Noted economist and author Thomas Sowell recently wrote "housing is special in a number of ways. It is special to homeowners - for most of whom their house is their largest financial asset…"

Sowell goes on to note that United States Census data show that home equity - the value of the home over and above what is owed on the mortgage - is "by far the largest single asset in the average household accounting for 42 percent of the household's total net worth."

Since your home is the foundation for your family's wealth and future, it stands to reason that any improvements you would make on your home should be handled by a qualified expert.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) created the Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) Program to help homeowners determine which professional remodeling contractors they can count on to improve their biggest investment. The CGR designation indicates that a remodeler has completed the requirements of a professional designation program which includes educational credits, prescribed business standards and experience. When a remodeler earns the CGR designation, the client can be assured that their remodeler is equipped with the latest in remodeling education, techniques and resources. To maintain the CGR designation, all CGRs must complete a continuing education requirement every three years. These requirements include an ongoing program of attending remodeling or business-related seminars, trade shows and educational programs. Obtaining other professional designations also counts towards meeting the continuing education requirement.

So, if you're planning on remodeling your home, here are some tips from NAHB on how to find, evaluate, select and work with a CGR - certified remodeler.

The first step to hiring a professional is to build a list of candidates. 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 product and your satisfaction, so be sure to ask your remodeling candidates if they have the CGR designation.

Once you've evaluated and chosen a professional, the next step is ensuring your home remodel goes smoothly. 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. This is especially important if you are planning to eventually sell your home to move up to a state - of - the - art new home.

Then learn to adapt to your home as a worksite for the period of time it will take to complete the remodel. This involves ongoing communication with your remodeler and scheduling your project for a smooth experience. A professional remodeler will go out of his or her way to minimize any inconvenience to your family or your neighbors. Ask them up front what you can expect and what they can expect from you and adjust accordingly.

We call the American home the American Dream because in addition to sheltering you and your family from the elements, your home anchors your financial future. So, when it comes to making improvements on your American Dream, the NAHB CRG designation will ensure that your home improvements are of the highest standards possible.

Your American Dream deserves nothing less.

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