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 Find A Professional Remodeler
Who’s Right For You
If you own a home, no matter what’s its
age, sooner or later you may join the millions of people who remodel
their homes each year. The reasons for remodeling are as varied as the
projects themselves, but generally we choose to remodel to add
comfort, convenience, space and, ultimately, value to our homes.
If you are like many other home owners
across the country who have undertaken a remodeling project, you had
to make many decisions related to the project. Details like what kind
of project you want to do, how you will use this space and how much
money you are willing to spend must be thought-out and communicated to
your contractor to avoid any confusion down the road. So how did you
go about finding a remodeler to do your project?
Finding a remodeler who is right for
you will take some time and planning, but it is worth the effort when
you are satisfied with the completed project.
To begin your search:
- Seek referrals from friends, family,
neighbors and coworkers who have had remodeling work done and ask
them if they would hire the remodeler again.
- Contact local trade associations
such as your area’s local home builders association and Remodelors
(TM) Council for a list of their members.
- Check with your state’s licensing
agency and local building inspectors to verify the remodeler has the
appropriate license(s).
- When you begin to interview a
remodeler, keep in mind that you are buying a service rather than a
product. The quality of service the remodeler provides will
determine the quality of the finished project and your satisfaction
with it. Take a look at the remodeler’s business and management
experience.
- Does the remodeler have a
trustworthy reputation in the community, with previous customers and
with local building supply companies?
- Does the remodeler carry insurance
that protects you from claims arising from property damage or
jobsite injuries?
- Is the remodeler an active
participant in a trade organization such as the Remodelors Council
of the National Association of Home Builders Membership in the
Remodelors Council indicates a remodeler’s commitment to
professional-quality construction that meets or exceeds industry
standards and practices.
- Is the remodeler accredited in a
certification program such as the Certified Graduate
Remodelor (CGR) program. Remodelers bearing the CGR
credentials indicate that they have met a prescribed set of
educational requirements and follow a strict code of business and
professional ethics.
- In addition to business and
management experience, look at the remodeler’s construction and
technical expertise, customer service and communication skills.
- Does the remodeler have a working
knowledge of the many types of homes in your area?
- Does the remodeler offer an array of
options for your project thus demonstrating a knowledge of and
experience with a variety of products, materials and techniques?
- Does the remodeler listen to you and
understand your needs and wants with the project?
- Will the remodeler provide you with
scheduled updates so that you can make appropriate decisions and
prepare for any inconveniences?
Finding a remodeler who is right for
you is not as simple as picking up the yellow pages of your phone
book. It takes time to interview and select a contractor who will best
suit your needs and the needs of your project.
Find a
Remodeling Professional |