Know What Questions to Ask.
A little preparation before construction begins can prevent expensive misunderstandings later.
Most Remodeling Problems Don’t Begin With Bad Intentions.
They begin with things that weren’t discussed: an allowance that wasn’t understood, a change nobody priced, a selection that wasn’t made in time, or a detail everyone assumed somebody else was handling.
That’s why I created The Builder’s 2nd Opinion.
Your Job Is to Be an Informed Homeowner.
The Builder’s 2nd Opinion helps you think through your project before you’re standing in a half-demolished room trying to make an expensive decision on the spot.
Here’s How It Works
Everyone starts with three practical preparation tools: the Planning Guide, Homeowner Questionnaire, and 48-Page Project Log. Learn what deserves attention, think through what you may not have considered, and organize the details as your project moves forward. Then decide whether you want to work entirely on your own or add my personal review and a private conversation.
Read the Before You Remodel Planning Guide and become familiar with the decisions and conversations that deserve attention.
Complete the Homeowner Questionnaire at your own pace, then use the 48-Page Project Log to keep your decisions, selections, quotes, costs, conversations and questions organized as the project moves forward. For the $49 self-guided package, these tools are yours to use on your own.
Choose the $149 package—or upgrade later for $100—and return your completed Questionnaire to me for personal review.
After I review your answers, we meet privately by Zoom for 30 minutes and concentrate on your questions, concerns, and the things your answers uncovered.
For much of my working life, I built custom homes and worked directly with homeowners through the decisions that come with residential construction. The Builder’s 2nd Opinion gives homeowners access to that experience before their remodeling project gets underway.
Start With the Preparation. Add My Personal Help If You Want It.
Every homeowner gets the same core preparation materials. You can work through them on your own, or choose The Builder’s 2nd Opinion and have me personally review your answers before we talk.
Before You Remodel
- Before You Remodel Planning Guide
- Comprehensive Homeowner Questionnaire
- 48-Page Before You Remodel Project Log
- Immediate digital delivery
- Work through it at your own pace
Preparation + Personal Conversation
- Everything in the $49 package
- Personal review of your completed Questionnaire
- Private 30-minute Zoom conversation with Michael Stoler
- A focused discussion of what your answers uncovered
No contractor commissions or referral fees. No site visits. No construction management.
One Unanswered Question Could Be Worth Way More Than $49.
One overlooked allowance, change, specification, responsibility, or assumption could cost you far more than the cost of preparing before the work begins.
The goal isn’t to find problems with your contractor. The goal is to begin with fewer unanswered questions.
You Don’t Have to Know Everything Before You Begin.
The goal is not to turn you into a contractor. It is to help you become better prepared, ask better questions, keep important details organized, and have more productive conversations before and during your remodeling project.
Prepare First. Ask Better Questions. Have Better Conversations.
Start with the Planning Guide + Questionnaire + 48-Page Project Log for $49. Add personal review + a 30-minute conversation whenever you want it.