Creative Remodeling Blog

I can’t believe it’s time again!
Colorado Garden & Home Show….
Feb. 12-20.

Does the remodeler have a track record of successful projects similar to the one you are planning?

Ask for a list of building material 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.

Thank you for stopping by to see us at the Home Show!
Remember to give us a call at 303-333-3401 for your  home remodeling needs!

Colorado Fall Home Show this Fri.-Sun. See you there!

Look for us at the Home Builders Association’s (HBA)
booth this weekend!

Has the remodeler established presence in the community?
How long has the company been in business under this name? Longevity suggests financial 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:
Maintain a permanent mailing address, e-mail address, fax number or cell number? You will want to be able to reach the remodeler quickly and easily throughout the process.
Do they carry insurance that protects you from claims arising from property damage or jobsite injuries?
Ask for a copy of their insurance certificates so you can be sure you will not be liable in these situations for property damage or jobsite-related injuries.
Ask the remodeler how much the project will add to your home’s value and obtain the necessary additional insurance.

Once you have develoloped a list of potential contractors:
Check with your local Better Business Bureau. Ask if they have had an complaints about the remodeler? If so, were those complaints resolved satisfactorily?
Check with your state’s licensing agency and the state and local building inspectors to see if they have received any complaints about the remodeler and to verify that the remodeler has the appropriate licenses and registrations.

First you should seek referrals from:
Local trade associations, such as your area’s local home builders association
and local Remodelors Council….in Denver, the Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders.
Ask friends, family, neighbors, coworkers and others who have had remodeling work done.
Check with independent trade contractors, building materials suppliers, architects, engineers, home inspectors, or local lenders and insurance professionals.

Develop an idea of what you want to do. Write a prioritized list of your needs and wants. Look at magazines and Web sites and collect pictures of what you like. The more clearly you can envision the project and describe it on paper, the more likely you are to convey a clear image of your project to your remodeler.
Think about traffic patterns, furniture size and placement, colors, lighting and how you expect to use the remodeled space.
Figure out how much money you have to spend on the remodeling job, the furnishings and the landscaping (if any). If necessary, talk to lenders and find out how much you can borrow and at what cost.
Next we’ll talk about how to find a professional remodeler!