2025 REMODELERS
GUIDE
Building on Experience
Are you planning a home improvement project? Trust the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO) to bring your vision to life. With a growing membership comprised of nearly 1,000 member frms, the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO) is “the home of local, licensed contractors” (est. 1941). Throughout its history, a tradition of excellence drives the HBAGNO and its membership, dedicated to serving the local community by promoting the ideals of ethics, responsibility, and professionalism in the building industry.
A formal code of ethics is adopted by each new member as a condition of acceptance into the Association. This code affrms that home ownership can and should be within the reach of every American family. Achieving these goals requires members of the HBAGNO to observe principles and policies that ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and sanitation. These founding principles are paramount in providing the framework of ethics and responsibility that guide our members and assist in ultimately improving industry professionalism.
Our members have a great responsibility to the home building industry and remodeling, and an even greater one to our community. The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans is very fortunate to have a dedicated group of leaders who devote valuable hours of their time to meetings and committees, for this sake.
Readers are probably most familiar with the HBAGNO as the producer of the annual New Orleans Home & Garden Show, considered one of the premier Home Shows in the nation. The Association also produces the highly popular Parade of Homes, which traditionally features some of the area’s fnest builders and remodelers as they showcase the very latest in-home designs and building and remodeling techniques, and StormPrep, an event to help consumers prepare for and recover from tropical activity in our area.
For more information on the projects mentioned above, or for additional information regarding the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans, call (504) 837-2700 or visit our website hbagno.org
Nicolas Zepeda Right 4U Construction 2025 Remodelers Council Chair
Remodelers Council Mission Statement
The Remodelers Council of the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans strives to promote professionalism in the remodeling industry. We do this through education, information, and certifcation for the beneft of the public and our members.
Nicolas Zepeda is a multifaceted professional in the real estate industry, excelling as a builder, remodeler, and licensed contractor. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality shines through in his work, setting high standards in every project he undertakes. Currently, Nicolas serves as the president of the New Orleans Real Estate Investors Association. He also serves as the remodeler’s chair for the Louisiana Home Builders Association and as a Delegate to the National Home Builders Association. His diverse expertise and leadership roles highlight his dedication to the construction industry and his ability to deliver excellence across multiple facets of the feld.
Now, as the Chair of the Remodelers Council at HBAGNO, Nicolas continues to leverage his extensive experience and passion for building and remodeling. His leadership and vision are instrumental in advancing the goals of the council, driving innovation, and fostering a collaborative environment that benefts both professionals and the community. His ongoing commitment to excellence ensures that the Remodelers Council remains at the forefront of industry standards and practices.
Tanya Dillard Aspire Concepts 2025 Remodelers Council Vice-Chair
Kirk Williamson JLV Construction 2025 Remodelers Council Treasurer
(504) 837-2700
hbagno.org
Working on your home can be an expensive project and there are always worries about workmanship and the fnal results. Taking the time to plan what you want and working with an experienced, professional remodeler are essential steps you should take to ensure that you get what you pay for with the least amount of worry. We hope that this book will smooth your path and help bring you years of pleasure in your home.
PLANNING TO REMODEL?
It’s important that you choose an expert who understands the problems of remodeling-whether your plans call for minor repairs, the addition of a room, reconditioning of areas within the dwelling or renovation of the exterior.
Remodeling contractors aren’t all alike. Some claim to be experts. Some claim fnancial integrity. Some claim they use quality materials. How can you be sure?
You can trust Home Builders Association Remodelers Council members. They make remodeling their major business! They’re professionals who assure you a quality job with materials you can trust. Members adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be members.
PROMOTING HIGH-QUALITY WORKMANSHIP
The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans is the foremost trade association representing all professionals in the building industry, including remodelers and rehab contractors. Over 1,000 HBA members are helping to assure consumers of high-quality workmanship for their
remodeling and rehabilitation projects. Our HBA Remodelers Council provides information and assistance to the public and increases the skill and knowledge of its remodeler members.
BEFORE YOU REMODEL…
• Have you defned your real needs?
• Have you separated dreams from reality?
• Have you called in as few as possible contractors to handle your particular type of work?
SELECTING A REMODELER
Take your time — most problems occur when consumers fail to investigate remodelers carefully before hiring them.
• Inquire about remodelers’ Workmen’s Compensation and general liability insurance. They should be adequate to protect you and your property against suits if an accident occurs during the construction.
• Be specifc about starting and completion dates. However, some delays are unavoidable and beyond the remodeler’s control.
• Be skeptical of an unusually low bid or low advertised price. If
a remodeler cannot pay for the materials, labor, and overhead, you are both in trouble.
• Select a remodeler that you are comfortable with, one who understands your tastes and needs, and with whom you communicate well.
• Ask someone who has had work done by the remodeler about the remodeler’s capabilities.
• Request to see the remodeler’s work – check the quality of design and workmanship yourself.
• Be wary. As a conscientious consumer, you should be wary of a remodeler who:
• Engages in a hard sell by phone solicitors or door-to-door salespeople.
• Demands full payment in advance.
• Offers a special discount for allowing your home to be a neighborhood showcase or “model home.”
CHECK REGULATIONS BEFORE YOU START
Before you begin any work, check the various building and zoning regulations in your community. The contractor will be responsible for getting all building permits and arranging for inspections, but you should obtain any necessary zoning or code exemptions. Look into the following:
• HOA restrictions. HOAs sometimes prohibit certain changes or additions. Read your HOA covenants to see if it restricts you. If you are in a historic district, you may fnd other restrictions.
• Zoning ordinances. Zoning laws determine how land and buildings can be used in your community. They regulate such things as the amount of land coverage buildings may use as well as front, side, and back setbacks, and the heights of fences and hedges. Call your local building department to determine if any zoning laws apply to the work you are planning.
Although zoning and code regulations are set for the good of the community you have the right to present reasons to show that an exemption to the laws – called a variance – should be made. If you want to ask for a variance, check with your local government to fnd out how to apply. You may need an attorney for this.
• Building codes. Building codes set minimum standards for construction materials and plumbing and electrical fttings. These codes also give guidelines for the construction of some structures. Your local, licensed contractor is responsible for compliance, but you should understand them.
THE CONTRACT
PUT EVERYTHING IN WRITING. It is essential for your protection that the obligations of both parties be spelled out in the contract. It may be a cliché, but put everything in writing. If you have chosen a reliable, reputable remodeler, he will recognize the importance of a contract. Make sure you understand each item in the contract.
The contract should include:
• The contractor’s name, address, and business license number. Licensure can be verifed online at www.lslbc.gov.
• Description of the work and materials to be used, including brand names of all appliances to be installed. The phrase “all work shall be
done in a workmanlike manner” is a legal term that assumes the work will be done according to accepted local standards.
• Proposed start and completion dates. The phrase “time is of the essence” is included for your beneft. It’s a legal way of saying, “We’re serious about these dates.”
• Total cost and payment schedule.
• Three-day cancellation clause which gives you three days to cancel the contract after it has been signed.
• Items of work that will not be performed by the contractor, such as painting or wallpapering.
• All warranties and guarantees.
• Additional responsibilities of the contractor such as trash removal.
• Description of the work areas.
Do not sign anything under pressure. If the contractor insists that you sign before you are ready, you should reconsider hiring him.
CHANGES IN THE CONTRACT
If you make changes in the contract after it is signed and work has begun, put them in writing. Your remodeler will then give you a written estimate of the additional cost.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A REMODELER
Hiring a Remodelers Council Member who is a general contractor registered with the Louisiana State Licensing Board of Contractors makes economic sense. Your home is your biggest investment, and improvements are an important part of making that investment grow. Poor quality work can reduce the return on your invested dollars. A general contractor performs the following important services:
Coordinates all phases of the job from start to fnish – planning, design, labor, material, and scheduling.
Oversees work by various trades to avoid costly and inconvenient delays. Obtains high-quality materials and labor, usually at lower prices than you would otherwise pay because of volume and knowledge of the marketplace. Obtains all necessary permits; arranges for required inspections; complies with social security, workman’s compensation, and other local, state, and federal regulations that protect the consumer.
THE HOMEOWNER’S ROLE
As a homeowner, you help to ensure that a project goes smoothly when you:
• Designate one person to be the contact with the remodeler, keep informed of the job’s progress, and answer questions as they arise.
• Avoid trying to resolve questions or problems with workers or subcontractors. They, too, must answer a single boss, or confusion will result.
• Make changes to the original contract in writing and specify cost. Verbal change orders can be costly, cause delays, or create misunderstandings.
• Plan your project carefully to avoid unnecessary changes.
• Remember that working with people in the house is just as diffcult for a construction crew as it is for you. Living with construction is inconvenient for you. Consideration on both sides is necessary for smoother operation of the job and functioning of the home.
Baton Rouge
Chris Van Pelt
M & M Glass, LLC 13429 S Choctaw Dr. (225) 278-6670
Belle Chasse
Brian Mills
R.L Mills, Inc. P.O. Box 221 (504) 909-9053
Frank Morse Jr.
Morse Homes, Inc. 110 Keating Dr. (504) 393-7777
Chalmette
Marcus Campo
NOLA Build Contracting Services, Inc. 117 W Genie St. (504) 644-6979
COVINGTON
Sarah Winston
Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights Bevolo.com (504) 522-9485
Harahan
Bobby Bienvenu Edward Jones 7105 Je erson Hwy. Suite C (504) 715-2108
Tony Christiana Christiana Construction 8212 Harris Ave. (504) 615-0929
Bruce Farrell
Campbell Cabinet Co. Campbellcabinets.com (504) 733-4687
HBAGNO Remodeler Council members
Harvey
Bill Hatchett
Wind Mitigation Surveyors, LLC 1732 Hampton Dr. (504) 439-2860
Gerald Mire
Hyman L. Bartolo Jr. Contractors, Inc. 1100 Mac Arthur Ave. (504) 328-1381
Nicolas Zepeda Right 4U Construction LLC 1500 4th St., Suite I (504) 702-6785
Kenner
Michael Philippovic The LVP Warehouse NOLA 2 W 23rd St. (504) 289-6359
Benjamin Perez Authement Iron Works Authement.co (504) 467-6666
Nimai Rathore
Luxury Stone Slabs 2252 Greenwood St. (504) 402-7927
Martina Scheuermann Hurricane Fence and Home Improvement 2724-A Crestview (504) 495-7374
Lafayette David Anderson Rader’s Insulation 111 Exchange Pl. (985) 790-2960
Laplace
Randy Noel Reve, Inc 325 Belle Terre Blvd. (504) 915-2815
Tiesha Preston
Preston Housing Development LLC 2104 Cambridge Dr. (985) 703-2419
Luling
Anthony Quillen Quillen Construction Group 116 Lake Carolyn Dr. (504) 307-8229
Madisonville
James Miller
James Miller Construction, Inc. 296 Coquille Ln (504) 258-3659
Mandeville
Christopher Kutz Arcane Inspections P.O. Box 1424 (504) 444-3210
Marrero
Bruce Layburn JBL Properties Ltd 2757 Acadiana Trace (504) 362-9920
Shivers Nellon Nell Builders LLC 6109 Adam Dr. (504) 982-1030
Metairie
Ibrahim Ayyad Jerusalem Stones 1 2813 Richland Ave., Ste. B (504) 267-0080
Spencer Baldassaro LCR - NOLA Plumbing, Lighting and Appliances 2601 L and A Rd. (504) 378-8300
Timra Couto MDR Nola LLC dba Mighty Dog Roofing 700 Papworth Ave., Ste. 101 (504) 383-7244
Stephen Fleishmann Titan Construction, LLC Titanconstruction.com (504) 455-5411
Julia Jeandron LAS Enterprises Lashome.com (504) 887-1515
Michael Kra Kra & Company LLC 1250 Lake Ave. (504) 834-2440
Josh Jones Ferguson Plumbing, Lighting & Appliances Ferguson.com (504) 396-3139
Pablo Maique Jr Indoor Air Quality Services 3016 26th St. (504) 645-1293
Jason Maenza Precision Builders of Louisiana, LLC Precisionbuildersofla.com (504) 500-1540
Jaime Pereira J&P Construction Improvements, LLC 1309 Homestead Ave. (504) 281-8878
Melissa Simeon
Bennett Simeon Insurance LLC
3100 Ridgelake Dr., Ste. 204 (504) 603-3333
Jerell Thomas Window World Windowworld.com (225) 706-2100
Ashley van der Meulen Compass Inspection Services LLC P.O. Box 9153 (504) 833-0888
New Orleans
Steve Albert
Albert Construction Co. P.O. Box 24129 (504) 486-0660
Michael Ballard
I Need An Architect 4513 Annunciation St. (504) 475-4514
Robby Blum Blum Construction Rlblumconstruction.com (504) 459-5290
Jude Dominach Lowes Pro Sales 121 Je erson Hwy (504) 952-2492
Leo Duvernay Leo A Duvernay LLC 1000 Bourbon St., Ste. 355 (504) 592-7426
HBAGNO Remodeler Council members
Jamie Gannon
Dynamic Audio Video, LLC Dynamicaudiovideo.com (504) 236-8742
Je rey Haag
Diversified Energy, LLC 2323 Iberville St. (504) 273-7779
Aristede Hayes Sr. Renovation Professionals, LLC 5735 Vermillion Blvd. (504) 701-3034
Darleen Jacobs
First Choice Restoration, LLC 828 Saint Louis St. (504) 529-4371
Kevin Katner
Katner Law Firm 4902 Canal St., Ste. 201 (504) 309-5137
Beverly Katz
Exterior Designs Inc Exteriordesignsbev.com (504) 866-0276
Donna Lowe
Harry Kelleher & Co., Inc. 5720 Salmen St. (504) 828-0400
Machi Medrzycki MLM Construction LLC Mlm-inc.com (985) 788-1541
Helmut Mundt
HBA Builders Risk Program. 2626 Canal St. (985) 789-7635
Judy Murphy
Doerr Furniture 914 Elysian Fields Ave. (504) 947-0606
Roy Olsen
Norseman Construction, LLC 970 Picheloup Pl. (504) 628-3677
Katie Peralta Triton Stone Group of New Orleans Tritonstone.com (504) 738-2228
Remy Richard
Sun Custom Restoration, LLC 3975 South Front St. (504) 899-2666
Angelica Rivera Colmex Construction 4334 Earhart Blvd. (504) 383-8092
Stewart Schmidt
Renaissance Renovations LLC 4431 Banks St. (504) 304-9908
Wesley Stone
RedFish Electric, LLC 4610 Anson St (504) 957-3544
Devon Sweeney Sweeney Restoration, LLC 4333 Washington Ave. (504) 913-3158
Kirk Williamson
JLV Construction 3400 Washington Ave. (504) 533-9932
Slidell
Jacques Magnes
Coastal Insulation of La, Inc. P.O. Box 476 (504) 522-4930
Josh Manon
Lowe’s (859) 354-7158 39184 Natchez Dr. josh.mannon@lowes.com
Vacherie
Tanya Dillard
Aspire Concepts LLC 13385 Ellis St. (504) 487-7776
Violet Rey Rivas
Green Terra Construction 2224 Livaccari Dr. (504) 612-1222
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