Frequently Asked
Questions
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Who We Are
About the Company
What is In The Details?
In The Details is a full service contracting, renovation and inspection company based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 2019 by Brandon Finkelstein, we specialize in contracting, carpentry, woodworking, and home inspections for residential and commercial clients throughout the greater St. Louis area.
View our story →Where is In The Details based, and what areas do you serve?
We are based in St. Louis, Missouri, and serve the entire greater St. Louis metropolitan area within approximately a 60-mile radius of the city. That includes St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, Franklin County, and Warren County in Missouri, as well as Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe counties in Illinois.
View our full service area →How long has In The Details been in business?
In The Details was founded in 2019. With more than six years of hands-on experience in the St. Louis construction and renovation market, we have built our reputation almost entirely through word of mouth.
Who will actually be working on my project?
We are a small, intentionally tight knit crew. The same people who quote your project are the ones who show up and complete it. You will not be handed off to an unfamiliar team after signing a contract. We deliberately limit the number of simultaneous active jobs so every client receives our full attention.
What makes In The Details different from other contractors in St. Louis?
Three things: direct owner involvement, multi trade capability, and a genuine refusal to cut corners. Brandon is personally invested in every job. Because our crew works across contracting, carpentry, woodworking, and painting, you rarely need to coordinate multiple vendors. And we do not move on from a job until the details are right.
What We Do
Services Overview
What services does In The Details offer in the St. Louis area?
We offer five core services: (1) general contracting and renovation: kitchen and bath remodels, room additions, and full gut projects; (2) finish carpentry: custom cabinets, trim, and door and window work; (3) architectural woodworking: crown molding, wainscoting, coffered ceilings, and decorative wood elements; (4) interior and exterior painting; and (5) residential and commercial property inspections.
Explore all services →Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes. We take on residential projects ranging from single room updates to full home renovations, as well as commercial build outs, tenant improvements, office renovations, and commercial property inspections throughout the St. Louis area.
Can you handle multiple trades on a single project?
Absolutely! and that is one of our main advantages. Because our team works across contracting, carpentry, woodworking, and painting, we often serve as the single point of contact for an entire renovation rather than requiring you to hire and manage separate specialists.
How do I know which service I need for my project?
If you are unsure, just reach out. A brief conversation or on-site walkthrough is usually enough to clarify the right scope.
Contracting
Contracting & Renovations
What contracting and renovation services do you offer in the St. Louis area?
Our contracting services cover kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, basement finishing, room additions, whole-home renovations, structural repairs, drywall and framing, flooring installation, exterior work, and commercial tenant improvements.
Learn more about contracting →Do you handle full kitchen and bathroom remodels?
Yes. Kitchen and bathroom remodels are among the most common renovation projects we complete in the St. Louis area. We manage everything from demolition and structural changes through framing, tile, cabinetry, trim, and final paint.
Do you handle permits for renovation projects in Missouri and Illinois?
Yes. For projects that require building permits in Missouri and Illinois municipalities, we manage the permitting process as part of our service. We are familiar with building department requirements across the greater St. Louis metropolitan area and will keep you informed of any permit timelines that affect your project schedule.
Do you use subcontractors?
Yes, we only coordinate with vetted trade partners.
What is the typical timeline for a renovation project in St. Louis?
Timelines vary significantly by scope. A single-room refresh might take a few days. A full kitchen or bathroom remodel typically runs two to four weeks. A whole-home renovation or major addition can extend several months. We provide a realistic schedule estimate before work begins and communicate promptly if anything requires an adjustment.
Accessibility & Care
Aging-in-Place Renovations
Do you handle aging-in-place renovations in St. Louis?
Yes. We specialize in home modifications that help seniors live safely and independently.
What aging-in-place modifications do you offer?
Common modifications we install include: grab bars and handrails in bathrooms and along stairways, curbless (zero-threshold) shower conversions, tub-to-shower conversions, widened doorways for wheelchair or walker access, non-slip flooring, exterior and interior ramp construction, threshold ramp installation, lowered countertops and work surfaces, lever-style door hardware, improved task lighting, and first-floor bedroom or bathroom additions. Every project starts with an honest conversation about the resident's current and anticipated needs.
Can you widen doorways for wheelchair or walker access?
Yes. ADA guidelines recommend a minimum 32–36 inch clear doorway width for unobstructed wheelchair passage.
Do you convert bathtubs to walk-in or curbless showers?
Yes. Tub-to-shower conversions are one of the most common aging-in-place modifications we complete in the St. Louis area. We remove the existing tub, reconfigure plumbing as needed, waterproof and tile the new shower area, and install a curbless or low-threshold entry with grab bars, a fold-down bench, and slip-resistant flooring. The goal is a bathroom that is both safe and visually cohesive with the rest of the home.
Can you build a wheelchair ramp at my St. Louis home?
Yes. We design and build exterior wheelchair ramps built to ADA slope guidelines (1:12 rise-to-run ratio), with appropriate handrails, non-slip surface treatment, and level landings at entry points. We also install smaller interior threshold ramps for navigating level changes inside the home.
Do you work with Medicare and Medicaid for aging-in-place renovations?
Yes. We work with clients whose aging-in-place modifications are being funded through Medicare, Medicaid, or Medicaid waiver programs such as Missouri's MO HealthNet Home and Community Based Services waivers.
Inspections
Home & Property Inspections
Why should I hire a private inspector instead of relying on a state or municipal inspector?
State and municipal inspectors serve a different purpose than a private home inspector and understanding the difference can protect you significantly. A code inspector works for the government and visits a job site to verify minimum code compliance at specific stages of construction. They are not there to advocate for you, they typically spend 15–30 minutes on site, and their sign-off means the work met the legal minimum. A private inspector works exclusively for you. We examine the entire property at one time, document conditions in detail, flag workmanship issues that pass code but will cause problems later, and give you a written report you own and can act on. For buyers, a private inspection is your best protection against inheriting someone else's deferred maintenance or shortcuts. For homeowners during a renovation, independent inspections at key stages catch issues before they are buried behind drywall.
What does a home inspection from In The Details cover?
Our residential inspections cover all major systems and components: structural elements (foundation, framing, roof structure), roofing materials and drainage, exterior cladding and windows, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, insulation and ventilation, interior finishes, doors, and installed appliances. You receive a detailed written report documenting current conditions and any items of concern.
Learn more about inspections →Do you offer pre-purchase home inspections in the St. Louis area?
Yes. Pre-purchase inspections are one of the most frequently requested services we provide.
Do you offer pre-listing home inspections for sellers?
Yes. A pre-listing inspection helps sellers identify issues before the home goes on the market. Knowing what a buyer's inspector is likely to find lets you address concerns proactively, price with confidence, and reduce the risk of deal-disrupting surprises mid-transaction. It is one of the most cost-effective investments a St. Louis area seller can make.
How long does a home inspection typically take?
Most residential inspections take two to four hours, depending on the size, age, and condition of the property. Larger homes, older properties with complex systems, and homes with detached structures will take longer. We strongly encourage buyers to attend so they can see conditions firsthand and ask questions in real time rather than relying solely on the written report.
Do you offer commercial property inspections in the St. Louis metro?
Yes. We perform commercial property inspections throughout the greater St. Louis area. Commercial inspections involve a detailed review of building envelope, structural systems, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems, and general site conditions. Contact us with your property details for a scoped quote.
contact us →Carpentry & Woodworking
Carpentry & Woodworking
What carpentry services do you offer in St. Louis?
Our carpentry services include custom cabinet design and fabrication, trim and base molding installation, built-in shelving and entertainment centers, wainscoting and wood paneling, door and window framing and casing, deck and outdoor structure construction, stair work, and furniture repair and restoration. We work on new construction, remodels, and historic renovation projects throughout the St. Louis area.
Learn more about carpentry →Can you build custom cabinets or built-ins in my home?
Yes. Custom cabinetry and built-ins are a specialty. We design, build, and install custom cabinets for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms, home offices, and libraries. We also build built-in shelving walls, entertainment centers, window seats, and reading nooks — every piece sized and fitted to your specific space.
What is woodworking, and do you offer it in the St. Louis area?
Woodworking covers finished wood elements used in architectural and interior applications — crown molding, baseboards, chair rail, wainscoting, coffered ceilings, decorative beams, window and door casings, stair balusters, and newel posts. In The Details offers full architectural woodworking services throughout greater St. Louis, including design, fabrication, and installation.
Learn more about woodworking →Can you match existing trim or molding in an older St. Louis home?
Absolutely. St. Louis has a rich stock of older homes — Craftsman bungalows, Tudor revivals, and Victorian-era properties — with distinctive original woodworking. We specialize in identifying and replicating existing profiles when doing additions, repairs, or renovations so that new work integrates seamlessly with the original character of the home.
Do you build decks and outdoor structures?
Yes. Our carpentry extends outdoors — we build decks, pergolas, privacy fences, covered porches, and exterior trim and fascia. We discuss material options suited to St. Louis's variable climate — pressure-treated lumber, composite decking, or cedar — and recommend based on your budget, maintenance preferences, and aesthetic goals.
Pricing
Pricing & Quotes
How do I get a free quote from In The Details?
Fill out the contact form on our website or call us directly. We will gather initial information about your project, schedule a site visit if needed, and provide a detailed written estimate. There is no cost and no obligation to proceed.
Request a free quote →Is the initial estimate or consultation free?
Yes. Initial estimates and site consultations are completely free with no obligation. We provide a detailed written breakdown of scope and cost before any work begins, so you know exactly what you are agreeing to before committing.
How do you price renovation and carpentry projects?
Most projects are priced on a fixed-bid basis — we assess the full scope, account for materials and labor, and give you one number before work starts. For larger or more open-ended renovations where scope may evolve, we may propose a time-and-materials structure with clear budgetary guidance. In either case, there are no surprise charges without prior discussion and your approval.
Do you require a deposit before starting work?
Yes. Most projects require a deposit before mobilization. The specific deposit amount and the full payment schedule are outlined clearly in your written contract before work begins. We keep the terms straightforward so you know exactly what you are committing to.
How We Work
Process & Communication
What is your process from first contact to project completion?
It starts with a conversation — by phone or an on-site walkthrough — to understand what you need. We then provide a detailed written estimate. Once approved, we schedule the project, finalize a contract covering scope, timeline, and payment terms, and get to work. Throughout the project we provide regular updates and flag anything unexpected immediately. We finish with a final walkthrough and do not consider the job done until everything meets your expectations.
How do you communicate with clients during an active project?
Directly. You have our contact information and we have yours. There are no call centers, project managers, or intermediaries relaying messages. We provide updates at key milestones, let you know in advance when we will be on-site each day, and communicate quickly when we encounter anything that requires a decision on your part.
Do you clean up at the end of each workday?
Yes. We treat your space with respect. Work areas are cleaned and secured at the end of every day. We know you live in or operate out of the space we are working in, and we behave accordingly. You should not come home to a construction disaster.
Do you take on multiple jobs at the same time?
We intentionally limit the number of active projects. We do not overbook because we would rather do fewer jobs exceptionally well than stretch thin across too many clients at once. If we cannot commit to your timeline adequately, we will be upfront about that rather than take your money and underdeliver.
Where We Work
Areas Served
What cities and counties in and around St. Louis do you serve?
We serve St. Louis City and County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, Franklin County, and Warren County in Missouri. On the Illinois side, we cover Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe counties. Communities we regularly work in include Clayton, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Ladue, Chesterfield, Ballwin, Creve Coeur, Florissant, Wildwood, O'Fallon (MO), St. Charles, Wentzville, Belleville (IL), O'Fallon (IL), Edwardsville, Collinsville, and Alton, among others.
See the full service map →Do you serve the Illinois Metro East?
Yes. We regularly work in Illinois communities across the river from St. Louis, including Belleville, O'Fallon, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Alton, Maryville, Fairview Heights, Mascoutah, and surrounding communities in Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe counties.
How far from St. Louis will you travel for a project?
We typically work within a 60-mile radius of St. Louis. Projects outside that range are evaluated case by case — especially for larger jobs. If you are unsure whether your location qualifies, contact us and we will let you know.
Do you charge extra travel fees for projects outside central St. Louis?
For most projects within our standard service area, there is no additional travel fee. For work at the outer edge of our range or beyond, any travel considerations are discussed during project scoping — you will always know the full picture before you commit.
Licensing & Insurance
Licensing & Insurance
Is In The Details licensed to do contractor work in Missouri and Illinois?
Yes. We hold the appropriate contractor licensing for the work we perform in both Missouri and Illinois. Licensing requirements vary by municipality and project type, and we maintain compliance across our service area. We are happy to provide license documentation upon request.
Do you carry general liability insurance?
Yes. We carry general liability insurance covering all residential and commercial projects. A certificate of insurance is available upon request. We encourage you to ask for it — any legitimate contractor should be able to provide this documentation without hesitation.
Do you carry workers' compensation insurance?
Yes. We maintain workers' compensation coverage for our crew. This protects our workers and also protects you as the property owner from potential liability if an injury occurs on your property. We can provide documentation immediately upon request.
Our Standards
Warranty & Quality
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
We offer a 1-year door-to-door warranty on all inspection services. For contracting, carpentry, and woodworking projects, we stand behind the quality of our craftsmanship and maintain clear communication throughout. Material warranties are governed by the respective manufacturers — we document all applicable warranties and pass that information to you at project close.
What does your quality assurance process look like?
Quality is built into every step of our process, not just reviewed at the end. We make decisions throughout a project the way we would if it were our own home — the right substrate prep, the right fastener, the right sequence of operations. We complete a final walkthrough with you at project close and do not consider a job done until you are fully satisfied with the result.
What truly sets In The Details apart from other St. Louis contractors?
Ownership, attention to detail, and transparency. Brandon is personally involved in every project — you are not a job number or a line item on a schedule. We notice what others miss, fix what others leave, and communicate directly rather than avoiding hard conversations. The name is not a slogan — it is the operating standard we hold ourselves to on every job across St. Louis and the Metro East.