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IMC Builders strives to deliver a BETTER building experience through service, transparency, leadership and continuous innovation.
Contact us today at 530.301.0059 for a consultation and let us show you how our home improvement services can bring your vision to life.
Sacramento Builder, Specializing in Custom Homes, Renovations, and Additions
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Building or remodeling a home comes with a lot of questions — and choosing the right builder starts with clear, honest answers. This page covers some of the most common questions clients ask about working with IMC Builders, from our process and pricing approach to design collaboration and project management. If you don’t see your question here, we’re always happy to talk it through.

Getting Started & Fit

Getting Started & Fit

What types of projects does IMC Builders specialize in?
IMC Builders focuses on new construction, custom homes, remodels, and additions. From brand‑new custom homes to bringing older homes back to life, we follow a design‑driven process that works across a wide range of architectural styles and project goals.
Do you work on both new construction and remodels?

Yes. We manage ground-up custom homes, large-scale remodels, and additions. Many of our projects involve complex renovations where new construction must integrate seamlessly with an existing structure.

How do I know if my project is a good fit?

During the discovery phase, we review your goals, site conditions, budget expectations, and timeline. This early evaluation helps determine feasibility and ensures expectations are aligned before moving forward.

Pricing & Fees

Pricing questions are common, and for good reason. The answers below explain how we approach costs, estimates, and pricing transparency.

Do you charge a markup on materials or labor?

No. IMC Builders does not charge percentage markups on materials or labor. Instead, we charge a fee based on overall project complexity and the time required to manage the build.

How is this different from a traditional contractor?

Many contractors apply a standard 15–25% markup to all labor and materials. Our approach removes that variable—so if you choose higher-end finishes or materials, our fee does not increase. This gives clients and designers flexibility without financial pressure tied to selections.

What is the going rate per square foot to build a new home?

Cost per square foot varies widely depending on land conditions, utility access, overall design, and the size of the home. In our market, new construction typically starts around $400 per square foot and increases from there based on complexity, finishes, and site requirements. Because every project is different, square-foot pricing is best used as a general reference — not a final budget.

What is the going rate per square foot for a remodel?

Remodel pricing varies based on the age of the home, structural changes, mechanical upgrades, and the level of finishes. In our market, full-scope remodels typically start around $250 per square foot and often range up to $350 per square foot or more, depending on layout changes, complexity, and the condition of the existing structure.

Does the price per square foot apply to the entire home?

Not exactly. Price-per-square-foot calculations apply only to the areas being remodeled — not the entire home. For example, if you’re updating a kitchen and two bathrooms, pricing is based on those specific spaces.

That said, the existing portions of the home still influence pricing. Factors like age, layout, electrical capacity, and plumbing routes can affect complexity, even if those areas aren’t directly part of the remodel scope.

Can you give a rough estimate before design begins?

Yes. We can provide a rough estimate based on similar projects through our Pre-Design Proposal. More accurate pricing is developed during the Pre-Construction phase, where every line item, material, and selection is defined. This is when we essentially build the project on paper and identify opportunities to adjust scope or costs if needed.

Are designer fees included in your fees?

No. Designers operate as their own companies, so their fees are separate from ours. We work hand‑in‑hand throughout the project, but their services are billed directly through them.

Do you offer budget-friendly builds?

Yes. During Pre-Construction, we review the full scope and identify areas where adjustments can be made without compromising the integrity of the project. Cabinetry and certain finish selections often provide the most flexibility, while structural components typically have fixed requirements.

At IMC Builders, we don’t sell luxury — we sell service. While we can absolutely build high-end homes, the real value comes from thoughtful planning, clear communication, and helping clients make informed decisions that align with their priorities and budget.

I don’t want to invest more into my home than it will be worth — how do I know I’m making a smart decision?

That’s a valid concern, especially with full home remodels. During Pre‑Construction, IMC Builders provides a market analysis that outlines the projected After‑Renovation Value (ARV) of your home. This helps ensure you’re not over‑investing or out‑building the neighborhood. Our goal is to give you clear data so you can make confident decisions about scope, budget, and long‑term value.

Design & Collaboration

Do you require a designer on every project?

Yes. A designer is essential to ensuring the project is fully thought through before construction begins. Designers help establish a cohesive vision, develop accurate plans and selections, prevent costly mid-build changes, and keep the entire team aligned.

Having a designer involved streamlines communication, reduces delays, and ensures every detail—from layout to finishes—supports how the home will actually be used. It’s a key part of delivering a smooth, predictable, and high-quality experience.

Can I bring my own designer or architect?

Yes. We regularly collaborate with outside designers and architects and can also connect clients with trusted professionals from our established network if needed.

Process & Communication

What does your build process look like?

Our process follows clear, structured stages: Discovery, Design, Planning, Construction, and Completion. Each phase is designed to reduce uncertainty, clarify decisions early, and keep the project moving efficiently.

How do you keep clients informed during construction?

Clients receive access to a JobTread customer portal, where they can view schedules, documents, financials, updates, and communicate directly with our team — all in one place.

Will I have walkthroughs during the project?

Yes. We schedule milestone walkthroughs throughout construction to review progress, confirm details, and address questions before moving to the next phase.

Trades, Quality & Standards

Who performs the construction work?

We work exclusively with licensed, insured, and heavily vetted trade partners and subcontractors. Each new partner is thoroughly evaluated before being brought onto a project.

Do you use the same trades on every project?

We maintain a trusted network of established vendors while selecting the best-fit trades for each specific project based on scope, expertise, and scheduling needs.

How do you ensure quality?

Every project is managed as if it were our own. Clear scopes, consistent oversight, documented processes, and experienced supervision ensure quality control from start to finish.

Service Area & Logistics

Where does IMC Builders work?

While much of our work is in East Sacramento, we are based in Lincoln and serve clients throughout the surrounding region, including but not limited to Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Loomis, Sacramento, Natomas, Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Yuba City, and Marysville. We’ve also completed projects throughout Central California, Southern California, and the Bay Area.

Do you take on multiple projects at once?

We carefully manage project volume to ensure each client receives proper attention, clear communication, and consistent oversight throughout the build.

Project Completion & Follow-Up

What happens at the end of the project?

We conduct a final walkthrough, address punch-list items, provide system orientations and documentation, close out permits and warranties, and ensure everything is operating as intended.

Do you offer post-project support?

Yes! We provide post‑project support, including a dedicated check‑in after completion to make sure everything is performing the way it should. Beyond that, we’re always available if anything comes up down the road. Our goal is for you to feel supported long after the build is finished, not left on your own once the project wraps.