Why hire a CGR general contractor?
Certified Graduate RemodelorTM (CGR) is an exclusive professional designation that requires graduates to meet prescribed standards of business practice, possess a minimum of five years remodeling industry experience, have a proven track record of successful project management, complete a comprehensive education curriculum and pledge to uphold the program's code of ethics.
The first step to earning the CGR designation, which Bob Peterson earned in 2000, is to take the Professional Remodelors Experience Profile. This assessment measures your knowledge and experience in five core areas of remodeling business management including
1. Marketing & Sales
2. Business Administration
3. Design Estimating & Job Cost
4. Contracts, Liability & Risk Management
5. Project Management
Criteria to select a general contractor
- Seek referrals from family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.
- Call local trade associations, such as your area's local home builders association and local Remodelor's Council.
- Check with the local Better Business Bureau.
- Check with your state's licensing agency as well as state and local building inspectors to see if they have received any complaints.
- Interview your preferred remodeler or builder to ensure they have a permanent address, phone, email, cell, etc. to ensure they can be easily reached.
- Make sure they carry insurance.
- Make sure they are licensed.
- Do they actively participate in trade organziations?
- Can they provide a list of completed projects and references?
- How long have they been in business?
- Have they earned any specialty designations, such as CGR, CAPS,
CGP?
- Do they offer a warranty?