single project list.