Quick Answers to

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Basement

REMODELING

 

If you are interested in seeing what a basement remodel will cost based upon a national average that was updated for the Denver area, please click on the links below.  The information was put together by Remodeling Magazine for the 2009-2010 time frame and shows that a basement remodel will recoup 76% or more of your investment once you sell your property. Contact us or request a quote for more information in regard to your basement project.

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FAQ Answers

 

If you hire a professional, what should you look for?

A company with strong references and proven experience! After all, you don’t want your project to be a training ground for the contractor. You want a finished basement that you can enjoy without any hassles down the road or second-rate craftsmanship. Ask for a list of references from each contractor and call the names on the list. A good contractor should have many names to choose from and have a relationship with previous clients that would allow a phone interview, or possibly an on-site visit of their finished basement.

 

While speaking with references, what questions should I ask?

Was the project completed to your satisfaction and expectations?

 

Was the contractor neat, professional, and on time?

 

Did the contractor respond respectfully and promptly to any concerns or changes?

 

Was the project completed in a timely manner and on budget?

 

Would you recommend the contractor to your friends and relatives?

 

Was the contractor licensed, insured and operated under a contract?

 

And, any other questions you may come up that are specific to your needs.

 

What services should the professional provide?

Whether you are hiring a contractor to finish only parts of your basement, or you are hiring them to provide a turn-key (start-to-finish), move-in basement, you should be able to communicate your vision to the professional and they should be able to provide you with a clear understanding of what your project will be like when it is done. Services such as:

  • Design and layout
  • Finishes and color selections
  • Electrical and lighting layout
  • Changes in original design to accommodate environment
  • Matching existing features in your home

What should you expect to pay for the finished project?

It all depends on how much you want to be involved as well as the work you do yourself. Prices can range from $15 – $100 per square foot of finished basement space. A professional and licensed contractor should be able to match the standard features in your home for that price. If you have out of the ordinary or custom features that you want to add, then the price can go higher. The estimates should be in writing and free of charge.

 

You’ve got your estimates, now what?

After you have collected your estimates to compare, stop and think about each experience before you consider price. Consider things such as:

 

Was the contractor on time and professional in the first encounter?

 

Did he listen to me and answer my questions completely?

 

If not, did he promise to get my question answered in a timely manner?

 

Would I be comfortable having this contractor in my house?

 

Most importantly, can I trust them?

 

After considering those items, and possibly a few more, what about price? Are the estimates similar in pricing? If not, are the estimates all giving you the same finished product? You will probably have several different price estimates. Look at each one closely to make sure they have included everything you asked for. Once complete, make a decision based upon the old adage about “You get what you pay for.” Don’t always pick the cheapest estimate. Remember, you are adding space and value to your home that you want to be proud of when the project is complete. Also, your house was probably built by a company that charged at least $70 per square foot, so keep that in mind when you think that you can get your basement finished for under $20 per square foot.

HIRE A CERTIFIED GRADUATE REMODELER (CGR)

Colorado Springs home remodel

CGR Stands for Professionalism, Experience, and Commitment to Quality

A home is the largest investment that most Americans will ever make. It is also one of the most important. This is why the NAHB Remodelers of the National Association of Home Builders created the Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) Program. The CGR designation helps you, the consumer, determine which remodeling contractor you can count on to do a professional job.

 

The CGR designation indicates that a remodeler has completed the requirements of the CGR professional designation program, including educational credits, prescribed business standards and experience. If your remodeler has earned the CGR designation, you can be assured that he or she also understands the value of continuing education and is ready to do his or her best for you.

 

To maintain the CGR designation, all CGRs must complete a continuing education requirement every three years. Continuing education requirements include attending remodeling or business-related seminars, trade shows and educational programs. Obtaining other professional designations also counts towards meeting the continuing education requirement.

 

Find an active CGR in your state.

 

Choose A Certified Graduate Remodeler

The Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation assures that your remodeler:

 

  • Has met NAHB prescribes standards of business practice.
  • Has a proven track record of successfully completing projects.
  • Has completed relevant educational requirements.
  • Pledges to uphold the CGR Code of Ethics.

 

NAHB and the NAHB Remodelers

As the largest and most influential trade organization in the building industry, NAHB has worked for nearly 50 years to strengthen the professionalism of its members. NAHB is recognized in the building industry as the leading advocate of quality construction, responsible business practices, and reliable customer service.

 

The NAHB Remodelers, a division of NAHB, was founded in 1982 to serve the residential and commercial remodeling industry. The Council provides information and education to improve the management and technical expertise of its members, supports their business interests at all levels of government and promotes professionalism in the remodeling industry.

 

Code of Ethics

All Certified Graduate Remodelers subscribe to a Code of Ethics based on professional workmanship and customer satisfaction.

 

They pledge to:

  • CONDUCT business affairs with professionalism and skill.
  • Provide the best remodeling value possible.
  • Protect the consumer through the use of high quality materials and remodeling.
  • Meet all of their financial obligations in a responsible manner.
  • Comply with the spirit and letter of their business contracts, and manage all employees, subcontractors, and suppliers with fairness and honor.
  • Keep informed regarding public policies and other essential information which affect their business interests and those of the building industry as a whole.
  • Comply with the rules and regulations prescribed by law and government agencies for the health, safety, and welfare of the community.
  • Provide timely response to items covered under warranty.
  • Seek to resolve any controversy in which they may become involved through non-litigation dispute resolution mechanism.
  • Refrain from harming, either directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, practice, or employment of another remodeler.

 

Learn more about CGR and how to earn the CGR designation.

 

 

*CGRS are not agents, representatives, employees of the National Association of Home Builders or the NAHB Remodelers. The NAHB Remodelers in no way guarantees the workmanship, materials, or equipment of any individual CGR.

 

Hire a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and make your house a home for a lifetime

basement finish contractor CO

If you’re like the majority of Americans over the age of 45, you want to continue living in a familiar environment throughout your maturing years. According to AARP, older home owners overwhelmingly prefer to age-in-place, which means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level.

 

The NAHB Remodelers of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB 50+ Housing Council, and AARP developed the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) program to address the growing number of consumers that will soon require these modifications. While most CAPS professionals are remodelers, an increasing number are general contractors, designers, architects, and health care professionals.

 

How long do you plan to live in your current home?

If you’re like the majority of Americans over the age of 45, you want to continue living in a familiar environment throughout your maturing years. According to the AARP, older home owners overwhelmingly prefer to age in place, which means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level.

 

How should you modify your home to make it more comfortable?

To age-in-place, you will probably need to modify your house as you mature to increase access and safety. Modifications may range from the installation of bathroom grab bars and adjusting countertop height to the creation of first floor bedrooms and the installation of private elevators.

 

Who can you rely on to modify your home?

CAPS professionals have the answers to your questions. They have been taught the strategies and techniques for designing and building aesthetically pleasing, barrier-free living environments. CAPS graduates pledge to uphold a code of ethics and are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and participating in community service.

 

What can a CAPS professional offer home owners?

A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) has been trained in:

  • The unique needs of the older adult population
  • Aging-in-place home modifications
  • Common remodeling projects
  • Solutions to common barriers

Keep in mind that when you hire a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, you are buying a service rather than a product. Each CAPS professional draws from a different knowledge base and will approach your project in a different way. No matter where you start in the process, you will eventually need to hire a professional remodeler to actually make the modifications to your home.

 

CHECKLIST: Choosing a remodeler for aging-in-place and universal design improvements

  • Figure out how much money you have to spend on the home modification project.
  • Seek referrals from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and others who have had similar work done.
  • Search the Directory of Professional Remodelers to locate an NAHB professional remodeler in your community or contact your local home builders association or remodelers council.
  • Check with your local or state office of consumer protection and the local Better Business Bureau.
  • Verify the remodeler has the appropriate license(s) in your state.
  • Look for professional designations such as CAPS, Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), or Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR).
  • Ask your professional remodeler for a written estimate of the work to be done based on a set of plans and specifications. Be prepared to pay for this package.
  • Select a professional remodeler with plenty of experience with your type of project. Remember, lowest price does not ensure a successful remodeling project.

 

Which improvements does your home need?

  • Do I want to add a bathroom and possibly a bedroom to the main level?
  • How can I make my kitchen more functional?
  • Am I worried about preventing falls?
  • How much money can I budget for this project?
  • Will I need to get a home equity loan?
  • Will other members of my family benefit from modifications?
  • Will remodeling increase the energy efficiency of my home?
  • Where do I find a professional I can consult with about my needs?

 

Learn more about CAPS and how to earn the CAPS designation

 

***The award of any NAHB University of Housing designation does not represent and should not be constructed as a guarantee or certification of the quality of the designation-holder’s work product. NAHB’s conferral of a designation represents only NAHB’s affirmation that the individual designation-holder completed the stipulated requirements of the respective designation program.