Is S.Hines Right for My Project?
Serious prospects need clear answers regarding budgets, T&M billing, land ownership, architectural plans, permits, and lead times. Find honest answers below before submitting your intake form.
What is your minimum project size or budget threshold?
To ensure every project receives Shane's personal hands-on leadership, our minimum budget threshold for remodels and heated workshops begins around $50,000. Custom home construction projects typically begin around $350,000 up to $1.5M+.
Why does S.Hines emphasize 'Building Homes, Not Just Houses'?
We view ourselves as an integrity-first partner in the construction process. Rather than treating builds like an assembly line, we focus on custom details, long-term trust, and energy-efficient sub-zero engineering designed for family living.
Why is Time and Materials (T&M) billing protective for remodels?
On remodels with un-inspectable dry rot or hidden wiring, T&M billing eliminates contractor risk-padding. Clients receive open-book material invoices and pay actual labor hours, ensuring complete budget transparency.
What is the difference between a rough estimate and a detailed bid?
A rough estimate provides a preliminary budget range based on category square footage. A detailed bid requires engineered architectural plans, site soil evaluation, and explicit material allowances to guarantee zero cost overruns.
Do I need to own land before contacting S.Hines?
Not necessarily! While many clients own land, Shane often meets with prospective clients prior to purchasing land to evaluate soil feasibility, slope, well/septic layout, road access, and Borough setback rules.
Do I need completed architectural plans before reaching out?
No. If you have engineered plans, we can price them directly. If you don't have plans, S.Hines provides complete design-build coordination, connecting you with trusted local draftsmen, architects, and structural engineers.
Do you coordinate architects, engineers, and Borough permits?
Yes. We handle all Kenai Peninsula Borough permitting, structural engineering stamps, site clearing, soil testing, well and septic installers, and electrical utility service connections.
How far do you travel across the Kenai Peninsula?
Our core active service radius extends approximately 65 miles from our Kasilof headquarters, covering Kasilof, Soldotna, Kenai, Sterling, Nikiski, Clam Gulch, Ninilchik, Anchor Point, Homer, Cooper Landing, and select projects in Seward.
What is your current project lead time?
We typically require 2 to 6 months of pre-construction planning for custom homes to complete engineering, secure permits, and pre-order long-lead windows and timber.
Is winter construction available in Alaska?
Yes! We build year-round across the Kenai Peninsula. We use sub-slab ground heaters, insulated concrete forms, and weather-sealed winter enclosures to frame and enclose homes safely during sub-zero months.
Do you support bank financing and lender draw documentation?
Absolutely. We provide complete line-item bid packages, fixed-price contracts, and draw schedules formatted specifically for local Alaskan banks and mortgage lenders.
Have a Specific Project Question?
Shane and Stormie are happy to answer your questions personally during your initial project qualification call.
Submit Your Project Qualification →