Paul E. Rice Jr. in Chattanooga: General Contractor for Residential Remodeling and Additions
Paul E. Rice Jr. is a licensed general contractor in Chattanooga who specializes in residential remodeling, home additions, and custom carpentry work. He operates as a sole proprietor, taking on projects ranging from kitchen and bathroom renovations to full-home additions and structural work. His business sits in the middle market of Chattanooga's general contracting landscape, serving homeowners who want direct communication with an owner-operator rather than a large construction company.
What Paul E. Rice Jr. Actually Does
Rice holds a Tennessee contractor's license and handles jobs that require permitting, framing, and coordination of multiple trades. His primary focus is interior and exterior remodeling, including kitchen and bath upgrades, room additions, deck construction, and custom carpentry. He also manages jobs requiring structural changes, electrical and plumbing coordination, and HVAC integration. His scale is residential only; he does not take on commercial or new construction projects. Work is completed in-house where possible and subcontracted where licensing or specialization requires it. Most jobs last between two weeks and three months depending on scope.
Services and Typical Project Costs
Kitchen remodels in Chattanooga range from $15,000 to $50,000 depending on whether cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and layout changes are included. Bathroom renovations typically fall between $8,000 and $25,000. Room additions cost between $120 and $180 per square foot for materials and labor combined, meaning a 200-square-foot addition runs roughly $24,000 to $36,000. Deck construction averages $25 to $50 per square foot, placing a 400-square-foot deck in the $10,000 to $20,000 range. All estimates require an in-person site visit and are provided at no charge. Pricing is based on the scope of work, material selections, and whether permits and inspections are required. Payment terms are typically 50 percent deposit at project start, with the balance due upon completion.
How Paul E. Rice Jr. Compares to Other Chattanooga Contractors
Chattanooga has several tiers of general contractors. Large firms like Deems Construction and construction management companies handle $500,000-plus commercial and residential projects with formal project managers and structured overhead. Mid-size outfits like homebuilders offer full-package residential services but often require longer lead times and larger minimums. Solo contractors and small two-person operations compete on price and availability but may lack bonding or carry inconsistent credentials. Paul E. Rice Jr. occupies the licensed owner-operator tier: licensed, insured, and bonded, with direct owner involvement in every project, no administrative markup, and faster scheduling than larger firms. Choose Rice for mid-range remodels ($8,000 to $50,000) where you want single-point accountability. Choose a large firm if you need turnkey services, complex coordination of multiple trades, or formal project management. Choose a handyman for small repairs and cosmetic work under $5,000.
Who This Contractor Suits and Who It Does Not
Paul E. Rice Jr. is a good fit for homeowners in Chattanooga who want licensed, traceable work on residential remodels and additions without the overhead cost of a large construction company. He suits people comfortable communicating directly with the contractor and who can be present during the project for decisions. He does not suit owners seeking turnkey new construction, multi-million-dollar homes, or commercial projects. He also does not work for clients who need extensive financing or who prefer dealing with corporate entities rather than individual contractors.
What the First Visit Involves
Contact comes via phone or referral. Rice schedules a free consultation at your home to walk the project space, discuss scope, timeline, and budget. He takes measurements, notes existing conditions, and identifies code or structural concerns. Within one week, he provides a written estimate outlining materials, labor, timeline, and payment terms. If you accept, a contract is signed and a start date is set. No deposit is collected until work begins.
Hours, Licensing, and Logistics
Paul E. Rice Jr. operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional Saturday availability for emergency repairs or project closeouts. He is Tennessee-licensed (verify current license status with the Tennessee Construction Contractors Licensing Commission) and carries liability insurance and bonding. He pulls all required permits and coordinates city inspections as part of the job. Parking on-site during construction depends on your property; this is discussed during the initial visit. Job start times are typically 7 or 7:30 a.m., and work is cleaned up daily. Most remodels require a 2 to 4-week lead time depending on material availability and seasonal demand; verify specific timelines when requesting an estimate, as lead times vary.
Paul E. Rice Jr. fills a practical niche for Chattanooga homeowners undertaking mid-scale residential work who value licensed accountability and direct owner communication over corporate structure.
