The term "remodeling" can mean different things to different people. For some, it means a cosmetic change such as a coat of paint or new landscaping. For others, it means a dramatic change, such as converting an apartment into a single-family home. No matter what you call it, if you're planning to remodel your home you'll likely need the services of a qualified contractor.

This post will tell you everything about this skilled profession, from what their work entails to how much they charge and more importantly who is qualified for these jobs in terms of licenses and experience.

Professional Associations

If you're remodeling to improve your home, you'll need the services of a contractor who is certified. As a member of the International Association of Remodeling Professionals (IARP) and its local affiliates, contractors are required to have a minimum of five years' experience in their craft and maintain at least 2,000 hours of training annually. The status also requires that they have taken part in at least five hours of continuing education per year.

Knowing where to find these professionals can be tough work for those who don't know exactly what type of remodeling this is about. The best place to get started is on the IARP website at www.iarp.com. This is a one-stop resource for everything from remodeling ideas and plans, to a searchable database of IARP members in your area, to links to help you find contractors for specific remodeling projects such as kitchen or bathroom installation and repairs.

Construction Specialties

There are some general terms that consumers use when describing the remodeling process, but that doesn't mean that each of these jobs may not be broken down into other specialties.

If your goal is to add a bathroom, for example, you will most likely need the services of an experienced remodeler. It is possible to do a lot of work yourself, but because it's not his or her main specialty, the contractor might not have the necessary tools or equipment to help you with the job. If you think it will take longer than one day or two weeks and have a lot of other things that are going on in your home at the same time, finding someone who can do all this by hand may be smarter than trying to find something as extensive as a new bathroom with someone who specializes in only one area.

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