Positive remodeling experiences build better tomorrows

People in the Greater Springfield area and across the country are building better tomorrows by purchasing new and existing homes in record numbers. As a result, homeownership is at an all-time high, with more than two out of every three households in America now owning their own homes.

As these homeowners seek to maintain, protect and improve their homes, the demand for quality remodeling services continues to grow. Last year, in the City of Springfield and Greene County, more than $76 million was invested in approximately 2,000 remodeling and repair projects of varying complexity. That's not including record rates of growth in Christian County and other immediately surrounding areas.

Moreover, no foreseeable slowing is in sight for this booming industry. According to the National Association of Home Builders, expenditures for maintenance, repairs and improvements to residential properties will reach $156 billion in 2001.

Dependable remodelers

With all of this available business, it stands to reason that the most reputable and dependable remodelers are in great demand. But whether the best remodelers are overbooked or not, homeowners should always conduct a thorough search before hiring just any contractor who offers to start work tomorrow and quotes what seems to be a reasonable price.

When beginning your search for a remodeler you can trust, take two important steps first: 1) Call the Home Builders Association of Greater Spring-field; and 2) attend the HBA Remod-elors Council's annual Remodeling Show in Springfield.

When you contact the HBA, you will be given a list of reputable HBA-member remodelers who have met certain standards of reputation, peer-inspected work, proper insurance coverage and financial stability. At the HBA, you will find remodelers who are proven professionals in the greater Springfield area and offer some of the highest quality remodeling services anywhere.

Of course, while you should always begin your search for a remodeler with the Home Builders Association, your research must not end there. Investigate remodelers you are considering using.

One great way to learn about the quality of service a remodeler offers is to ask previous customers. Find out about recent projects the remodeler has completed. If possible, visit some of these projects and ask the residents about their experiences with their remodeler.

Perhaps the best opportunity to evaluate remodeling general and specialty contractors in one location is to attend the upcoming HBA Remodelors Council's Remodeling Show.

Show dates

The show is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept. 21-23, at the Univer-sity Plaza Trade Center, and it will provide you with countless new ideas on how best to plan your remodeling project. It also will allow you to visit personally with reputable local remodelers about the project you have in mind.

It takes a little work, but with the right research, care and proper planning, "Building Better Tomorrows" with your remodeling project can be simple and fun.

(Matt Morrow is executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Springfield.)