Frequently Asked Questions About Realm

Home renovations come with a lot of moving parts – budgets, timelines, contractors, and big decisions. Realm Answers is here to give you straight, trustworthy information. 

Below, you’ll find everything from how our pricing works to what protections you get if things don’t go as planned.

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Money & Pricing

How do you calculate prices?

Our estimates factor in labor and materials, as well as permitting, equipment, and fees. To make sure your pricing is accurate, we use:

• Local data: Recently completed projects near your home.
• Customization: Size, scope, materials, and finishes unique to your project.
• Real-time updates: Costs shift weekly or monthly, and we always reflect the latest.

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Why do I have to pay a deposit?

The deposit unlocks access to a dedicated Realm Advisor. It covers the upfront work of creating your custom project plan, reviewing bids, and matching you with vetted contractors. And when you start your first project, that deposit is fully credited back.

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Do I have to pay to use Realm?

No – the Realm app is free to use for exploring project ideas, ROI, and property insights. If you want one-on-one guidance from a Realm Advisor, you’ll put down a refundable deposit that’s credited toward your first project.

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Contractors & Work Quality

How do you vet contractors?

Our network is vetted through:

• License and insurance verification
• Reference and project history checks
• Direct interviews
• Ongoing performance reviews

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How do I match with contractors?

After you share your goals, budget, and timeline, your Advisor will introduce you to three contractors best suited to your project. Site visits are coordinated, and you’ll receive detailed bids to compare with expert support.

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What if I don’t like my contractor options?

We’ll keep going until you do. Realm will introduce you to more contractors until you’re confident in your choice.

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How is Realm better than a referral?

Friend referrals can be hit-or-miss. Realm provides professionally vetted options tailored to you – with license checks, references, and built-in protections that no casual referral can match.

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I already have a contractor referral. Can Realm still help me?

Yes. Realm can provide additional bids so you can compare apples to apples and ensure you’re making the best decision.

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Support & Process

What is a Realm Advisor?

Your Advisor is your dedicated guide. They:

• Create a customized plan with renderings, pricing, and timelines
• Match you with vetted contractors
• Review and negotiate bids with you
• Provide ROI analysis and financing options
• Step in with escalation support if needed

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What protections do I get with Realm?

Realm provides transparency on pricing, a vetted contractor network, escalation support if something goes sideways, and warranties on completed work.

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How does Realm make money?

Realm is 100% free for homeowners – and no, it’s not too good to be true. You’ll pay a deposit to get started, but it’s fully credited toward your first project.

We make money by charging contractors a small fee, which replaces what they would normally spend on sales and marketing. That fee is never added to your price, so you get full transparency and fair costs.

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Projects & Coverage

What types of projects can I do with Realm?

Just about any home project – from remodels to new builds. Popular renovations include:

• Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, attics, flooring
• Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, windows, doors
• Landscaping, decks, patios, pools, garage conversions
• ADUs, expansions, energy efficiency upgrades, siding, paint, solar

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Where does Realm operate?

Realm currently serves homeowners in California and the Seattle area. Our free app, however, is available nationwide, providing tools and resources wherever you are.

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What can I do with Realm’s app?

With the free app, you can:

• Explore what neighbors are doing via an interactive map
• Get real-time renovation cost estimates
• Track your home equity and financing options
• Build a project plan with pricing and ROI
• For Advisor-led projects: track progress, review bids, upload inspiration, access contracts, and communicate directly with your Advisor and contractors

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Still have a question we didn’t answer?

No renovation question is too big or too small. Schedule a 15-minute free call with a Realm Advisor and get clear answers on pricing, timelines, or contractor options – whatever’s on your mind.