Every May, the construction industry celebrates National Home Remodeling Month, so what better time to consider your next remodeling project? Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, improve your outdoor space, or add on to your home, T.W. Ellis is ready to help!
Now more than ever, it’s important to choose a professional, trusted remodeler. Here are 9 tips for making sure you pick the right remodeling partner.
1. History
While longevity is not a guarantee of quality, remodeling firms don’t stay in business by failing to serve their customers. T.W. Ellis has been serving Maryland for nearly 20 years. President Tim Ellis and the rest of our team can boast decades of experience in the construction industry.
2. Stay local
Whenever the economy gets challenging or a natural disaster hits, you’re likely to find out-of-town contractors and fly-by-night “handyman” companies flooding the market. A local contractor is going to be aware of the various state and municipal building codes and also be more likely to worry about performing quality work.
3. Ask about insurance and licensing
T.W. Ellis is a licensed and fully insured local contractor. In Maryland, any contractor performing home improvements is required to be licensed. A fully insured remodeler is going to protect you in case an accident occurs on the jobsite or there is some other problem with the project.
4. Look for association membership and certifications
The best remodelers uphold the highest standards of professionalism through their associations and certifications. T.W. Ellis is a long-time member of the National Association of Home Builders and company President Tim Ellis has served as the NAHB Remodelers Chairman of the Board. Ellis has earned multiple certifications, including Certified Master Remodeler, Certified Graduate Remodeler, Certified Master Green Professional, and more.
5. Ask for references
Most good remodelers generate the majority of their business from repeat and referral business. One of the best places to start when looking is to ask your friends and family about their experiences. Once you are considering a remodeler, ask for references from past customers. Any remodeler who can’t give you names and testimonials from previous clients is one you want to avoid.
6. Check for reviews and violations
Check with your local consumer affairs office and Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints against the remodeler, and how they responded to them. Check out online reviews as well.
7. Be cautious of low bids or “special” pricing
If a remodeler is coming in with numbers well below others, there is probably a good reason for that. Make sure you are comparing apples-to-apples: Is the project scope the same? Are they using inferior materials?
8. Sign a contract
A contract protects both the homeowner and the remodeler. Be wary of any contractor that doesn’t have you sign one. The agreement should clearly lay out the scope of the project, how it will be constructed, and clarify how problems will be resolved.
9. Avoid large payments up front
It is quite normal to have a remodeler ask for a deposit before the project starts, but most will not ask for complete payment for a project before they start working. Make sure the contract clearly lays out the payment schedule and what work is expected at each stage.
Ready to start talking about your next remodel? T.W. Ellis is ready to guide you through your next home project. Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs!
