Wednesday, November 3, 2010

How To Pick A Contractor

The first step in picking a contractor is to figure our what type of contractor you need. You can hire one general contractor to do your remodeling, renovation or new home construction project, or you can hire several sub-contractors who specialize in the different parts of the project.

Regardless of who you choose you should follow these rules.

First make sure they are licensed and insured and ask them to provide documentation you can verify. A reputable contractor will have no problem providing you with copies of these documents.

Next ask for several client references and do not be afraid to call and ask questions like did the contractor complete the construction project on time and within the budget, did it meet your expectations, how neat were they in your home, did the workers show up when expected, etc. If possible ask if you can see the finished home remodeling or renovation work the contractor did.

Call the better business bureau and see if there are any complaints filed against the contractor. Visit http://www.bbb.org for more information

Request a written estimate. Any contractor who does not provide you with a written estimate should be crossed off your list. Get at least three estimates and then compare prices with what is included. Remember the lowest bidder is not always the best. Always ask what type of material they use and where they are getting it from. Compare apples to apples and make sure you are getting quality materials.

Sign a written contract. The contract should clearly state all the steps the contractor will take from beginning to end of your job, what supplies and material types are included, the payment schedule and the time line for the project.

Ask if they a member of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). Nari is a not-for-profit trade association with more than 50 years of industry experience and is dedicated to enhancing the professionalism of the construction industry and serving as an ally to the homeowner.

Visit http://www.nari.org to learn more about NARI

Visit http://www.nari-ny.org for Information on the NYC / Long Island Chapter of NARI

Also check online to read long island contractors reviews from customers that have used them. Sites such as Find A Pro and Angies List are excellent resources.

So whether you want to do a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, dormer or a build a new home, by doing research and comparing contractors and materials you should be able to find a reputable contractor.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Kitchen Remodeling 101

Getting tired of your kitchen or feel your kitchen is no longer appropriate for your growing family and your cooking lifestyle, it may be time to remodel your kitchen. Remodeling your kitchen can be challenging but if a remodel will give you a better and a more functional kitchen then it may be worth the investment. Here are some useful tips that can help you get started.

First step remodeling your kitchen is to come up with a detailed plan. You should have a workable and detailed plan of what you want your kitchen to be regardless if you are designing it yourself or if you hire a professional kitchen remodeler. Hiring a professional to remodel your kitchen will cost you more but by using their experience you will get a much better kitchen that will maximize your space. This way, you will be able to point out what particular changes you want and you will be able to keep track of remodeling developments when you have already started with your project.

Get ideas by looking at pictures of other kitchen remodeling jobs. The internet is a great place to do this. This will help you get inspiration of how you want your kitchen decorated and arranged. Looking at remodeling ideas will also keep you up to date on the latest trends in kitchen designs. Its not always a good idea to go with the latest trends and sometimes better to go with something more timeless if you plan on living with for the next twenty years.

Search kitchen products and accessories before buying them. This will give you an idea of the variety of products that are available and which ones will be best to use in your kitchen. This will also give you an idea how much these products cost, letting you know if a particular kitchen design fits your budget. You will also be able to get the best buys and bargains by comparing which stores sell more affordable and better quality items.

Visit home stores. Many home depots showcase real kitchen set-ups and products. By visiting these stores, you will see how kitchen product look and you can also ask the sales people about its durability and functions. This will help you get an idea how certain kitchen appliances and cost.

Your kitchen is one of the most useful and most used areas of your house. Remodeling it to make it your cooking and social area but may require a lot of work. Do not let this hinder you from making your kitchen a much better looking and more functional place.

If your thinking about kitchen remodeling try these kitchen remodeling tips and you will discover that a kitchen make-over project simply takes some handy tips and ingenuity.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Barry Goggin Takes Oath as President of Local NARI Chapter

It was quite an auspicious moment for Barry Goggin, the new president of the Long Island chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Bill Carter, the national president of NARI, had flown from California to LaGuardia Airport where he was picked up by Renee Rewiski, the national chairwoman of the association who lives i New Jersey. They arrived in a downpour just before the ceremonies for the swearing-in and the awards presentation took place.

"It made the evening more special," said Goggin. They added quite a bit of ceremony. It meant a lot to all of us."

Barry Goggin Construction started in 1978 doing small repairs and projects such as windows and doors. Eventually jobs got larger like extensions, dormers, full bathroom remodeling and kitchen remodeling and decks.

"In 1985 I constructed my first custom home from the ground up. I have constructed five homes over the past 31 years, but concentrated on renovations and remodeling."

"As far as employees, I have always kept the company small with two or three full time carpenters at a time and a part time office staff." he said.

In 2002, he moved to a larger office space in Ronkonkoma, NY centrally located on Long Island for easy access to any job.

I still do all the selling and business development myself," he said.

I have kept the same name and home improvement license for the past thirty one years, which is unprecedented in this industry. My goal was never to be one of the biggest companies on Long Island but to be one of the best Long Island Contractors.

"I have been a NARI member since 1989. I have always been a strong supporter of the organization because of its dedication to promoting honesty and ethical conduct within the industry."

"I became a Certified Remodeler in 1995 and a Certified Kitchen Remodeler in 2009. My business has thrived because of my involvement with NARI because homeowners are recognizing NARI as a source of reliable contractors. Besides my own good reputation in this field, NARI also ensures homeowners they are getting better service with a NARI member," he said.

"I have won eleven local contractor of the year awards, eight regional contractor of the year awards, one National Contractor of the year award and was the recipient of the Big50 award by Remodeling Magazine in 2006." he said.

"My goal as president will be to continue the efforts of the NARI office in getting more contractors to join, making the remodeling process better for the homeowners and to make the homeowners aware that NARI exists and what we are all about," he added.

Original Article Written By Denis Sheahan

Friday, May 19, 2006

Barry Goggin Construction Corp Honored With Big50 Award

Each year, Remodeling magazine inducts 50 companies who have set the standard for professionalism and integrity through smart marketing, exemplary business practices, unique design, and extraordinary impact in the community or the construction and contractors industry at large.  Big50 remodelers run successful, often growing, companies of various sizes that have taken the lead in raising the industry standard.

Barry Goggin Construction has been selected by Remodeling magazine as a winner of the 2006 Big50 Award in the "Market Wise" category. The Big50 awards were presented at a gala dinner at the Remodeling Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. on May 19, 2006. Winning companies are featured in the May issue of Remodeling magazine.

"We are very honored to receive this distinction," says Barry Goggin, President of Barry Goggin Construction Corp. "The awards recognizes excellence and leadership, and we are privileged to be named to this select group of remodelers."

Read more about Barry Goggin Construction on remodeling magazines website

Read more about Big50 Awards

Read more about this Long Island Contractor & Home Remodelers

Remodeling magazine, published by Hanley Wood, LLC, is the leading publication in the home improvement industry. Designed to address the specific concerns of residential remodeling pros, the magazine is both a business tool and an industry leaders for a market that is projected to top $290 billion in 2006.