FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:          Jamie Brooks

                        Communications Manager

                        DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen

                        254 – 523 - 9605  

                        Jamie.Brooks@dreammakerbk.com

Home Remodel Business Says Avoid "Fly-by-Nighters"

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen offers advice on how to choose a professional to remodel your home

WACO, Texas (Grassroots Newswire) <Date> – The seasons are changing, and so are many people's minds when it comes to the "look" of their homes. This year, at the start of the autumn season, many homeowners will reevaluate their homes to see if there is room for improvement. In recognition of National Kitchen and Bath Month this October, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen is releasing tips and advice on what people should know before they hire someone to do the job.

"Many areas of the country are starting to experience cooler weather, and the holidays are right around the corner. So, many people will start to think about ways to improve their home for their lifestyle – whether that be making more space in their kitchen and adding additional cabinets, or remodeling the bathroom for that spa-like feel to take warm baths on those colder nights," said Doug Dwyer, president and CSO of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen. "But, it's important for homeowners to know that they should do their homework before signing along the dotted line of a contractor's agreement."

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the soft economy can bring out the con artists. In a recent article, the organization reminded homeowners to beware of unscrupulous people posing as professionals. The article says to be especially aware of those who con people to pay both the contractor and subcontractor – when they should only be paying the contractor.

To avoid such exploitation, Dwyer recommends the following tips for people to consider when looking for an experienced professional to do any remodeling work in their homes:

Do:

·      Compile a list of candidates. Ask your neighbors if they have any references, look through the Yellow Pages, and do some research online to put together a list of professionals. Put them all together in a list and when you start making inquiring phone calls, ask questions about their licensing/insurance, experience, references, contracting requirements, and company procedures and pricing.

·      Ask for a portfolio of work. You won't know one's quality of work until you see it with your own eyes. Ask the candidate if you can see photographs of some past work he or she has done, similar to the requests you are asking for your home. Better yet, take it a step further and see if there are any references in the neighborhood who are willing to invite you into their home to see the work for yourself.

Don't:

·      Move forward with a project without references. If you speak with a professional who does not have references or refuses to give you references, that is usually not a good sign. Any experienced professional should be able to provide you with a list of people for whom they have done work in recent months. If not, testimonials should be shared. You want to be sure you choose someone who has had a good reputation, and not a "fly-by-nighter."

·      Make verbal agreements. Once you've chosen someone you feel comfortable with, you will need to work with them to set a budget for your project.  This will allow them to collaborate with you to develop plans and specifications.  Don't move forward with any work on your home until you've signed a written contract that you understand and have agreed with, and that has the contractor’s name, address, and phone and license numbers, if applicable. It should also include detailed information about the work being done.

In addition, homeowners should check with the Consumer Affairs Office and/or the Better Business Bureau to ensure the absence of any adverse files on record for the contractor, NARI notes on its Web site.

"People who do not follow the above guidelines may, unfortunately, find themselves in bad situations. That is why it is so important to be educated before you have work done in your home," Dwyer said. "The home is your place of refuge, your sanctuary, and that means you have to make sure those who handle it, handle it with care."

One of approximately 80 independently owned and operated franchises, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen can handle any bath and kitchen remodeling project from start to finish. For more information about DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, please visit dreammaker-remodel.com. 

About DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen:

Based in Waco, Texas, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen has approximately 80 independently owned and operated franchises. The company is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Home Builders Remodelers.  For more information, visit dreammaker-remodel.com.