Choose the Right Remodeling Company
Choosing a company to renovate your home is not an easy task. You have dozens of options from “big box” stores to “handymen” with an array of businesses in between, including remodeling companies and professional kitchen and bath design firms– some with showrooms and some without. We want to help you understand the differences and what constitutes the best value for your investment. To help you make the decision process easier and the end results better, here are six criteria to consider when choosing your remodeling company.
1. Showroom/Studio Appearance
A showroom demonstrates stability, providing insight into the company with whom you are dealing. It should immediately give you a look into the firm’s product selection, quality standards, and design capabilities. Ask yourself these questions:
Are the displays unique, representing a broad range of styles?
Are they complete, in a state of flux, or missing elements?
How well are the components integrated into a beautiful, functional, ergonomically designed display?
2. An Educational Approach
Let the owner or designer educate you. A quality home is not about products or brands, but rather about you, your family, and your lifestyle. A showroom should be an educational center. You should walk out more informed and less confused than when you walked in. Look for:
Information booklets you can take home and study before you renovate your home
A “storyboard” outlining the steps involved in the design and installation process
A “cabinet comparison wall” displaying the differences in construction and cost of cabinetry
Magazines or books that feature publication of the firm’s kitchen or bath projects
3. Highly Trained Personnel
Staff expertise and experience are the most critical factors in achieving great design and incredible value before you renovate your home. A brief conversation can begin to tell you a little about the firm, but ask about:
Accreditations from national industry organizations
Employee background, education and length of association with the firm
Certificates of training from suppliers, such as cabinets and appliance manufacturers
Continuing education requirements and proof
Testimonials from past clients and references
4. Documentation
If you have never experienced a kitchen, bath, or other major remodel project, you need to know that the unexpected should always be expected. How well the firm you choose prepares for the eventuality beforehand (through documentation), as well as the “crisis” itself, can be the difference between a disaster and a great experience. An experienced firm will completely and accurately document the following:
Detailed floor plans, elevations and perspectives
Specifications for each product including costs, warranties, deliverables, timing, etc.
Complete specifications for the services provided; what is included, what is not included, what may be additional
Agreements for pricing, payment terms, and conditions
5. Specialized Services
What are your expectations when you renovate your home? Some people just want a good design and will handle the rest; others expect the firm to manage the process from design through installation. Be sure the firm you hire fulfills your expectations.
What does the design process include?
Will they order everything you need to complete the project, including the little things you don’t see?
Will they manage the ordering process, or will you be on the phone asking about delivery dates?
Do you want the firm to hire, manage and pay the subcontractors such as electricians, plumbers, tile installers, painters and others?
6. Business Integrity
Your greatest fear is the realization of the story your neighbor or relative told you. You know the one, the contractor took a deposit, ripped out a room, then disappeared – ran off to another project, never to be heard from again. Be sure you judge the firms you are considering by their business integrity along with the other six criteria. Look for a solid reputation. You can judge this from word of mouth in the community and written endorsements from recent clients. Look for a mission statement and values statement that resonates to you. Be sure the firm offers easy to understand warranties.
With these seven tips, you can now easily determine which remodeling company is best for you when you renovate your home. Have any questions for our designers concerning any of this criteria? Give us a call at 941-780-7800.
