www.remodeldesmoines.com

HOW TO FIND AND HIRE A QUALIFIED REMODELING CONTRACTOR     Home and Product Expo   March 2007

                                      Presenter: Greg Arganbright  

• Home Improvement Expenditures exceed $250 Billion Annually

• Some home owners will never remodel-why?

A)    No Money or Financing available?

B)     No Ideas or Design capability?

C)    No Time to devote to the project?

            D)  No Confidence in the process?  

• #1 reason why many home owners will never remodel or improve their home is:

             They don’t know how to find and hire a Qualified Remodeler 

     (consequently they are reluctant to move ahead with their plans for remodeling)

 Your Home-Your #1 Investment

• It pays to keep it up (maintenance)
• It raises the value to update and improve (renovation, remodel and upgrade)
• It only makes sense to choose a professional remodeler to accomplish your goals

 Benefits of Hiring a Qualified Remodeling Contractor:  

• Ensure that your dreams/goals are accurately translated into reality  by

          guiding you successfully through the design process (in-house or out-sourced)

• Save you money by doing the job right the first time

• Effectively communicate with you before and during the remodeling process to successfully execute the project

• Maintain a safe and reasonably neat jobsite to prevent damage to your home or family members and pets
• Help you select the best possible materials within your budget

• Be familiar with and meet all applicable building codes and regulations

• Guarantee the quality of the work with a written warranty

5 “Must Dos” before meeting with a remodeling contractor

1)      Develop an idea of what you want to accomplish with the remodeling project-the primary objective  

 2)      Prioritize your needs and wants  

3)      Determine how to communicate your ideas and plans

            (rough sketches, magazine clippings, books, etc.)

 4)      Think through traffic patterns, furniture placement, colors, lighting and how you will use specific spaces  

5)      Decide on a budget for the project including furnishings, window treatment and landscaping

Begin the Search:  

1)      Seek referrals from:  

·        family and friends  

·        industry professionals such as material suppliers, architects, trade contractors and local lenders  

·        local “Trade Associations” like the HBA of Greater Des Moines  

·        consumer protection agencies like the BBB

2)      Qualify your referral results by answering key questions in 3 key areas:  

            (1)Business Experience and Management  

Does the remodeler:  

·        maintain a permanent mailing address, e-mail address, office phone number or cell number for easy access?  

·        maintain important and necessary legal documents including contracts and lien waiver forms?  

·        carry appropriate insurance including general liability and workers compensation for employees and provide up to date insurance certificates?  

·        maintain a contractor registration certificate with the State of Iowa ?  

·        have an established presence in the community and a track record of satisfied customers?  

·        possess a “trustworthy” reputation among local customers, peers and professionals in the industry?  

·        possess a reputation for resolving problems or misunderstandings promptly and satisfactorily?  

·        actively participate in a trade organization such as the Remodelors Council of the National Association of Home Builders?  

·        possess additional designations such as:

                  Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR)

                  Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD)

                  Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)

(2) Construction and Technical Expertise  

Does the remodelor:  

·        know and understand the types, styles and ages of homes in your area?  

·        offer an array of options and thus demonstrate knowledge and experience with a variety products, materials and techniques?  

·        specialize in particular types of remodeling?  

·        arrange for the building permit as the contractor of record and therefore liability for the work?  

·        offer a warranty? if so for how long? what is covered and what is not?  

·        offer a schedule of the work with starting and finishing dates?  

(3) Customer Service and Communication  

Does the remodeler:  

·        respond promptly to your inquiries?  

·        emphasize service and develop a trusting relationship?  

·        listen to and understand your needs and wants and work with you to ensure that the plans and specifications accurately reflect your expectations?  

·        facilitate communication among all parties involved?  

·        provide names and phone numbers of recent customers for you to contact and see finished projects or question?  

 Make Your Selection  

            Ask your self:  

·        am I comfortable with the remodeler and confident that this company will do the work according to your plans, budget and specifications?  

·        am I satisfied with the answers to the questions about experience, expertise and service?  

·        has he/she provided written plans and specs, estimates and clearly communicated company procedures concerning cost allowances, change orders and schedule?  

            Finally:  

·        choose a contractor that you like and trust                       

·        remember that your home investment is too important to entrust to anyone other than a professional remodeler-choose a remodeler based on professionalism not on price.                       

·        SELECT THE REMODELER AND SIGN THE CONTRACT