May is National Home Remodeling Month

National Home Remodeling Month, established by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), takes place every year in May, and recognizes the expertise of remodeling professionals while highlighting the benefits of hiring a professional remodeler.

Spring is typically when many Americans make plans to remodel their homes — from embarking on projects that help boost their home’s efficiency to adding more of their personal style to their living space to tackling much-needed maintenance.

Your home is one of the single biggest investments you’ll ever make, so take care when choosing a remodeler to work in your home. There are many talented people who believe and claim they can “fix” anything that needs repair or tackle any remodeling project.  Many have integrity and are very talented. However, keep in mind that every handyman may not be a carpenter, plumber, electrician, etc.  A job done incorrectly may cause damage to your home. You will save money by hiring a professional the first time so that the job is done right.

When you are in the process of selecting a remodeler, here are some important questions to ask:

• Have you ever done this type of project before?
• What is your training and experience, do you have any industry certifications that indicate a higher level of knowledge and experience?
• Do you belong to any industry or trade organizations?
• How will you keep the jobsite safe and clean to prevent injury to household members and pets?  
• What guarantees/warranties do you provide?
• Can I reach you directly and what is your response time if I have questions or concerns?

If you are looking for anyone to work on your home, check and verify their references.  If you are hiring any company, check their standing with the BBB online and look for complaints and reviews. It’s a good idea to hire someone who is licensed, bonded and insured.  Consider hiring a professional contractor who has master carpenters, painters, plumbers, electricians, aboard.  It may cost you a little more, but your chances of a disaster striking while the work is being done or after is less likely to happen. AND more than likely you won’t have to pay the job to be done a second time!

Post Harvey there were many unscrupulous contractors looking to scam homeowners. Make sure anyone that you consider hiring has a permanent business location, website and local references. State law prohibits contractors in disaster areas from taking up front money unless they have held a physical business address in the county or adjacent county for at least one year. This law, found in Chapter 58 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, provides other valuable protections for those rebuilding in disaster areas.

Most of all be wary of low-cost bids, as the expression goes, “you get what you pay for.”