Finding the right remodeler can be a challenge. How can you know which contractor or design-build team will do the best work, be the most trustworthy, and understand your needs?
Our last blog introduced our series exploring the three steps to finding the perfect home remodeler for your next project.
Ready to take step 1?
Here we’ll cover where to look, who to talk to, and what to look for in your research for the right remodeler.
1. Ask for Referrals
Custom Craft’s Vice President, Mike Foering advises, “word-of-mouth referrals are really the way to go to find the best home remodeler. It’s how most of our new clients find us, and the easiest way for homeowners to know exactly who they can trust .”
If you have family or friends who’ve recently completed a remodel or renovation, ask questions about their experience, such as:
- Did they communicate well with you?
- What was their team like — were they professional, responsive, and clean?
- Were they able to stay within your budget and time frame?
- How did they handle problems?
- Visit Houzz
Houzz is an online community created to connect homeowners with professionals, so it’s always a good place to look. Simply type in the service you need and your zip code, and you’ll have a list of local professionals, access to reviews, and be able to see photos of past projects.
You’ll likely be headed to Houzz no matter which remodeler you choose. Our Custom Craft designers ask homeowners to browse Houzz and save rooms or features they love very early in the design process. A client’s Houzz ideabook tells them a lot about what the client is really looking for. It helps them get a feel for their style and ensures we’re speaking the same language.
- Log into NARI
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry is an organization of high-quality remodeling professionals who’ve demonstrated a commitment to excellence and have completed an accreditation process to prove their knowledge and expertise.
The NARI website has excellent resources for homeowners as well as a search form to quickly find local NARI Remodelers.
- Check out Company Websites
Once you have some names on your list, it’s time to check out their individual websites. There might be a lot of information to go through, but here’s what to zero in on:
Awards
If a remodeler describes themselves as “award-wining,” look for proof. If NARI, GuildQuality, or Houzz have recognized them, they’re the real deal. Look for awards such as:
- Best of Houzz
- GuildMaster
- Contractor of the Year (CotY)
Credentials
Are they licensed, bonded, and insured? Do they mention a warranty on their work? Look for specific memberships and certifications from accredited organizations such as:
- National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA)
- The National Association of the Remodeling (NARI)
- National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB)
Portfolios
Browse through your potential remodeling partner’s portfolio and ask:
- Do the pictures look professional and accurate?
- Have they worked on projects similar to yours?
- Do they use a variety of styles and features, or does all their work look the same?
Keep in mind if you can’t find this information on a prospective builder’s website, you can always call and ask. This will be a natural lead into step 2 of your pursuit: interviewing your narrowed list of candidates. Stay tuned for more on that in our next blog!
Could Custom Craft Remodeling be a good fit for you? Find out at customcraftdbr.com.
