Referral Network

Flagstaff and Prescott Remodeling

Remodeling is an easy profession to fall into if you're good with tools, but it's one of the hardest to succeed in. More than 90 percent of remodeling contractors go out of business within three years of setting up shop. And all too often, they fail while projects are pending and they've got their clients' homes torn apart. Most failures are not from a lack of experience; rather, they're from a lack of business and financial education that is mandatory for success in the construction industry. Sure, everyone wants to get a good price from a contractor, but in remodeling, the guy with the lowest bid is sometimes the guy who missed the most details in the estimate. Remodeling was not designed to be a nightmare; it was designed to transform your home for optimal quality of life as your family's needs change. So when it's time to convert your carport to a garage, add a room or redesign your home's floor plan, get the job done right. Hire a Rosie on the House-certified remodeler.

Will remodeling our home together cost us our marriage?

Talk to anyone who’s taken on a major remodeling project with a loved one, and you’ll hear about the stress and strain on their marriage. It doesn’t have to be that way if you prepare to deal with potential problems before you start the job. See our suggestions for preparing your marriage for a remodel.

How can I be sure I’m hiring a trustworthy home-improvement contractor?

The best way to find a trustworthy contractor to work around your home is to hire one who has been recommended to you by someone you trust. That’s why Rosie started a Referral Network.

What can I do if a contractor cheats me or does shoddy work?

Most tradesmen are honest, competent and reliable. But if you wind up involved with the rare bad apple, the state government can help you recover at least some of your losses. The key to recovery is hiring a licensed contractor to begin with.

Is it expensive to fix up my home so I can live in it as I get older?

If your aging, aching body is telling you that your beloved family home has too many stairs or makes you bend and reach too much, consider renovating before relocating. It doesn’t cost much to make a few simple changes to your home that could allow you to live there longer.

What is the cost vs. the value in home remodeling?

Every year Remodeling Magazine publishes and regional cost vs. value report on remodeling projects. View the 2008 Cost vs. Value report.

See full lists of FAQs

Catch Rosie and Romey Saturday mornings on their call-in home improvement radio show on all things related to your house, home, castle or cabin. Below are a few clips from shows that have covered topics relating to home remodeling.

Commentary (0:10 into segment) How do I know when to hire a tradesman, a handyman or a general contractor? November 15th, 2008 Archive Page

Radio show archives and show times.

10 projects for remodelers

    A shaky economy has a way of convincing people to remodel the homes they live in instead of buying new ones. If you’re sprucing up your place, you might consider investing in some of these remodeling projects, which are the latest favorites among homeowners.
     1. Green remodeling. Even when it costs a little bit more, a growing number of homeowners are choosing home products that are recyclable, made from natural, renewable materials, use less energy or otherwise cause little harm to the environment. Part of the reason is cost: Some “green” building choices can reap tax benefits and reduce energy bills. But some of it is conscience.
    2. Outdoor kitchens. Spending on outdoor kitchens is second only to spending on indoor kitchens when it comes to remodeling, especially in Arizona, where the weather is right for outdoor dining and entertaining so many months of the year. Appliance manufacturers are designing refrigerators, cook tops and other kitchen must-haves so they can withstand the elements yet look just as nice as their indoor counterparts.

See all 10 remodeling projects.