Although Americans are tightening their belts during these tough economic times, savvy homeowners know that remodeling projects are a wise investment for the future. Many also recognize that it’s smart to hire a pro instead of undertaking a major do-it-yourself project themselves, according to The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
“Fixing do-it-yourself projects that have gone wrong can be very expensive,” said Bill Carter, NARI President-Elect, CR, CKBR, and owner of the William Carter Co. in Sacramento, Calif. “It pays to hire a certified remodeling contractor so that the project gets done right, on schedule and on budget. It alleviates the fear of a contractor or DIY horror story.”
Carter knows this from first-hand experience. As an expert witness in forensic contracting and construction defect cases, he has witnessed the time, expense and aggravation homeowners go through when remodeling projects go wrong. Every day remodelers across the nation are hired to salvage failed DIY projects. Homeowners can avoid these stresses—and expenses—by hiring a professional remodeler from the beginning of every remodeling project they undertake, Carter said.
A recent study by Kelton Research, on behalf of the online review site
Kudzu.com , found that more than one in three Americans (35 percent) believe it is more cost effective to hire a professional to do home improvement projects than attempting to do it themselves. In fact, 25 percent have hired a professional to fix or finish a home improvement project they first attempted themselves.
“If you work with a certified remodeler from the outset of a project, your contractor will explain how much money the project will cost from the outset and explain alternative solutions to fit your budget,” Carter said.
NARI is a good source for homeowners seeking to hire a professional remodeling contractor. Contractors who are members of NARI are full-time, dedicated remodeling professionals. The association offers this assurance through an extensive screening process of each of its members and requires members to follow a strict code of ethics that observes high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility. NARI remodelers promote only those products and services that are known to be functionally and economically sound and those that are known to be consistent with objective standards of health and safety. Contracts and warranties are written so that that they comply with federal, state and local laws, and NARI members retain insurance, licensing and registration as required by federal, state and local authorities.
Homeowners can be confident that any time they hire a NARI remodeler, they are hiring an individual who has made a strong commitment to the professionalism of the remodeling industry and has been in business for at least one year. Certified NARI members have a minimum of five years experience in the remodeling industry. Log on to
www.RemodelToday.com to find a remodeler in your area.
