MenuJust as many homeowners throughout the Sioux Empire are completing their gardens for a summer of outdoor enjoyment, other homeowners are looking around their home and thinking about adding that extra bedroom for their growing family, remodeling their bathroom to take the stress off of their busy schedules or updating their kitchen to accommodate their lifestyle.
As homeowners get caught up in the excitement of having a larger bathroom or an additional bedroom, it is sometimes easy to forget the first step in the remodeling process—checking out a remodeler. While this can be a time-consuming, the rewards of following this step initially can reap benefits for years to come. Homeowners should remember that they should never conduct business with a remodeler unless they first investigate his or her reputation and experience. Price alone is not an indication of a remodelers’ experience or his capabilities.
Good sources of information include feedback from family and friends who have had remodeling work done. While checking with the Consumer Protection Department of South Dakota can be a tool in the investigation process, it is important to keep in mind that no complaints registered only means that, if there have been incidents, they have not been reported. Another good source is to contact the Remodeling Council of the Sioux Empire (affiliated with the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire) for a list of their current membership.
The City of Sioux Falls requires that all remodeling contractors to be licensed. Asking for a copy of the contractor’s licensing and insurance policy is an important task that should not be overlooked. Making sure that a remodeler has insurance offers protection from claims arising from property liability or job site injuries.
Other important things to look at when choosing a remodeler include his or her business, management, technical and construction expertise as well as customer service and communication skills.
Finally, it is imperative to understand a bid and know exactly what it includes. For those seeking more than one bid, it is the only way to make a fair comparison. It is easy to be cheaper on a bid than someone else if one is selling "apples" while another one is selling "oranges."
