Welcome to the first article in a series from the local membership of the Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado – Remodelers. Our group was founded in the mid 90’s with the intention of taking the home remodel world to a new level of professionalism. The original four members have now grown to over 50 members who have one thing in mind! Making the world of remodeling a professional and respected trade!
The “Remodeler's Council” as many refer to it, is a group of professional remodelers, vendors and trade professionals who believe in quality, fairness, communication and education. We strive to provide homeowners with a high degree of value by working with them to improve their version of the American Dream of home ownership.
Two things about housing:
l We all need some sort of shelter
l All shelters need repairs, maintenance and improvements.
It is a major goal of our group to provide services in a manner that allows a homeowner to know that trust and fairness will always be present when working with our members.
As you read these articles throughout the year you will learn such things as:
How to find a Professional Remodeler
How to Survive a Remodel
What to Expect from a Professional Remodeler
Why Should I Hire a Professional Remodeler?
As well as many more informative ideas and issues such as the permitting process and municipal building code requirements. You can be assured that each time you read one of these articles you will come away a more informed consumer. They will be written by members from a variety of trades.
You will learn how to identify a contractor who is interested in creating a business, helping the local economy and employing local people in building their business. You will learn how to find a remodeler who is truly interested in creating a value in your project. Most importantly, You will learn to how to hire in order to get the best value and protect what may be the largest asset many of you have, your home.
As in all industries, there are people who will prey on the public in various ways to make their living. Unfortunately, the remodeling industry is no different. However, there are ways to insure the success and reduce the “pain” of a remodel. After 34 years in the industry, it still amazes me how many calls we get to sort out a project that has turned into a disaster for the homeowner. Some of the reasons for this include lack of detail in a contract, the remodeler failing to charge what it takes to do the job properly then disappearing in the middle of the project, the remodeler being under qualified for the complexity of a project and many other issues that are 100% avoidable. These disasters are unfortunate for all involved, the homeowners and the professional remodelers. Our entire profession gets a black eye because of a few who just don’t get it. Be sure to look for these articles throughout the coming months.
A couple of last items, I would like to invite you to attend the Home & Remodel Show at the First National Bank Center out at the Ranch. This event will be held March 7 & 8 with free admission and parking. The Home & Remodel Show will offer you a chance to see new products, visit with remodel professionals and in general have a good time looking at what is happening in the remodeling world.
Finally, I am very proud to announce that very soon the Remodelers Council will launch a brand new consumer oriented website containing everything you need to know when selecting a remodeler. This new web site will help you discover which projects add value and which ones don’t, inform you about changing building codes and permitting requirements and yes, offer a current list of members whom you can trust to improve your Home Sweet Home! It will be the consumer’s resource for educating themselves on how to make a remodel project happen successfully.
It has been a pleasure and an honor to write this initial article for the Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado – Remodelers. We as a group look forward to working with you in the future.
Respectfully,
Bob D. Peterson CGR CAPS CGP
Co-Owner of Associates in Building & Design, Ltd.
2009 National 2nd Vice Chairman of the NAHB Remodelers