Home improvement contractors often advertise in newspapers, the Yellow Pages, and on the radio and TV. However, don’t consider an ad an indication of the quality of a contractor’s work. Your best bet is a reality check from those in the know: friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had improvement work done. Get written estimates from several firms. Ask for explanations for price variations. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder.

Don’t Get Nailed

Not all contractors operate within the law. Here are some tip-offs to potential rip-offs. A less than reputable contractor:

• solicits door-to-door;
• just happens to have materials left over from a previous job;
• only accepts cash payments;
• asks you to get the required building permits;
• pressures you for an immediate decision;
• offers exceptionally long guarantees;
• asks you to pay for the entire job up-front.

Hiring a Contractor

Interview each contractor you’re considering. Here are some questions to ask.

1. How long have you been in business? Look for a well-established company and check it out with consumer protection officials.
2. Are you licensed and registered with the state? While most states license electrical and plumbing contractors, only 36 states have some type of licensing and registration statutes affecting contractors, remodelers, and/or specialty contractors. The licensing can range from simple registration to a detailed qualification process.
3. How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year? Ask for a list. This will help you determine how familiar the contractor is with your type of project.
4. Will my project require a permit? Most states and localities require permits for building projects, even for simple jobs like decks. A competent contractor will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your project.
5. May I have a list of references? The contractor should be able to give you the names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least three clients who have projects similar to yours.
6. Will you be using subcontractors on this project? If yes, ask to meet them, and make sure they have current insurance coverage and licenses, if required. Also ask them if they were paid on time by this contractor.
7. What types of insurance do you carry? Contractors should have personal liability, worker’s compensation, and property damage coverage. Ask for copies of insurance certificates, and make sure they’re current.

While most people know Brock Built as a new homebuilder, the company is also a professional remodeler that is licensed/insured, well known, guarantees its work and can get the job done in a reasonable amount of time. For pricing information contact Adam: 404.557.2523 or Craig: 404.472.4407

Here are a few of the types of remodeling projects Brock Built can do for you:

Make your home more “Green”
Finish Basements
Custom Wine Cellar
Custom Bar
Home Theatre
Sauna
New Kitchen Cabinets and Counter Tops
Bathroom Improvements
Build/ Enclose Decks
Porches
Garages
Re-Roofing
Fencing
Interior and Exterior Painting
Patio Upgrades with Fire Pits or Fire Places
Wooden Arbors
Exterior Pavers and Colored Concrete

Certified green homes represented 12.3% of the total new construction market in Atlanta according to the 2nd Quarter 2010 Atlanta Green Home Sales Report.  The report’s author, Carson Matthews, says it’s the highest percent of market share for green homes in Atlanta since he began the report in 2008.  Green homes sold for 97.1% of asking price in 99 days compared to 92% of asking price for conventional new construction in 110 days on the market. This study looks at detached single family homes that were built 2007 or later and sold as “new construction”.  The Green Home Sales Report looks at homes listed between $250,000 and $2,000,000 in Fulton, Dekalb, Cobb and Gwinnett Counties.  The green homes have all been certified by a third party Green Building Certification including LEED for Homes, NAHB Green Building Standard, Energy Star and EarthCraft House.

Steve Brock, founder and president of Brock Built Homes, was selected as the 2009 EarthCraft Home Builder of the Year by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and Southface Energy Institute. Established in 1984, Brock Built Homes has built most of its new homes to EarthCraft standards since April 2007. EarthCraft, created as a collaboration between the GAHBA and Southface, now trains builders and certifies homes in five Southeastern states besides Georgia, including Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama. Since its inception in 1999, EarthCraft Home has certified more than 7,000 sustainably built, energy-efficient homes in metro Atlanta.

•  We have been building for over 25 years
• We provide a 2-10 HBW Home Improvement Warranty
• We have an established business in your area
• We have the qualifications to meet your needs
• We will provide you with a  written bid covering scope of work and completion date
   

Brock Built has won many OBIE Awards in the past including Builder of the Year in 2008. They show a timeline of consistent excellence in building and improving their products. Their high standard of quality sets Brock Built apart from other Atlanta home builders, as do their many OBIE awards, which this year include:

• Habershal at West Highlands received the Gold Award for the “Single Family – Detached Urban Redevelopment/Revitalization $299,999 and Under” category
• The Commons at Historic Westside received the Gold Award for the “Single Family – Attached Urban Redevelopment/Revitalization $299,999 and Under” category
• Huff Heights received the Gold Award for the “Single Family – Attached Urban Redevelopment/Revitalization $300,000 to $449,999? category
• Habershal at West Highlands, specifically the Brock Built Green House, won the Gold Award for the “Community Service” category
• Habershal at West Highlands, specifically the Brock Built Green  House, won the Gold Award for the “Green Build – 2,500+ Square Feet” category
• Dupont Commons received the Gold Award for the “Best Advertising – Best Billboard” category

Brock Built has recently reduced prices on Atlanta new homes in several communities making it a great time to buy. Visit their website to find reduced pricing and a link where you can discover many more opportunities for down payment assistance and home ownership incentives. In addition, the tax credit has been extended and expanded giving buyers multiple opportunities to move into an award winning community today!

Steve Brock, founder and CEO of Brock Built has been an active member in the Atlanta community.  Steve has served as President of DeKalb Homebuilders Association and the DeKalb Developers Council.  He is also on the Board of Directors for the Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association and has been named “Builder at Large”.  Additionally, he is the Urban Land Institute’s Housing Committee Chair and was a Board Member of the Agape Center.

Brock Built

Brock Built has made an impact on the Atlanta residential real estate community for over 25 years. They have a reputation for building quality homes that improve the surrounding communities.  The goal is not to change existing communities but to recreate them into more livable environments.  Brock Built has seven great communities all within close proximity to Atlanta.  Homes ranging from $199,900 – $500,000 there is something for everyone.

The Atlanta Board of REALTORS

Brock Built Properties appreciates all the support they receive in the real estate community.  We have some great agent incentives at many of our properties.  Check out our website www.brockbuilt.com for more information.  See you at the trade show.

Brock Built has won numerous awards in the past and hopes to continue the tradition this year.  Judging for Obie Awards is this upcoming weekend and winners will be recognized in November.  Brock Built entered several of their communities including Habershal at West Highlands, Dupont Commons, Huff Heights and The Commons at Historic Westside.  Brock Built is known for its urban redevelopment / revitalization, extreme green building as well as EarthCraft homes. 

Brock Built continues to build and sell new homes during these tough economic times which show its support and dedication to the housing industry.  Brock Built has longevity in this industry for over 25 years and will continue to withstand during these tough times and stand behind their homes with piece of mind for the homeowners with a 2-10 warranty.

Brock Built was awarded The Green Touch 2009 Excellence in Sustainability Award July 21, 2009 at the Insperience Studio for their dedication to educating the public thru the Going Green House they built.  Brock Built chooses products that have an excellent reputation among consumers and is on the leading edge of production and design for new sustainable technology. 

Brock Built is Atlanta’s largest intown homebuilder.  They teamed up with Earth Craft and several others to build a sustainable showcase home designed to educate the public about environmentally friendly living.  Brock Built has a reputation for building quality homes that improve the surrounding areas.  The Green House was no exception; the home was auctioned off with proceeds benefiting the local not-for-profit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.  In the Green House Jenn-Air and Whirlpool appliances were chosen for their excellent ENERGY STAR qualifications, high quality finish and user friendly features.