FAQ'S

Forge is a licensed North Carolina general contractor specializing in home additions, second-story additions, ADUs and in-law suites, screened porches and outdoor living, three-season rooms, pergolas, siding (James Hardie, LP SmartSide, cedar shake), roofing including standing seam metal and synthetic slate, gutters, storm restoration, and interior renovations including kitchens and bathrooms.

Forge builds for established homes across the Triangle: Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest, including neighborhoods like North Raleigh, Inside the Beltline, Preston, Hope Valley, Southern Village, and Heritage. If you are nearby and not sure whether we serve your area, reach out and ask.

Yes. Forge Construction Group is a licensed North Carolina general contractor, License #102873. Every project is built to code, properly permitted through your county, and managed by one accountable team from design through final inspection.

Most Forge additions fall in the $250,000-and-up range depending on type, size, and finish level. As a planning benchmark, Triangle additions typically run $150 to $400 per square foot. After a design consultation, Forge provides a detailed fixed scope so you know exactly what your project costs before construction begins.

It depends on your lot. Building out is often simpler structurally but consumes yard space and can hit setback limits. Building up preserves your lot and is often the smarter investment when land is at a premium. Forge evaluates both against your home's structure, your lot, and your budget.

Yes. A well-built, permitted in-law suite or ADU is one of the highest-value additions a Triangle homeowner can make. It adds flexible space for family, can generate rental income, and appeals to future buyers. Because it is a permanent, code-built structure, it adds lasting value.

Timelines depend on scope. A room addition or bump-out may take a couple of months, while second-story and whole-home projects run longer. Forge plans the full schedule up front, sequences every trade under one team, and keeps you informed at each stage so there are no surprises.

Almost always, yes. Additions, screened porches, and most permanent structures require permits, and requirements vary across Wake, Durham, and Orange counties. Forge handles the permitting, inspections, and code compliance for every project, so your investment is fully legal and protected at resale.

A screened porch is an open, roofed space with screens, ideal for fresh air without insects. A three-season room adds glass windows and solid walls, keeping out wind, pollen, and rain for a longer usable season. Forge builds both and helps you choose based on how you want to use the space.

Custom screened porches from Forge typically start around $30,000, with the final investment driven by size, roofline complexity, finishes, and features like fireplaces or integrated lighting. After a design consultation, you receive a detailed fixed scope so the full cost is clear before we build.

Architectural asphalt shingles typically last 25 to 30 years in the Triangle's climate. Premium systems last far longer: standing seam metal and synthetic slate can exceed 50 years. Installation quality, ventilation, and flashing details often matter more for lifespan than the material itself.

For homeowners planning to stay long term, standing seam metal usually wins: it lasts 50-plus years, sheds heat, and handles storms with minimal maintenance. Shingles cost less up front. Forge helps you weigh lifetime cost, appearance, and how long you plan to own the home.

In most cases, yes. Policies typically cover sudden storm damage from wind, hail, and fallen limbs, subject to your deductible and policy terms. Forge documents the damage thoroughly, works directly with your adjuster, and rebuilds your roof to a better-than-before standard.

James Hardie fiber cement is the most durable all-around choice for the Triangle's heat, humidity, and storms. LP SmartSide delivers a warmer wood look with engineered durability, and real cedar shake offers unmatched natural character. Forge installs all three and matches the material to your home and goals.

A well-run renovation follows a clear sequence: design and fixed pricing, permits and selections, demolition and structural work, rough plumbing and electrical, insulation and drywall, then cabinets, tile, flooring, trim, and final walkthrough. Forge manages every stage under one schedule so nothing gets rebuilt twice.

Start with a free consultation. Tell us what you are envisioning, and we will walk your home, discuss scope and budget honestly, and provide a detailed fixed proposal. From design through final inspection, you work with one accountable team the entire way.