Howell & Associates in Chattanooga: Full-Service General Contractor for Residential Remodels and Additions
Howell & Associates is a licensed general contractor serving the greater Chattanooga area with a focus on residential remodeling, home additions, and renovation projects that range from kitchen updates to structural expansions. The firm operates as a full-service contractor, meaning it handles permitting, inspections, and subcontractor coordination in-house rather than referring clients elsewhere for administrative steps.
What Howell & Associates actually handles
The company specializes in projects that require architectural or structural changes: kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions, deck construction, roof replacement, and interior renovations. It does not operate as a handyman service for minor repairs; the minimum project scope typically starts around $15,000, with most jobs running between $30,000 and $150,000. The firm is licensed by the State of Tennessee and carries liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage, which means work performed meets code and protects homeowners from liability during construction.
Services and pricing structure
Howell & Associates quotes projects on a fixed-bid or time-and-materials basis depending on the scope. Fixed-bid pricing is more common for well-defined projects like a single-room remodel where scope creep is unlikely; time-and-materials applies when existing conditions are unknown (for example, interior walls must be opened to assess framing before a final price). The firm typically charges $85 to $125 per labor hour for crew time, with markup on materials ranging from 15 to 25 percent depending on order complexity. An initial consultation and estimate are free; detailed estimates include a line-item breakdown of labor, materials, and subcontractor fees. Most projects require a 33 percent deposit to begin work, with payment due upon substantial completion and final inspection approval.
Permitting costs vary by project type. A kitchen remodel in Hamilton County runs $200 to $500 in permit fees alone; a room addition or roof replacement can exceed $1,000. Howell & Associates includes permitting fees in the quoted price and handles all submissions to the city or county, so homeowners do not contact the building department directly.
How it compares to other Chattanooga general contractors
Howell & Associates operates differently from larger regional firms like Boral Construction or Turner Construction, which handle commercial and multi-family projects and often require a general contractor's license only in name while outsourcing all work. Howell & Associates maintains an in-house crew for framing, basic carpentry, and finish work, which means fewer subcontractor handoffs and faster problem resolution on site. This approach typically results in lower overhead than firms with large office staff, which can translate to competitive pricing on mid-sized residential projects.
Compared to smaller remodeling shops (single-owner operations like local bathroom specialists), Howell & Associates offers broader scope flexibility. A bathroom remodel specialist may charge less per day but cannot handle the structural permits and coordination required for an addition; Howell & Associates can manage both from start to finish. However, specialty shops often deliver faster timelines for work confined to one room.
Choose Howell & Associates for multi-phase projects, structural work, or jobs that cross several trades. Choose a specialized bathroom or kitchen firm if speed and pricing on a single room are the priority.
Who it suits and who it does not
Howell & Associates works best for homeowners planning a $30,000-plus remodel or addition who want a single point of contact for permits, inspections, and all trades. It suits people who prioritize finishing timelines (typically 6 to 16 weeks depending on scope) over negotiating the lowest possible labor rate.
It is not the right fit for cosmetic updates under $10,000, emergency repairs, or one-off handyman tasks. It is also not ideal for clients seeking a design-build firm that includes architectural drawings and interior design services; Howell & Associates executes plans provided by a homeowner or their architect but does not generate designs.
What the first visit involves
A homeowner schedules a free consultation at the property. The project manager walks the space, takes measurements and photos, reviews existing plans if available, and discusses the homeowner's goals, timeline, and budget range. Within one week, Howell & Associates delivers a written estimate that includes scope of work, a detailed cost breakdown, a start date estimate, and a projected completion date. The homeowner signs a contract before any work begins; the contract specifies the fixed price (or hourly rate if time-and-materials), payment schedule, warranty terms (typically one year on workmanship), and change-order procedures for scope modifications.
Hours, logistics, and how to reach them
Howell & Associates operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with weekend work available by special arrangement for an additional fee. The office is located on the north side of Chattanooga; projects are scheduled within a 30-mile radius of the city. Parking during construction is arranged with the homeowner in advance, typically using the driveway or a designated street space.
To request an estimate, call the office directly or submit a project description through the website; response time is typically 2 to 3 business days. Verify current hours and contact details before scheduling, as staffing changes seasonally.
Howell & Associates fills a necessary gap in the Chattanooga contractor market: licensed, insured, and capable of handling complex residential work without forcing homeowners to assemble and manage multiple contractors themselves.
