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FEBRUARY 2013 HOMES PLUS 6 Local experts share tips on selecting contractors for home remodeling By Dave Fidlin SPECIAL TO HOMES PLUS 39th Annual Admission Show Hours $5 / Adult Friday 4 to 8pm Free / Under 18 Saturday 10 to 5pm Friday Seniors Free Sunday 10 to 5pm Sunday 1-5pm Free admission with 2 nonperishable food items for the West Bend Food Pantry March 8-10 Tom Feiza "Mr. Fix It" of WTMJ will be at the show Saturday afternoon. Visit wbachamber.org for details 3000 Hwy PV, West Bend Washington County Fair Park • Ziegler Building Sponsored by: www.wbachamber.org WAUWATOSA – While the idea of home modifications can be exciting, the process of selecting the right contractor can be an intimidating, daunting task. The Milwaukee chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry recently held a question-and-answer panel discussion on the topic of hiring home remodeling contractors. Four experts, all members of NARI and based in the Milwaukee area, gave insight before a crowd of about 50 people at the organization's Wauwatosa headquarters. In today's technological era, information is widespread and readily available. Panelist suggested homeowners become educated by attaining cursory knowledge of the work being proposed. An online search also might reveal how a prospective contractor has rated with past clients. "If you're like most people, your home is your greatest investment," said Mark Brick, president of B&E General Contractors, a design-build home remodeling firm. "It's never too early to start planning a project. These days, you're coming to us with a much better education." While the Internet has changed the way homeowners can approach planning a remodeling project in the beginning phases, one old rule of thumb still holds true. Pointing to a recommendation by the Better Business Bureau, panelist David Pekel said homeowners should seek out cost estimates from at least three contractors. "You should look at each one of them, equally and then make a choice," said Pekel, , president of Pekel Construction and Remodeling. "If you know someone is going to treat you fairly all you need is that one. But , statistically it's best to get three." , While gathering a variety of opinions and price options for a project is important, Brick cautioned against zooming out too far in the investigation process. "Remodeling is not a commodity – it's a service," he said. "Getting to the destination is as important as the destination itself. If you can find someone who can get you to the destination early there really isn't a rea, son to go any further." The panelists unanimously stated using a subcontractor on many home remodeling projects – particularly those that are more extensive – should not be a cause for alarm. They asserted it is a common business practice in the industry . "Subcontractors can be more efficient and provide better value in the end," Pekel said. The process of paying a contractor as work progresses was a topic that permeated frequently during the discussion. In most At a glance Additional tips when selecting a contractor: ■ Check out the company first with the Better Business Bureau and deal only with reputable local contractors. ■ If approached by a contractor, ask for proof of licensing and bonding. ■ Try to get at least three quotes from contractors, and insist that payments be made to the company, not an individual. ■ Do not pay for the job in advance. ■ Do not hire people who show up at your door offering services. ■ Resist high-pressure sales tactics. ■ Get a written contract that specifies the price, work to be done and a time frame. Make sure the contractor pulls permits. ■ Be careful of price gouging. ■ Pay by credit card, if possible; you may have additional protection if there's a problem. Otherwise, pay by check. Never pay in cash. ■ Be sure that all promises made are put in writing. Source: Better Business Bureau instances, an initial cursory estimate is free. But as planning progresses – and in-house or outside expertise is sought – most contractors will require a partial payment. "None of us work for nothing," said Bob Quigley a certified remodeler with Brillo , Home Improvements. "We all have only so much time to do what we do." While contractors have different time tables for receipt of payments, Pekel said homeowners should not sign any contracts until plans have been drawn up. "Not having a blueprint of what's being done is a real red flag," he said. In the early stages of a project, panelist Gary Sannes said home owners need to furnish one key piece of information to any contractor. "We want to know if you have a budget in mind," said Sannes, president of the S.J. Janis Company "We're dead in the water if . we don't know that." The process of pulling permits – and the importance of such a practice – also was discussed. Each municipality has its own set of procedures for the process, but the panelists stated it is a fundamental part of most remodeling projects. "The permits are for your protection," Quigley said. "They benefit your safety and welfare. None of us here will do work without permits. It's too much risk that we don't want to take." Brick said the primary contractor should be the one pulling the permits. "If you ever hear a contractor saying you should be the one to get the permit, run," he said, suggesting that the contractor might have incurred past violations.

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