Welcome to the President's Corner of the Carmel Builders Website!

June, 2009   

In May, I had the opportunity to talk about smart home improvements and the benefit of working with a Milwaukee NARI contractor. I think you’ll find it worth your time. Enjoy!  After the video, take a few minutes to learn some important tips on how to avoid common pitfalls when choosing a contractor.  You'll find them in my article below.    (PLEASE CLICK ON THE ARROW BELOW TO START THE VIDEO)

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Thomas Weiher CR/CKBR
President
Carmel Builders, Inc.

 P.S.   I will update this page often, so if you are thinking about a home design and remodeling project, bookmark and visit this site regularly, and contact Carmel Builders to help make your project a success! 

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM UNSCRUPULOUS CONTRACTORS
JUNE, 2009

Not long ago, I came across an article in the Journal/Sentinel reporting the Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer protection’s annual Top 10 Consumer Complaints in the state of Wisconsin.  For 2008, Home Improvement complaints were the fourth most common, preceded only by: 1) violations of the “no call list”, 2) landlord/tenant issues, and 3) telephone companies’ billing issues.

Having been involved in the remodeling industry for some 35 years, and president of Carmel Builders for more than 30 of those years, it saddens me that home improvement complaints were so high on the list in 2008. 

It makes me mad too.  And kind of sick.  I put extra effort into providing great service, continuing my industry education, staying current on trends and materials, and adhering to high ethical standards of practice. I don’t appreciate having fly-by-night operators sully the reputation of my industry’s professionalism.

Of course, none of these charlatans would get anywhere if homeowners did their homework. I don’t understand why people are willing to put thousands of dollars at risk, and perhaps even their safety, without checking out who they are hiring and what they are agreeing to have done.

It’s not even that hard.  To find out if any complaints have been filed against a contractor you can call Wisconsin Consumer Protection (800-422-7128) and the Better Business Bureau (800-273-1002).

You can also get information on individuals and businesses through the Wisconsin Circuit Court system at http://wcca.wicourts.gov/simpleCaseSearch.xsl.

Here’s a few more basic ways to ensure that you get what you pay for:

1. Get a written contract.  Make sure it clearly describes the job to be done, the materials to be used, the total price, a start and finish date, and any exceptions or limits to any warranty.
2. Find out if the contractor is registered with the Wisconsin Division of Safety and Buildings (608-266-3151).  Registration is proof that the contractor has paid for worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, and minimum levels of liability insurance.
3. Get lien waivers.  If you pay your contractor, but the contractor does not pay its subcontractors or suppliers, the latter can file a lien on your home.  Insist on lien waivers from your contractor and every subcontractor and supplier.
4. Check, re-check and check references again.  Make sure to obtain at least five referrals of previous clients; preferably a combination of clients from many years ago, several years ago and a few months ago.  Be sure to call those referrals and speak to them about their experience with the company you are considering. 

Finally, take advantage of Milwaukee’s local professional associations such as Milwaukee NARI and the Metropolitan Builders Association.  These organizations are designed to protect consumers and maintain a high level of professionalism within the remodeling industry.  In fact, the first 25 pages of the Milwaukee NARI membership directory are dedicated to helping homeowners understand how to select a contractor and what to expect with a quality remodeling experience.  Contact the NARI office at (414)771-4071, they will be happy to send you a directory. 

Don’t allow your remodeling or home improvement experience to become a horror story.  Do your homework – you’ll be glad you did.  And enjoy the fruits of your effort with a wonderful home improvement experience and even a “Dream Come True.”