Remodeling Your Existing Home

If you own a home, no matter what its age, sooner or later you will join the millions of people who remodel their homes each year. The reasons for remodeling are as varied as the projects themselves. Remodeling adds comfort, convenience and space to what is, for most home owners, their most valued asset. No matter why you are remodeling, or the extend of your project, start here for a wealth of resources provided by the National Association of Home Builders.  Additionally, visit pages on this site to learn about the Remodelers/50+ Housing Council of the HBA of Metro Denver.  Many additional resources are provided on this page.  Read on.
 
How to Hire a Professional Remodeler  Selecting the partner to work with on your remodeling project is the most important decision you'll make in the process.  Use this Checklist to help you select a remodeler to work on your home.
 
When you hire a remodeler, you are buying a service rather than a product. The quality of service the remodeler provides will determine the quality of the finished product and your satisfaction with the result. To ensure your satisfaction, make sure you hire a qualified, professional remodeler using these resources to guide you.
 
Use the Member Directory on this site to locate remodeling, renovation and restoration contractors in the metro area who are members of the association.  Also check out the Directory of Professional Remodelers.  The National Association of Home Builders offers remodelers specialized training.  This directory will not only help you to find professional remodelers in your area, but identifies these professionals by specialized designations, such as  Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR) and Certifeid Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS).
 
What are CGR and CAPS?  Think of these as graduate degrees for remodelers.  A Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR) designation is considered one of the most prestigious in the industry, and means the remodeler has the highest commitment to professionalism and continuing education. A CAPS trained remodeler has learned the specialized skills of modifying homes so they are safe, comfortable and accessable for people of all ages and abilities. 
 
Aging in Place Many of today's homeowners want to stay in their homes for the duration. By instituting simple Universal Design techniques, professional Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) can insure that you live in your home comfortable, safely and independently for as long as you want. Learn about aging in place and what a professional remodeler can do for you.
 
Do You Need Assistance to Remodel for Accessibilty?  The Home Builders Foundation, the charitable arm of the Home Builders Assocation of Metro Denver, provides accessibility solutions and home modifications for individuals with disabilities and financial need through the collaborative efforts of the building industry.
 
What About Green Remodeling? With the pressing need to increase energy and resource conservation, green remodeling is quickly gaining in popularity. Learn the basics of green remodeling, how to find a green remodeler, and options for improving the condition of your home. Find a range of green remodeling projects, products, and resources for learning about how to go green. Visit the National Association of Home Builders' Green Remodeling Resources.
 
Remodeling for Energy Efficiency?  Any remodeling project is an opportunity to improve the energy performance, comfort and expense of heating and cooling your home.  Check out Facts on the Energy-Efficiency Tax Credit.  Learn about Home Energy Ratings and find an energy rater.  Check out the resources available from the Governor's Energy Office, including information about low cost financing for energy saving home improvements through their Colorado Energy Star® and Energy Saving Mortgage Programs.
 
What Home Owners Need to Know About Lead Paint  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule governing the work of professional remodelers in homes where there is lead-based paint was published in the Federal Register on Earth Day, April 22. The rule will take effect in April 2010.

The rule addresses remodeling and renovation projects disturbing more than six square feet of potentially contaminated painted surfaces for all residential and multifamily structures built prior to 1978 that are inhabited or frequented by pregnant women and children under the age of six.

Learn more from the National Associaton of Home Builders page on the topic.  Read about EPA's lead paint rule by visiting  www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm or by downloading the pamphlet, Renovate Right.

Understanding Your Home Remodeling Contract  Once you've picked a home remodeler, no work should begin until you have reviewed and signed a written agreement or contract that spells out in detail the what, where, how, time span, and cost of your project.