How to Find a Professional Remodeler

Chris Mabee, Cornerstone Construction

President, HBAGC Board of Directors

Remodeling your home is a big decision that requires planning and resources, but doing so can enhance the comfort and look of your home, increase its value, and improve efficiency. Many remodeling projects are more complicated than the average DIY-er is able to handle, so consider these steps when searching for a professional remodeler:

1. Collect names of remodeling companies
Start by searching the National Association of Home Builders’ Directory of Professional Remodelers at www.nahb.org/remodel or contact the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga. Also, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations.

2. Narrow your list
Call a few remodelers from your list to discuss your project. Describe what you envision for the home remodel, styles you like, your estimated budget, and other ideas for the remodeling work. Ask the remodelers to provide background information, brochures, or a website address that covers their expertise, experience and accomplishments.

3. Ask the critical questions
Verifying a few important facts will help identify the best professional remodeler for the job. Does the remodeler have a license? What about general liability insurance in case of an accident on the job? Is the work guaranteed? What is the payment schedule?

4. Check the references and background
Once you find one or two remodelers who match your project’s needs, be sure to conduct some research by checking with the Better Business Bureau, talking to their references, and asking if they are a trade association member (such as HBAGC or NAHB Remodelers). Remodelers with affiliations tend to be more reliable, better trained, and more likely to stay on top of construction and design trends.

5. Don’t fall for the lowest bidder
You may be tempted by a lowball bid, thinking you’ve found a great deal. But these quotes may actually be costlier in the end if the contractor is cutting corners, not taking into account certain costs, or is inexperienced.

For more tips on planning a home remodel or hiring a professional remodeler, visit nahb.org/remodel or contact the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga at 423-624-9992 or info@HBAGC.net.

Survey Says: Larger Remodeling Projects Trending Up

A new survey reveals the most common projects in 2016 as compared to results of previous surveys. Remodelers report that the top projects are: whole house remodels, room additions, finished basements and bathroom additions. Learn ore about which projects might be the best focus for your business.

Celebrate National Remodeling Month

Throughout the month of May, remodelers and local associations are encouraged to emphasize the benefits of home remodeling projects and the advantages of hiring a professional to their clients and other consumers. NAHB Remodelers provides  free resources to help your local association and members to promote National Home Remodeling Month.

Revised Departmen

Revised Department of Labor Overtime Proposal 'Unacceptable'

NAHB Chairman Ed Brady issued an official statement responding to the Dept. of Labor's overtime plan, declaring that "this proposal is a token effort at best" and is "unacceptable to America's small businesses." Brady urged the DOL to go back to the drawing board to craft a new plan, identifying ways to not negatively impact small businesses, especially the housing community.

NAHB Meets with White House on Formaldehyde Rule

Former NAHB Remodelers Chair Robert Criner CAPS, CGP, GMR, and NAHB staff met with the White House Office of Management and Budget May 9 to talk about the Federation's concerns with the Environmental Protection Agency's Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products rule.

Earn Continuing Education Credits by Winning Awards

NAHB members can earn continuing education credits if they win a regional, state or national remodeling industry award. CAPS designees receive credit only for aging-in-place or design awards. Learn more about NAHB Remodelers-sponsored awards programs. The Council Awards for Demonstrating Remodeling Excellence (CADREs), Homes for Life, Remodeler of the Year and National Remodeling Hall of Fame application process will open at the end of May.

Top 5 Remodeling Projects
Chris Mabee, President
Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga

May is National Home Remodeling Month, and building professionals all over the Chattanooga and North Georgia area are helping home owners determine which remodeling projects are the best fit for their families’ needs and the best value for their homes. Review these top five home remodels and begin making plans for your next project! 

1. Bathroom
Remodeling a bathroom can reach a 65-percent return on investment with new fixtures, tile, toilet, vanity and lighting. Additionally, low flow toilets consume less water and can decrease the monthly water bill.

2. Kitchen
A minor kitchen remodel yields a 75 percent return and can improve the look and utility of the space without costing a bundle. Consider replacing backsplashes, cabinet fronts, countertops, and flooring. Installing low-flow faucets and energy-efficient appliances can also reduce water and energy expenses in a heavily trafficked room.

3. Windows and Doors
Updating windows can also return a solid portion of the investment (73 percent for wood frames and 71 percent for vinyl). New, energy-efficient doors and windows also help reduce energy leakage from the home and can bring down heating and cooling bills.

4. Damage Repair
Seize the misfortune of damaged property as an opportunity to customize and upgrade the home. If you are already going to be inconvenienced with major home repairs, take that time to plan and incorporate home remodeling that may have been put off in the past.

5. Whole Home Remodel
Repairs and replacements of old components and a desire for upgraded amenities are cited as the top two reasons customers hire a remodeler. Evaluate the use of the entire home to see if it fits your needs. Home owners are repurposing spaces to fit changing families and making more efficient use of their home’s square footage and equity.

To find a professional remodeler that can help you with your next project, contact the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga at 423-624-9992 or info@hbagc.net.

How to Evaluate Online Reviews When Choosing a Remodeler
Chris Mabee, President, HBA of Greater Chattanooga
 

Don’t be embarrassed by your outdated kitchen or that ugly bathroom. May is National Remodeling Month, and builder-remodelers all around the Chattanooga area are ready to help you turn those eyesores into show pieces!

Keep in mind, even a seemingly simple modification to your home could become a dangerous task for even the most confident do-it-yourselfer. By first consulting with a professional remodeler, you will get the job done right the first time, saving yourself a lot of time, money and headache. Yet with so many remodelers to choose from, how do you find the right one for you and your home?

The easiest way to begin your remodeler reconnaissance is by going online.

Proceed with Caution
The Internet makes it easy to find a wealth of information with just a few quick clicks of the mouse. Much of what you find will provide some useful background, but you can’t believe everything you see or read. When looking through customer rating sites, use good judgment to weigh the value of certain online reviews (positive or negative).

Keep in mind:
• Customers who had any sort of negative experience are much more motivated to post an online review than those who had a thoroughly positive experience.
• A few negative reviews of a less-experienced remodeler carry far more weight than the same number of negative reviews of an established remodeler with several years (or decades) of experience.
• An abundance of positive, brief, non-descript reviews can often indicate phony reviewers.

Remember, the most accurate customer review will always come directly from the mouth of a previous client. If you don’t happen to know any former clients of the remodelers you are considering, simply ask those remodelers for references of recent projects.

To learn more about finding a reliable contractor with an established business in our community, contact the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga at 423-624-9992 or info@hbagc.net.
 

How to Identify and Qualify Your Best Customers for the special NAHB Remodelers price of $39.95.

Watch the webinar live on May 11, 2:00 – 3:00 ET or stream the replay at a membership meeting of your remodelers council later.

The goal of this webinar is to give attendees the information they need so that they never again go on a sales call with an unqualified prospect.

Participants will learn how to:

Describe how to identify their target market.
Explain how to identify the demographics of their best clients.
Review what questions to ask a potential customer over the phone so time isn’t wasted on an onsite sales call with an unqualified prospect.
Participants earn 1.0 hours of continuing education credits for 12 NAHB Education designations.

Register for Webinar

Questions? remodel@nahb.org