LETTER FROM MATT WEBER

FROM MATT WEBER

Over the last few years in the world of home remodeling, it has become more difficult to distinguish the work of some self-proclaimed "pro" remodelers from that of DIY homeowners.

Of course, that isn’t always the case, because a true professional craftsman has the benefit of years of experience and instruction, whereas a DIY’er is usually learning on the job. The problem often lies in the availability of truly skilled workers compared to the glut of unskilled people who don a toolbelt and expect to get paid for shoddy work.

Furthermore, in this current era of “free money while you sit at home,” it’s tougher than ever for contractors and homeowners alike to find reliable tradespeople who are eager to work.

On the other hand, I’m surrounded by improvement-minded DIY homeowners who tackle their own projects on a regular basis, and do so with the care and attention to detail one would hope from a seasoned pro. I constantly hear from men and women, young and old, about the projects they’re undertaking, from installing a floor or accent wall to installing new lights or replacing a deck. Sometimes we get questions, and sometimes we get photos of their beautiful finished projects, which they’re proud to show off.

That leads me to second-guess the terms we commonly use. An “old pro” is thought to be good at their job, but the dictionary defines the word professional as “a person who earns a living in a sport or other occupation frequently engaged in by amateurs.” In other words, to qualify as a “pro” one simply needs to get paid for what they do, whether they do lousy work or not. A pro is not necessarily an expert.

In many cases, I’ve seen more expertise on display from diligent DIY’ers than in the work of certain paid remodelers.

When you’re hiring a “pro” remodeler, what you want is an expert. Ask friends, family and neighbors for local referrals and then spend time researching that person online. Expert remodelers take their reputation seriously and often hold credentials beyond licensing, such as certifications or memberships in trade associations. Time and cost are important, but also ask about the remodeler’s educational background, training, specialties, or past issues with clients. Don’t just take their word for it; you can check references, license numbers, insurance information, and certifications by calling providers to verify.

A skilled remodeler is usually worth every penny as long as you can verify the “pro” is an expert in their field. These are the folks who will take pride in their work, and thus pride in your home, just the way you do.

PUBLISHER JEREMY HOLLINGSWORTH jeremy@HIRpub.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MATT WEBER matt@HIRpub.com

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Home Improvement & Repairs is published by Pine Mountain Media Group LLC, 130 Inverness Plaza, Suite 226, Birmingham, AL 35242. All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without permission. The editorial content is intended to explain and simplify home-improvement tasks. Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change. We assume no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.

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