SUNDAY FEBRUARY 25 2018 BELLEVILLE NEWS-DEMOCRAT ..................... Save on Admission Price at This Year’s Show Show attendees can get a maximum of $2 discount off the admission price of this year’s show and help local charitable organizations at the same time. Bring in any canned goods, linens, toiletries or cleaning supplies and you’ll receive $1.00 off the admission price. In addition, all Seniors, Heroes (Firefighters, Police Officers and Military), Medical Professionals, and Education Faculty will receive $1.00 off the admission price with the proper identification. “Where else can you visit this many amazing booths, plus give back to the community to help others all in one place?” said Beth Jacob, event chairman of this year’s show. “This is definitely the best win, win situation, you save money while helping others plus you learn exciting ways to improve and update your home.” Canned goods will benefit the Community Interfaith Food Pantry which is a non-profit charitable organization helping to eliminate hunger within the community along with addressing the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of individuals and families throughout the area. They will also be donated to Faith Baptist Church Food Pantry which is ran by generous volunteers who spend their time sorting, organizing and filling grocery bags of food for those in need. Food is provided to those who have difficulty purchasing enough to avoid hunger. Many lives are touched each week throughout their pantry. Other donated household items will be utilized by the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois is dedicated to providing services to victims of domestic violence and their children. The donation response to these charitable organizations was well received in years past and the HBA anticipates that this year’s response will be even greater. “We were amazed at the generosity of show attendees last year” Jacob said. “It really speaks highly of the concern that people in our community have.” Thanks to our Community Support Sponsors: CertaPro Painters of Belleville, Homes by Deesign, Light Brite, Padgett Building & Remodeling and Sherwin Williams. Discounted admission for the Seniors, Heroes, Medical Professionals and Educational Faculty is sponsored by the show’s corporate sponsors, Ameren Illinois, Jacob Sunrooms, Exteriors & Baths, FCB Banks/FirstCo Mortgage and Union Contractors Council. 5H What You Should Know About Hiring a Remodeler With the ongoing challenging economy, many families are choosing to remodel their homes to fit their changing needs, rather than selling their home and buying another one. Your home is likely your largest investment, and even simple remodels can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, so you want to make sure you find a contractor you can trust. Here are some important considerations to ensure you make the right decisions when you find, evaluate and hire a remodeler. The best place to start is the Membership Directory of Professional Remodelers at www.hbaswil.org. A professional remodeler will uphold the highest professional and ethical standards in the industry. Ask local independent trade contractors, building materials suppliers, architects, engineers, home inspectors, lenders and insurance professionals for recommendations. Once you have a list of potential home remodelers for your project, do research to verify that they are appropriately licensed and have a good business track record. Look them up with your local or state office of consumer protection and the local Better Business Bureau, as well as with your state’s licensing agency and the state and local building inspectors. Verify that the remodeler has the appropriate licenses and registrations, and see if they have received any complaints about the remodeler and if so, were those complaints resolved satisfactorily? When you begin meeting with remodelers, you want to find out information such as: • How long they have been in business in your community? Can they provide references from customers and suppliers they work with? • Do they carry insurance that protects you from claims arising from property damage or job site injuries? Ask for a copy of the insurance certificates. • Do they arrange for the building permit? • Do they provide a written estimate before beginning the work, and a detailed contract that spells out the work that will and will not be performed, protects both of you, provides a fair payment schedule contract and complies with local, state, and federal laws? • Do they offer a warranty? What is covered under the warranty and for how long? Contact the Home Builders Association of Greater Southwest Illinois for names of remodeler members by visiting our website at www.hbaswil.org or call (618) 343-6331.
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