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2013 Tour of Remodeled Homes presented by Standard TV & Appliance
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REMODEL PORTLAND MAGAZINE
By Jon Bell
Steve Stolze
, president
of
SLS Custom Homes
& Remodel
, has seen it
time and time again. A
homeowner chooses a remodeler based
off little more than a low price and then is
surprised when the finished project either
costs way more or turns out way less
impressive than expected.
“I see it happen all the time to people
who’ve not done their homework and
who’ve gone with someone other than
a professional,” he says. “I just don’t get
it. Your home is one of your biggest
investments. Why would you not trust that
to a professional?”
The remodelers who make up the
Professional Remodelers Organization
are all licensed, bonded and insured
professional remodelers. They have long
track records of proven success — scores
of upper-end projects, solid subcontractor
relationships and happy customers — and
they are experts in their fields. The best go
even above and beyond that.
“A professional remodeler is also
a trusted advisor to every single
homeowner,” says
Lane Cooper
,
president of
Cooper Design Builders
.
Even so, it’s important for any
homeowner considering a remodel to
research properly, interview potential
remodelers and find the right fit. Many,
however, often don’t.
“It’s so interesting to me that people
never really check us out in advance,”
says
Larry Mock
, co-owner of
Cascade
Custom Remodel & Construction
.
“Usually 50 to 60 percent of the time they
just go on a first impression. They don’t
ask for references, they don’t do any
research. A friend just refers them and
that’s it.”
To help you find the right fit for your
next remodel, consider the following
helpful points of advice:
Start with a little web research. Visit
web sites of potential remodelers,
check their licenses at the
Construction Contractors Board (www.
oregon.gov/ccb) and search around for
reviews or recommendations.
When you meet a remodeler, ask
for references and contact them.
Consider visiting a completed
project or a project in progress,
something that
Ed Parsons
, owner
of
Parsons Custom Remodeling &
Cabinets
encourages.
When you contact references, ask
them how their experience was,
how the costs came out, how
long the project took and if they would
recommend the contractor to a family
member or friend.
Ask potential remodelers about
their approach to the project: how
will they minimize dust and protect
other parts of your home? How long will it
take? Who will be running the project?
Go with the professional you are most
comfortable with. A remodel is often a
long, involved project and you’re going
to be involved with your remodeler
throughout. Make sure it’s a good fit from
the start.
You’ll get the best with a professional — but don’t
forget to do your homework and ask some questions
Go
PRO
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2013 PRO PHOTOS: Jaime Valdez
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