What to Check When Hiring a Professional Remodeler

What to Check When Hiring a Professional Remodeler

If you’re planning a home remodel, hire a professional remodeler with excellent credentials. The Indiana Builders Association believes the best remodeling results are achieved when qualified remodelers do the work.

“Remodeling professionals have training, experience, skills, and solid references. They are invested in making their communities better. Fly-by-night and out of state contractors who come in town after a storm to take advantage of our friends, family and neighbors gives the whole industry a tarnished reputation,” said Paul Schwinghammer, IBA 2022 President.

Home owners can hire the best remodeler for the job by checking credentials and choosing the most qualified candidate. Ask about these credentials when hiring a professional remodeler:

  1. Licensing and Insurance
    All professional home remodelers should be insured and able to display a certificate proving possession of insurance. While not all states require remodelers to be licensed, in those states the remodelers should also be able to share proof of licensure. Insurance and licensing (where applicable) helps to demonstrate that the remodeling firm is in good standing.
  2. Education
    The most skilled professional remodelers not only have experience on the job, but education. This may include designations such as Certified Graduate Remodeler, Graduate Master Remodeler, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Certified Green Professional and more. These remodelers have invested in continuing education and professional development to keep their remodeling and business skills sharp and better serve their customers.
  3. Association Membership
    Many successful remodelers are members of trade associations like the National Association of Home Builders and Indiana Builders Association because it offers business resources and continuing education. Membership also provides opportunity for professional growth and expanding knowledge of the remodeling industry.
  4. Excellent References
    Glowing references are abundant for professional remodelers because happy home owners enjoy sharing their good experiences and appreciation of their newly upgraded space. Ask to speak with previous clients and to see photos of previous home remodels for getting a sense of their customer relations practice and work style.
  5. Business Skills
    Experienced remodelers know how to manage their business, which provides stability and security for their customers. These professionals will provide a written contract for a home remodeling job, as well as guarantees and warranties for their work. Another important sign of honest business practices from a remodeler is outlining a clear payment schedule and not requiring large amounts of cash up front. Professional remodelers should also have a good reputation with the Better Business Bureau and a good credit report, indicating solid business operations.

Conduct thorough research when hiring a professional home remodeler so that you hire someone with good credentials. Verifying smart business practices and remodeling expertise will better ensure that your home remodel will be completed successfully.

Ready to find your remodeling professional? Use our Consumer Connect portal to search for and connect with trusted industry pros.

For more tips on planning a home remodel or hiring a professional remodeler, visit https://www.nahb.org/Other/Consumer-Resources or contact info@buildindiana.org.

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