The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is a not-for-profit trade association with more than 50 years of industry experience. NARI represents professional remodeling contractors, product manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, trade publications, utilities and lending institutions. The association is committed to enhancing the professionalism of the remodeling industry and serving as an ally to homeowners.
"The National Association of the Remodeling Industry is dedicated to being the best resource for knowledge and training in the remodeling industry. Together we can help construct the dreams in people's lives."
NARI members have access to the latest information in the industry through publications, educational programs, educational seminars, conferences, and an annual national convention featuring new products, materials and techniques.
The NARI professional remodeler is pledged to uphold the association's strict Code of Ethics and is dedicated to the professionalism and integrity of the remodeling industry.
For more information, or to locate a NARI professional in your area,
Each member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry pledges to observe high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility in the conduct of business:
By promoting only those products and services that are functionally and economically sound, and which are consistent with objective standards of health and safety.
By making all advertising and sales promotional factually accurate with respects to product description, performance specifications and cost benefit analysis, and by avoiding the practices which tend to mislead or deceive the customer with respect to competitive pricing, savings claims, or the nature and significance of contracts, warranties, finance agreements, completion certificates, lien waivers, or liability and workers' compensation insurance.
By writing all contracts and warranties such that they are fair and mutually beneficial to all parties concerned such that they are free of ambiguities or omissions which tend to obscure contractual obligations, and such that warranty terms and provisions are free of the capacity to mislead or deceive the customer as the quality or longevity of the product of service.
By honoring all contractual obligations until and unless they are altered or dissolved by the mutual consent of all contractual parties concerned, and by fulfilling those obligations in a reasonably prompt manner that is fair to all parties concerned.
By promptly acknowledging and acting on any customer complaints, and in situations where complaints appear unreasonable and persistent, by encouraging the customer to initiate an approved third-party dispute settlement mechanism.
By refraining from any act intended to restrain trade of suppress competition, and to thereby promote the private enterprise system and its guaranty of equal rights for all.
Finding a qualified professional remodeling contractor doesn't have to be a difficult task. By following these guidelines you will make the selection process easier and be better prepared to make an informed decision that best suites your needs.
Employ a contractor with an established business in your area. Local firms can be checked through references from past customers in your community. Local remodelers are compelled to perform satisfactory work for their business to survive.
Many states, but not all, require contractors to be licensed and or bonded. Contact your state or local licensing agencies to ensure the contractor meets all requirements.
Check with the government Consumer Affair Office and the Better Business Bureau to ensure there is no adverse file on record for the contractor.
Ask to see a copy of the contractor's certification of insurance of for the name of his or her insurance agency to verify coverage. Most states require a contractor to carry worker's compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance.
Make sure the contractor's insurance coverage meets all the minimum requirements. If you solicit bids from several different contractors, be sure they are bidding on the same scope and quality of work. Discuss variations in bids and beware of any bid that is substantially lower than the others.
Think your remodeling project through from start to finish. Careful planning of your home improvement projects will enable you to update your home, increase the value of your investment and customize your living space-all for a lot less than the cost of a new home.
Look over your property carefully. What repairs are needed? What improvements would you like to make? Think ahead and determine your future needs. Professional remodeling contractors can help you in your planning by outlining options and discussing the improvements you can make within your budget.
Be sure to review your homeowner's insurance policy and make adjustments for the added value of the work being done.
There are various financing plans available to homeowners. Among the most popular is the equity line of credit that bases the loan amount on the equity in your home.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has loans specifically for home improvements. They are available through many banks and lending institutions. The FHA, however, requires the lender approve the contractor. The FHA does not guarantee the contractor's work.
Some institutions will allow you to borrow against the anticipated equity in your home once your remodeling project is complete.
A professional remodeling contractor is familiar with financing options available and can help. Research various sources of funding to compare individual qualification guidelines, interest rates, terms and tax considerations.
Design and function should be foremost in your mind if you're thinking of adding a room or converting on existing room.
When planning a larger, more complicated project give thought to details such as: where you want electrical outlets, telephone jacks and cable hook-ups located: the type of lighting required: your current and future storage needs: and whether you want to include luxury items. These details will enable your home improvement to better suit your needs and your lifestyle.
A professional remodeling contractor should be consulted about design and function of any remodeling project. He or she can also help you with time and money-saving hints.
Be sure the contract includes the contractor's name, address, phone and license number (if applicable).
Detail what the contractor will and will not do.
Your contractor should detail a list of materials for the project in your contract. This includes size, color, model, brand name and product.
The contract should include the approximate start date and substantial completion dates.
Study all required plans carefully. Insist that you approve them and that they are identified in your written contract before any work begins.
Federal low requires a contractor to give you written notice of your right to, without penalty, cancel a contract within three business days of signing it, provided it was solicited at some place other than the contractor's place of business or appropriate trade premises your home, for instance, or has financing provision.
Make sure financial terms are understood and spelled out in the contract. The total price, payment schedule, and any cancellation penalty should be clear.
A warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum of one year should be written into the contract. The warranty must be identified as either "full" or "limited." The name and address of the party who will honor the warranty (contractor, distributor or manufacturer) must be identified. Make sire the time period for the warranty is specified.
A binding arbitration clause is also a good inclusion in the event a disagreement occurs. Arbitration may enable you to resolve disputes without costly litigation.
Thoroughly review the entire contract and be certain you understand in before signing it.
Consider the scope of the project and make sure all items you've requested are included. If you do not see a specific item in the contract, consider in not included. Never sign an incomplete contract. Always keep a copy of the final document for your records.
Before work begins, ask your contractor what inconveniences may occur while the project is underway and plan for them accordingly. Be sure your contractor is aware of vacations or special events so that he or she may schedule appropriately.
Move personal property from construction areas and declare all work zones off-limits to children and pets.
Be sure to put all changes in writing if your remodeling project is modified while work is being done. Both parties should sign the amendment.
Keep a job file including contract, plans, specifications, invoices, change orders and all correspondence with the contractor.
Request a contractor's Affidavit of Final Release be provided to you at the time you make final payment and a final waiver of mechanic's lien. This is your assurance that you will not be liable for any third-party claims for nonpayment of materials or subcontractors.
Depending on your needs and the size complexity of your intended remodeling project, there are several different options for you to explore before finalizing your plans. Attempt to define which of the following alternatives represents the best approach for your project.
The General Contractor Many home improvements may not require professional design services and can be handled by an experienced contractor. Again, be sure to deal with a professional. Even small jobs need careful planning, as their successful completion is important to you.
The Design/Build Contractor Design/Build is a concept developed to benefit the homeowner with their (his or her) remodeling project by providing both quality design and construction services within the same company. A design/build contractor will be able to see your project through from start to finish, keeping design, engineering and budget in mind.
The Architect Major remodeling projects require construction drawings to define contracts and permits procurement. If your professional remodeler does not provide design services, you can use a professionally trained architect. It is best to work with an architect experienced in remodeling, he or she will be more sensitive to the special challenges that remodeling represents.
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry brings together people who work in and with the remodeling industry, belonging and growing from one another. As professionals, we create an exceptional experience for the remodeling consumer.
