Wallis Construction in Chattanooga: General Contractor for Residential Remodels and Additions
Wallis Construction is a licensed general contractor serving Chattanooga homeowners with residential remodels, additions, and renovation work. The company operates as a full-service builder, handling permitting, inspections, and construction management in-house rather than referring projects to subcontractors for the entire scope. Work ranges from kitchen and bathroom updates to second-story additions and structural modifications across the greater Chattanooga area.
What Wallis Construction Does
Wallis Construction specializes in residential projects where homeowners need coordination across multiple trades and phases. The company pulls permits through Hamilton County and the City of Chattanooga, manages inspection schedules, and oversees framing, electrical, plumbing, and finish work. Projects typically run 8 to 16 weeks depending on scope, with the company maintaining an active schedule that means availability can extend 4 to 6 weeks out. This is relevant for homeowners who cannot wait months to start; competitors with lighter schedules may begin sooner, though at different pricing.
The company is licensed as a Tennessee Home Builder and General Contractor (license verification available through the Tennessee Construction Contractors Licensing Board). This distinction matters: a licensed general contractor can legally pull permits and sign off on work in Chattanooga, whereas handymen and unlicensed operators cannot.
Services and Project Pricing
Wallis Construction does not publish a menu of fixed prices, which is standard for custom residential work where each project is unique. Initial consultations are free; the company visits the site, discusses scope, and provides a written estimate before work begins. Most estimates are binding, meaning the price does not increase unless the homeowner requests a change order.
Kitchen remodels in the Chattanooga market typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 depending on whether cabinets are replaced or refaced, countertop material (laminate vs. quartz), and whether plumbing or electrical layout changes. Bathroom remodels run $12,000 to $35,000 for a full gut-and-rebuild. Room additions cost roughly $120 to $180 per square foot, so a 200-square-foot addition starts around $24,000 before lot-specific factors like foundation type or electrical panel upgrades. These ranges reflect current Chattanooga-area pricing; confirm with the company for a specific project.
The company requires a deposit to begin work, typically 30 percent of the contract price, with the remainder drawn in phases tied to completion milestones. This structure protects both parties and is standard across Chattanooga contractors.
How Wallis Compares to Other Chattanooga General Contractors
Chattanooga has no shortage of licensed general contractors. The choice hinges on project type, timeline, and communication style.
Wallis handles projects where a homeowner wants a single point of contact through permit, construction, and inspection. This differs from a homeowner who pulls permits themselves and hires trades separately, which saves money but requires more active management. It also differs from larger firms (like those handling commercial work or tract home developments) that may prioritize bigger-budget projects and have less flexibility on smaller remodels.
Contractors like those operating under the Home Builders Association of Chattanooga range widely in size and approach. Some work exclusively with architects on high-end custom homes; others focus on quick flip projects. Wallis occupies the middle ground: homeowner-scale work with licensed accountability. If your budget is under $15,000, a skilled handyman (insured but not necessarily licensed as a GC) may be more cost-effective. If your budget exceeds $150,000 and you want architectural services bundled, a larger firm or design-build company may be better suited.
Who Wallis Construction Suits and Who It Does Not
Wallis is a fit for homeowners who need permits pulled in Chattanooga or Hamilton County, prefer a general contractor to manage the process, and have a project in the $12,000 to $80,000 range. It works well for additions, full bath or kitchen remodels, and structural work that requires engineered plans and inspections.
Wallis may not be the right choice if you need work done within 2 weeks, are looking for a licensed handyman for minor repairs only, or are planning a six-figure custom home where architect-led design is part of the scope.
What to Expect on a First Visit
Contact Wallis to schedule a free estimate. A representative visits your home, asks about the desired outcome, takes measurements, and notes existing conditions (foundation, electrical panel capacity, plumbing access). You discuss timeline, budget range, and design preferences. Within a few days, you receive a written estimate with a line-item breakdown, projected start and end dates, and payment terms. If you accept, you sign the contract, submit the deposit, and the company handles permitting and scheduling. You are assigned a point of contact who communicates progress, addresses questions, and coordinates inspections with the city.
Hours and Logistics
Wallis Construction operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the work schedule typically running 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on job sites. For estimates or questions outside business hours, contact the office during the week. Work does not proceed on weekends unless specifically negotiated. Confirm current hours before visiting the office.
A licensed general contractor in Chattanooga brings accountability and legal standing that uninsured operators cannot match. Wallis pulls its own permits and holds its own license, which protects you if work does not meet code or if an accident occurs on your property.
