Your Toolbox

Use the tools specific for building new or remodeling to start exploring the possibilities of your new home or home improvement project. Our toolbox also offers these great resources:

A searchable online directory has just under 800 building industry professionals waiting to serve you!
Tips on how to choose a quality contractor and a checklist to help you “do your homework.”
Information on copyright infringement and what you need to know before developing plans for your new home or remodeling project.
Links to great websites that feature information specific to home building or remodeling:
Sign up for “HouseKeys.” Designed exclusively for consumers, it includes helpful household hints and tips from the professionals, as well as the latest in home building techniques, design concepts and new ideas for your house.

NEW HOMES

Find out what you can afford by using the buyer’s cost statement, amortization schedule and loan application checklist in our Membership Directory & Consumer Guide on pages 152-156.
Consider insurance needs for your new home by reading page 158 in our Membership Directory & Consumer Guide.
Read about local incentives* and programs for building in pages 160-161 in our Membership Directory & Consumer Guide.
Wondering where to live? Read a summary of local development* options in the F-M metro area: page 166 in our Membership Directory & Consumer Guide.
Look to build Green? Look for an Energy Star certified home builder. One place to learn more about what you should look for in a Green home click here.

* Please note, the information on housing incentives and developments in the Membership Directory & Buyer's Guide encompasses Dilworth, Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. Links directly to F-M metro jurisdictions' websites and other communities offering housing incentives are below.

REMODELING

Considering doing it yourself? Take a look at these questions to determine if your project requires a professional.
Find out how to maximize your return on investment with a remodeling project.
Take a look at local incentives and programs for remodeling by reading page 163 in our Membership Directory & Consumer Guide.
Check out members of the HBA of F-M’s Remodelers Council, a subset of the HBA of F-M’s membership that is committed to education broader consumer awareness of the remodeling industry and charitable projects.

HBA reminds consumers to use local, licensed contractors

Now that the summer construction season is here, Home Builders Association of F-M offers resources to help members of the public choose a qualified contractor. In general, local contractors have a history working in the area, have built a list of references, and will be around to service warranties or problems that may arise with projects.

“With our extraordinary weather and the additional energy efficiency incentives out there, it is more important than ever to make sure you are using a local, licensed contractor,” says Bryce Johnson, HBA of F-M executive vice president. “Out-of-town contractors come with every major storm or construction opportunity. While some of those companies are legitimate, sometimes they are not licensed and are difficult to track down if any future issues arise. Many times these outside contractors are just trying to make a quick buck and move on to the next place.”

Top 10 consumer tips

Always check to see if the contractor you are considering, local or transient, is licensed in the state in which work will be performed. Contact the appropriate governmental agency: North Dakota Secretary of State’s office at (701) 328-3665 or the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry at (651) 284-5034 or (651) 284-5069 to verify the builder is currently licensed and to find out if he or she has a disciplinary history. The status of a contractor's license can also be verified by using the website nd.gov/sos/licensing/ or www.doli.state.mn.us/contractor.html.
To verify rebate or tax credit process and amounts, check with your local utility if you are interested in taking advantage of the North Dakota Utility Rebate program or other federal energy efficiency incentives.
Get more than one estimate and be wary of any contractor that requires full payment up front, uses high-pressure sales tactics or asks you to sign authorization paperwork or a contract that you don’t understand. Consider paying with a credit card since these companies have better methods of remedying disputes and dealing with fraudulent charges.
Get a detailed contract including a summary of the work to be done, a description of materials, the total contract price or how the price will be calculated and specific timelines. Do not sign it until you are comfortable.
Ask the contractor how long and where he or she has been in business.
Request references and check with former customers to see if they were satisfied with the work.
Ask for a local business address, other than a post office box, and a local phone number where the contractor can be reached during normal business hours. Some transient companies will open a post office box or can easily aquire a cell phone with a local number to give the appearance of being a local company, when it is not.
Ask about warranty work and the company’s service policies.
Find out if the contractor has sufficient workers compensation and general liability insurance. If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
Lastly, make sure you can communicate with the contractor and feel comfortable with him or her. Misunderstandings during the course of the project can lead to cost overruns and delays.

Click here for more details on how to choose a contractor and for a checklist to use when interviewing someone to hire. This website also features a directory of local contractors categorized by what they do.