Waukesha County Home

By Dan Muckelbauer Waukesha County Home Editor Contemplating a remodel? Then you probably have questions galore. The first might be the best way to choose a contractor for your remodeling project. Do your homework, said Nick Kerzner, "The Construction Guru," who has a radio show by that name at 9 a.m. Sun- days on 1130 WISN-AM. An essential piece of that homework is to ask references: What happened when there was an issue? Actually call them, but don't just ask if the contractor did a good job. "Any con- tractor who gives you a bad reference is too stupid to be in business," Kerzner said. "On any job, an issue will come up," said Kerzner, owner of Kerzner Con- struction & Remodeling of Oconomowoc. "Did he sit down and talk about it?" When signing a contract with a con- tractor, you're entering into a relation- ship, said Kerzner, who will speak in all three days of the Milwaukee NARI Home & Remodeling Show beginning Friday at State Fair Park in West Allis. Like any relationship, communication is key. "If you have a bad first or second meet- ing, it's not going to get better," Kerzner said, so ask yourself: "Does the person listen?" And even if the first meeting goes well, don't sign up right away. "I didn't marry the first girl I dated and you shouldn't pick the first contractor you talk to," the guru advised. Check at least three potential suitors, he said. Common questions You'll want to find out if the contractor is a good fit with you. A big production company might be done more quickly, but a small company means you're talking C O N T E N T S 4 steps to a healthier home includes central vacuum system Many durable roofing options beyond metal Rest easier over winter with projects such as soil tests out of way A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • OCTOBER 2017 Things to consider when choosing a remodeler Photo courtesy of Nick Kerzner See REMODELING/Page 10 Consider design interest, size, the HGTV effect and more A large wood support beam was drywalled over to soften the divide between the kitchen and living room by Kerzn- er Construction & Remodeling of Oconomowoc. Home- owners often want a unified look, Nick Kerzner said. Fall Home & Garden Special Edition

• Cover