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ServiceMaster – We Protect the Great Indoors Mold, mildew and microbes are the dreaded “M-words” that strike fear in the hearts of residential and commercial property owners. And it’s no wonder. These persistent biological pests can contaminate indoor environments of all types, causing serious health problems, ravaging property values and creating emotional stress. The problems have been well documented in the media. Each year Sick Building Syndrome affects schools, homes, factories, apartment buildings, restaurants, offices and hospitals. Resistant strains of E. coli, MRSA and others contaminate sports facilities, health clubs, cruise ships and even prisons. Toxic mold and bacteria problems are especially prevalent in moist environments and following water intrusions into homes and buildings.

A Special Game Plan for Builders ServiceMaster of Pittsburgh has a special prevention program for builders, remodelers and homeowners and anyone undertaking a new construction project. We pretest and evaluate the bones of the structure to determine the moisture levels and contaminates that might be present. We provide a plan to reduce the dust, microbial contamination and excess moisture. This makes for a clean, safe and stable environment for the building. Dust- and moisture-free building environments not only provide a healthy building, but they also better surfaces for applying finishes and wallboard. Application of the patented technology of mPale to interior surfaces protects the structure against mold and bacteria growth from inside and out. It protects builders and owners from future woes, provides peace of mind and is a huge selling point for homes. The mPale product is colorless, odorless and can be applied to wood, steel, sheetrock, carpets, upholstery and painted surfaces. The real beauty of this product is that, once applied, it bonds to the surface and retains its effectiveness indefinitely, unless painted over or covered. And unlike traditional treatments, mPale does not lose its effectiveness over time. For more on mPale, contact ServiceMaster today at 412-833-8111.

Our Professionals AC Remodel • (724) 339-1790 www.acremodel.com California Closets • (724) 935-7066 www.calclosets.com Jason Inc. • (724) 853-7750 www.jasonincorporated.com Ligo Architects • (724) 794-2380 www.ligoarchitects.com Milberg and Associates • (412) 271-4050 www.milbergandassoc.com ServiceMaster • (412) 833-8111 www.servicemasterofgreaterpgh.com

All photos courtesy of Ligo Architects, AC Remodel, Jason, Inc., Milberg & Associates and California Closets.

Whether you’re renovating one room or doing a complete overhaul, a remodeling project can be a liberating and exciting experience bringing new life and additional value to your home. It can also be a nightmare if you don’t pick the right remodeler. A good remodeler can help you gain a clear understanding and vision of what will happen, when it will happen and why it has to happen a particular way.

A remodeling project can fuel excitement and anxiety, but if you take the time to do your homework it’s more likely the project will produce the expected results. Here at DHL, we’ve done the research for you. We’ve polled a panel of the area’s top remodeling professionals to get you the information you need to make the right decisions and get the most for your money.

Homeowners often think of their remodeling investment in terms of recouping money from the increased value of their home after the remodel. Check with your local realtor or remodeler to see the value potential for your remodel. If you plan on living in your home for five or more years, recouping value is less important. The home price index for the Pittsburgh area has averaged 4.6 percent per year since 19771. The compounded interest of your new home value will probably pay for the remodel in about five to 10 years. Plus, you get to enjoy the fruits of your remodel for all that time!

A remodeling project doesn’t have to mean a large investment. If you can’t afford a large-scale remodel, there are small things that can have a big impact. Paint and finishes have the biggest impact. Change a room color or update the hardware. Outside, try trimming your bushes or plant some flowers. A new front door, mailbox or lamppost can make an impact on curb appeal.

“One of the most economical approaches to remodeling is to simply change the function of a room,” says Lee Ligo of Ligo Architects. “For example, you may be able to utilize a spare bedroom as a walk-in closet. Removable shelves and rods can revert to a bedroom for a future owner.”

Depending on the size of your project, consider using an architect to help create new ideas or understand the impact to your existing home. A qualified firm like Ligo Architects can be a big help. “In my professional career, I have saved so many clients money and corrected so many problems,” says Ligo. “You would never think of surgery without a reputable surgeon. Take some guidance from an architect before starting a major remodeling project.”

It’s important to ask about the architect’s remodeling experience. “Look at their website,” says Ligo. “Ask for references. Talk to others the architect has worked with. Was the scope of the design compatible with their budget? Did the final build cost match with their estimate?”

Ligo Architects is a local firm that you can trust. Their experienced staff includes two registered architects and is committed to providing organized, individualized service to their clients. A consultation with Ligo can be a smart and safe way to initiate a major home remodeling project.

Photo couresty of AC Remodel.

Before you start remodeling project, there’s a lot to consider. Glenn Christy of AC Remodel says it’s best to ask yourself some questions first. “Why are you considering the change? Is your family growing? Do you need to take in an aging loved one? What will your family members be doing in five years? Make sure you know the answer so you’ll have a firm basis to help with decisions to come.”

“Set a firm budget on what you’re willing to spend and share it with your remodeler,” says Christy. “It’s better to quickly know if your numbers are unrealistic. Sharing this with your remodeler early will save you a lot of anguish and time.”

Jim Ackerman of AC Remodel points out how it’s important to match the right type of remodeler to your project. “There are handymen, home improvement and design/build remodelers,” he says. “If you’re replacing your vanity and sink, it’s a handyman project. If you’re doing windows or a roof, a home improvement contractor will give you better result at a better price. If you’re thinking about changing functionality or adding space, go to a design/build remodeler. They’ll help you think about the impact to your family in the long run.”

AC Remodel is a design/build remodeler. They use a phased approach and work closely with you to develop ideas or concepts and make focused, fact-based decisions about the changes you’re going to make.

Construction costs are known far earlier in a design/build than in any other delivery process. AC Remodel builds projects daily. They know current material and labor costs and can help you evaluate alternatives while achieving an end result within your budget. They also have experience to handle unusual projects like wine cellars or outdoor kitchens. “The end result,” says Christy, “is a professional design with a firm implementation plan, defined costs, materials and deliverables. It’s the kind of peace of mind you want in your remodeling project.”

Photo couresty of Jason Inc.

When choosing a remodeler, there are some basic things you can do to protect yourself and ensure you get the best company for the job. Word of mouth is one of the best sources for good remodelers. Architects are another good source. A remodeler should be a member of a nationally recognized organization dedicated to standardizing and training remodelers. Key organizations include the NAHB Remodeler’s Council and NARI.

Some important questions to ask your remodeler:

What types of projects do you do, and where do you work?
You want to hire a remodeler who has done the type of work you want. Beware of the remodeler who does “plumbing, heating, cooling, doors, windows, additions, etc.” This remodeler doesn’t know what he does well and doesn’t focus on any specific type of project to get good at it. How well can they service your project if their projects are spread out over a 100-mile radius?

What permits and inspections are required?
If the contractor won’t be responsible for getting a building permit, get another contractor. The only reason a contractor won’t get a permit is because he doesn’t want to have someone point out where his work is substandard. The same holds true for plumbing and electrical inspections.

Can I get a written schedule?
Getting a written schedule means they’ve done their homework how detailed and timely they’ll be. Others just schedule day to day based on available resources.

May I speak with a client you’re currently working with?
The key here is “currently working with.” The job done three years ago may have gone well, but changes in finances or workforce may change the way they do business today. A good remodeler values your privacy and will talk with his current client to arrange a call or meeting.

Do you carry worker’s compensation and liability insurance?
Ask to be named a “Certificate Holder” by the remodeler’s insurance agency. It doesn’t cost them anything and verifies the type and level of insurance coverage and when it expires.

“Make sure your contractor has a minimum of $1,000,000 worth of liability insurance,” says Jason Harchuck of Jason, Inc. “Make sure the insurance is from a reputable company and the contractor carries worker’s compensation insurance on employees.

“A big mistake is when people choose their contractor based on price,” says Harchuck. “I will take clients to past and current jobs and give them a list of customers they can contact to inquire about my company.”Jason Inc. is an established local contractor. “We tend to attract highly specialized jobs that other contractors don’t want to do because of their complexity,” says Harchuck. “We’ve done everything from heated floors to elevators and mechanical dumbwaiters to challenging homes like timber-frame structures.”

Take a good look at your contract. Does it clearly specify what services will be delivered and what products, fixtures, colors and brands will be used? Does it include start and end dates? Does it tell you how the debris will be removed and the area cleaned?

The payment schedule must match the work schedule with no more than 50 percent down, 25 percent upon completion of a significant milestone and the final 25 percent to be paid upon completion.

A remodeler can spend the time and energy to investigate, understand and define your project or he can have clauses in his agreement to let him do a sloppy job of estimating or deliberately underestimate work to get the job. Loopholes like “If the permit requires additional engineering and material, additional costs are paid by homeowner” are red flags.

Protect yourself by making sure the contractor guarantees the price and the project will pass the permitting and inspection process.

You have some responsibility in creating a successful remodeler/client relationship. “Remodelers expect good communication, timely decisions, realistic and clear expectations, fair and reasonable behavior and timely payments,” says Milberg & Associates. “The client needs to be involved in the job and be aware of how things proceed. Ask questions, and take time to inspect the work everyday.”

Milberg & Associates is a one-stop shop for all of your home remodeling needs. From start to finish, they’ll work with you to create the addition or renovation of your dreams.

“Communication is always top priority,” they add. “We listen carefully to clients so we can meet fair and reasonable expectations. We keep the client informed and respond promptly and in a straightforward, honest manner.

“Have realistic ideas on the scope of your project,” they add. “Remember, you are going to be working closely, perhaps for months. Make sure you can talk to and be open with your remodeler. Don’t forget remodeling is a life-changing event; make sure there aren’t too many others going on at the same time.”

Milberg & Associates tell clients to put a lot of thought into objectives and ask certain questions before starting: What do you want to accomplish? What will be the functionality of the project? How much are you willing to spend? They urge clients to speak to friends and ask about their total experience, including the relationship with the remodeler, unforeseen costs, disruptions during the project, what they would do again and what they would do differently.

Reputation and quality are important. It’s important to choose a contractor like Milberg & Associates, who listens and communicates well. They take pride in a high standard of quality and attention to detail. They warrant their work, and the project isn’t finished until the customer is happy. They keep your house safe, clean and as functional as possible throughout the project.

Photo couresty of Milberg & Associates

As the homeowner, it’s important to keep lines of communication open between you and the remodeler. “The homeowner must have reasonable expectations based on agreed-upon criteria,” says Raymond Fry of California Closets. “At California Closets, we pride ourselves on quality service, craftsmanship, customization and timeliness. We understand for a home remodeling project to be successful, the remodeler and homeowner have to be on the same page. We do our best to communicate clearly and listen carefully to what our clients need.”

California Closets is a premier closet design company. They’re dedicated to developing a meaningful use of space in your environment. During a complimentary consultation, a design consultant comes to your home, assesses your space, and learns about your needs. Using customized plans, they’ll you options for your space while keeping specific storage needs as the priority. Your budget will always be taken into consideration.

“The common mistake we see is when homeowners look for the best bargain,” says Fry. “Value, function and quality should dictate the decision, not cost.” Fry also says that its important to prepare prior to remodeling by researching the project, process, products and technology currently available.

A remodeling project can be a huge undertaking. There is so much to think about and many decisions to make. As long as you take the advice of these experienced professionals, there’s no reason why your project shouldn’t turn out just as you imagined, bring you years of pleasure and increase the value of your home.

¹ Source: “House Price Index”, Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, www.ofheo.gov, March 2008

Valentine J. Brkich is a freelance writer and published author. Visit his website at www.brkichwriting.com