FAQs

Who are NARI Certified Professionals?

In our experience, NARI Certified Professionals are individuals who have earned certification from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), demonstrating expertise, knowledge, and skills in the remodeling industry. They must meet specific education, experience, and ethical standards. Contact our team at W.E. Bilbrey General Contractor today to get connected with a reliable home remodeler.

Should I follow a home maintenance schedule?

Yes, following a home maintenance schedule is a great idea. It helps keep your home in good condition, prevents costly repairs, and ensures safety. Regular maintenance tasks like cleaning gutters, checking HVAC systems, or inspecting plumbing can prolong the life of your home and improve energy efficiency. According to Construction Coverage, approximately 1.5 million new homes were authorized by building permits in 2023, highlighting the continued importance of keeping properties in top condition amid growing housing development. Contact us today to get connected with a reliable home remodeler who can help keep your home well-maintained and up to date.

What mistakes should I avoid when hiring a remodeler?

Here are the following mistakes that you should avoid:

• Failing to check a contractor’s license status, even though it’s important for verification (not all states require licensing).
• Assuming a licensed contractor is ethical and will meet industry standards without further background checks.
• Not thoroughly interviewing the contractor about their experience, employees, and how they handle issues.
• Ignoring a bad gut feeling and hiring the contractor without verifying their physical business address and contact info.
• Not confirming the contractor’s insurance coverage, like Surety Bonds, Workman’s Comp, and General Liability.
• Signing a contract they don’t fully understand, lacking details about the scope, materials, and brands.
• Assuming oral agreements will be part of the contract, when in reality they could become change orders.
• Giving the contractor a large upfront payment, which may not align with state laws on payments.
• Hiring based solely on trust, without doing proper research and background checks first.

Avoiding these mistakes can save you time, money, and stress throughout your project. Contact W.E. Bilbrey General Contractor today to work with a trusted home remodeler who puts transparency, experience, and quality first.

What should I do to prepare for remodeling?

Pre-Planning

Before you embark on your remodel project, identify likes and dislikes from pictures in magazines, brochures, etc. Think about styles and colors. Calculate a budget for the project.

1st Meeting

We will discuss the general overview of the project and will review your: Ideas Likes, dislikes. Budget – what is included Any structural changes New windows and window treatments

Steps

• Selection of appliances
• Selection of cabinet door styles, wood species and stains, details & cabinet – accessories, tilt-outs, roll-outs, pantry doors and/or crown molding.
• Selection of counter tops (granite, solid surface, etc.)
• Selection of sink(s), faucet(s) and accessories.
• Selection of flooring
• Selection of lighting
• Drafting of new plan with selections included
• Pricing new plan
• Review and revisions of proposed plan.
• Contracts signed and deposits received.
• Orders are placed
• Construction (if any)
• Rough lighting (if construction needed)
• Demo: Cabinet tear-out, counters and flooring, rough lighting (if no prior construction)
• New cabinet installation, appliances installed (Plumber needed)
• Counter top templates made or tile installed.
• Counters installed
• Sinks, faucets, hot water dispenser, filtered water dispenser, etc. installed.
• Lighting fixtures installed
• Flooring installed
• Walk-Through
• MOVE BACK IN AND ENJOY!

Contact us today and learn more about our home remodeler services.

What should I know about remodeling a bathroom for senior living?

When remodeling a bathroom for senior living, it’s important to focus on accessibility, safety, and ease of use. Here are a few essential upgrades to consider:

• 1. Remodel the bath/shower area with a walk-in shower or a tub with a seat; some models are accessible for wheelchairs or walkers. Choose a model with a nonskid surface on the floor and the seat. Include a fixed showerhead, plus a handheld shower with an adjustable height, recommends the National Aging in Place Council.
• 2. Install a senior-friendly toilet. Sometimes called chair-height toilets, these fixtures make it easier to get up and down.
• 3. Place grab bars in key locations. Install at least one handrail next to the toilet to provide additional leverage when pulling yourself back to a standing position. Include grab bars in the shower/tub area to provide safety while getting in and out.
• 4. Lower the bathroom sink to provide easier access. Include knee clearance under the sink for wheelchair users.
• 5. Enlarge all doors into the bathroom so a senior with a walker or wheelchair can pass through easily. Remove thresholds to eliminate tripping hazards.

These adjustments help create a safer, more functional space. If you’re ready to start, reach out to W.E. Bilbrey General Contractor to connect with a skilled home remodeler who understands the unique needs of senior living renovations.

What should I know before replacing a roof?

Here are some important things to know before replacing a roof:

• Has the contractor been in the business a minimum of 10 years? How many times have you heard When I called him to come back for a problem he had gone out of business?
• Confirm that the contractor is licensed in your county.
• Does the contractor have BOTH liability and workers compensations insurance? The company should have a minimum of $2,000,000.00 of liability insurance and workers compensation on ALL workers (including owners). Have the insurance company send you an Accord Form. This is a written verification by the insurance company. It costs the contractor nothing and should be sent to you directly form the insurance company.
• Does the contractor operate the business from an office with staff there to answer phones five days a week, 9 to 5? This shows an established business, which you can reach during business hours, should you have a question or problem (a cell phone is not an office).
• Did the contractor go on the roof to perform and inspection (can an auto mechanic evaluate a car’s problem with out starting the car and opening the hood)? Did the contractor gain access to you attic to evaluate ventilation?
• Did the contractor give a written estimate listing all materials, a detailed scope of work, a written guarantee, and a payment schedule?
  Payments: 10% deposit (never any more), balance upon completion (100% completion). If some part of the project is delayed (installation of gutters) hold two times the amount until it’s complete. This should not be negotiated.
• Did they show up on time for the estimate?
• Ask for several recommendations
• Contact us today to speak with a trusted home remodeler who’s committed to quality, transparency, and long-term results.

Do you have any tips for maintaining a budget or saving money on a remodel?

Keep your remodeling budget in perspective by comparing it to the cost of moving, which typically ranges from 8% to 10% of your home’s value. For a $150,000 home, that’s $12,000 to $15,000. Remodeling can offer a similar value boost without the costs of relocation. If you’re staying long-term, invest in your dream home, but if moving soon, stay within your neighborhood’s standards.

Set aside 10% to 20% of your budget for unexpected costs, like change orders or new furnishings. Your product choices will affect the overall cost, so discuss options with your contractor to meet your goals. Costs vary by location, room size, and features, so hiring a professional contractor is key to establishing and sticking to a realistic budget.

Contact us today to learn more about the home remodeler services we provide and how we can help bring your vision to life.