Creative Remodeling Blog

The Denver Home Show is coming up fast…..March 19-21, 2010 at the National Western Complex. This show is endorsed by Ty Pennington, star of ABC TV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. We’ll be in Exhibit Space #5.
Hope to see you there!

I can’t believe it’s time for the Colorado Garden & Home Show again!
Pick up one of our business cards and flyers and ask for Creative Remodeling at the Remodelers Council of the HBA booth #843 or ask about us at the Team Dave Logan booth #1418.
The show runs from February 13-21.
Hope to see you there!

OK…..are you ready?
We have covered a lot of topics in the last few months.
Are you ready to make a decision on your project?
Before you make your decision…..
ask yourself if you feel comfortable with the remodeler and confident that this company will do the work according to your plans, budget and specifications.
If you are satisfied with the answers to your questions, ask for a written estimate of the work to be done based on a set of plans and specifications. Be prepared to pay for this package. If the estimated cost of the project is more than you can afford, see if you can trim something from the project or postpone part of it so you can still work with a professional remodeler.
MORE TO COME>>>>

Before you sign a contract -

Ask the remodeler to share with you names, phone numbers and/or e-mail
addresses of some customers and take the time to see the remodeler’s work.
Ask to see jobs similar to yours.
Does the quality of the work meet
your standards?
Ask the remodeler’s customers:

Would you hire this company again?

Did the remodeler maintain a neat
jobsite, provide regular clean-up
and haul away debris including
personal trash?

Did you find the remodeler easy to
work with? Did the remodeler keep
you informed as the job progressed?

How well did the remodeler deal with
the problems that arose?

Next we’ll discuss “Making the Decision”.

I can’t believe that 2009 is almost over…..where does the time go?
Creative Remodeling, Inc. would like to
wish you all a very Blessed and Happy New Year!
I’ll be talking to you next year!

Does the remodeler:
Respond promptly to your inquiries?
Schedule meetings and attend them on time?
Emphasize service and developing a trusting relationship with you?
Listen to and understand your needs and wants and work with you to ensure that the plans for your job accurately reflect your expectations?
Facilitate communication among all parties involved in the project?
Next we’ll talk about "before you sign a contract…….

FYI – If you are considering a remodeling project for a house built before 1980, you may want to consider starting before April 2010.
(New government rules in regard to lead will raise the price of remodels)
If you have any questions. please call
303-333-3401 and ask for Tom.

Does the remodeler –
Have a working knowledge of the types and ages of homes in the area?
Knowing what is likely to be behind a wall or under a floor helps the remodeler to provide reliable estimates. An extremely low bid may indicate lack of experience and an inability to later cover the actual costs involved in the job and create unnecessary change orders.
Does the remodeler specialize in any particular types of projects?
Does the remodeler arrange for the building permit? The person who obtains the permit is the contractor of record and therefore liable for making sure the work complies with codes.
Does the remodeler offer a warranty? If so, what kind, for how long, and what is and is not covered under the warranty.
Does the remodeler agree to begin and complete your job within a reasonable timetable?

Has your remodeler established presence in the community?
How long has the company been in business under this name? Longevity suggests stability.
Does the remodeler maintain solid relationships with experienced independent trade contractors such as plumbers and electricians and work with them as a team to keep your job running smoothly?
Does the remodeler have a track record of successful projects similar to the one you are planning?
Ask for a list of building materials suppliers and call them to see if the remodeler has an account or pays for materials on delivery.  Most suppliers are willing to extend credit to financially sound companies.

A few things that you may want to ask your remodeler-
Does the remodeler maintain a permanent mailing address, e-mail address, fax number or cell phone number? You will want to be able to reach the remodeler quickly and easily throughout the process, esp. at critical times.
Does the remodeler carry insurance that protects you from claims arising
from property damage or jobsite injuries?
– Ask for a copy of the remodeler’s insurance certificates so you can be sure you will not be liable in these situations for property damage or jobsite-related injuries.

Tom Owens of Creative Remodeling, Inc. was selected by the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver as their “Remodeler of the Year” for 2009.
Congratulations, Tom!

Just a reminder that there is a Colorado Fall Home Show this Sept. 19 & 20, 2009 at the Colorado Convention Center. Look for us at the Home Builder’s Association’s booth as you enter the front door.