May is National Home Improvement Month
May 1, 2023
May is National Home Improvement Month and NARI of Greater Chicagoland is sharing tips to help homeowners have a successful remodeling project.
Spring is the perfect time for fresh ideas and new beginnings, and a NARI of Greater Chicagoland remodeling professional can help turn those “before” ideas into stunning “after” dreams-come-true.
Once you decide to move forward with a remodeling project, the next big decision is who to work with on that project. When choosing a contractor, you want to ensure you pick someone who is a full-time dedicated remodeling professional – and NARI’s certification program offers this assurance through an extensive screening and testing process. Homeowners can trust NARI-certified professionals as they’ve demonstrated their commitment to excellence and to validating their knowledge annually.
One of the first questions that most people want to ask is “how much is this going to cost?” followed closely by “how quickly can this be finished?” However, before getting to the nuts and bolts of things, it’s important to ask a few more questions of your contractor options – like confirming they hold the appropriate licenses and insurance as dictated by local municipal and state laws. Make sure your contractor is also bonded and carries insurance for their crew. Ask if your contractor has done projects similar to what you want to have done and ask for photos or to see the work first-hand.
Speaking of seeing their work, local contractors have to perform quality work that satisfies their customers in order for their business to survive, especially in the day of online reviews. Check each contractor through references – either past customers or through your local NARI chapter. Don’t rely solely on a contractor’s personality or demeanor – be sure to check on and follow-up with references.
Finally, when reviewing estimates from each contractor, be sure they’re working off the same scope and quality of work. Discuss variations in prices and beware of any estimate that is substantially lower than the others – likely either the quality of materials or quality of work will be lower in that case too.
Whether working on a remodeling project during National Home Improvement or in the future, NARI of Greater Chicagoland is a one-stop resource for homeowners looking for contractors through our membership directory, inspiration via our Contractor of the Year Awards winner gallery and more information on NARI’s contractor Code of Ethics.