Certified Graduate Remodeler - What does that mean?

To earn the CGR and GMR designations, a remodeler must meet nationally defined criteria for previous experience, adhere to prescribed business standards and engage in continuing education. If your remodeler has earned the CGR or GMR designation, you can be confident that he or she will provide professional-caliber work. To maintain the designations, all CGRs and GMRs must complete a continuing education requirement every three years.When remodelers demonstrate a commitment to the industry, they also prove their concern for their clients. Continuing education includes business-related seminars, trade shows and courses designed to enhance professional skills. CGRs and GMRs are also encouraged to earn other professional designations.

NAHB Remodelers represents the remodeling industry members of the National Association of Home Builders. Founded in 1982, NAHB Remodelers provides information, education and designation programs to improve the business and construction expertise of its members and to enhance the professional image of the industry.

The award of any NAHB University of Housing designation does not represent and should not be construed as a guarantee or certification of the quality of the designation-holder’s work product. Conferral of a designation represents only NAHB’s affirmation that the individual designation-holder completed the stipulated requirements of the respective designation program.

CGR- Ceritified Graduate Remodeler

GMR  Graduate Master Remodeler

Your home is probably the most significant investment you’ll ever make. Maintaining and improving it adds lasting value and enjoyment. A well-planned
and well-done remodeling project, small or large, can substantially enhance your home’s worth.

The Certified Graduate Remodeler and Graduate Master Remodeler programs help consumers identify remodelers who perform professional, quality work. CGRs and GMRs have demonstrated their commitment to excellence and professionalism in the industry through continuing education.

When you hire a Certified Graduate Remodeler or a Graduate Master Remodeler, you can expect an experienced professional committed to quality. Remodeling is a service, not a commodity. The quality of this service will determine your satisfaction with the finished project. That is why you
should choose remodeler with a CGR or GMR designation.

Your remodeling Project: Getting Started

• Develop an idea of the project you want
• Determine the amount of money you feel comfortable spending
• Seek referrals from friends and neighbors
• Contact a local trade association and the Better Business Bureau to find out more about the contractor you are interested in
• Verify that the remodeler has the appropriate license(s)
• Once you choose a remodeler and settle on a plan, request detailed written contract that protects both you and the contractor and that complies with local, state and federal laws. 
• The contract must spell out the work that will and will not be performed and provide a fair payment schedule.

Determining your budget

No matter how simple or complicated your project, it’s important to create a budget.Walls and doors, windows and floors, wiring, plumbing and appliances all cost money and you will likely need some guidance to plan what is possible within your budget.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• What can I afford?
• What improvements would I value most?
• What is my property worth, and how will this project affect its value?

Part of this process may include financing. Many owners choose an “equity line of credit,” the equivalent of a second mortgage. Others will simply refinance their existing mortgages to take advantage of increased equity. An experienced, established remodeler can be very helpful to you in this process.

Questions to ask the remodeler:

• What sets you apart from other remodelers?
• Are you insured?
• Will you provide proof of Worker’s Compensation and Liability Insurance?
• What type of warranty program do you offer?
• How long have your trade people been working for you?
• Do you belong to a local trade association? If yes, which one(s)?
• In what association activities are you involved?
• Has your firm won any awards?
• Can you provide a list of references, including homeowners, suppliers, subcontractors and consultants such as architects and engineers?
• Can I tour a project in progress?
• How often during the week are you at a jobsite?
• Who will supervise on a daily basis?Will that person have the authority to make final decisions?
• How are communications handled during the project?
• Do you have standard operating procedures for communications in your company?
• Do you use environmentally responsible construction techniques?
• Will you bring in a Dumpster and where will you put it?
• Do you furnish a portable toilet for your workers and subcontractors?
• How do you handle pets on the premises?
• How much will the project disrupt our lives?
• When would you be able to start? How long will it take?
• How can we help in the process?

Questions to ask referrals:

• Why did you choose this remodeler?
• Was the company easy to work with?
• Did you receive a written project schedule?
• Was it updated and explained regularly?
• Was the project completed when promised? If not, why?
• Were communications clear and accurate?
• Could you understand everything in lay terms?
• Were the remodeler’s vendors and trade contractors active and positive parts of the team?
• Were regular production meetings held with you?
• Was a minimum one-year warranty included in writing?
• Was follow-up on warranty work completed in a timely manner?
• Was the project supervisor accessible?
• Did the project stay within your budget?
• Did the remodeler follow all plans and specifications?
• Were change orders submitted in writing for approval before additional work proceeded?
• Do all mechanical systems (air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical) function satisfactorily?
• Was energy efficiency considered and incorporated in the remodeling plan?
• Were your home and its contents protected during the project?
• Was the job supervised closely?
• Was the jobsite kept orderly and clean at the end of the day?
• Would you hire this remodeler again?

“After getting bids from two remodelers, I chose mine based on his CGR. To me
the CGR designation indicates he goes the extra mile.”
—Kristy Abbett, Middletown, IN
“I didn’t know what CGR meant when I chose my remodeler. But after seeing
his work, it means professionalism and quality to me.”
—Greg and Rosemary Insolia, Inverness, IL