Rob Wright Named Master Certified Remodeler

Behind owner Rob Wright's name are the abbreviations MCR, GCP, and UDCP. You may have wondered what those things mean, and why you should care about them. 

Essentially, these letters stand for credentials Rob has earned from coursework through the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. NARI is the most respected association in the remodeling industry. Rob's goal in gaining and maintaining these certifications is to serve our clients better by seeking out new technologies and learning best practices.

MCR: Rob is a Master Certified Remodeler through NARI. A master certified remodeler not only must possess skill and knowledge in a broad range of technical aspects, business management, and ethical conduct, they also must be dedicated to the industry and involved in the community. Certified Remodelers must have attained the Certified Remodeler (CR) designation and maintained it for a minimum of ten years, as well as hold at least one additional NARI certification. In addition, they must adhere to NARI's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

GCP: Rob has trained to become a Green Certified Professional. While everyone is interested in protecting the environment by utilizing technologies that are good for the planet, most people don't have the luxury of being able to pay top dollar to do so. The purpose of the GCP training is to help incorporate green building principles into our projects without driving up the costs of construction. 

UDCP: Rob has trained to become a Universal Design Certified Professional. The goal of the UDCP training is to allow a remodeler to design accessible spaces for all people, not only those who wish to age-in-place, but also families with special needs and families that are forward thinking. For example, a lever handle in place of a typical door knob is more easily opened by someone whose hand is arthritic, but also by a small child whose dexterity isn't fully developed, or an adult with an armload of groceries. 

Top Remodeling Trends for Outdoor Living Spaces

Creating a fully functional outdoor living space is one of the top remodeling trends of 2016. More and more homeowners are seeing their outdoor living space as an extension of their home. Whether it is your backyard or your front porch, your outdoor living space can be a great place to spend time with family or entertain guests. Three of the top trends this spring are:

Creating an Outdoor Living Room

Imagine a room without walls. Often outdoor living rooms are covered spaces, all-weather furniture, sound systems, lighting, and even ceiling fans. They can be a perfect space for spending warm spring, summer, and fall evenings outside. Pictured here is a front porch restoration that allows the owners of this Fan home to enjoy sitting outdoors and connecting with neighbors in a space that fits with the architectural design of the house. 

Installing a Fireplace

Adding a firepit or fireplace to your outdoor living space allows you to enjoy the outdoors on chillier evenings.

Designing an Outdoor Kitchen

Creating an outdoor cooking space allows you to entertain guests or cook meals for your family while enjoying the outdoors. Ranging from simple designs with a built-in gas grills to elaborate set-ups with refrigerators, countertops, and bar seating, you can take pleasure from nice weather without leaving home. 

10 Steps You Should Take Before Starting a Remodeling Project

 

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) provides a top 10 list of steps homeowners should take before breaking ground on their next remodel.

#1) Research your project. Taking time to research projects on the Internet and  NARI.org will provide a good sense of what is involved such as price, scope of work, return on investment and new product/material options. Also, research property values in your neighborhood to make sure your project is in line with other homes in the area.

#2) Plan project around the long-term. How long do you plan to stay in your home? How might your family structure change over time? Life can change quickly -- these questions should be answered early on to ensure your project will fit your lifestyle long after it's complete.

#3) Set your budget. Deciding on a realistic budget and arranging finances to support your project are essential. This number needs to include everything -- the project, products, contingencies, etc. Don't be afraid to share this with your remodeler; professionals are respectful of a client's budget and will create a plan around it, not over it.

#4) Use advanced search for professionals. The online world makes it easy to gather information about strangers. Ask friends, family and neighbors for referrals and then spend time researching that person online. Professional remodelers take their reputation seriously and hold credentials beyond licensing, such as certifications, memberships in trade associations and additional training. Look for examples of press coverage or involvement in industry presentations or events. Check online reviews and social media to see how they interact with past clients and peers.  CCI has an A rating with Angie's List, and we've been awarded the Guildmaster Award by Guild Quality for customer service.

#5) Ask the right questions. Time and cost are important, but getting the right information requires the right questions. Ask your professional remodeler about his educational background, training, specialties or past issues with clients. Ask about how the remodeling process will work.

#6) Verify your remodeler.

Don't take their word for it. Check the information given to you such as references, license numbers, insurance information and certifications by calling providers to verify. Request a visit to an active client's jobsite. Make it known that you are checking on him-a true professional considers that as a positive sign to working with a homeowner.  Rob Wright is a Certified Remodeler, Universal Design Certified Progressional and a Green Certified Professional  with NARI and a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and Certified Green Professional with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). In addition, Rob holds licenses for Master Gas Fitter, Master Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, and Master Plumber with Virginia.

#7) Review contracts word-by-word. A remodeling contract protects you and your remodeler. Homeowners should review this carefully. Professional remodelers have done this before, and know what should go in a contract. Homeowners are not as familiar with remodeling and should ask about terms if they don't understand. Pay attention to details about change orders, payment, additional fees, timeline and responsibilities. If it's not in the contract, it doesn't exist.

#8) Your design guides the entire project. Think about what you dislike about your current space and the intended use of the new space. Use Websites such as Pinterest.com and Houzz.com to gather design ideas. Make sure you can articulate specifically what you like about that design when talking to your designer. Professionals don't recreate a photo -- they incorporate accessibility, functionality, ease of modification, style and value into your design.  You can find CCI on houzz.com here.

#9) Make your selections. Deciding on products and materials is a larger process than most imagine. With so many options to choose from, product selections are one of the primary reasons for project timelines to get extended. Base decisions on quality, function, price, style and availability. Include selections in the contract to lock down pricing and keep your budget intact.

#10) Create a communication plan. A common downfall in remodeling is lack of communication between homeowners and remodelers. Your remodeler should lay out a communication plan at the beginning of the project. If not, ask them to do so. This plan should clarify roles of everyone involved, communication methods, availability, and frequency of communication that is expected.

 

The first step to hiring a professional is through NARI, whose members are vetted and approved by industry peers to ensure they live up to the professional standards that NARI sets.  As a NARI member, I am proud of my affiliation and commitment to professionalism.