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The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the only independent association dedicated to the remodeling industry is a not-forprofit 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. NARI is committed to enhancing the professionalism of the remodeling industry and serving as an ally to homeowners. NARI members have access to the latest information in the industry through publications, educational programs and seminars, and conferences. The NARI professional remodeler pledges to uphold the association’s strict Code of Ethics and is dedicated to advocate professionalism and integrity. For more information, or to locate a NARI professional in your area:
Select a Professional, Reliable Remodeling Contractor
 Finding a qualified professional remodeling contractor doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Following these guidelines will make the selection process easier and you will 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.
- 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 much lower than the others.
Choose a Course of Action
 Depending on your needs and the size of your remodeling project, there are several options for you to explore before finalizing your plans. Attempt to define which of the following alternatives represent 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 remodeling 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 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, as he or she will be more sensitive to the
special challenges that remodeling
represents.
Look for a member of the The National
Association of the Remodeling Industry
(NARI). The NARI logo is the mark of a
professional.
A Well Written Contract is Essential
 Be sure the contract includes the contractor’s name,
address, phone and license number (if applicable).
- A contract should include detail about what the
contractor will and will not do.
- A detailed list of materials for the project should be included in your contract, with information such as size, color, model, brand name and product.
- The contract should include approximate start and
completion dates.
- Study the design plans carefully. Insist that you approve
them and that they are identified in your written
contract before any work begins.
- Known as the “Right of Recision,” Federal law 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.
- 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 sure 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 it 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 it not included.
Never sign an incomplete contract. Always keep a copy
of the final document for your records.
Financing Your Remodeling Project
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.
- Available through the Federal Housing Administration
(FHA) are loans specifically for home improvements,
which are available through many lending institutions.
The FHA, however, requires that 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
available financing options and can help. Research various
sources of funding to compare individual qualification
guidelines, interest rates, terms and tax considerations.
Working with Professionals
 Before work begins, ask your contractor what inconveniences may occur while the project is under way 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 work 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, called a “change order.” 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
non-payment of materials or subcontractors.
Code of Ethics
Each NARI member promises 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.
- By honoring all contractual obligations until and unless
they are altered or dissolved by the mutual consent of all
contractual parties concerned.
- By promptly acknowledging and acting on any customer
complaints.
- By refraining from any act intended to restrain trade of
suppress competition, and to thereby promote the private
enterprise system.
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