One of the first things many new homebuyers think of when they purchase a state - of - the art new San Bernardino County home is to add some custom improvements to make their new home uniquely their own.

More importantly, for many new home buyers here in our region, the first step towards owning a state - of - the - art new home is adding improvements to an existing home to increase it's marketability.

Both of these efforts will require a licensed remodeled and finding the remodeler who is right for you is not a simple process. On a big project, you may be working closely with this individual for several months, so you want to do everything possible to ensure that you make the right choice.

Some good places to start your search for a suitable candidate would be to get referrals from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and others who have had remodeling work done. Call your local BIA or check with independent trade contractors, building materials suppliers, architects, engineers, home inspectors, and local lenders.

When you do, ask for professional certifications like Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR) and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAP).

Once you have identified some strong candidates, do even more checking to ensure that these are the kinds of remodelers with whom you would like to do business.

Check with the California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov) to find out if there are any unresolved complaints filed against the remodeler. You should also contact the California Contractors State License Board (www.cslb.ca.gov) or your local Building & Safety departments to verify that the remodeler has the appropriate licenses and a clean record.

An essential step in your decision-making process is to check a remodeler's references. Ask for the names and phone numbers of current and former customers; then take the time to interview them (preferably in their homes so that you can take a look at the remodeler's work).
Some of the questions to ask include:

* Would you hire this company again?
* Did the remodeler maintain a neat work site?
* Did the crew show up on time?
* Were you pleased with their work style?
* Was your project completed on time and within the budget?
* Was the remodeler easy to talk to and did he or she keep you informed as the job progressed?

Remodeling is a very personal process. The remodeler you hire will be part of your home life for several weeks or months, so it's important to make sure that your personalities work well
together. A strong rapport and close communication with your remodeler will help make any job go well.

When you hire a remodeler, you are buying a service rather than a product. The quality of the service the remodeler provides will determine the quality of the finished project and your satisfaction with it. Listed below are some qualifications you will want to explore and questions you will want to ask when you interview a remodeler.

For instance, ask if they carry insurance that protects you from claims arising due to property damage or jobsite injuries? Ask for a copy of the remodeler's insurance certificates so you
can be sure that you are not liable for property damage or jobsite-related injuries.

You should also ask the remodeled to estimate how much the project will add to your home's value and then obtain the necessary additional insurance.

Ask how long has the company been in business and find out if the remodeler maintains solid relationships with experienced independent trade contractors such as plumbers and electricians.

Find out if your remodeled candidate participates in a trade organization such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelors Council? Membership reflects a remodeler's commitment to professionalism in the remodeling industry.

Most importantly, find out if your remodeled candidate carries designations such as Certified Graduate RemodelorTM(CGR), Certified Bath Designer (CBD), or Certified Kitchen
Designer (CKD)?

Find out if your candidate is familiar with the types and ages of homes in your community. A sound structural and architectural knowledge of what is likely to be behind a wall or under a
floor helps the remodeler provide reliable estimates.

Make sure your remodeler arranges for the building permit. Remember that the person who obtains the permit is the contractor of record and therefore liable for the work.

Ask if your remodeler offers a warranty and what is covered under the warranty and what is not.

Finally, be clear on how your the remodeler handles communication during construction, such as a message center in the house for you and the remodeling team.

With the answers to these questions, you'll be able to pick the remodeler that's
best for you.

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PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 28, 2009

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