Give Your Bathroom New Life With A Custom Shower

A custom shower can really make your bathroom shine, taking it from blah to beautiful.

Working with a professional, qualified remodeler like ELM Construction is the best way to make sure you get the right custom shower solution for you. ELM Construction has been building award-winning bathrooms for more than a decade in the Birmingham area.

Luxury Showerheads

Installing more than one fixture in your shower can inspire that luxury feeling in your bathroom. These showerheads can be fixed or handheld to give you more water and an upscale appearance. (A handheld showerhead can also give you the added benefit of making it easier to wash a pet if that’s a need.)

Another frequent choice is pairing one or more fixtures with a rain shower. A rain shower is just like the name implies: it is designed to give you the feel of standing outside in the rain. They are much larger than traditional showerheads, providing significantly more coverage. They are available in multi-function models as well to allow you to concentrate more pressure in a smaller spray if the need arises.

Curbless Showers

One popular change is to entirely remove the tub and replace it with a high-end, curbless shower. Most showers, even those without tubs, require you to step “up and in” to the shower. A curbless shower eliminates that step, bringing the shower entrance flush with the floor of the bathroom.

This offers benefits both aesthetic and functional. Curbless showers can give your bathroom an open, more modern look. For homeowners or guests with limited mobility, they are easier to use. This is especially important as we see more multi-generational homes and plan for aging in place. It’s one of many ways we can incorporate universal design without making your home look institutional.

Open Up Your Shower

An open shower offers an airy feel and a more spacious look, but it does require a “splash zone,” to deal with water that may fly out of the shower. An open shower also doesn’t offer the privacy of a traditional shower. If you or your partner is going to feel exposed while showering, it’s probably not the right option for you.

Installing a half wall can offer some additional privacy, as well as keep more moisture in the shower. Frosted glass walls are another good way to compromise between an open shower and a fully enclosed one.

Another alternative is a frameless shower. By eliminating the traditional aluminum framing support, a frameless glass enclosure can help keep water and heat in, but still give you that open look.

Be sure to work with a qualified remodeler to get your properly designed curbless or open shower. Several factors need to be considered, including the slope/drainage of the floor and proper placement of showerheads to ensure water doesn’t splash or flow outside the shower area. For example, a rain showerhead that directs water straight down will work better than a traditional angled showerhead. You can also get creative with drainage by using decorative tile, metal or even wood features that hide the drains.

Body Sprays

Body sprays are another popular option. These are wall-mounted jets that deliver water directly to the body. They are great for massaging sore muscles or other aches and pains. It’s important they be placed properly to maximize pressure and utility. The goal should be to provide coverage for the whole body, with installation of multiple sprays.

Use Proper Ventilation

An important but often overlooked aspect of your bathroom is adequate ventilation. One of our favorite solutions is the WhisperRecessed LED™ Designer Fan. It has the look of a recessed light but functions like a traditional bath fan. With this type of fan / light, you get the benefit of ventilation and lighting without the old-school look of the classic ceiling mounted bath fan. Another tip is to use a timer switch for the bath fan. That way you can leave the room and let the fan continue to work without having to remember to go back and turn it off!  

ELM Construction is ready to help you create your dream bathroom and improve your home.  Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs!

Caring For Your House Now Will Save You Money Later

Your home is probably your most valuable asset. It’s one of the many reasons we take our responsibility in renovating your home so seriously at ELM Construction.

With more than a decade’s worth of experience remodeling in the Birmingham area we’ve worked on dozens of beautiful area homes. Unfortunately, that also means we also have seen many houses that have suffered damage in some way from fires to storms. Some of the damage we see, though, is preventable with simple maintenance. It’s why we think it’s so important that homeowners know how to take care of their homes.

Regular maintenance can save you money down the road, allowing you to invest in a new kitchen or addition rather than expensive repairs. Just like regular oil changes, tire rotation and other maintenance for an automobile, a house benefits from regular attention.

There are literally hundreds of things that can go wrong in a house, but these are some of the common areas to keep an eye on.

Regular furnace and air conditioner care

Annual professional maintenance will help lengthen the life of your HVAC system. Regular changing of your furnace filters will not only improve the air quality in your home, but also help your system run more efficiently and help prevent costly repairs. How often you need to change them depends on a number of factors, including the usage of your HVAC system and the type and size of the filter used. A good rule of thumb is every three months for 1-inch filters; 6 to 9 months for thicker filters.

Keep your gutters clean

Gutters are designed to guide water from your roof and away from the foundation. Regularly cleaning your gutters and inspecting downspouts will help prevent water damage to your landscaping, roof and walls. It eliminates a nesting place for pests that can cause damage to your home (such as mice) or just annoy you in your yard (like mosquitos).

Flush the hot water heater

Water heaters accumulate sediment and minerals at the bottom of the tank. Sediment build up can cause damage and make it more difficult for the water heater to properly produce hot water. (Sediment build up is often indicated by a “popping” sound coming from your water heater.)

Water heaters should be flushed at least once a year, but more frequency could be required depending on the composition of your water.

Inspect your deck

Keep in mind that fully inspecting your deck and checking its safety takes the skills of a pro. As a homeowner, you may miss deterioration that a professional eye would not.

These are just a few of the areas on your deck that should be checked: deck boards should not warp or sag, flashing should be tight and undamaged (replace damaged flashing, especially in any areas where water is accumulating), tighten all loose fasteners and pound in loose nails, and check that railings and handrails on stairs are tight and secure.

Check your home’s exterior

Take a walk around your house and really look at it. Any cracks in the foundation? Missing vent covers? Holes or other damage to siding? Seals around windows and doors still tight?

Take a look at the roof (from the ground!) to see if there is any visible damage. If there does appear to be damage to shingles, hire a professional to address the problem. Any of these openings can allow moisture, insects or other pests to infiltrate your home.

Clean that dryer vent

The most common reason a dryer doesn’t operate properly? Too much lint in the dryer vent or hose. Not only can lint build-up lessen the efficiency of your dryer, it may also lead to fires.

Other safety checks

There are several other items that should be checked regularly to make sure the home is safe and efficient including your fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, garage door/auto-reverse feature, water softener and sump pump.

If your maintenance check uncovered a larger problem, ELM Construction can help you make sure your home is up to snuff. Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs!

Top Remodeling Trends For 2021

We’re probably all ready to leave 2020 behind and turn our attention to 2021.

If you’re looking to remodel your Birmingham area house next year, we’re ready to help you design and build the best project to fit your needs. Above all else, your remodel should work for you, not just follow the latest trends. Still, it can be helpful to see what some of the key trends are to make sure your home doesn’t look dated or out of step with the latest design options.

Our designers work hard to keep up to date with the latest information from architects, interior designers, color forecasters and other experts. Here are some of the major trends that are expected to be significant influences in 2021. While many of these shifts have been years in the making, COVID-19 has only accelerated many of them.

Home learning/home office

No surprise – we’re seeing increasing demand for home working space for both adults and students. The key is to remodel with flexibility in mind – creating adaptable spaces that can be used for multiple purposes. For example, consider if you have a large open floor plan. By using features such as French Doors we can create a flexible space that provides multiple private spaces when necessary, but shared space when desired.

Finished basements, attic spaces or loft areas can also create private, flexible workspaces for students or parents.

Find more about home offices: Remodeling for Your Dream Home Office

Functional design

We’re big believers that your remodel should be about more than just a pretty finish – it needs to solve your problems and improve the way you live. Functionality is a key trend for 2021. As homeowners spend more time at home – especially in rooms like the kitchen and bathroom – they are looking for features that improve the utility of those spaces. Features such as pull-out spice racks, touchless faucets and more seating for family meals are all growing in popularity.

Additional storage is also important as we all focus on stocking up on food, toilet paper and other necessities!

Natural materials

Homeowners are increasingly looking to their home as a sanctuary. With that in mind, there is greater demand for natural materials incorporated into flooring, wallcoverings and more. Research has shown that the use of materials and colors found in nature can reduce stress, provide a sense of wellbeing and improve mental health.

Colors that inspire

The focus on nature is carrying over to the color trends for 2021 as well. Almost every paint company comes out with their forecast for the “hot” colors of the next year in the fall, and there’s a definite trend this year toward earth tones and comfort for 2021.

That means subdued colors with names like brown sugar beige, watercolor blue and urbane bronze. Colors collections that include a lot of yellows, greens, browns and off-whites are the rule for 2021. According to the designers, the colors are engineered to be soothing, gentle options that provide a feeling of calm and hopeful optimism for the coming year.

Sustainability

The trend toward more sustainable, green and energy-efficient remodels is also continuing, as it has for the last several years. Homeowners are embracing the opportunity to lower energy bills while improving their global impact.

From new windows to energy-efficient appliances, ELM Construction can help you find practical ways to improve your home’s sustainability without breaking the bank.

Ready to plan your next remodeling project? Contact ELM Construction today to discuss your remodeling needs!

6 Useful Tips when Budgeting for Your Remodel

This month on the blog we’re talking about one of the most important parts of planning your remodeling project: budgeting.

It’s not as fun as picking out your cabinets or new appliances, but it’s important to know what a project is going to cost before you get started – and what you can afford. As part of our design/build process, ELM Construction is going to make sure we create the best project for your budget, working with you to make your dream a reality!

Read on below for six tips on how to manage the budgeting process.

1. Get a rough idea about what it’s going to cost

Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as saying “X dollars per square foot.” There are some online resources that can be helpful when setting an initial rough budget, but take them with a grain of salt.

One of these is the annual Cost vs. Value report produced by Remodeling magazine. It offers estimates for the average project in 22 categories in more than 100 markets.

Recognize that those are averages and every project is different. That’s especially true when it comes to remodeling. There are demolition costs, unique situations of the property or home and other challenges that aren’t present in new construction.

2. Know how you’re paying for it

Now that you’ve done your initial research, it’s important to have at least a rough figure in mind of what you can afford. You also should know how you intend to pay for the project. Are you paying cash, taking out a home equity line of credit or some other type of loan? How much are you comfortable spending on the project?

3. Get the right remodeler

A professional, experienced remodeler is going to be able to identify potential challenges ahead of time and help you accurately plan for your project. Our consultative approach will help you accurately plan for your project. We can help you figure out if the budget you’ve set is realistic or if the project needs to be adjusted.

Make sure when you are looking at proposals/estimates from multiple remodelers that you are comparing apples to apples. Some contractors might leave costs out of the initial bid in order to try to win your business. If you see something in one estimate, but not another, ask why!

4. Think design/build

The best way to avoid problems is to work with a design/build remodeler like ELM Construction. With the design/build model, the designer and remodeler are on the same team, working together throughout the process. That means more efficiency and practical designs that can be built to fit your budget.

5. Establish priorities

Know what is important to you. Our goal is to get you everything you want, but you may have to make some cuts to hit your budget. What is going to be essential to your happiness and what can you live without? Our designers are also probably going to be able to help you come up with some alternatives to save money.

6. Set aside money for surprises

No plan will capture everything. As just one example, a kitchen remodel may discover mold hidden in the wall behind the sink. Older homes often will have other surprises hidden in the walls, such as poor insulation or bad wiring. A general rule of thumb is to set aside an additional 10 to 15 percent of the project cost for these unexpected expenses.

Ready to plan your project? ELM Construction is here to make sure you get the best remodel to meet your needs, at a fair price. Contact us today to discuss your next remodel!

Why Design/Build Is Better & An Introduction

ELM Construction is a design/build remodeler – but why should that matter to you?

Simply put, we believe it is a better, more efficient want to remodel your home. Design/build means the designer and builder or remodeler are on the same team, working together to get you the best project. By working with a single team, you get many advantages over the traditional design/bid/build model of construction.

• Streamlined communication between the architect and builder

• Sharing knowledge between the remodeler and architect results in well-thought-out designs that take practical considerations into account

• An integrated team helps us be more efficient, allowing us to deliver projects on time and on budget

• Continuity – your ELM Construction team will manage construction from beginning to end

• Quality – in our experience, all of these factors result in a better final product. A well-designed and built home is going to be better for the way you live and will be easier to sell when it comes time to move.

One of the most important factors in our success as a design/build remodeler is having the right people on the team. We’re very happy to introduce our newest designer, Liz Kennedy, who joined ELM Construction earlier this year.

Liz has a degree in Interior Design from the University of North Alabama. Before coming to ELM, she worked for a remodeler, a tile manufacturer and fabricator and as an independent designer.

Why did you become a designer?

I became a designer for many reasons. Growing up I would change my mother's decor in our home throughout the seasons to give things a change and a fresh look and I loved every minute of it. College  led me to my passion for residential design and decor and I knew that is where I was meant to be. After working on the supplier side for many years, I knew that I didn't want to just be one helping with selections but I wanted to be involved in every part of the process and my desire was residential remodeling. When the opportunity arose to step out into that arena, I took it and I haven't looked back since. 

What is your favorite part of the job?

Working as a designer, specifically in residential remodeling, you develop personal relationships with clients. You are literally helping to change and shape how someone is going to live in their home on a daily basis. To be able to have an impact on someone's life in a space that is not only functional but aesthetically pleasing is the most rewarding part of my job. This is where my heart and soul are and I put a little piece of each into every project. 

What do you like about working for a design/build remodeler?

As a wife, a mom and a career woman, I do not take a client's time or budget for granted. Being a part of the design/build process is a whole different animal when you understand it from the inside out. Designers sometimes get a bad reputation for making things pretty while ignoring the budget. Not at a design/build firm. That is the beauty of it. To be able to discuss on the front end the wants, needs and wishes with a client and to be able to implement those ideas within a budget as you work with the team that is going to build it makes the process so much more enjoyable and smooth as you know you are all on the same team with the same mutual goal.

Ready to have our talented design team get to work on your home? Contact ELM Construction today to discuss your remodeling needs!

Is An Accessory Dwelling Right For You?

If you’ve been looking to add more livable space to your home, one option to consider is an Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU.

What are ADUs?

Also sometimes known as mother-in-law units, granny flats, or backyard cottages, ADUs are separate structures built on the property. They typically include a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and private entrance, although features may vary depending on the planned use. They are sometimes converted garages or pool houses but are more often new construction. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

There are a number of factors to consider when deciding between building an ADU or constructing a traditional addition.  A professional remodeler like ELM Construction can walk you through these and other considerations.

Know how you will use it

The most important question to answer is how you intend to use it. ADUs can be used in a number of ways, including a home office, fitness studio, a guest house or a rental unit.

We shared tips on Remodeling For Your Dream Home Office last month. Our No. 1 piece of advice was an area separate from the home.  Clearly, an ADU meets that requirement. On the other hand, if you have children at home that need supervision, this could prove to be less of a benefit.

For living quarters, a separate space like an ADU offers a good mix of being near the home, but also ensuring privacy. This can be a great way to handle room for a parent who may not be able to handle living completely on their own (hence the “granny flat” name).

ADUs can also be a source of income when they’re used to create rental units, whether for a long-term tenant or short-term renters like an Airbnb.

Check with local codes

Rules for ADUs vary from municipality to municipality. Different cities may have different rules about how you can use the space, how big the unit can be and how far structures must be from the property line, among other restrictions.

Make sure you are working with a reputable, licensed contractor who knows and follows the permitting and zoning regulations in your community.

Can your property handle it?

Besides ensuring you have the necessary space to meet local zoning requirements, it is also important to ascertain if your utility infrastructure can handle the extra load. Typically, ADUs can tap into the existing water, sewer and power, but your contractor can make sure you have the capacity that will be required for the new unit.

Keep financials in mind

Constructing an ADU will usually cost more than a traditional addition, but that’s not always the case. It is also important to remember that adding a new structure to your property will result in increased property taxes and insurance costs, especially if it is a rental unit.

Ready to plan your ADU, addition, or any other remodeling project? Contact ELM today to discuss your remodeling needs!

Remodeling For Your Dream Home Office

We’ve all been spending more time at home the last several months. And while the future is uncertain, there’s probably plenty more working at home, remote learning and social distancing to come. With all that in mind, most of us are looking to create better, more productive workspaces at home.

That might mean an addition to create extra room for your growing office needs, or redesign of the existing space to get the most out of your home. With more than a decade of experience helping Alabama homeowners realize their dreams, ELM Construction is ready to get you the best home office.

Our design/build process is all about finding the best solution for your needs. We’ll talk about your situation and figure out the customized answer for you.

That said, here are five general tips for creating the best home office.

1. Separate from the rest of the home

A separate room, away from the main traffic flow of the house, is best. A space that allows you to close a door will give you the necessary privacy for calls with clients or Zoom meetings.

If you’ve got children doing schoolwork at home – and they need supervision – a good solution is to set up a little-used guest room or dining room with multiple workstations. If you’re looking for a longer-term answer, a finished basement makes a lot of sense.

A separate space helps you associate the office with “work” and separate it from your home life. If you’re going to need to meet with clients in your home office, be sure it has or is near an outside entrance to avoid having to take people through your home.

It’s important to set expectations with yourself, your supervisor and your family. Have set “office hours” that are your normal work time and try to stay away from your home office outside those hours. At the same time, make it clear to everyone that your work time is just that – work time. If at all possible, have them treat the situation just like they would if you were at the office. (As parents, we know sometimes that rule is going to get tossed out the window!)

2. Seek natural light

Many studies have shown that natural light enhances productivity, so if possible, avoid interior rooms. If you’re going to opt for the basement, try to locate it in a room or part of the basement with windows.

3. Install sufficient lighting

Natural light isn’t enough, of course. Good ambient lighting will help reduce eye strain, headaches and other problems. Position your desk and computer to avoid glare but offer sufficient lighting for tasks. Consider installing LED lighting. LED lights aren’t as harsh as fluorescent bulbs, use less energy than other types of lighting and have a very long life. 

4. Creative storage solutions

You may be working with a small space, so it’s time to get creative with your storage. Inset cubbies, racks or floating shelves on the wall can help save valuable floor and desk space. Built-in cabinets will hide printers and other peripherals that otherwise will clutter up the space. We have plenty of great ideas on how to get creative with your storage! 

5. Embrace ergonomics

Set up your desk or table so that your back and neck are straight and your arms are parallel to the desk. Adjust the chair height so your feet are flat on the floor (and while we’re at it, invest in a good chair). Make sure the whole arrangement is set up so you don’t have to lean over, slouch or crane your neck to work.

Standing desks have also shown health benefits. Depending on your time in front of the computer, it can be a good solution. If you’re going to go with the traditional desk, be sure to take plenty of breaks to stretch and walk around. That will also reduce strain on your eyes.

Time to create that perfect workspace? ELM Construction is ready to help you get exactly what you need. Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs!

Universal Design Without Looking Institutional

There are more than 30 million Americans that use wheelchairs and millions more that have other mobility issues. An aging population means those numbers are only going to go up.

Even for homeowners not facing that challenge today, it makes sense to prepare your house for older visitors or your own future needs. An accessible home will allow you to live in it longer by increasing safety and independence.

But that doesn’t mean your home has to look like a hospital or nursing home. It is possible to incorporate universal design while still achieving an attractive remodel. As Certified Aging in Place Specialists, the ELM Construction team has been trained in the unique requirements of preparing a home for an aging population.

A well-designed accessible bathroom needs to address several areas. The project pictured here, which won first place in the 2020 Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards for Universal Design, is a great example of what can be achieved.

Shower

Curbless showers are a popular option now in many bathrooms and that was the choice for this project. Most showers, even those without tubs, require you to step up-and-in to the shower. A curbless shower eliminates that transition, putting the shower entrance flush with the floor of the bathroom. The new shower floor in this bathroom slopes toward a linear drain at the shower entrance, which keeps the rest of the bathroom dry.

A fixed or rolling shower seat, at a height of 17 to 19 inches, will allow a bather to sit while showering. For this homeowner, we installed an attractive teak fold-down shower bench.

Grab bars need to be installed in the shower/tub as well. For this project, we installed blocking between the wall studs before replacing the drywall to make sure we had a solid structure to install the grab bars. Working with the client, we helped them select grab bars that serve their essential need but are also attractive accents to match the design of the entire bathroom.

Toilet

The toilet needs to be raised to chair height, approximately 18 inches off the ground. Grab bars should be installed as well to help users get on and off the toilet. The grab bar should be placed within easy reach of the toilet and should be at least 36 inches long.

As with the shower grab bars, we installed blocking behind the walls and helped the homeowner make attractive selections.

Sink

The wall-mounted vanity base, with no cabinet underneath on one side, allows clearance for a wheelchair. A single-lever faucet makes it easier for anyone with arthritis or other challenges to operate the faucet.

Doorway

There should be enough clearance to get into the bathroom. A 36-inch or wider opening is best, but a 32-inch wide entry should provide the necessary space for a wheelchair or walker.

Doors should be fitted with lever-style handles versus doorknobs for ease of gripping and opening. If at all possible, level out the floor between the bathroom and hallway with no raised thresholds for the transition between the spaces. 

Flooring & Layout

Floors should be a slip-resistant material (a good call for any bathroom!), such as vinyl or non-slip tiles.

A wheelchair needs a minimum radius of 48 inches to turn around, and the Americans with Disabilities Act recommends a 5-foot turning radius in the bathroom.

Time to work on upgrading your home for today and the future? ELM Construction, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, is ready to help you prepare your home for the future. Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs!

Technology To Make Your Project Better

Working on your home, whether it is a small remodel or a custom home, should be a great experience. It’s an exciting time as you envision your new home, kitchen, or addition.

But we know it can also be a stressful time.

Finding the right contractor is an important part of the process. When you’re considering hiring a remodeler or builder, be sure to find out how they are going to communicate with you during the project. We know that when there’s a problem on a project, it usually comes down to communication. That’s especially important today when we aren’t able to talk in person as much as we’d like to.

There are a lot of decisions you need to make throughout the process, from approving initial plans to selecting products, to agreeing to necessary changes. Your project will have plenty of custom options, whether it’s the color of your bathroom walls or what decking material you want. It can be hard to keep track of everything. We know how important it is for you to follow every aspect of the process.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Buildertrend. The simple online system makes it possible to access your project from your computer, tablet, or phone. You’ll have secure, online access to your own webpage with all the details and selections for your project.

You can also make changes quickly and accurately. And because everyone on our team uses the system, you don’t have to worry that a paper change order gets lost in the shuffle. Make changes online and everyone is updated! If you’re away from the home while it’s being built or remodeled, the online project schedule allows you to track progress and keep track of changes in real-time.

Using the online messaging systems, you can easily communicate with our team 24 hours a day, seven days a week from wherever you are! It’s a great way to have contactless communication with the entire ELM Construction team.

You will be able to track photos of the construction progress and access important documents.  You can share those photos of your project with your friends and family!

We work hard to deliver quality work and are proud of our record, but if there is a problem you can file online warranty claims through our online system. You’ll have easy access to all past project information and communication even after work is completed.

This video will tell you more about the entire process and the benefits our online system gives you during construction. We have a wealth of technology at our fingertips – why not use it to make the remodeling process simpler and more precise?

Ready to talk about your next remodeling project? ELM Construction is ready to help you with all your remodeling needs!

Choosing The Right Remodeler

Every May, the construction industry celebrates National Home Remodeling Month, so what better time to consider your next remodeling project? Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, improve your bathroom or add on to your home, ELM Construction is ready to help!

Now more than ever, it’s important to choose a professional, trusted remodeler. Here are 9 tips for making sure you pick the right remodeling partner.

1. History

A long history may not be a guarantee of quality, but remodeling firms don’t stay in business by failing to deliver quality service. ELM Construction has been serving the Birmingham area for more than a decade. Led by Elliott Pike, the ELM Construction team has successfully navigated economic ups and downs.

2. Stay local

Whenever the economy gets challenging or a natural disaster hits, you’re likely to find out-of-town contractors and fly-by-night “handyman” companies flooding the market. A local contractor is going to be aware of the building codes in our local area and also be more likely to worry about performing quality work.

3. Ask about insurance and licensing

ELM Construction is a licensed and fully insured local contractor. Be sure to ask for proof of both. In Alabama, contractors need to be licensed for any project of $50,000 or more. A fully insured remodeler is going to protect you in case an accident occurs on the jobsite or there is some other problem with the project.

4. Look for association membership and certifications

The best remodelers are recognized for their quality work. ELM Construction is active in our local, state, and national home building and remodeling associations. We have won a number of awards from those associations and others for our projects. We are a Certified Graduate Remodeler, Certified Aging in Place Specialist and an Alabama Accredited Lead Based Paint Renovator.

5. Ask for references

Most good remodelers generate the majority of their business from repeat and referral business. One of the best places to start when looking is to ask your friends and family about their experiences. Once you are considering a remodeler, ask for references from past customers. Any remodeler who can’t give you names and testimonials from previous clients is one you want to avoid.

6. Check for reviews and violations

Check with your local consumer affairs office and Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints against the remodeler, and how they responded to them. Check out online reviews as well.

7. Be cautious of low bids or “special” deals

If a remodeler is coming in with an estimate much lower than others, there’s probably a good reason for that. Take a closer look: Is the project scope the same? Are they using inferior materials?

8. Sign a contract

Be wary of any remodeler that doesn’t have you sign a contract. It protects you as well as the remodeler. It should clearly lay out the scope of the project, how it will be constructed, and clarify how problems will be resolved.

9. Avoid large payments up front

It is quite normal to have a remodeler ask for a deposit before the project starts, but most will not ask for complete payment for a project before they start working. Make sure the contract clearly lays out the payment schedule and what work is expected at each stage.

Ready to start your next project? ELM Construction is ready to help you through your remodel. Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs!