Finding the remodeler who's right for you is not as simple as picking up the Yellow Pages. On a big project, you may be working closely with this individual for several months, so you want to do everything possible to ensure that you make the right decision.Here are some good places to start your search:
Once you have identified some strong candidates, do even more checking to ensure that these are the kinds of remodelers with whom you would like to do business.
Interview Previous or Present Customers
An essential step in your decision-making process is to check a remodeler's references. Ask for the names and phone numbers of current and former customers; then take the time to interview them (preferably in their homes so that you can take a look at the remodeler's work).
Some of the questions to ask include:
The Right Fit
Remodeling is a very personal process. The remodeler you hire will be part of your home life for several weeks or months, so it's important to make sure that your personalities work well together. If, for example, you want to know every detail as the project progresses, you probably won't be happy with a remodeler given to one-word answers.
The bottom line is: Do you feel comfortable with this individual? A strong rapport and close communication with your remodeler will help make any job go well.
- Seek referrals from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and others who have had remodeling work done.
- Search the BIA Membership Directory for a list of Professional Remodelers.
- Look for professional certifications from the National Association of Home Builders, such as Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) and Certified Aging in Place Specialist.
Once you have identified some strong candidates, do even more checking to ensure that these are the kinds of remodelers with whom you would like to do business.
Interview Previous or Present Customers
An essential step in your decision-making process is to check a remodeler's references. Ask for the names and phone numbers of current and former customers; then take the time to interview them (preferably in their homes so that you can take a look at the remodeler's work).
Some of the questions to ask include:
- Would you hire this company again?
- Did the remodeler maintain a neat work site?
- Did the crew show up on time? Were you pleased with their work style?
- Was your project completed on time and within the budget?
- Was the remodeler easy to talk to and did he or she keep you informed as the job progressed?
The Right Fit
Remodeling is a very personal process. The remodeler you hire will be part of your home life for several weeks or months, so it's important to make sure that your personalities work well together. If, for example, you want to know every detail as the project progresses, you probably won't be happy with a remodeler given to one-word answers.
The bottom line is: Do you feel comfortable with this individual? A strong rapport and close communication with your remodeler will help make any job go well.
