Innovation Construction Company is a member of the
National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)

South Shore MA, Cape Cod, & Southeastern MA home renovation & remodeling contractor

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The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the only independent association dedicated to the remodeling industry, 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. 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:

• Visit www.RemodelToday.com
• Call your local NARI Chapter
• Call NARI National at 800-611-NARI (6274)

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.