Remodeling Your Home

Whatever the scope, the first step in any remodeling project is finding the right remodeler.

Where to Start...Make a list of potential remodelers using our Find A Remodeler search tool.

Look Around...Once you have a list of licensed remodelers, learn about their reputation and the quality of their work. Reputable remodelers should be more than willing to provide references for their work.

Communication & Trust is Key...You'll want someone with whom you can communicate well, combined with someone you trust. After all, the relationship with your contractor is a partnership that involves one of your most important assets – your home.

Other Important Tips:

• Collect ideas about what you'd like from magazines, HBA Home and Garden Shows and from friends and neighbors;
• Be open and honest about your budget and lifestyle. Let your remodeler help you maximize your project within your limits;
• Design is critical. Work closely with your remodeler to leverage their design capabilities or those of an architect and/or design professional.

In joining the HBA, all members agree to abide by our Code of Ethics. By doing so, members demonstrate to home owners, potential home owners and others in this industry that they take pride in their profession and will do their best to provide the highest quality work possible.

Code of Ethics...HBA members believe and affirm that they shall:

• Deal fairly and honestly with their clients, customers, government agencies, the public, and each other;
• Never commit any act which would tend to reflect on, discredit, or bring into disrepute any segment of the building and management industry;
• Encourage research and education to develop new materials, new construction techniques, advance management practices, new construction equipment, improved methods of financing, improved personal and company relationships, to the end that we all may enjoy a better society;
• Engage in practices and legislation on the local, county, state, and national levels which encourage competition and promote the free enterprise system.

Find A Remodeler using our search tool.

Search Our Buyers Guide to find a subcontractor, product or service.

Home owners and potential home owners in southeastern Michigan have access to professionals who've invested time and money to improve their skills, advance their careers and be recognized for commitment to professional growth by earning designations from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

NAHB has the most targeted curriculum, accomplished teachers and widely respected education opportunities in the business. Finding a remodeler who has completed one or more of these certification programs is your first step to a successful project. These certifications include:

• Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) is very similar to the CGB program described above with the additional emphasis on the unique challenges encountered when remodeling an existing home. The CGR designation is a vital component in ensuring you are hiring a professional remodeling operation.
• Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR) certification allows CGRs to attain further recognition for educational excellence and longevity in the remodeling industry. This program is designed to be the master level of the current CGR designation. Qualifications include 15 years remodeling experience, completion of 5 required courses, and having an active CGR for 9 years or active CR (Certified Remodeler) from NARI (National Association Remodeling Industry) for 10 years.
• Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) is the only current national program teaching building and remodeling professionals how to make homes safe and accessible for any age or ability, with an emphasis on aesthetically pleasing yet functional modifications.
• Certified Green Professional (CGP) teaches builders, remodelers and other industry professionals techniques for incorporating green building principles into homes - without driving up the cost of construction.

To earn and maintain these certifications, members must take NAHB-approved courses from a set curriculum and keep up with continuing education.

In order to ensure the process of remodeling your home is an enjoyable experience and that it is well constructed, it is important that you take an active role from the beginning. To help achieve satisfaction and avoid misunderstandings, home owners who are remodeling their home should take steps so there will be no unpleasant surprises. There are several things you can and should do to ensure your project meets all of your expectations.

• The importance of choosing the right remodeler cannot be underestimated. When you look for a remodeler, find someone with whom you can communicate and develop a positive working relationship.
• Make sure your remodeler is licensed, bonded and insured. Also ask for references from previous clients.
• Ask the remodeler for a copy of their warranty and take time to review it before you begin.
• Ensure that your remodeler has a good contract that covers all the issues of payment, performance, warranty schedule and dispute resolution.
• Don't necessarily take the lowest bid. A remodeler who is the right fit for your project will usually give you the best value - without cutting corners.
• Meet with your remodeler regularly during the course of construction to resolve any problems that come up during the course of the work (e.g., change orders, cost overruns, modifications in design, changes in specified materials).