Old School Construction in Chattanooga: Licensed Contractor Specializing in Residential Remodeling

Old School Construction is a licensed general contractor in Chattanooga that focuses on kitchen and bathroom remodeling, structural repairs, and whole-home renovation projects for owner-occupied residences. The firm operates as a small team rather than a large franchise, meaning the owner typically attends initial consultations and remains involved through project completion, which affects both timeline and decision-making flexibility compared to larger regional contractors.

What the contractor actually does

Old School Construction handles interior and structural work, with particular depth in kitchen and bath renovations where material selection and layout decisions create the largest cost variation. The firm also manages foundation repairs, roof replacements, and additions. They pull permits through the City of Chattanooga and work within local building codes. The contractor does not perform HVAC installation, electrical panel upgrades, or plumbing rough-in work; those trades are subcontracted to licensed specialists, but Old School manages the coordination and inspection process so the homeowner deals with one point of contact.

Services and pricing

Kitchen remodels in Chattanooga typically range from $35,000 to $85,000 depending on cabinet choice (semi-custom or stock versus custom cabinetry), countertop material (laminate, quartz, or granite), and whether appliances are included in the contract. A bathroom renovation averages $12,000 to $28,000 for a full gut-and-rebuild with tile, fixtures, and vanity. Roofing jobs are quoted per square (100 square feet) and run $350 to $500 per square for composition shingles on a typical Chattanooga pitch; metal roofing costs more but lasts longer.

Old School Construction charges a flat project fee rather than time-and-materials, which means the homeowner knows the total cost before work begins. A project deposit of 30 percent is required to secure the start date; the remainder is due upon substantial completion and final inspection. Request a written estimate that itemizes labor, materials, and subcontractor fees separately so you can see where money goes.

How it compares to other Chattanooga contractors

Larger regional contractors like those operating across Tennessee and Georgia can absorb smaller jobs into a pipeline, sometimes offering faster turnaround if the project aligns with crew scheduling. They may also have in-house electrical and plumbing teams, reducing coordination steps. The trade-off is less owner involvement and higher overhead built into pricing. Old School's single-team model suits homeowners who want ongoing communication and are willing to work within the firm's current schedule rather than demanding immediate start dates.

For simple repairs (drywall patching, door repair, minor trim work), a handyman service under $5,000 may be more cost-effective than hiring a general contractor. Old School typically prefers jobs above $10,000 where the scope justifies permit work and code inspection.

Who this contractor suits and who it doesn't

Old School Construction is a good fit if you own your Chattanooga home, want to remodel a specific room or system, can define your scope and budget before signing, and prefer direct communication with decision-makers. The firm works well with homeowners who have time to make selections (cabinets, tile, finishes) on a reasonable schedule rather than those needing emergency turnarounds.

This is not the right contractor if you need emergency water damage restoration (general contractors are not equipped for immediate extraction and drying), if your project requires in-house electrical work without subcontract delays, or if you are flipping a property and need to compress timelines into weeks.

What the first visit involves

Call or email to request an in-home consultation. The owner or project manager will walk through the space, ask about your goals, take photos and measurements, and discuss timeline and budget range. Be prepared to describe finishes and materials you want (or bring photos). The contractor will provide a written estimate within 7 to 10 business days. Review it carefully: a good estimate names specific products (cabinet brand and line, tile source, appliance model), labor phases, and a start and end date. If the estimate is vague ("labor TBD" or "materials to be determined"), ask for clarification before committing.

Hours, location, and logistics

Old School Construction operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for consultations; work crews typically start between 7 and 8 a.m. and finish by 4 p.m. Verify current hours and availability by phone before scheduling. The contractor serves Chattanooga proper and immediate suburbs; confirm your address falls within their service area.

Most remodeling work happens during business hours, though the contractor can arrange early or evening schedules for certain tasks if requested in writing beforehand.

A local general contractor who remains involved in the details and who quotes flat fees instead of open-ended labor rates gives homeowners a clearer path to completion and cost control, particularly important in a city where renovation demand often stretches contractor availability into months-long backlogs.