So, You Want to Remodel?
Asking a local remodeling contractor the questions you want answered
First thing's first: put on your safety glasses and take a sledgehammer to the room you want to start remodeling. Just kidding! If you turned on one of those HGTV house-flipping shows, that might be what you think. In the Chippewa Valley, there are an abundance of builders, remodelers, and general contractors. So, what do you look for in a contractor to handle your remodeling project?
We sat down with a longtime local remodeling contractor, Tim Betts of Betts Bros. Remodeling, to learn what you should look for in a remodeler, and the kind of questions you should be asking before you hire them. “I’ve been doing this my whole life. Remodeling is nothing like you see on DIY channels or TV,” Tim laughed, “What you’re looking for is a smaller contractor, where all they do is remodeling.”
When considering a project most of us will have similar questions. Tim answered a number of the most common ones.
Can We Do That?
Most project goals are achievable depending on budget. According to Tim, “A common question is whether a wall can be removed to open up a space. On homes built after 1970, because of the roof trusses, most interior walls are not load bearing and can easily be removed. If it is load bearing, it really comes down to finding a way to install a beam and get the house supported. In most cases, the additional cost is well worth the benefits.”
How Much is This Going to Cost?
Pricing on any project depends on a number of factors such as the scale of project, cost of materials, and more. During the COVID years, contractors endured an unpredictable supply chain that made pricing even trickier. Things have stabilized somewhat, but the costs still fluctuate frequently.
A common question is the cost of a kitchen or bath. He explained the answer to that is constantly changing. He remembered, when he was still a teenager working as a carpenter, one of his first bosses explained to him that the cost of a kitchen is about the same as a nice new pickup truck, and that the cost of a bath is about the price of a used one. “That still rings true today,” he said.
How Do I Choose a Remodeling Contractor?
Tim suggested starting your search for a reputable contractor at your local home builders association. Around here, that is the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association, www.cvhomebuilders.com. While there will be contractors there of various experience and skill levels, many of the best builders in the area will be a member.
He also suggested looking for someone who is dedicated to remodeling. “Having done this for more than twenty years,” he said, “I have developed something of a crystal ball for knowing what challenges a home may offer, solutions to solve them, and how to price the work appropriately. Remodelers have a different skill set from a new home builder, and so do my guys. My men are chosen not only for their skills, but also for being trustworthy and personable. We will, essentially, be living with our clients for months at a time. It is important that they feel comfortable with everyone who works on their project.”
How Do I Get Things Started?
Tim explained that almost all of his clients are a little uneasy with undertaking a remodeling project. That’s why he always meets with his clients to chat in-person and look at the project together. “That’s my job,” he explained. “The way to start is to simply begin a conversation.”
"Once a prospective client calls me, we set up a meeting and I come out to look at the project. We will talk about their goals and desires, and then establish an initial budget. Then we simply talk about the project and either add or subtract things until we meet their needs,” Tim said. “Then it is my job, as the contractor, to take control of the project, handle the challenges and maintain communication with the clients. After that, it is usually an exciting and fun experience.”
Betts Bros. Remodeling
Phone: (715) 533-0168
Email: tim@bettsbros.com
Location: Based in Mondovi, Wis.
