The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is a nonprofit trade association representing the largest network of professional remodelers in the United States, with over 6000 members nationwide and 51 local chapters.
As the only national association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry, NARI brings together leading trade professionals from all over the country. NARI promotes ethical and sound business practices for the benefit of America’s homeowners as well as for the industry. Here are their tips on how to hire a remodeler:
Employ a contractor with an established business.
Start by searching the National Association of the Remodeling Industry at nari.org. You can search by zip code and also by specialty. You can also research names and background of qualified remodelers that may have been supplied by neighbors and friends to verify licensing and certifications.
Discuss your project with a couple remodelers.
Call a few remodelers from your list to talk about 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 remodeler for references, and check out their website or brochure that describes their experience and accomplishments. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples of like contractors.
Ask questions about the contractor’s business.
Asking questions can help ensure you hire the best professional. Does the remodeler have a license? Do they have general liability insurance in case of an accident on the job? Ask to see a copy to verify coverage. Do they guarantee their work? How do they handle any problems that may arise on the project? Having these answers in advance will prevent future problems and nail down the best professional remodeler for the job.
Check the references and background of the remodeler.
It’s important to do some background research after you have selected the remodelers who match your project’s needs. Check with the Better Business Bureau, talk to their references, and ask if they are a member of a professional or trade association (such as NARI). Remodelers with these qualities tend to be more reliable, better educated, and more likely to stay on top of construction, remodeling and design trends.
Don’t make the selection on price alone.
Many people are lured by the lowest price to their remodeling project, thinking that they have found a great deal. But be skeptical of unusually low prices. These bids may be more cost more in the end-especially if the contractor is cutting corners, not pulling permits, not calculating certain costs, or is inexperienced. Often, professional remodelers end up fixing remodels from unscrupulous contractors who did shoddy and unsafe work or failed to complete the job. Beware that the lowest price may not ultimately provide the best value for your home remodel.