Our focus this month on the T.W. Ellis blog is the steps to take before you get started on your remodel. We’ve already looked at prepping for your project and budgeting for your remodel.
This week, we’re talking about why hiring a certified remodeler is an important part of your remodeling success. At T.W. Ellis, we’re proud to have invested in our team through our professional certifications and association involvement. The best remodelers uphold the highest standards of professionalism through their associations and certifications.
We are long-time members of the National Association of Home Builders and company President Tim Ellis has served as the NAHB Remodelers Chairman of the Board. Our team has earned multiple certifications, including Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR), Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Master Certified Green Professional (CGP) and Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) designations.
You’ve probably seen those letters or other similar ones from us and other remodelers. We thought that telling you a little about each one would help you understand why we think they are so important to our business and your project.
Certified Graduate Remodeler/Graduate Master Remodeler
The CGR designation emphasizes customer satisfaction, project management, overall business skills, risk management, technical competence and more. To apply for the CGR, a remodeler must have at least five years experience in the industry, and then complete a series of industry-specific education courses. We must also complete 12 hours of continuing education every three years and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics.
To achieve the GMR designation, the remodeler must have at least 15 years experience in the industry, and to have been a CGR for at least 10 years. It also requires additional coursework.
Your home is your most valuable possession and we believe it is important that you entrust it to an experienced remodeler with a commitment to quality. These designations speak to a company’s dedication to professionalism and delivering a quality customer experience.
Master Certified Green Professional
The Master CGP designation ensures that we have the training and knowledge necessary to build or remodel your home to green and sustainable standards. It is the “master level” step above the Certified Green Professional designation. It shows our long-standing commitment to and experience with green remodeling.
To achieve the certification, we took training on a variety of topics including energy efficiency, water conservation and indoor air quality. The coursework is based on the National Green Building Standard, the only ANSI-approved rating system for green remodeling projects. One of the key elements of Master CGP training is strategies for integrating green building principles into homes using cost-effective methods of construction.
Certified Aging in Place Specialist
As Certified Aging in Place Specialists, T.W. Ellis has been trained in the unique requirements of preparing a home for an aging population.
We know that most people would prefer to stay in their homes as they age, and Aging in Place remodeling helps you do just that. You may not have a need for these features today, but incorporating them into your remodel now can help your home for the future, or for visiting guests.
Also, we have years of experience in implementing accessible elements that improve your home without making it look institutional. Aging in Place doesn’t mean your home has to look like a hospital or nursing home! T.W. Ellis has the training and experience to deliver the best remodeling project for your Bel Air or Forest Hill area home. Contact us today to find out what we can do to help you with your next project!
