REMODEL ARTICLE

Help! I Want To Remodel My Home And I Can’t Get Up!

by

Ellis Levinson

There are very few things in life more daunting than taking those first steps once you’ve decided to remodel that home you love so much. You’ve resigned yourself to the weeks – or months - of impending upheaval and the huge expense. But how do you take that first step on the journey of a thousand miles? First relax, take a deep breath and focus on the fact that others have undertaken similar journeys and succeeded. Your first concern should be avoiding catastrophe. And that means finding a reputable contractor. Start by narrowing the list of potential candidates. If you have friends, relatives or neighbors who have had success with a contractor who performed work similar to your project, start there. That doesn’t mean that just because someone did a great job tiling your neighbor’s bathroom, he’ll be great at a kitchen remodel. You want someone who’s done great kitchen work.
If that approach doesn’t hit the nail on the head, try asking specialty contractors you’ve used in the past – an electrician for instance – if they know someone really reliable to do the work you need. Or if you’ve decided to buy your cabinets from a merchant with a great reputation, ask her to recommend a contractor. She’s not likely to recommend a contractor about whom she’s received complaints or one who doesn’t pay his bills on time.
It’s a good idea to avoid selecting businesses from the Yellow Pages, newspaper ads, mail advertising and neighborhood bulleting boards. Why? I’m glad I asked. Because anybody can place ads at these locations, competent or not.
Once you have a handful of candidates, it’s time to check them out. Are they Better Business Bureau members? If not, why not? But membership alone is no guarantee of quality. The next step is to check out the contractor’s record with your local BBB. If that looks hunky-dory, it’s time to peruse the contractors’ record with your state’s regulatory agency, assuming you live in a state that regulates contractors.
If you’re not sure, call your state legislator and ask if there is such an agency. Be sure your candidates have current licenses, liability insurance and workman’s compensation insurance as well as clean complaint records.
If you still have at least three contractors remaining on your candidate list, it’s time call the contractors and tell them this could be their lucky day. Have a clear idea – and an open mind – about the work you want done, whether it’s adding a second story, remodeling your kitchen, or replacing those old-fashioned windows and doors.
Once you get your estimates there are several criteria for deciding on which contractor you’ll choose: price, the chemistry between you and the contractor, and the project ideas the contractor offers you. But the most important thing to remember is, let your guts be your guide. If a contractor simply doesn’t feel right to you, your guts are telling you something. It may be that he looks like a slob, comes late for your appointment, or doesn’t communicate well.
Before you make a final decision, ask who the contractor’s subcontractors are. Those are the specialty companies he hires to do specific specialty work, like plumbing or electrical. And ask whom his materials suppliers are. Then check those folks for references. And finally, ask for the names and phone numbers of current and recent customers. Then ask them if they’re satisfied and maybe even if you can see the job for yourself. You’re now ready to make a decision.
In upcoming columns I’ll discuss how to deal with your contractor from start to final payment.
And remember, you’re the boss. The contractor works for you. If you were hiring someone to work at your business you’d be mighty careful. Well, your home is your business.

Ellis Levinson has made a career of helping consumers with their complaints against businesses that don't meet customers' expectations. Your business might be employing money-saving strategies in the short run while alienating customers day after day.