R E Michel Company in Chattanooga: General Contractors for Residential Remodeling and New Construction
R E Michel Company is a licensed general contractor serving the Chattanooga area with a focus on residential remodeling, additions, and new construction. The firm operates as a mid-sized contractor, handling projects from kitchen and bathroom renovations to full-home builds, positioned between one-person handymen and large commercial-focused firms.
What R E Michel Company Actually Does
The company holds a Tennessee general contractor license and manages the full scope of residential work: structural framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing, HVAC coordination, drywall, finishing, and permit navigation. Projects typically range from $50,000 kitchen renovations to six-figure home builds. The firm carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation, both requirements for licensed contractors in Tennessee. Unlike handymen, who are capped at jobs under $1,000 without licensing, R E Michel handles jobs of any size and assumes responsibility for code compliance and permitting.
Services and Typical Cost Range
Kitchen and bathroom remodels run between $50,000 and $150,000 depending on scope, finishes, and whether structural walls move. Full-home additions range from $100,000 to $300,000+. New construction pricing depends on square footage and site conditions but typically falls between $150 and $250 per square foot for standard residential builds in the Chattanooga market.
R E Michel requires a signed contract before work begins, which should detail scope, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty terms. Most residential contractors in Chattanooga charge a 50% deposit, 25% at rough-in phase, and final 25% upon completion, though terms vary. Verify current pricing and payment terms directly, as material and labor costs shift.
How It Compares to Other Chattanooga Contractors
Chattanooga's general contractor market divides into tiers. Single-owner shops (often operating under state handyman exemptions for jobs under $1,000) offer lower overhead and faster scheduling but may lack bonding and cannot legally bid jobs over a certain size. Larger firms like Turner Construction handle primarily commercial work and rarely take residential jobs. R E Michel sits in the middle: licensed for work of any size, carrying full insurance, but with faster turnaround than regional builders. Choose R E Michel for mid-to-large residential projects where code compliance, permitting, and a single point of accountability matter. Choose a licensed handyman for small repairs, cabinet work, or minor renovations under $1,000. Choose a large regional builder if you want turnkey new construction with design services and model homes.
Who This Fits and Who It Does Not
R E Michel suits homeowners planning remodels or additions that require permits, structural changes, or HVAC/electrical coordination. It suits people who want a licensed firm and are comfortable with a contract-based relationship and standard payment schedules. It does not suit homeowners looking for a quick cash-job handyperson or those seeking a design-build firm that handles both architecture and construction under one roof (though R E Michel can work alongside an architect you hire separately).
What the First Conversation Involves
Initial contact typically involves a site visit. The contractor will walk the space, photograph existing conditions, ask about timeline and budget, and discuss scope. A formal estimate arrives within 5 to 10 business days and will specify materials, labor, timeline, and warranties. Most contractors offer a one-year warranty on workmanship and pass through manufacturer warranties on appliances and fixtures. Before signing, confirm that the contract lists the contractor's license number, addresses permit responsibility, and clarifies who pays for inspections (typically the contractor, rolled into the bid).
Hours, Licensing, and Logistics
R E Michel operates standard business hours for office contact and estimates; job sites work Monday through Friday, typically 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with occasional Saturday availability. Verify the current license status on the Tennessee Secretary of State's public contractor database or by phone with your local building department. Parking and site access depend on your home; discuss logistics during the estimate.
A licensed general contractor in Tennessee must carry liability insurance, maintain a current license, and pull permits for work exceeding $1,000 in value. These requirements protect you if someone is injured or code violations emerge after completion.
R E Michel's strength lies in managing complex residential projects where permitting, code compliance, and coordination of multiple trades matter. For Chattanooga homeowners planning a significant remodel or addition, a licensed contractor removes the risk that unlicensed work creates later.
