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Les Steffen of Steffen Log Homes, Inc. was installed as the Association President on September 11, 2007. 

Board of Directors installed on September 11, 2007 are

Linda Haddix of Who's Yer Painter?LLC, Ron Schneller of O'Malley & Associates, Chris Krinke of Krinke Builders, Inc, Cindy Ennis of Shield's Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. with Glen Luther of Greystone Design/Remodel, Inc. and Rich Merlie of RL Merlie Co. missing from the event.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A REPUTABLE CONTRACTOR

The Mid Wisconsin Home Builder's Association understands that for most people, their home is their largest investment they will ever make.  A home is also a place where people need to feel comfortable and safe.  For these and other reasons, MWHBA urges all home owners to gather as much information as possible about a contractor before signing a contract or allowing any work to begin on a new home or remodeling project.

Gathering information about a contractor will take some time, but the effort will be well worth it in the end.  Important things to ask include:
 

Does the contractor have a permanent business address?

What local suppliers and bankers does the contractor use?  Call these companies for references.

How long has the contractor been in business?

How much experience does the contractor have with jobs similar to yours?

Is the contractor a member of a trade association? (Membership in the builder's association, for example, is an indication of the contractor's interest in keeping up with the latest information about building industry technology, products and building materials).

Does the contractor have a record of complaints on file with the Office of Consumer Protection? 

Will the contractor provide names, addresses and phone numbers of past customers?  Call these for reference.  Ask the customer about the contractor's timeliness completing the work, the quality of work, response time when follow-up calls are needed, and the contractor's manner in dealing with customers.  Ask if they would hire the same contractor again. Also, be wary of a contractor that offers only out-of-town references.

Will the contractor allow you to see other projects the company has done, both completed and in progress?

Is the company sufficiently insured and/or certified including Worker's Compensation and liability?

Will the contractor provide you with a complete and clearly written contract?  A contract benefits both parties. Review it carefully!  Is the contractor submitting an unusually low price bid compared to to others you've received?  Be cautious!  It's a dangerous situation if the contractor collects from you but cannot pay the suppliers from whom materials are purchased. The lowest bid is not necessarily the best price.  Buyer beware!

Are you comfortable communicating and working closely with the contractor?  Remember, for long term projects, you will be in close contact with the contractor during the entire construction or remodeling project. 

For information on our members, please check out our directory on this site, or call us for a printed directory!  

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