How to Select a Professional Remodeler
The Remodelors Group works to unify, represent and serve the professional remodeling and rehabilitation industry. The Group provides information and educational opportunities to improve the business and technical skills of its Remodelor members.
Huntsville/Madison County Builders Association Home Builders Association of Alabama
2804 Bob Wallace Avenue Huntsville, AL 35805 (256) 536-2602
www.buildersassn.org
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lthough adding a room or updating a kitchen can cost more than a new car, most consumers spend less time choosing a Remodelor™ than they do choosing a car.
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efore you look for a remodeler, think your project through. Why do you need the new or remodeled space? How will you use it? Are there any special needs/desires that make your project unique? Collect pictures (from magazines and books) and articles that illustrate how you want your finished project to look.
Which Comes First the Designer or the Remodeler? You may require or desire the services of design professionals such as architects, draftsmen, kitchen/bath designer or interior designer to commit your ideas to written and drawn plans. Some remodeling contractors also offer design/ build services.
Choosing Your Remodeler o Assure that the remodeler is licensed and insured. Most jurisdictions now require Remodelers to be licensed and insured to legally operate a construction business. Most remodeling and addition projects require the services of a remodeler (unless you choose to act as your own general contractor) because they involve the services of specialty subconstractors such as plumbers, electricians, HVAC, etc. By law, only a general contractor (or you the homeowner) may engage the services of subcontractors. o Check the remodeler’s references. Ask for and check references to see if they were satisfied with the remodeler’s work. Take time to look at a project to see the quality of the remodeler’s work for yourself. Visit a current job if possible to see how the job site is kept. o Call the Better Business Bureau to see if they have information about the remodeler you are considering. Their phone number is (256) 533-1640. o Call the State of Alabama Licensure Board to see if they have information about the remodeler you are considering. They can be reached at (800) 3040853 or online at www.hblb.state.al.us. o Personality may be a factor to consider in choosing a remodeler. Your remodeler and his crew will be almost living with you for the duration of the project. The ability to communicate your ideas and feelings during the process is key to the job going smoothly. o Choose the remodeler that offers the most value for your project. The lowest price does not necessarily provide the best value.
Call the Huntsville/Madison County Builders Association for a list of professional builders who specialize in remodeling and additions.
Get It In Writing... Once you have chosen your remodeler and agreed on price and terms, make sure all agreements are in writing. Any reputable and professional remodeler will provide you with a written construction agreement (contract). The agreement should have as much detail as possible and include the following: l l l
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Scope of work: what and where work will take place Specifications: details such as materials used, brand names, model #, sizes, colors, etc. Financial Arrangements: includes the total cost and payment schedule. Remodelers may require up-front payments (up to 25-33% of project cost) to show good faith on your part so he can schedule crews, stage equipment and order materials without risk of loss. However, never make payments up-front without a written agreement. Changes or additional work: Any work that is not described in the original agreement will require a change order. This change may include replacing a rotten floor joist or additional work you decide to do in another part of your home. These changes should also be in writing and include the details and cost of such changes. Both you and the remodeler should sign and receive a copy of the change order. The Schedule: The agreement should include a schedule or at least an approximate starting and completion date for your project. However, understand that factors such as weather or the availability of materials or subcontractors could cause delay beyond the control of the remodeler. Warranty: The agreement should specify what work and materials are warranted and for how long.
Complying With the Law Building codes are established by most cities, towns, and counties and vary considerably from one jurisdiction to another. Your contract should call for the work to be performed in accordance with all applicable building codes. The remodeler should obtain the necessary building permits. This should be spelled out in your contract as you may be held legally responsible for failure to obtain the required permits.
Financing Your Project To complete your project, you may wish to finance the project through a personal loan, a home equity loan, a credit loan, an insurance policy, a bank or a credit union. Your remodeler may also be able to help you secure financing, but it is important for you to investigate different sources of funding to compare the amount you qualify to borrow, the interest rate, terms and tax considerations.
Warning Signs l l l
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You can’t verify the name, address, telephone number or credentials of the remodeler. The salesperson tries to “high pressure” you into signing a contract by offering you discounts or other considerations that are “only available today”. You are told you will receive a special low price because your home will be used for advertising purposes (as a model job or show house or by display of their sign.) The remodeler does not comply with your request for references or the references have some reservations about the remodeler’s work. You are unable to verify that the remodeler is licensed or insured. You are asked to pay for the entire job in advance or pay cash to anyone instead of by check or money order to the company itself. You are asked to purchase the building permit. The remodeler tells you he can start on your job tomorrow.
Tips on Remodeling o Remodeling and additions cost more per square foot than new construction. There is no average square foot cost for remodeling or additions. No two projects involve the same amount of work, materials or amenities.
o Have a cushion built into your budget. Remodeling often uncovers structural or
mechanical problems, you may upgrade fixtures or finishes or you may decide to have work done in other parts of your home.
o Quality
pays, it doesn’t cost. Your home is probably your single largest investment. Choose your projects and remodeler wisely for the best return on your additional investments in your home. It has been said that “bitterness of poor quality long outlast the sweetness of a cheap price”. The lowest bid does not assure you of the best deal. Look for value not necessarily the lowest cost.
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ertified Graduate Remodelor™ The Mark of the Professional Remodeler
What is the Certified Graduate Remodelor Program? Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR) is a certification/ education program sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelors Council. The education portion of the program is offered through the Home Builders Institute (HBI), the educational arm of NAHB. The CGR program provides professional credentials to Remodelors who complete the program’s educational requirements and meet prescribed standards of business experience and practices.