Why You Need A Certified Remodeler

When you entrust your home remodeling project to ELM Construction, we want to provide you with the best value and the best experience possible. To make that happen, I've committed to subject our company to rigorous professional standards of practice and to spend time in the classroom learning the latest industry information. The initials "CGR and CAPS" that follow my name on our company literature are evidence of that commitment.

CGR and CAPS are “designations” awarded by the University of Housing, the educational branch of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). These designations certify that a remodeling professional has successfully completed a particular program of study. On graduation, the remodeler is entitled to use the designation for a period of 3 years. To keep it beyond that, the contractor must provide evidence of Continuing Education in the specialty area.

CGR, Certified Graduate Remodeler

To earn the CGR I had to first provide evidence that ELM Construction satisfies professional standards of business practice. I then completed a comprehensive education curriculum, culminating with the demonstration of my ability to manage all aspects of a project competently. Required courses for this designation emphasize business and project management skills that are key to a successful remodeling operation. During the program I studied job cost procedures, accounting principles and basic contract law, as well as design, estimating and scheduling—to name a few. In addition to the course work, I had to demonstrate at least five years of experience in the industry, provide letters of recommendation, submit proof of licensing and insurance, and pledge adherence to a strict Code of Ethics (see below).

For your project to satisfy your dreams and meet the needs of your family into the future, a thousand decisions need to be made. Decisions about which products to buy, how and when they are best installed, what are the best methods of installation, and how to keep the project flowing. The training for this designation has provided me with information and a structure that helps me make good decisions on behalf of your project. The training also better positions me to advise you in the decisions you will need to make. The training has helped us develop systems that will help your project run smoothly with as little disruption as possible for you and your family. And, even years down the road, you'll still benefit from the quality built into the job and wise choices made about products and workmanship.

CAPS, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist

The National Association of Home Builders, in partnership with the AARP and NAHB Research Center, created the CAPS program. In three days of coursework, the CAPS curriculum incorporates market demographics, communication techniques, marketing, common barriers and solutions, building codes and standards, product ideas and resources, and business management. Upon graduation, CAPS program designees are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and/or participating in local community service projects.

Whether you are young or older, if you have the desire to stay in your home for many years into the future, the application of knowledge gained through the CAPS curriculum can greatly influence and be of benefit in your home remodel. You never know if while playing sports, you might break a leg and need crutches, or a relative who uses a wheelchair would want to come and visit, or a grandparent whose vision is dimming would want to play with your kids. Wouldn't it be great to have accommodations to those, and many other needs, built right into the design of your home? If it's done right, people won't even realize how accessible your home is—until it is needed. Then it will be appreciated!

As you look at our ELM Construction literature, when you see the designations CGR and CAPS following my name, be sure to realize that those initials represent a significant difference in approach that we will use on your project from most other remodelers. Even though learning through experience is valuable (and we do that), we have also invested in preparing ourselves through these formal programs that tap into the knowledge and experience of the best in the industry nationwide—all to provide you with an exceptional experience and a home that you can truly live in and be happy.

Code of Ethics (Certified Graduate Remodeler)

I Pledge:

TO CONDUCT my business affairs with professionalism and skill.

TO PROVIDE the best remodeling value possible.

TO PROTECT the consumer through the use of high quality materials and remodeling practices backed by integrity and service.

TO MEET all of my financial obligations in a responsible manner.

TO COMPLY with the spirit and letter of my business contracts, and manage all of my employees, subcontractors and suppliers with fairness and honor.

TO KEEP informed regarding public policies and other essential information, which affect my business interests and those of the building industry as a whole.

TO COMPLY with the rules and regulations prescribed by law and government agencies for the health, safety and welfare of the community.

TO PROVIDE timely response to items covered under warranty.

TO SEEK TO RESOLVE any controversy which I may become involved in through non-litigation dispute resolution mechanism.

TO NOT ATTEMPT to injure, with malicious intent, either directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of another remodeler

TO SUPPORT and abide by the decisions of the CGR Board of Governors in promoting and enforcing the CGR designation program.

All work will meet the requirements as set forth in the “Residential Construction Performance Guidelines for Professional Builders and Remodelers.”