Getting Started
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What exactly does Zepol do?
What exactly does Zepol do?
We handle the design and permitting side of your home project — from initial measurements to a fully permitted plan set. We do not currently handle the physical construction, though we are licensed as a general contractor and plan to offer that in the future.
Why choose Zepol instead of a larger design firm?
Why choose Zepol instead of a larger design firm?
When you work with Zepol, you're not handed off to a rotating cast of project managers—you're working directly with the two people who founded this company and stand behind every plan we create. We started Zepol because we wanted to do this work our way: personally, carefully, and with the same respect and professionalism we'd want if it were our own home on the line. That's not a slogan for us—it's how we walk into every property, every crawl space, every consultation. When we're in your home, we treat it exactly like that: yours, and worthy of care.
Is Zepol licensed, bonded, and insured?
Is Zepol licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes, fully. Our license number is available at the bottom of this page.
Do we work with both homeowners and investors?
Do we work with both homeowners and investors?
Yes — we regularly work with homeowners planning renovations as well as investors managing multiple properties.
What areas do you serve?
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve the entire I-5 corridor, from Longview to Bellingham. Although, we are licensed throughout Washington, so we are open to homes outside of the I-5 corridor, on a case-by-case basis.
What types of projects do you design plans for?
What types of projects do you design plans for?
We design plans for a wide range of residential projects, including additions, ADUs and DADUs, kitchen and bathroom remodels, garage conversions, decks, retaining walls, driveways, fence lines, and other exterior modifications. If you have a project in mind that isn't listed here, reach out—we're happy to talk through it.
The Process
How do I get a quote?
How do I get a quote?
Every project starts with an in-home consultation, which is always FREE. If you decide to move forward with the project, we will measure the home, take pictures, and hand drawn sketches on site. After which we provide a project outline, quote, and payment schedule.
Is the consultation really free?
Is the consultation really free?
Yes, completely — no strings attached. We'll walk your home, talk through your project, and give you a verbal estimate, all at no cost to you. If it feels like the right fit, we're happy to move forward with your measurement that same day. If not, no pressure at all — we're just glad to have met you and talked about your home.
How long does the whole process take?
How long does the whole process take?
Typically 6–10 weeks from your first measurement to permit approval, though this can vary depending on your city's review timeline and the complexity of the project.
What happens during the in-home measurement?
What happens during the in-home measurement?
Our team visits your home, measures the space using a laser measure, and takes photos and sketches to accurately capture the layout — consultation is free of charge, with no obligation.
Do I need to be home during the measurement visit?
Do I need to be home during the measurement visit?
No, the owner does not need to be home, although it is preferred. We do ask that if you have any pets to give us notice, as we will need access to every room in the home during the measurement. We don't want to let out a kitty or startle a dog.
Do I need to provide existing blueprints or plans?
Do I need to provide existing blueprints or plans?
Not necessarily—we do all of our own measurements and calculations based on the home as it stands the day we visit, so prior plans aren't required. That said, if you have original blueprints or previous renovation plans, we're happy to review them for verification purposes. Just bring them along to your in-home consultation and measurement. If you'd like us to take anything home for reference, please provide copies rather than originals, as those should stay with you.
Design & Permitting
Can I make changes during the design phase?
Can I make changes during the design phase?
Yes — the design phase is collaborative, and adjustments can be made before the plan set is finalized for permit submittal. However, please keep in mind that every plan change requires new calculations, which would be a service fee for every change. Once submited and under review by the city, the plan is final and cannot be changed at that time.
What if the city requires corrections to our plans?
What if the city requires corrections to our plans?
We handle any requested revisions promptly and resubmit — this is factored into our typical 4–6 week (up to 8 week) permit review timeline.
What happens after my permit is approved?
What happens after my permit is approved?
Once approved, your plan set is ready to hand off to your construction company of choice. It is a much smoother process if the construction company you choose is provided upon in-home measure. We do have reliable and trusted General Contractors that we work with regularly, and would be happy to recommend.
What if my permit is halted or delayed by the city?
What if my permit is halted or delayed by the city?
Once your project reaches the permit stage, we've already completed the design work required to get there—so the 40% deposit is retained regardless of the outcome. If the city flags an issue and further work is needed to move forward, we'll only charge for the additional work required, and only once we're able to proceed. Permit review is ultimately in the city's hands, and while we can't predict every outcome, we're committed to seeing your project through as far as it can go.
Payment & Permit Fees
Does Zepol pay the city permit fees?
Does Zepol pay the city permit fees?
No — permit fees are paid directly to the city by the homeowner and are separate from our design fees.
What is the payment schedule?
What is the payment schedule?
During your free consultation, we'll walk the home and provide a verbal estimate on the spot. If you'd like to move forward, we can typically complete your home measurement the same visit. We'll then send a proposal within 24 hours, with a 40% deposit — which includes the cost of your home measurement — due to begin the project. Once that deposit is received, we'll send an invoice for the remaining 60%, due when your permit is approved.
What payment methods does Zepol accept?
What payment methods does Zepol accept?
We accept credit card, check, and Zelle at no additional cost. We're also happy to accept Venmo or PayPal, though a small transfer fee applies to cover the processing cost on those platforms. Please note, we do not accept cash.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
If you cancel within 48 hours of paying your deposit, we'll refund everything except the cost of your home measurement. If you cancel later in the process but before permit submittal, we'll refund (or, when possible, offer a credit toward a future project) the portion of the deposit tied to work not yet completed—this depends on how far along the design and calculations are at that point. We handle these situations case-by-case to make sure it's fair based on the actual work completed.
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