Ulyess & Son Construction in Chattanooga: Residential Remodeling with Owner-Led Project Management
Ulyess & Son Construction is a residential general contracting firm that handles kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions, and whole-home renovations across the Chattanooga area. The business operates as a small, owner-managed operation rather than a large commercial firm, which shapes both its strengths and its typical project scope.
What Ulyess & Son Construction actually is
The company specializes in interior and exterior residential work, with a focus on kitchens and bathrooms. It takes on jobs ranging from $15,000 single-room updates to $100,000-plus whole-home projects. The owner, Ulyess, manages each job personally rather than delegating to a project manager, meaning direct communication runs through one person. This model works well for homeowners who want consistency and a single point of contact but can create scheduling constraints during peak seasons (spring through early fall).
The firm is licensed and insured in Tennessee. Chattanooga homeowners working on additions or structural changes will need permits through the Hamilton County Building Department, and Ulyess & Son handles the permit application process as part of the contract scope.
Services and pricing
Kitchen remodels typically run $40,000 to $80,000 for mid-range finishes (semi-custom cabinetry, quartz or granite counters, tile or vinyl flooring, updated appliances). High-end kitchens with custom cabinets and premium materials exceed $100,000. Bathroom remodels range from $12,000 for a basic refresh to $35,000 for a full gut renovation with tile, new fixtures, and ventilation upgrades.
Room additions and structural work are priced per square foot and scope; a typical 12-by-16-foot addition runs $25,000 to $40,000 depending on foundation type, framing, and finishes. These jobs require a structural engineer's review and city permits before work begins.
The company offers free estimates but requires a site visit and detailed scope discussion. Payment terms typically involve a deposit (commonly 30 to 50 percent) upon contract signing, with the balance due upon substantial completion. Verify current pricing and deposit requirements before committing; material costs fluctuate.
How it compares to other Chattanooga general contractors
Ulyess & Son operates in a different tier from large firms like Charter Building Group or Turner Construction, which focus on commercial projects and new construction. It also differs from handyman services, which handle smaller repairs but typically avoid licensed trades like electrical or plumbing for new installations.
For residential remodels of the size Ulyess & Son targets, local alternatives include companies like Epoxy Coatings Chattanooga (which specializes in decorative finishes rather than full remodels) and independent contractors operating through referral networks. Ulyess & Son's advantage lies in unified management: one person oversees design consultation, permitting, subcontractor coordination, and quality checks. The trade-off is capacity; during busy months, the job queue extends, and you may wait 4 to 8 weeks before work begins.
Larger firms like Charter offer more scheduling flexibility and dedicated project managers but typically impose minimum project sizes ($50,000 and up) and higher overhead margins. Solo contractors or small crews often quote lower than Ulyess & Son but may lack fidelity to timelines or code compliance on electrical and plumbing work.
Who it suits and who it does not
Ulyess & Son works best for homeowners undertaking one or two remodels who value consistency and want to build a relationship with a single decision-maker. It suits mid-range to higher-end projects where quality matters more than hitting a rock-bottom price. Homeowners comfortable with a 6- to 10-week turnaround and willing to visit the site during work will find this model effective.
It does not suit homeowners with urgent timelines (under 4 weeks to start) or those managing multiple simultaneous projects who need a larger crew. It also may not be the right fit for projects under $10,000, as the overhead and permitting process don't align well with minor work.
What the first visit involves
An initial consultation typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour. Ulyess meets at your home, walks the project space, discusses your goals and budget, and takes photos and measurements. He will identify permit requirements, flag structural or code concerns, and give a rough timeline. Within 5 to 7 business days, he sends a written estimate with line-item costs, a project schedule, and payment terms.
If you accept, you sign a contract and submit the deposit. Ulyess then pulls permits (2 to 3 weeks for most residential remodels in Hamilton County) and coordinates inspections with the county building department. Work typically begins within 1 to 2 weeks after permits clear.
Hours, location, and logistics
Ulyess & Son operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with site work generally occurring within those windows. The company is based in the Chattanooga area and serves the city and surrounding Hamilton County. For projects outside Chattanooga proper, travel time may affect scheduling; confirm service area coverage before proceeding.
Most contact and scheduling happen by phone or email. Payment is due upon completion, not on a progress schedule; verify this arrangement upfront if you prefer milestone-based payments.
Ulyess & Son Construction fills a genuine need for Chattanooga homeowners seeking direct oversight on mid-sized remodels without the overhead of a large firm. The owner's hands-on approach reduces communication friction and build quality, provided you can accommodate the slower intake pace during peak season.
