Do your homework before having work done on your home. Use this checklist to help you select a builder or remodeler to work on or build your home.

• Does the builder or remodeler have a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers?
• How long have they been in the building business? It usually takes three to five years to establish a financially sound business. Will they be around after the construction is complete to service any warranties?
• Have you called your local Better Business Bureau? They can alert you to any complaints.
• Does the builder/remodeler have sufficient workers compensation and general liability insurance? If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
• Will the builder/remodeler provide you with names of previous customers? Ask them if they would hire the builder/remodeler again.
• Have you seen the builder/remodelers work, both completed and in progress? Check for quality of workmanship and materials.
• Are you able to communicate with the builder/remodeler? Remember you will be in close contact with them throughout the construction process and afterward as you live in your new home.
• Will the builder/remodeler provide you with a complete and clearly written contract? The contract will benefit both of you. Review it carefully.
• Be cautious of unusually low-priced bids. If the builder/remodeler is unable to pay for the materials and labor as the project proceeds, this may indicate a potential problem.

Check out this list of local Professional Remodelers Association members.

Edelweiss Construction
www.edelweissconstruction.com

Hines Siding & Remodeling, Inc.
www.hinessiding.iarbiz.com

Parsons Custom Remodeling & Cabinets, Inc.
www.parsonsremodeling.com

Rupp Family Construction Co.
www.ruppfamilyconstruction.com

Sorrento Design & Remodeling
www.sorrentoconstruction.com

Howard Bingham Construction
www.howardbinghamconstruction.com

Oglesby Construction Company, Inc.
www.oglesbyhomes.com

Oregon Home Improvement Co.
www.ohico.net

Paul Marto Building Inc.
www.paulmarto.com

Stanley Home Renovation & Design, Inc.
www.StanleyHomeRenovation.com

Theresa Springer of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland was recently honored with the 2009 Council Award for Demonstrating Remodeling Excellence for Outstanding Associate Member. Springer is active in the association’s remodeling group, the Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO).

The award—known in the industry as the CADRE—was recently announced during the National Association of Home Builders annual gala in Indianapolis. The CADRE is the NAHB Remodelers highest national award for work at the local level and is given to individuals whose work exemplifies the best practices of the remodeling industry.

Springer joined the HBA’s PRO in 2004 and represents Pacific Residential Mortgage as a Senior Loan Officer. She has been working in home lending for more than 20 years and is one of the only Certified Graduate Associates in Oregon. Additionally, she is a member of the HBA’s Board of Directors, sits on the Sales and Marketing Council and is the newly appointed Vice-Chair of the Communications Committee.

“The PRO is dedicated to helping promote remodelers, support professional development, and grow leadership at the local council,” said PRO Manager Hallie Gentry, “and Theresa has definitely emerged as an active leader and example of excellence in her field. It’s always great to see deserving individuals receive honor for their hard work and achievements.”

Brewer Brothers Construction
www.brewerconstruction.com

CastleRock Homes Inc.
www.castle-rock-homes.com

Craftsman Homes Group LLC
www.craftsmanhomesgroup.com

Crown Construction of Oregon LLC
www.crownconstructionoforegon.com

Master Plan Remodeling- Design/Build
www.masterplanremodeling.com

Neil Kelly Design/Build Remodeling
www.neilkelly.com

Olsen Homes & Renovation, LLC
www.olsenrenovation.com

Solaris Solutions LLC
www.solarissolutions.com

Craftsman Design & Renovation
www.craftsmandesign.com

Irving Development Co.
www.irvingdevelopment.com

Progressive Builders Northwest
www.pbnw.net

Steven Heiteen Construction
www.portlandremodel.com

Advantage Services Construction Inc.
www.advantageremodel.com

Cascade Restoration & Remodeling
www.CascadeRestoration.com

COOPER Designbuilders, Inc.
www.cooperdesignbuilders.com

JDL Development Inc.
www.jdldev.com

Nick Milo Design Construction, Inc.
www.nickmilodesign.com

Watch this video and don’t let this happen to you…Cabinet remodeling turns into costly ordeal.

Remember:
Actions to take when hiring a contractor
Who is the CCB and what do they do?
Why check a contractors license?

Sorry about the two posts this week about the Street of Dreams but there really is some cool things going on down there that I thought you might want to know about.

First of all, they have just released a new coupon code “2off” which saves you two dollars off each ticket when you purchase online.  Plus, the value of the Pearl Pass just keeps going up.  There are now over 100 businesses in the Pearl District supporting the Street of Dreams Pearl Pass and it is valued at $8,200!!  WOW!

Next, starting tomorrow August 8, and running each Saturday and Sunday for the next three weeks there will be an Idea Gallery set up in the Street of Dreams Headquarters at 937 NW Glisan.  The Idea Gallery is a great place to find ideas and inspiration from the show that you can apply to your home.  There will be several remodelers participating in the Idea Gallery so if you want to meet remodelers and speak to them face to face this is your opportunity.

Finally,

Congratulations to Alexis winner of the two Street of Dreams tickets!

Angela Todd’s vibrant red hair, impeccable taste in clothing, Midwestern drawl and perky personality make her as unique and memorable as the rooms she styles.

This professional designer has deep roots in all things artistic and has a passion for life and beautiful spaces. Consequently, in 2006 she started Angela Todd Designs, a full-service design firm dedicated to incorporating clients’ personal style and treasures into their spaces.

A regular contributor on KXL’s Around the House with Handyman Bob during her segment, “The Design Angle,” Angela is also a regular blogger on her site and guest blogger for the Interior Design Society of Portland, Home Gain, and The Society of Decorating Professionals.

In her free time, Todd enjoys weekends in wine country and on Oregon coast, spending time on the water and in her garden, and relaxing with those she loves. Her pride and joy are her two darling dogs, a golden retriever named Kashmir and a sheltie named Sadie Sue.

Question & Answer:

How’d You Get Started: I started my career in marketing and sales. It was a great foundation for running a successful business. When I stopped liking what I did for a living, I knew it was time to follow my dream of designing interiors.

Secrets to Success: As a designer, I listen first and then speak. As a business partner, I work to connect people and share opportunities.

Measuring Success: I measure success by my personal happiness. To me, being happy is the secret to success in all of life.

Business Mentors or Heroes: I love my mentors – so many have influenced me! My father is a great entrepreneur and taught me the value of building strong relationships with people and business partners. I also have great respect for successful business women like Brandy Marsh from Area Floors who is a great partner and coach for me. Additionally, I have learned tons from the remodelers and builders I work with, including Mitch and Arlene Stanley from Stanley Home Renovation and Design.

Principals I Use For Big Decisions: Do what feels right. Be honest and direct when you need to but always with kindness. And I always talk through big decisions with mentors. They keep me grounded and focused.

If I Could Work For Free For Any Cause/Charity, It Would Be: I would create special spaces for children and families who are dealing with tough times, poverty or illness.

Famous Words I wished I’d Said: “If you help enough people get what they want, you will get what you want.” – Zig Ziglar

I Need More Time on Weekends For: Hiking, boating, spending time with family and friends and taking the occasional afternoon nap.