How To Choose A Remodeler

Remodeling can be an exciting, wonderful experience or a miserable one, depending on the contractor you hire. The saying "You get what you pay for" seems to apply particularly well to remodeling.

Think about the process and the effect on your life. If you stay in your home during the remodeling process, you will literally be "living with the workmen". Established contractors have long-term relationships with "house trained" associates.

Before you hire a contractor, ask the following questions:

• Do you carry general liability insurance? Ask the insurance company to send the certificate directly to you. Owens Construction carries its own insurance and maintains up-to-date records of the insurance polices of all subcontractors. Our insurance and our trade contractors coverage is always available for your inspection.
• Have you been operating this business successfully for at least 10 years? Owens Construction was founded in 1981.
• Are you an active member of a local professional association, either the Builder’s Association Remodelers Council or NARI? Owens Construction is not only a member of the BIA and NARI but has held several leadership positions recently.
• Have you done this type of project before? Owens Construction has offered services from handyman through whole house historical renovations since its inception.
• Have you won any awards for service, quality, leadership and value? Owens Construction is the winner of numerous awards, for example BIA Remodeler of the Year, winner 3 years in a row.
• Do you offer a written warranty? Owens Construction fully complies with industry recognized material and labor warranties. More importantly, you can count on us to still be in business when your home needs service!
• Are you an NAHB Certified Graduate Remodeler or NARI Certified Remodeler? These are nationally-recognized marks of distinction. Bill Owens not only holds but assisted in the national development of the Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designations through the National Association of Home Builders.
• Are you willing to provide a company profile listing your bank officer and trade references? Reputable contractors are happy to provide such information.
• Will you assign one project manager to my job? Each of our projects is produced by a Lead Remodeler with the skills and authority to build and manage your project from start to finish.
• Will you assist me with product selection? We offer in-house interior design services and partnerships with our suppliers to help you integrate the selections that will make up your project.
• Can I meet you at your office? This is a great way to learn how established the contractor is. We have a full time-office and office staff in Powell, OH.
• Do you and your staff have formal education in design and construction? Our staff holds several degrees and accreditations.
• Will you provide a fixed price and a detailed scope of work? Our final construction contract price is fixed based on the scope of work and will not deviate without an approved change to the scope of work.
• Will you obtain all the required permits? Owens Construction will pull all permits and comply with or exceed the requirements specified by your local building codes.

For general remodeling information, please click here.

What “Estimate” Really Means

Estimates are general figures. Reputable contractors only use them in preliminary discussions with potential clients to ensure realistic budget expectations. After this, a good contractor will provide accurate figures based on a fully developed design.

Accurate information helps you make sound decisions right from the start. Unless something truly unexpected occurs, you should be able to count on the quotes you receive. And, your contractor should inform you about any potentially unforeseen issues that may influence costs so you won’t get any unpleasant surprises later.

“Your company was – and continues to be – wonderful to work with. From planning the addition through construction and final inspection, we had a great experience. We’ve since watched others add on to their houses, and the problems, delays and additional expenses they face only reinforce that we made a great decision. Thank you for the professionalism and great service!”

- Steve Toeniskoetter, Worthington