Questions to address when choosing a remodeling company:

•  Why hire a General Contractor to do the work?  Isn’t that going to cost me more?

Answer: Hiring a General Contractor assures you that one person will oversee the project from start to finish.  The initial price may be higher, but, in the long run, money may be saved because you don’t have to deal with different contractors for each part of the job (ex. plumbing, electrical, drywall, etc.).  When BHC uses the sub-contractors that meet our quality standards, it almost always guarantees a financial benefit to the customer because BHC can ensure the work continuity, completion, and quality.  All sub-contractors hired by BHC are obligated to meet building codes and are licensed and insured.  We deal with sub-contractors for you, and BHC assures you that we use only the most reliable and skilled professionals.  General contractors are required to take at least 8 hours of continuing education annually, keeping abreast of all the changes in the industry.

• What is NARI?  Why is it important that I hire a member in good standing?

Answer: After application to NARI for membership, NARI leadership comes to multiple job sites to inspect the workmanship of the applicant. Additionally, a NARI endorsement means that member companies have the highest dedication to professionalism and integrity in the home improvement industry.   Only the best are allowed certification by this organization.  High quality workmanship is expected and you can be assured that a NARI company will meet the top standards in this profession.

• Should I check for Better Business Bureau endorsement?

Answer: Yes.  Better Business Bureau endorsement is essential for any  company you might consider hiring.  Do not settle for a company without this stamp of approval!

• What insurance should the company verify before I hire them?

Answer:  Many horror stories validate the need to verify insurance basics when you choose a remodel company.  Ask to see copies of insurance certificates.  These certificates should include:  workman’s compensation, company liability, and completed operations insurance.  I understand workman’s comp and company liability.  What is ‘completed operations insurance’?  Completed operations insurance guarantees you – the homeowner – that if calamity strikes your home as a result of error on the part of the workers, they pay damages.  For BHC, we pay up to $2,000,000.  Request a certificate of insurance naming you as a certificate holder.  The insurance company will notify you if the policy holder has let the policy lapse since the acquired date.

• How much stress will the process of remodeling have on my family? 

Answer: BHC understands that your family lives in the space we are remodeling. As part of our General Contractor service, all financial arrangements with sub-contractors are handled through BHC, not the homeowner.  We require all sub-contractors to sign a lien release form protecting the homeowner from any claims of non-payment.  Additionally, we pledge to work around your family needs as much as possible. We try to interrupt the flow of life as little as possible while concentrating on finishing your remodel project in a timely manner.

• How long does a typical project take?

Answer:  Of course, project length varies according to design.  However, there are some general rules of thumb (unless that thumb has just been hit by a hammer, then the rules change!)  The Home Owner usually holds the ‘length of project’ cards.  BHC will schedule appointments with the Home Owner as soon as possible after the initial inquiry.  From that point, the ‘time on project’ is governed by:

• Home owner time table for completion
• BHC’s availability.  BHC will always work with the Home Owner to guarantee that work is done in a timely manner.  The smartest way to work with a good remodeler is to get on the calendar – even if it is month or more before the project will actually begin.  This is a win-win!  The Home Owner has plenty of time to choose the materials for the project (tile, cabinets, hardware, lighting, etc.), tweak the design, and be ready for the financial obligation.
• Generally:  unfinished basements take 4 - 6 weeks (depending on complexity of the design)
• Generally:  partially finished basements take 2 - 4 weeks (depending on the complexity of the design)
• Generally:  total kitchen remodel takes 3 weeks (depending…….)
• Generally:  total bathroom remodel takes 1 - 2  weeks (depending……….)
• Generally:  room additions take 2 - 4 months (depending……………)
• Keep in mind that the quality of materials and design determines a great deal of the project cost.  Labor is labor.  The way the labor is used is determined by the design.  Example:  laying 12” tiles on the floor in a ‘square’ pattern requires about 1/3 the amount of time it takes to cut and lay tile on a ‘diamond’ pattern (many more cuts for the ‘diamond pattern’)  BHC will walk you through the process of choosing materials, appliances, lighting fixtures, etc. so that there is as little financial surprise as possible.

• How do I pay for this?

Answer:  BHC does not arrange for financing.  Planning ahead gives the Home Owner ample time to arrange financing, so that the project begins on time!  Just think…………….planning and scheduling NOW can help guarantee the new look for your home according to the time table that best suits you!  Want a ‘new look’ before the holidays?  Schedule now!  Want the area finished before company arrives?  Schedule now!  Want the added space for the office, nursery, screened-in porch (and all those other ideas you have!) ready sooner-than-later?  Schedule now!  Statistics prove that updating your home is absolutely the best investment you can make. For more information on pricing, see the ‘Contact Us” page.   Let Bradford Homes™ work alongside you to increase the value of your home.

• Do You Give Free Estimates?

Answer:  After the initial inquiry, BHC will contact you and schedule a consultation.  This first consultation is free.  We are very happy to hear about your project and will do our best to help you proceed in the process of home remodeling.

• How Do I Contact You?

Answer:  Filling out the contact information on our Contact Us page will insure prompt response from us.  We'll give you a call, schedule a consultation, and answer your questions.  Our goal is to give you service without hassle. 

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Bottom Line……Bradford Homes™ knows that our best advertisement is a satisfied customer.