How To Find A Qualified Home Remodeler In Your Area
A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing a Home Remodeler To Help You Safely Age In Place
Ensuring that your home is a safe and comfortable place to age is a significant consideration for many seniors. As a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) with a deep understanding of the importance of home modifications, Universal Home Care (U-Home) recognizes the crucial role a qualified home remodeler plays in achieving this goal. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of finding a qualified home remodeler, offering insights on leveraging resources such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Directory of Professional Remodelers, your local Home Builders' Association, and other valuable platforms.
Where Do I Start?
When you or a loved one have decided to age in place, we recommend scheduling a virtual home safety assessment with the U-Home team; the follow-up to this assessment will include actionable steps to gain peace of mind, ways to prevent falls, and support to ensure your home is a place to age safely. If larger renovations are needed to enhance safety, prevent falls, and increase ease of movement, we will discuss how a home remodeler may be necessary to make structural changes.
Finding a Qualified Home Remodeler
Navigating a home renovation can feel overwhelming, especially when looking for someone specializing in modifications for those who wish to age in place. Utilize the following free resources to begin your search and ensure you’re using a legitimate, certified, well-rated business.
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Directory: The NAHB is a reputable source for finding certified professionals in the home remodeling industry. Visit the NAHB Directory of Professional Remodelers on their website (nahb.org) to locate well-rated, qualified remodelers in your area.
Local Home Builders' Association: Contact your local Home Builders' Association to access a pool of experienced and certified home remodelers. These associations often maintain directories or can provide recommendations based on your specific needs.
Better Business Bureau (BBB): Visit the Better Business Bureau website (bbb.org) to check the ratings and reviews of potential home remodelers. This resource can help you gauge the reputation and reliability of the professionals you are considering.
Local Office of Consumer Protection: Your local Office of Consumer Protection can be a valuable resource for verifying the credentials and reputation of home remodelers. They may have records of any complaints or issues with professionals in your area.
What to Look for When Hiring a Home Remodeler
Experience and Specialization: Look for professionals with a proven track record in home modifications for aging-in-place. Experience matters, especially when it comes to understanding the specific needs and challenges associated with this type of remodeling.
References and Reviews: Request references from previous clients and take the time to read reviews. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into the remodeler's professionalism, reliability, and the quality of their work.
Insurance and Licensing: Confirm that the remodeler is licensed and carries appropriate insurance. This ensures that they meet legal requirements and that you are protected in case of any unforeseen issues during the remodeling process.
Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial throughout the remodeling process. Choose a remodeler who listens to your needs, provides clear explanations, and keeps you informed at every stage of the project.
Transparent Pricing: Obtain detailed estimates and ensure that the pricing structure is transparent. A reputable home remodeler will provide a clear breakdown of costs and discuss any potential additional expenses.
Embarking on the journey of making your home age-friendly is a significant step, and choosing the right home remodeler is paramount to its success. By utilizing resources such as the NAHB Directory of Professional Remodelers, your local Home Builders' Association, the Better Business Bureau, and the Office of Consumer Protection, you can confidently identify qualified professionals. Remember to assess their experience, references, insurance, and communication skills to ensure a smooth and successful remodeling process. Your home should be a haven of safety and independence, and with the right remodeler, you can achieve just that.
Are you or a loved one curious about aging in place but unsure where to start? Schedule a FREE pre-consultation call with our team today.
Founder/Owner Andrew Myers, OTR-L / CAPS, is an Occupational Therapist who specializes in home modifications and accessibility. As a clinician, Andrew saw too many hospital and rehab patients forced out of their homes due to inaccessible or unsafe home environments. He founded Universal Home Consulting to empower people to continue to thrive in their homes and communities; click here to schedule a free pre-consultation today.
