R & E Construction in Chattanooga: Full-Service General Contractor for Residential Renovations and New Builds
R & E Construction is a licensed general contractor operating in the greater Chattanooga area, handling residential renovation projects, room additions, and new home construction from the permitting stage through final inspection. The firm works at a mid-market scale, taking on jobs ranging from $50,000 kitchen remodels to six-figure whole-home renovations, and positions itself as a direct-hire contractor rather than a broker that subcontracts all work out.
What R & E Construction Actually Does
R & E Construction specializes in projects where the homeowner wants a single point of contact responsible for timeline, budget, and code compliance. The company pulls its own permits with the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County, manages inspections, and coordinates trades. It does not operate as a handyman service; jobs typically run six weeks or longer and involve structural, mechanical, or electrical components that require licensed oversight.
The firm handles interior and exterior work: kitchen and bathroom renovations, additions, roof replacement, foundation repair, electrical panel upgrades, and plumbing system overhauls. It also takes on smaller commercial projects, though the bulk of its work is residential.
Services and Pricing
R & E Construction charges by project, not hourly. Kitchen renovations in the Chattanooga market typically run $60,000 to $120,000 depending on scope and finishes; the firm's projects cluster in the $75,000 to $95,000 range for mid-range updates (new cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, plumbing relocation). A bathroom renovation averages $20,000 to $45,000. Room additions and structural work begin at $100,000 and scale upward.
The company requires a deposit at signing (typically 30 to 40 percent of the project cost) and draws progress payments tied to work completion and inspection milestones. Final payment is due upon project completion and final city sign-off. Payment terms and deposit structure vary by project size; confirm specifics during the initial estimate consultation.
How R & E Construction Compares to Other Chattanooga Contractors
Chattanooga homeowners have three broad contractor categories to choose from: large regional firms (often running 15 to 30 crews simultaneously), owner-operated single-person shops, and mid-sized firms like R & E.
Large regional contractors such as those operating across Tennessee often provide polished marketing materials and can absorb unexpected costs without schedule delays, but they typically add overhead that pushes project costs higher and assign a project manager rather than the owner to your job. They suit homeowners who prioritize predictability and have a high budget tolerance.
Single-person or two-person contractor operations can undercut larger firms on labor but often carry fewer licenses (sometimes operating as a handyman under the legal threshold, not as a licensed general contractor). They may delay if the owner gets sick or takes another job.
R & E Construction sits between these: the owner is involved in the project but has enough crew depth to maintain timeline without personal absence halting work. This positioning appeals to homeowners with project costs in the $50,000 to $150,000 range who want the owner's direct accountability without paying regional-firm overhead. For projects under $30,000, a licensed handyman may be more economical; for jobs exceeding $200,000, a larger firm's infrastructure and bonding capacity may provide more peace of mind.
Who R & E Construction Suits and Who It Does Not
The firm is strongest for homeowners planning a single major renovation or addition, with a clear budget and timeline, who want the general contractor to handle permitting and inspections. It suits projects where structural or mechanical changes require licensed oversight.
R & E Construction is less suitable for homeowners seeking a contractor for occasional small repairs, those planning a phased multi-year renovation strategy, or those with budgets under $25,000 (where a handyman becomes more practical). It does not take on emergency repair calls the same day; it operates by appointment and scheduled projects.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
The initial consultation is a free site visit and walk-through where the contractor assesses the scope, discusses budget and timeline, and outlines which permits and inspections will be required. The contractor will ask about your aesthetic preferences, budget ceiling, and deadline. This visit typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour. You will receive a written estimate within 5 to 10 business days. The estimate should specify materials, labor, permit costs, and a proposed schedule.
If you proceed, you will sign a contract that includes the total price, payment schedule, start and end dates, and a change-order process for scope adjustments. The contractor will pull permits before work begins. You should budget an additional 1 to 2 weeks for city review and approval, depending on project complexity.
Hours, Contact, and Logistics
R & E Construction operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and takes consultation appointments by phone or email. Work crews are typically on-site between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. The company is based in Chattanooga and serves Hamilton County and immediately adjacent areas; travel outside this zone may add a trip fee.
For project-specific details, hours of operation, or scheduling an estimate, contact the firm directly to confirm current availability and any seasonal scheduling adjustments.
R & E Construction earns its standing as a mid-market Chattanooga contractor because it eliminates the ambiguity that comes from using a solo operator while avoiding the corporate markup of larger regional firms. The owner's direct involvement and licensed, permitted approach make it a practical choice for homeowners undertaking a significant renovation who want clear accountability.
