For over 42 years, Brindisi Builders has been a trusted name for residential and commercial construction projects, including kitchen and bath remodels, additions and historical renovations. President Mike Brindisi takes pride in the company’s workmanship, professionalism and ethics, and he especially understands the investment homeowners are making when approaching a home remodeling project. House & Home sat down with Brindisi to discuss some of the important steps and factors you should consider before embarking on a project. “The most important thing you can do during a project, other than write checks, is treat your remodeler well,” he says. “The perfect clients are easy to get along with, honest and have an appreciation for what we do.” 

What factors should homeowners consider when researching potential contractors?
Finding good help is important. Hire remodelers who have more than three years of experience, membership in a builders’ organization (such as the South Jersey Builders League), a good record with the Better Business Bureau and positive customer references. Most importantly, select a remodeler you trust. When evaluating remodelers, make sure you visit their current job sites. The best remodelers maintain clean and organized work sites, take precautionary measures to ensure safety and know how to keep a low profile in a neighborhood.  

What role does communication play in a successful project outcome?
If you choose to hire a professional contractor, communication and conveying your intent are essential. Photographs that you collect from magazines will help tremendously. Many homeowners forget that contractors will need an idea of exactly what result you’d like in your remodeling job. Don’t rely on just your verbal explanation and their interpretation to get the results you are seeking. Remodelers can do some amazing things, but they can’t read minds. Let the company supervisor or project lead person know if anything is unsatisfactory so they can deal with the is- sue. The contractor may not be aware that something is not OK with the client. 

How can a homeowner help move the project along without getting in the way?
Before beginning any project, a homeowner should insist on a detailed contract. If you jump into a project with an ambiguous contract or no contract at all, you may as well hire an attorney and set a court date right away. The contract needs the right address, a start date, a completion date and a detail of what is and is not going to be done. 

Making product selections early can prevent delays later. Proper planning can also help keep you on budget. When weighing out products (quality vs. price), keep in mind long-term maintenance, energy loss and repair expenses can add up quickly. Make sure to offset these calculations when comparing prices.

Once the project has started your daily routine will need to be adjusted. It can’t get much worse than living without a kitchen for weeks on end. Minimize inconvenience by having your contractor set up a temporary area for a “pseudo” kitchen. If a refrigerator and microwave are set up, you can continue to make light meals at home.

How can I trust who will be in my home during the completion of the project?
We use a lead carpenter system where a staff member (sometimes called a foreman) is responsible for day-to-day work on-site, and often swings a hammer as well. The director of operations (Steve) can help with questions about who will be responsible for opening and locking up, who will supervise subcontractors on site and who to call on a daily basis with any questions.

Brindisi Builders
Marlton, N.J. | (877) 284-5353  | BrindisiBuilders.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 20, Issue 5 (November/December 2019). 
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