 | is co-owner of Granite Transformations “The Countertop That Fits on Top” Clay is a graduate of Fort Hays State University and has been in the Home Improvement Business for over twelve years and co-owner of Granite Transformations of Wichita for over three. Clay is a member of the Wichita Area Builders Association and also a member of the Remodelors Council within the WABA. He enjoys watching sports, going to the lake, Snow-skiing, and family vacations. His wonderful wife of twelve years, Megan, is a local Pharmacist. Please feel free to contact Clay at 316-681-1900 or stop by The Granite Transformation Showroom for any information or advice you may need. |
Home Improvement
2007-09-01 09:59:00
Where to start on a remodeling job
We have been saving up to do some remodeling but aren’t sure how to get started on choosing a qualified remodeler to do the work. Where do we start?
Answer: First of all, there are many deciding factors involved in choosing a remodeler, but here are a few helpful tips to get you started.
When looking for a remodeler, do not assume bigger is better. If you are looking in the yellow pages, company A may have a huge ad compared to company B, but that does not necessarily reflect how their work is and if they take care of their customers. One suggestion would be to see if the company is part of the WABA (Wichita Area Builders Association) and the Remodeler’s Council which is part of the WABA. Companies that are associated with WABA are required to adhere to certain standards and have knowledge of the remodeling business and serve the customer’s needs. The Remodeler’s Council also adheres to a code of ethics, and any complaints against any Remodeling Council member are taken before the Association to be resolved. Attending home shows and looking at options there is a good avenue as well. This gives you the opportunity to see what they specialize in and visit with them one-on-one.
Whether your project is large or small, take your time and do the necessary research to see what company might be a good fit for you. Decide on a budget that you have in mind and determine what your wants and needs are prior to having a salesperson or estimator come to your home. Obviously, if someone has had work done and has referred a company to you, you’ll feel more comfortable starting out with them, but you still need to ask all the necessary questions of them just as you would of any other company. Always ask for other referrals and make sure they are insured. Also, what do their warranties actually cover and do they back their workmanship? When a salesperson comes to your home, make sure you and any other person making any decisions will be there. Making sure all questions and concerns are discussed on the first visit is necessary for both you and the remodeler.
If a salesperson is asking you specific questions and is finding out what your wants and needs are, they are probably looking out for your best interest and not just looking to get that quick commission. Make sure that the quote given to you covers everything including: materials, installation, taxes, add-ons, or any other fees. If you are getting more than one bid, make sure you are comparing apples to apples, and that you feel comfortable doing business with the company. Do the associates represent the company in a positive manner? After all, appearance and punctuality are everything these days. I cannot stress enough the importance of doing the necessary research before choosing your remodeler and hopefully these tips will get you started in the right direction. Happy Remodeling!
