Tips on recommending a remodelin q@ r@r contractor

workmanship required must be reached.

Everything should be in writing including what the contractor will and won't do such as daily clean-up or clean-up on completion of the job. Before the contract is signed, it is suggested that the homeowners think carefully, making sure that they understand everything and that they are getting what they want at a fair price.

When a homeowner is working with a contractor, the association recommends that they study plans carefully before approving them, make sure that all materials are specified in the contract by brand names and quality, be certain that the contractor provides certification of insurance for brokers, property damage and personal liability and that the contract guarantees cleanup.

ll ANY do-it-yourself customers

lll ask stores to recommend a professional remodeling contractor to help them with a project.

A manager who doesn't offer installation or remodeling services, may have a problem in suggesting workmen for them to contact. Many stores maintain lists of remodeling contractors who buy from them to use as references. Others allow contractors to put their cards on a bulletin board which has a disclaimer that the store has no connection with them or responsibility for their work. Some stores simply refer the customer to the Yellow Pages.

However the request is handled, it can backfire. The customer, if he has an unhappy experience with someone suggested, will probably unconsciously blame the store. The person who is told to look in the Yellow Pages may consider the store cold and uncaring.

Some dealers have had success in giving remodeling customers a guide to selecting a reliable remodeling contractor. Suggestions for such a handout can be found in a brochure, "Selecting A Professional Remodeling Contractor," published by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Their first suggestion is to employ a contractor with an established business in the community. (Membership in the NARI is considered a plus.) Checking out the contractor with the Better Business Bureau and asking for references of past customers is recommended. They stress that these references should be contacted and that the jobs which the contractor has done should be examined as well.

The NARI recommends that several contractors be solicited for bids on the work to be done. They say that the lowest bid should never be blindly accepted. The contractor should be asked to explain why it is low. A thorough understanding of the quality of materials and the

The brochure also has guidelines for proper planning, establishing priorities, determining design and function. The necessity of having detailed specifications for the job and complying with building codes and obtaining proper permits also is covered.

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Ways to help customers find remodeling contractors without assuming liability. guid+ lines for take home literature discussion topics for remodeling clinics...

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry is located at l90l N. Moore Street, Suite 808, Arlington, Va. 22209. Their telephone is (703)276-7600. They represent professional remodeling contractors, manufacturers of remodeling products, wholesalers. distributors, lenders, utilities and publishers. They sponsor a number of programs including Home Remodeling Month each May.