Most of you know of my passion for what I do – architecture and building, especially custom residential remodeling. May is National Remodeling month and I wanted to provide anyone that reads my blogs a checklist on what to look for in a great remodeling contractor.

Use this checklist to help you select a home remodeler to work on or remodel your home.

  • Contact your local home builders’ association for the names of member builders and remodelers. You can also ask family, friends, or coworkers for recommendations. Locally – ours is the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago (HBAGC).
  • Make sure the builder or home remodeler has a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers.
  • Find out how long they have been in the building business. It usually takes three to five years to establish a financially sound business. You want to make sure they will be around after the construction is complete to service any warranties.
  • Check out the company’s rating and if there have been any complaints filed with your local Better Business Bureau: bbb.org.
  • Make sure the builder/remodeler has sufficient workers compensation and general liability insurance. If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
  • Ask the builder/remodeler to provide you with names of previous customers. If they won’t, beware. If they do, ask the customers if they would hire the builder/remodeler again.
  • Ask if you can see the builder/remodelers work, both completed and in progress. Check for quality of workmanship and materials.
  • Do you feel you can easily communicate with the builder/remodeler? Remember you will be in close contact with them throughout the construction process and afterward as you live in your new home.
  • Make sure the builder/remodeler provides you with a complete and clearly written contract. The contract will benefit both of you. If you are having a new home built, get, and review a copy of the home warranty and homeowner manual as well.
  • Be cautious of unusually low-priced bids. If the builder/remodeler is unable to pay for the materials and labor as the project proceeds, this may indicate a potential problem. Keep in mind that less expensive does not necessarily mean better!
  • Verify that your remodeler is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Renovator if you are planning work in a pre-1978 home that will disturb more than six square feet of painted surfaces inside the home or 20 square feet on the exterior of the home. Learn more about the EPA’s lead paint rule.

These few simple checklist ideas can save a homeowner a lot of money if you hire the wrong contractor.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Principal, Architect

AIA, CGR, CAPS, CGP, NCARB

Michael Menn Ltd.

2017 President of the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago

2016 National Remodeler of the Year

Emeritus, PowerHouse Smart Board of Advisors

American Institute of Building Design

Proud Member of the National Association of Home Builders since 1989

Proud Member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago since 1989