Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/122656
Ideasin Building ADVERTISEMENT new T By Randy Bickley here are many reasons people choose to remodel their homes. They love their neighbors, their community, and their houses are more than houses…they are homes. But as our families grow and change, what we need and want in our homes changes, as well. For some of us, it's an updated kitchen or bathroom, for others, it's adding a downstairs master suite or sunroom. For millions of baby boomers, it means making some changes that allow you to function in your home comfortably and safely as you age. Whatever you dream, remodeling allows you to create that dream without sacrificing the home you love. Once you decide to make your dream a reality, there are important steps you have to take to make certain you protect and enhance your most important asset—your home. It is vital that you choose a remodeler who can take your dreams, turn them into a custom design and then bring that design to life—on time and on budget, and, at the highest professional standards. That's where you need to do your homework, because if you don't take the time to choose the right remodeler, your dream could become your worst nightmare. It's easy to avoid that if you follow these key steps. • Ask for licenses and certifications. Has the remodeler earned a Master Builder certification? Is he or she a Certified Graduate Remodeler? • This first step will weed out those who call themselves remodelers. You want to choose someone who has the knowledge and training to build your project successfully. • If you are remodeling to make your home more accessible to the handicapped, ask if the remodeler is a licensed CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) builder? 54 l Macon Magazine Randy Bickley on left and James Krysak on right • The AARP can explain the importance of the CAPS certification. It means the builder does more than just install grab bars in showers. CAPS remodelers know how to build in functionality and safety in every area of your home. • Does the remodeler offer a warranty? Is it the standard one year or a longer warranty? • How long has the remodeler been in business? • What does the Better Business Bureau say about the remodeler? • Find out if there have been complaints. Perhaps a customer has been unhappy, but the key question is whether and how those complaints were resolved. • Can he provide you with at least three recommendations? • Then, you have to call them! So many people avoid this step that disreputable contractors will provide you with names-and then count on the fact that most people don't take the time to make those critical calls. • When you make the calls, ask whether the remodeler completed the job on time and on budget. • Ask about the remodeler's professionalism—did he keep his promises? • Does the remodeler offer professional design/build services? • You don't want someone who sketches your design on a piece of paper and then gives you a "ballpark" estimate. There are several software programs that professional remodelers use that allow you to see exactly what your dream will look like once it is built AND they can tell you exactly what it will cost. Randy Bickley, a Master Builder and licensed CAPS remodeler, is the owner of Bickley Design Build Services april/MAy 2013