Renovation Questions, Answered
The questions we get most often from homeowners planning a kitchen, bathroom, basement, or addition project in Central NJ.
Working with MHG
What areas do you serve?
MHG works within about 25 minutes of its office at 2145 Nottingham Way in Hamilton, NJ: Hamilton, Princeton, West Windsor, Lawrenceville, Ewing, Hopewell, Pennington, Robbinsville and East Windsor in Mercer County, Plainsboro in Middlesex County, and Yardley, PA.
Who runs MHG Contracting?
Brothers Shahzeb and Shahmi Malik. MHG is family owned and has been open since 2021.
Is MHG registered in New Jersey?
Yes. MHG Contracting (Malik Holding Group LLC) is a registered New Jersey home improvement contractor, #13VH13286900. Every home improvement business has to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs (N.J.S.A. 56:8-138); you can look the number up at newjersey.mylicense.com.
What insurance does a New Jersey contractor carry?
A registered contractor must carry commercial general liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence (N.J.S.A. 56:8-142), and the contract must include a copy of the certificate and the insurer's phone number (N.J.S.A. 56:8-151). Ask to see it at your estimate.
Who will be working at my house?
MHG's own crew of seven, run by its team leads, plus licensed subcontractors for the trades that need a license, such as electrical and plumbing.
Process and Timeline
What happens after I reach out?
A short phone call to hear what you want and set up a visit, then a first meeting at your house and a written preconstruction estimate. You go through the estimate together and settle the scope. After a deposit, the plan, budget and schedule are finalized before work starts, you get week-by-week progress, and there is a final walkthrough before the last payment.
How long do projects take?
It depends on the scope, and your schedule is set before work starts. As a national benchmark, kitchen projects averaged 9.5 months of planning and 5.8 months of construction in 2025, according to the 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study, including do-it-yourself work.
What if something unexpected turns up mid-project?
It gets priced and agreed before the work is done. New Jersey requires every change to a home improvement contract to be in writing and signed (N.J.S.A. 56:8-151).
Can I stay in my home during the renovation?
For most single-room projects, yes. For a whole-house gut renovation, usually not for the whole job. It comes up at the estimate.
Cost and Payment
Are estimates free?
Yes. Call (609) 712-2474 or send the form on the contact page.
How do payments work?
A deposit when you sign, and the final payment after the final walkthrough, with the schedule written into your contract. Under N.J.A.C. 13:45A-16.2 a contractor may not ask for final payment before the work is finished as the contract describes.
What will my project cost?
The cost guides on the blog show what published surveys say kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions and new homes cost. Your own number comes from the free estimate.
Permits and Contracts
Do I need a permit for my renovation?
Usually. New Jersey requires a construction permit for most work that alters a house (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14). Painting, flooring, cabinets and like-for-like fixture swaps are ordinary maintenance and need none (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7).
Can work start before the permit is issued?
No. A home improvement contractor may not start until every required permit has been issued (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-16.2).
What about HOA approval?
An HOA's architectural approval is separate from the town's permit. Get it before work starts.
Can I cancel a contract after I sign?
Yes, for any reason, before midnight of the third business day after you receive your copy, by written notice sent by registered or certified mail or delivered in person (N.J.S.A. 56:8-151).
What about warranties?
Under N.J.A.C. 13:45A-16.2, any guarantee or warranty has to be given to you in writing, saying what it covers and for how long. Ask to see the terms with your estimate.
Our Work
Can I see projects you have completed?
Yes. The portfolio shows finished kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions and new homes, and MHG has 28 Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars.
Sources
- N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7, Ordinary maintenance (work that needs no permit), New Jersey Uniform Construction Code. Checked 2026-09-26.
- N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14, Construction permits: when required, New Jersey Uniform Construction Code. Checked 2026-09-26.
- N.J.A.C. 13:45A-16.2, Home Improvement Practices (contract terms, permits, warranties), New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Checked 2026-09-26.
- N.J.S.A. 56:8-138 and 56:8-144, Contractor registration and display of the registration number, New Jersey Revised Statutes (Contractors' Registration Act). Checked 2026-09-26.
- N.J.S.A. 56:8-142, Liability and workers' compensation insurance for registered contractors, New Jersey Revised Statutes. Checked 2026-09-26.
- N.J.S.A. 56:8-151, Home improvement contracts: writing, contents and three-day cancellation, New Jersey Revised Statutes (Contractors' Registration Act). Checked 2026-09-26.
- 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study (renovation spend and project length in 2025), Houzz Inc.. Checked 2026-09-26.
- License Verification System (search home improvement contractor registrations), New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Checked 2026-09-26.
Still Have Questions?
The fastest way to get specific answers about your project is a free in-home consultation. Call (609) 712-2474 or request an estimate.