Every May, the construction industry celebrates National Home Remodeling Month, so what better time to consider your next remodeling project? Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, improve your bathroom or add on to your home, ELM Construction is ready to help!

Now more than ever, it’s important to choose a professional, trusted remodeler. Here are 9 tips for making sure you pick the right remodeling partner.

1. History

A long history may not be a guarantee of quality, but remodeling firms don’t stay in business by failing to deliver quality service. ELM Construction has been serving the Birmingham area for more than a decade. Led by Elliott Pike, the ELM Construction team has successfully navigated economic ups and downs.

2. Stay local

Whenever the economy gets challenging or a natural disaster hits, you’re likely to find out-of-town contractors and fly-by-night “handyman” companies flooding the market. A local contractor is going to be aware of the building codes in our local area and also be more likely to worry about performing quality work.

3. Ask about insurance and licensing

ELM Construction is a licensed and fully insured local contractor. Be sure to ask for proof of both. In Alabama, contractors need to be licensed for any project of $50,000 or more. A fully insured remodeler is going to protect you in case an accident occurs on the jobsite or there is some other problem with the project.

4. Look for association membership and certifications

The best remodelers are recognized for their quality work. ELM Construction is active in our local, state, and national home building and remodeling associations. We have won a number of awards from those associations and others for our projects. We are a Certified Graduate Remodeler, Certified Aging in Place Specialist and an Alabama Accredited Lead Based Paint Renovator.

5. Ask for references

Most good remodelers generate the majority of their business from repeat and referral business. One of the best places to start when looking is to ask your friends and family about their experiences. Once you are considering a remodeler, ask for references from past customers. Any remodeler who can’t give you names and testimonials from previous clients is one you want to avoid.

6. Check for reviews and violations

Check with your local consumer affairs office and Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints against the remodeler, and how they responded to them. Check out online reviews as well.

7. Be cautious of low bids or “special” deals

If a remodeler is coming in with an estimate much lower than others, there’s probably a good reason for that. Take a closer look: Is the project scope the same? Are they using inferior materials?

8. Sign a contract

Be wary of any remodeler that doesn’t have you sign a contract. It protects you as well as the remodeler. It should clearly lay out the scope of the project, how it will be constructed, and clarify how problems will be resolved.

9. Avoid large payments up front

It is quite normal to have a remodeler ask for a deposit before the project starts, but most will not ask for complete payment for a project before they start working. Make sure the contract clearly lays out the payment schedule and what work is expected at each stage.

Ready to start your next project? ELM Construction is ready to help you through your remodel. Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs!

Choosing The Right Remodeler