Consumer Resources – Lewis & Clark Home Builders Association

If You Want the Job Done Right

Any homeowner planning to remodel wants nothing less than a professional job. Who wouldn’t want the best quality in terms of workmanship and materials when it comes to improving their most prized and most valuable asset? However, when it comes to selecting a remodeler, too many buyers conveniently forget the time-proven adage that “you get what you pay for.”

The dilemma that confronts many homeowners is their desire for a top-notch job at the lowest possible price. With price as their primary focus, they ignore other criteria that may carry more weight in producing a successfully completed project and a smooth working relationship with the remodeler.

It’s understandable that price is a major consideration when it comes to remodeling. The cost of remodeling has increased as the demand for remodeling grows. Higher costs of materials and scarcity of skilled labor are just two factors contributing to price hikes. Remodeling Magazine, a national trade magazine, reported in their 2023 Cost vs. Value survey that a mid-priced major kitchen remodel, a popular remodeling project, costs $77,939. For a minor remodel of the same 200-square-foot kitchen, the cost is $22,963.

Homeowners need to understand that remodeling is a service and not merely a product. This service encompasses the intangibles that make up the process of remodeling – how everything comes together and results in a satisfying experience and an acceptable finished product. The materials and products that go into it can’t define a professional job alone.

The nature of remodeling as a service becomes even more pronounced when you consider that inevitably you’ll be sharing your home with the remodelers’ crews for weeks or even months, depending on the scale of the project. All remodeling involves some degree of inconvenience, but inconvenience can easily turn into a nightmare if your remodeler doesn’t put your family’s comfort and concerns first.

Rather than selecting a remodeler based on where one bid falls compared to others, shift your focus to finding a professional remodeler; then go about getting a bid on your job. If the bid is higher than what you budgeted, work with the remodeler to decide where you can cut back or what you can postpone to keep the project on budget. For example, you can always have the remodeler frame in a fireplace to be installed later, but he can’t upgrade the company’s customer service if there wasn’t any to begin with.

Some important characteristics you should be looking for to ensure that you hire a professional remodeler are:

Experience – Ask how long the remodeler has been in business. Longevity suggests financial stability, which is necessary for the remodeler to finish the job and still be available if problems crop up after the job is completed. Also, the more jobs the company has completed, the more expertise the remodeler will bring to your project and the hidden surprises that remodeling typically entails.
Reputation – Look to the remodelers’ former and current customers to gauge the company’s reputation. Obtain the names and phone numbers of customers you can call to get their impressions of the company’s work and customer service. Call them and make personal visits to see the work they had done. Even better, get references from customers whose projects were similar to the one your family is planning. Also, go visit one of the company’s jobs in progress to evaluate how they manage the construction process and how tidy they keep the job site. Ask whether these homeowners would hire the company again.
Business Credentials – A good place to start your search for a remodeler is with your local builders association and it’s affiliated local Remodelers Council. Groups like these help to keep their members informed about new products, construction techniques, business practices and industry issues. Participation demonstrates a remodeler’s commitment to professionalism and to the remodeling industry. Many trade groups also confer professional credentials, such as Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), to those who meet their requirements, which is a positive indicator of the remodeler’s reputation.
License and Insurance – Ask to see a copy of the remodeler’s license, if your state has such requirements, and call the licensing agency to find out if there are any unresolved complaints against the company you might hire. It is also important to verify that the remodeler carries workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Have the remodeler show you copies of both insurance certificates to protect yourself from liability in situations involving job site injuries or property damage resulting from the work being done on your home.

If your goal is a professional remodeling project, then your best bet is to hire a professional remodeler. The extra cost will pay for itself in the satisfaction you receive while the project is in progress and during the many years you will enjoy the completed project.

To find a professional remodeler in your area visit our Directory>>

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Remodeler

After spending more time at home this year, you may be ready to give your dwelling a refresh. A remodel can modernize your home and add more value. Before you start a project big or small, consider finding and hiring a professional remodeler. Working with an expert has many benefits. A remodeler can provide a wealth of experience, professional integrity and solve any design challenges you may encounter during your project.

Experience on the Job Site

Do you know what to expect when you remove a wall? How will you dispose of the old materials? Exactly how much new material are you going to need? What is the precise sequence of steps to finish the job? Professional remodelers understand all the intricacies of the project and can provide you with a project timeline. Plus, many contractors have specialized knowledge and contacts to get the best prices on materials and labor. As a trained expert, a remodeler has a firm grasp of the requirements to meet city ordinances, regulations and permits.

Business Management and Integrity

A large component of being a professional remodeler is maintaining a reputable business. This includes integrating best practices, writing clear contracts, having insurance, providing warranties, and more. A professional remodeler will be able to provide you with a copy of their business license, as well as show proof of their workers’ compensation and liability insurance. This will protect yourself from liability in situations involving job site injuries or property damage resulting from the work being done on your home. Better business management means better service for home owners because they can rely on the remodeler to perform with integrity.

Customizing to Fit Your Needs Home remodeling frequently involves problem solving, such as maximizing existing space, strategically building additions or navigating limited budgets. Professional remodelers can help home owners manage such challenges and meet their needs while staying within the budget.

Proper training and invaluable experience help remodelers identify the various options and solutions to satisfy their customers.

If your goal is a well-executed project, then your best bet is to hire a professional remodeler. By investing in their expertise now, you will get to enjoy the tangible benefits of high-quality craftsmanship for many years to come.

To find a professional remodeler in our area visit our Directory->

Guide to Buying a Home

If you are thinking of buying a new home, you must pay close attention to many details to ensure that you find one that will suit your needs and preferences. Before you start shopping, you should sit down with the members of your household to discuss your preferences and the many options available to you. Here are some things you should consider:

Step 1: Financing Your Home

The first step in the home buying process is determining how much you can afford. Check out our Advice for Financing Your First Home to learn more about how you can prepare for the financing process. To ensure that the financing process goes smoothly, buyers should consider pre-qualifying for a mortgage and having a financing commitment in place before shopping for a new home.

Step 2: Prioritizing Most-Wanted Features

Before you start shopping, you should sit down with the members of your household to discuss your preferences and the many options available to you.

An easy way to organize your thoughts is to write each separate feature that you want on a 3X5 card, and arrange the cards in order of their importance to you. For instance, if you like to cook, you may want a home with a large, well-equipped kitchen. Or you may settle for a small kitchen, so that you can have extra space for a library, office or playroom

Some home buyers seek large, open interior spaces, while others prefer traditional rooms that afford more privacy.

While looking for a home, consider whether your needs are likely to change over time. If you plan to add rooms, find out if there is enough space on your site for such expansion and whether such additions are permitted by your local jurisdiction.

Step 3: Selecting the Type of Home

Options include single-family homes and condominiums. Some home buyers prefer homes with large yards. Others opt for condominiums where they can avoid yard maintenance entirely.

With a single-family home in a development, you’ll be responsible for your own yard and home, but may be restricted to certain design elements or other regulations if there is a home owners association. Learn more about the types of home construction.

A condominium is a home in a multi-unit complex, such as an apartment building or a townhouse cluster. You own the home, and you and your neighbors jointly own the common elements, such as the land around the complex, the parking areas, building exteriors, hallways, utility pipes and recreational facilities. A condominium owners association is responsible for maintaining the jointly owned elements. The day-to-day business of the complex is generally handled by a managing agency.

Step 4: Starting Your House Hunt

Now that you know the type of home and features you are looking for, and how much home you can afford, you’re ready to begin searching for your perfect home. Whether you use a realtor to find an existing home or work with a builder to buy a new home, you’ll be more focused with your search. Make sure to review the Home Buyer’s Dictionary help you navigate the home-buying process and contact your local home builder association.

Simple Repairs to Help Sell Your Home

If you’re ready to put your home on the market, you’ll likely want to sell it quickly and secure the best price. Most homes have general wear and tear and potential home buyers will take notice. At the same time, you likely won’t have a large budget to spend on your current home, especially if you’re trying to buy a new home. To help you focus on the areas of your home that will attract buyers, consider the following simple home repairs.

Refresh Your Home Exterior. Evaluating your home’s curb appeal is the best place to start. Once you put your home on the market, you want your home to stand out and make a good first impression. An exterior refresh doesn’t need to involve a complete landscape redesign. A quick clean-up to remove dead or dying plants can give your home an instant inviting look. Any bare solid ground can be covered with pine straw or mulch from a local hardware store. Once your front yard is tidy, consider adding a fresh coat of paint to the outside of your home. Cracked or chipped siding will deter buyers and should be repaired.

Inspect Your HVAC unit. Home buyers don’t want to be faced with a repair bill immediately after purchasing a home. If you have a central air conditioning unit in your home, make sure it’s working optimally. If cool air isn’t filling the entire home when the unit is turned on or if your unit makes loud noises, it’s a sign your unit needs to be repaired. It is best practice to have the HVAC unit inspected before your home is put on the market. Future buyers can rest assured their new cooling system will work properly.

Ensure Your Flooring is Acceptable. Snagged carpet, broken tiles and stains on flooring detract home buyers. The floors in your home should be in good condition. Dirty carpet should be cleaned or replaced. Make sure any new flooring is consistent with the style and color of existing flooring to avoid a patchwork design. Buyers want to be able to visualize the space they will live in, so a neutral/tan colored carpet works best. If you find wood flooring in good condition under the carpet you are replacing, you might want to consider keeping it in place. Wood flooring is attractive for many home buyers.

Spruce Up Your Bathrooms. You’ll be surprised by how much a small repair, such as caulking around the sink or tub, can provide big results. Taking time to remove the dirt and grime from the bathroom in your home can make a positive impression on buyers. The flooring condition is as important as it is in the other areas of your home. Fix any broken or chipped tile and steam clean the floors.

Investing in these small home repairs before selling your home can potentially increase your sell price and help ensure your listing doesn’t last long.

Preparing to Buy a Home in 2023

If 2023 is the year you’ve decided to purchase a new home – whether as a first-time buyer or a seasoned home owner – the best time to start preparing is now. Following a few simple strategies will help place you in an ideal position to find a home that’s a good fit for you and your family.

Create a List of Must-haves

The best place to start if you are a first-time home buyer is to assess your needs, especially your future home location, size and amenities. Even seasoned home owners are attracted to idyllic home photos posted online, but the space may not meet their needs. Prioritizing must-haves will help you save significant time in the home buying process. Most home buyers will need to compromise on some home features to fit their budget.

Double Check Your Credit Score

Even if you’ve purchased a home previously, stricter credit requirements can be challenging for some buyers to find home loans. However, a favorable credit score can make a difference in your ability to be approved for a loan. Credit monitoring is always a good idea, even if you think nothing has changed recently on your credit report. If you are preparing to purchase a home, monitoring your credit will ensure you aren’t being unfairly penalized for old debts, which can sometimes linger on credit reports. Generally, borrowers with scores in the low 600s and even high 500s can still find lenders who will qualify them, but borrowers should strive for scores in the mid- to upper-700s to secure the best rate.

Determine What You Can Afford

Don’t let your maximum loan approval amount dictate your home-buying budget. You are the best person to determine what you can realistically afford. Experts say that your monthly home expenses should not exceed one-third of your gross monthly income. You’ll also need to determine how much you’ll need to cover any loan fees and closing costs.

Sell Your Current Home

If buying a new home is contingent on selling your current home, it’s a good idea to connect with your realtor sooner rather than later. An experienced realtor can advise you on the best strategy for selling your home at the right time and for the best price possible. In addition, you’ll want to identify any maintenance issues in your home and address them. You can also ask your realtor if upgrading your current home will generate a return on investment.

For more information about the home-buying process, contact [insert local HBA contact information].

Don’t Get Scammed: Find a Qualified Contractor

There are thousands of legitimate, ethical contractors in business around the country. Unfortunately, there are also scam artists looking to cheat you out of your money who pose as legitimate contractors. These “fly-by-night” operators often show up in communities impacted by natural disasters to try to scam distressed home owners into paying for shoddy repairs or work that they will never show up to perform.

Here are some warning signs to look out for:

Doesn’t have license and insurance. All professional contractors should be insured and able to show their certificate proving such insurance. Although all states do not require licensing, contractors in states requiring licenses should have it and be able to provide a copy.
Asks you to sign anything before you’ve hired them. If they want you to sign an “estimate” or “authorization” before you’ve made the decision to hire the contractor, look out. They may be trying to get you to sign what is an actual binding contract.
Doesn’t write contracts. Professionals have clear contracts that outline the job, process, the cost, and helps clarify how problems will be managed. If you don’t have a contract, you are not protected when something goes wrong. Don’t hire anyone who tells you a contract “won’t be necessary.”
Requires cash or payment in full before starting the job. Shady contractors demand cash and then run with the money. Many home owners have been stranded by paying in full up front. A deposit towards materials is common, but only pay it once you have a contract signed by both you and the contractor. It’s also suspect you’re asked to pay cash to a salesperson instead of a check or money order to a company.
Vastly underbids all other contractors. They may have the best price, but that doesn’t guarantee the best work. Such contractors may cut costs on quality, which can end up costing you more when you have to have the substandard work redone.
Offers “special” pricing. If you’re told you’ve been “chosen” as a demonstration project at a special, low price, or you’re told a low price is good only if you sign a contract today.
Cannot provide customer references. Professional contractors should have current references they can provide from current and past clients — and you should be able to reach those references, not just an answering machine.
Difficulty contacting the contractor. Professionals have a physical office, mailing address, phone, and email. They should respond to your queries in a timely manner. Make sure you can verify the contractor’s business address. If they only have a p.o. box, be wary.
Tells you to obtain the building or remodeling permits. Professional contractors go to the county or state offices and get permits for their work themselves. Asking the home owner to do it is a sign that they are not a legitimate contractor.

Your best bet is to take your time, do your research and choose someone you feel completely comfortable with. If your state requires contractors to be licensed, look them up on the state licensing website even if you’ve seen a piece of paper that looks like a license. Make sure they don’t have a record of consumer complaints lodged with your local Better Business Bureau. You can also find your local home builders association and contact them for a list of reputable contractors in your area. Search NAHB’s Directory of Professional Remodelers to find a NAHB Remodelers member in your community.