A Remodeler Has Different Skills Than A Builder

Choosing The Right One is Key

There is a sleeping giant in the residential construction industry and that giant is a very old and traditional piece of the building trade.  The giant is remodeling and renovation.  Many may ask why I and others call it a giant.  As long as homes have been built, remodeling has existed, but it has only existed as a true professional industry for the past 20 years or so.

The trade of professional remodeling is growing rapidly.  In 2000, revenue produced by new housing construction out-paced revenue produced via remodeling by a 2 to 1 margin.  By 2005, that margin was closer to 60/40 percent.  In 2010, the Joint Center for Housing Economics at Harvard University reports "This year, remodeling will outspend new residential construction of all kinds by a 70/30 margin."

Even if new construction makes dramatic comebacks in the next couple of years, residential construction revenue is expected to be split 50/50 between new construction versus home remodels.  All this makes sense if you consider the difficulty and cost in developing new land, issues such as water, and the fact that America's housing stock - even out here in the newer west - is getting older every year.  If you think about it, fixing up an existing home makes a lot of sense.

Consider The Following:  If you are a homeowner thinking about making a change in your home, you need to consider some important things.  You need to make sure they (remodelers) are experienced at working around people in their homes, and that they will treat your home like it is their own.  They need to plan and organize to ensure things stay on schedule and move smoothly from start to finish.  Someone told me that it was impossible to schedule a completion date because it was a remodel.  My comment was, "Tell a homeowner you don't know when you'll finish their kitchen, when they can use their bathroom, or when you'll dry in their roof and you have big problems."

How does a homeowner/consumer know whether they are actually getting a "professional remodeler" to alter their home without risking their investment to un-needed issues?  Certainly, you need to make sure the contractor is licensed, carries insurance to protect you and your home and has sufficient experience and systems to perform the work.  The easiest way is to contact your local Home Builders Association,  Remodelers Council (NAHBR).  Members pledge to understand the real profession, abide by standards and ethics to be in business for the long term, thus being able to not only get your project completed, but to provide the project after-service as well.  NAHBR membership is a sign that a builder is committed to the housing industry for the long term, truly care about your home and community and are required to be licensed and insured.

Remodeling is a rapidly growing industry.  Builders have taken note as more and more consumers decide it is better to stay in their homes, neighborhoods and schools rather than to uproot their families and move.  Many who are moving due to job or life changes are purchasing an existing home and remodeling it to be "their home" choosing neighborhoods with character, stability, and other life choices.

By Bob D. Peterson, CGR, CGP, CAPS, excerpts from article featured in "Mountain Living" Jan/Feb