A Whole New Perspective at Work

Chicago Commercial Remodeling has taken off since new and contemporary offices have become increasingly popular. Numerous case studies have been published, and stories have been run by NPR and the Wall Street Journal discussing how to design an office space in order to maximize productivity of your employees. For more on these studies, see one of the stories here. At Catalyst we understand the importance of productivity, it may be why you're remodeling in the first place, so our professional staff work hard to ensure your remodel is finished on schedule. We also have the ability to create a personalized plan for your office as well as work with you to execute your own plans. You spend a lot of time at work, so the space you're in should be both functional and enjoyable. Contact Catalyst Construction & Remodeling today for a free quote and let us show you why we are the trusted name in Chicago commercial remodeling.

Angie's List Super Service Award

Catalyst Construction and Remodeling LLC. Earns Coveted Angie's List Super Service Award

Award reflects businesses’ consistently high level of customer service

Catalyst Construction and Remodeling LLC. has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service and health providers.

“Servicing our clients and exceeding their expectations is a major part of our mission statement here at Catalyst. We will continue to strive to improve our process and ultimately become the resident experts for remodeling in the Chicagoland market.”

Eric Udelhoven CR
President
Angie's List Super Servce Award

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that Catalyst can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2011 Super Service Award logo next to business names in search results on AngiesList.com.

Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 2 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news.

Daily Herald Newspaper Article Featuring Catalyst Remodeling

Is that Do-It-Yourself home project for you?

Thanks to reality shows on television, home improvement seems like a fun pastime.

But homeowners should beware. Fixing a project gone bad can be even more expensive than hiring someone to do it right in the first place, not to mention the dangers lurking in construction projects.

“We've turned home improvement into entertainment these days,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List, where members rate service companies, contractors and health care providers.
“They don't show all the steps or that a professional is doing or guiding most of it,” she said. “Pick something small and basic.”
While Hicks and professional contractors urge homeowners to err on the side of caution when deciding whether to do their own home improvement projects or hire someone, the attitude is more generous at Home Depot. There the staff believes homeowners with the right guidance can take on quite a bit, said Chris Long, an associate in the Downers Grove store who also works on the company's online forum, community.homedepot.com.
For example, a staff person can explain to a customer how to fix or replace a toilet or faucet, he said.
The stores also offer workshops to show how to handle projects like installing tile correctly so it doesn't crack, pop up or look crooked.
Long finds projects with personal danger to be particularly cringe worthy — those involving electricity, gas, plumbing or heights. Thus he thinks most homeowners should not replace hot water tanks or work on their roofs. Anyone determined to take on a roofing project should start with a shed or small garage first, Long advises.
He said it is all right if the careful do-it-yourselfer changes light fixtures and outlets.
“We can teach you the colors of wires and how to test to make sure the power is off,” he said. “Pay attention to the old one and how it went in.”
When home improvement gets at all involved, it's great if an experienced friend or relative helps the homeowner, said Long.
One thing a sales person will ask someone contemplating a job is what tools he or she owns, said Long, with the assumption that the owner of a drill, for example, knows how to use it.
The basic tools that everyone should own and know how to use are a hammer, screwdriver, pliers and drill, he said.
The Home Depot associate's job includes pointing out dangers and complications, as well as giving tips, he said.
Here's an example to consider: Installing new interior doors can be relatively straight forward if they are prehung in frames, while simple doors with no hardware are very inexpensive, but can be difficult to install.
Hicks came up with some projects she thinks beginners should tackle to see where their skills and patience lie:
• Paint a small room that doesn't have much trim.
• Create a flower bed or do some other basic landscaping.
• Update your kitchen by changing the knobs on the cabinet doors.

Eric Udelhoven, owner of Catalyst Remodeling in Chicago, chimed in with a few other projects for the uninitiated, but he warned even these could be more difficult than they look.
• You might risk simple carpentry jobs, but “Even something as simple as a baseboard” can be tricky because the measurements must be exact within one-eighth or even one-sixteenth of an inch.
• People who are comfortable working with electricity could change one fixture for another, “but if they don't know what they're doing they can end up in a big world of hurt with that,” said Udelhoven
And there are projects that seem simple that can really get homeowners into trouble.
While demolition seems like the type of work a homeowner can do to save money, Udelhoven ran into a couple who took out structural supports, which meant it was unsafe for anyone to even walk in the rear portion of the home's second floor.
He urges homeowners to be careful about who they hire to do work, too, recommending they select members of NARI — National Association of the Remodeling Industry, where he has received special certification.
Scott Keck, Scotty the Handyman from Arlington Heights, said his clients often buy the wrong type of switch when they think they are installing a three-way switch for a fixture that they want to turn on and off from two different sites.

“Or they take apart the old switch and can't remember where the wires went to,” said Keck.
Under sinks he has found way too many joints in the drain pipes, and joints are the areas most likely to leak.
“I'm not saying you have to be a wiz to do plumbing and electric work,” said Keck, “but you have to know what you are doing.”
And the scary scenario for Hicks is when people climb up on ladders to install Christmas lights or clean gutters.
Be sure you have the right size ladder, a solid, level place to put it and someone to hold it before you go up, she said.
“Ladder accidents cause the most common DIY injuries,” she said. “You don't want to hang from a gutter. I guarantee it will not be strong enough. Climbing a ladder is not something you do alone.”

 

Selecting a Remodeler

As a Chicago Home Remodeling company, we want to make sure that you know everything you need to before hiring a remodeler. Use the following guide to make sure you get the best Home Remodeling in Chicago.


A guide to selecting a Remodeler and creating the home you love.
Choosing a remodeler. It isn’t as simple as looking in the phone book. But it doesn’t have to be difficult, either. By following this guide, you can easily find a reputable remodeler for almost any project.

Getting referrals
Your first step is to gather referrals. But how? Ask friends, family and neighbors who’ve recently had remodeling done. Talk to independent contractors, building materials suppliers, architects, local lenders and home inspectors. And contact trade associations such as your local National Association of Home Builders Remodelors™ Council and National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI).

Double check
You now have a list of potential candidates. The next step is narrowing the list. Begin by checking each remodeler’s references. Ask each remodeler for names and phone numbers of their current and former customers. If possible, talk to these people in their homes so you can see the remodeler’s work firsthand.

Some questions to ask include:

• Would you hire this company again?
• Did the remodeler maintain a neat worksite?
• Did the crew show up on time? Were you pleased with their work style?
• Did the remodeler finish the project on time and within budget?
• Was the remodeler easy to talk to and did he or she keep you informed as the job progressed?

It’s also smart to call your state or local Better Business Bureau consumer protection agency to find out if there are any unresolved complaints filed against the remodelers on your list. To further protect yourself, check with your state’s contractor licensing agency to verify that each remodeler is licensed.

The interview
When you speak with remodelers, remember you’re buying a service — not a product. The quality of that service will determine the quality of the finished product and your satisfaction with it. With that in mind, here are some areas to explore when interviewing a remodeler.

Does the remodeler:

Carry both workers compensation and liability insurance?

Specialize in particular types of projects?

Have a history of successful projects similar to yours?

Have knowledge of the type and age of your home? Architectural knowledge of what is likely to be behind a wall helps the remodeler provide reliable estimates.

• Know what materials they’d likely use in your project?
• Offer options when selecting products, materials and techniques?
• Offer a written warranty? If so, what kind and for how long?
• Have a long history in the business? Longevity usually suggests financial stability.
• Have a place of business? If so, visit facilities and look for organization?
• Facilitate and encourage communication?

In addition, shy away from remodelers who:

• Use high-pressure sales tactics.
• Are not willing to offer references, or the references provided were not happy with the contractor’s work.
• Ask you to pay in advance for the entire job.
• Accept payment in cash only.

A word about estimates
Once you’ve pared your list to two or three remodelers, ask for written estimates based on a set of plans and specifications. This is time-consuming for the contractor, so be prepared to pay for this.

To accurately assess estimates, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Estimates from different remodelers need to be for identical project specifications.

Finally, don’t let price alone determine who you pick. Your ranking of each remodeler in terms of customer service, competence and your overall comfort level should play a role, too.

What you should know about contracts
You’ve picked a remodeler. However, no work should begin until you have a signed written agreement. Here are some basics your contract should include:

• A visual presentation — blueprint, floor plan or sketches — that shows what the remodeler will do and where.
• A timetable, including approximate start and completion dates.
• The price and payment schedule.
• Detailed specifications for all products and materials.
• Information on who will obtain and pay for necessary permits.
• Insurance information.
• The procedures for handling change orders.
• Lien releases to ensure you aren’t liable for third-party claims of nonpayment.
• Details on issues like access to your home, care of the premises and trash removal.

Read your contract carefully, and review it with your remodeler to clarify any wording you don’t understand. When you have answers to all of your questions, you’re ready to sign the contract and start your project.

Information used in this article provided by the National Association of Home Builders Remodelors™ Council.

Remodeling a Bathroom Made Easy?!

Chicago bathroom remodeling doesn't have to be a painful experience. Real estate professionals will argue that the bathroom is one of the single most important parts of a home when it comes to closing a deal, and it's easy to see why! Whether it's increased functionality you're looking for to waste less time in the morning, or a different look for the space you relax in, the bathroom is an important room.

When you're signing a Chicago bathroom re modeler, you want to make sure you find someone who will get the project finished on time, within your budget, create something that exceeds your expectations. The experience and care at Catalyst Remodeling ensures that your space will be something you really enjoy.

So contact us today for a free quote and receive 10% off your home remodeling project!

Chicago kitchen remodelers

Kitchen remodeling is no easy task.  There a multitude of factors that go under consideration when you choose to remodel an outdated kitchen.  Modern or vintage?  Down to earth or stainless steel?

Well stop your worrying.  Chicago kitchen remodelers will assist you in finding and creating the kitchen of your dreams.  The experienced professionals are trained at finding the best combination of factors that bring out the best of your new kitchen.  

Chicago kitchen remodeling is a long and arduous process.  When you add Catalyst to your remodeling team you can be assured that you have surrounded yourself with the best crew to make your dream kitchen a reality.
Is your outdated kitchen calling for a makeover?  Go to where the home remodelers go to get their kitchens' done.  Catalyst Construction and Remodeling is the first step in your remodeling journey.  Let them guide your way.

Selecting A Home Improvement Contractor

These days it seems like everyone and their brother have decided that they can call themselves a "contractor".  And while at first glance it may seem that the majority of home remodeling contractors are a commodity, it couldn't be further from the truth.  It is important to select not only an expert, but also a partner that you can work with for years to come.  The best companies focus on relationships with their clients and strive to maintain a great reputation.  Quite a few people that have gotten into the home improvement industry really aren't qualified as "remodelers" as it truly is a very specific area that requires a refined focus.  Even as a contractor we run into issues with new vendors that present a very good looking presentation, but fail when it comes time to deliver on the business end of a construction project.  For kitchen and bathroom remodeling in Chicago, or additions in Chicago my suggestion would be to contact companies that meet the following criteria:

-Have a reliable reputation on review sites, such as Angies List.
-Members of the BBB with no complaints.
-Members of NARI or other reputable trade associations.
-Certifed in their respesctive discipline within that organization.
-Offer warranties longer than 1 year.  (And if they haven't been around for a year be leary).
-Be able to present a structure on how their company operates and showcase their accolades.
-And most importantly, have background checks on all of their employees or contractors.

By simply following these few steps it can save you quite a bit of heartache and alot of money in the long run on your next Chicago home improvement project.

Eric Udelhoven CR

Chicago Remodeling Company

Are you looking to upgrade the look of your home? A home remodel can rejuvenate your any room in the house. Whether you are in need of a kitchen, bathroom, basement remodel, you should be sure to find a home remodeling company which can satisfy your needs.

Catalyst Remodeling is a Chicago home remodeling contractor that can complete your project, small or large. With over 50 years of remodeling experience within our team, you can trust us to bring the best quality into your home.

So for your next remodeling project or Chicago home addition, contact the professionals at Catlayst and receive a free consultation.

Your Chicago Remodeler

Catalyst Construction & Remodeling LLC has been providing quality service throughout Chicago, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Roscoe Village, & Bucktown since 2003. Our fundamental objective has been to offer experience and expertise in all of our construction and remodeling projects. Catalyst Construction & Remodeling LLC uses a methodical construction management process to ensure that all of our projects are on time of the highest quality, and exceed your expectations as a client.
Every aspect of our clients’ needs is addressed with a dedication to professionalism:

• Top quality installation
• Close attention to job specification
• Continuous communication with client
• Attentive on-the-job supervision and inspection
• Adherence to schedule and close coordination with other trades
• Complete close-out of project – no loose ends, timely attention to punch-list items

If you’re looking for a Chicago area Construction and Remodeling contractor,
please call us today or complete our Online Request Form