The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) maintains a Web site that isn't just for builders and professionals. It's catered more toward the consumer -- the home owner toying with the idea of remodeling his home instead of embarking upon a comparatively more expensive move. Remodeling is indeed one of our national pastimes. Those of us who haven't done it yet have at least thought about it or aspire to do it. And of course, many home owners have that "Martha Stewart complex"; we'd love to be able to claim that we did it ourselves with no outside help. But the vast majority of us who bite the bullet and take the financial plunge hire contractors to do the job. The NARI site can help -- in fact, you'd be well advised to consult the site long before you hit the yellow pages or call your friends for a referral.

If you want to find out the latest trends in home design, consult NARI. Trends currently posted on the organization's site include kitchen gardens for cooks who want to grow their own herbs and organic fruits and vegetables; and the reverse -- bringing the indoors outside. Because many home owners enjoy cooking outdoors -- grilling, for example, is more popular than ever before -- hearths, cooktops, and even refrigeration are being installed right alongside the traditional barbecue. In addition, kitchens are beginning to reflect our evolving cooking styles. Cooks are using more diverse ingredients than ever before, sampling adventurous menus from all parts of the world, and as a result, their needs for storage space have changed. Such items as tall bottles of imported olive oil need a home, and in response, designers and builders are seeking solutions. Home owners may look forward to some innovative kitchen designs in the future.

Before you sign on the dotted line, stop -- and refer to NARI's "Red Flags" link. This section is truly an invaluable resource for anyone considering a remodeling project. Topics include "Warning Signs During Interviews," "Budget Busters," "Bath Safety," "Beware Door-to-Door Solicitors," "Cash or Credit?," "Check 'Government' Offers," "Disaster Warnings!," "DIY or Not?," "When to Do It Yourself," "SBA Loans for Homeowners," "Protect Yourself Legally," and "Remodel or Move? Making the Choice." The warning signs NARI refers to include such red flags as companies who are nowhere to be found in your local telephone directory; no references are furnished; no presentation is made of previous projects completed; you are asked to pay in advance; you are pressured into signing on the dotted line that day (or else, you'll lose the opportunity to take advantage of the supposed "special rate"); or if you are asked to pay only in cash -- not by check or money order. It might sound obvious, but it's easily overlooked when home owners are distracted by dreams of a newly remodeled home.

"Budget Busters" includes the following tidbit for your consideration: Did you know that contractors reap an average of 10 percent of their annual revenues from "whileyas." Whileyas, of course, are those additional little projects you give the contractor while he's already in your home. In most cases, home owners are shocked when they receive the final bill -- which is far more than the initial agreed-upon price. But of course, at that point, the work has been completed, and the contractor must receive compensation.

NARI's "Design Ideas" link teaches users how to read blueprints and what elements to look for in efficient floor plans, in addition to other topics like "13 Common Kitchen Mistakes," "Color in the Home," "Understanding Window Terms," and "Top Tips for Thrift Remodels." The link also contains a helpful "Kitchen Lifestyle Checklist," a comprehensive resource that serves as an excellent starting point before you begin your kitchen remodeling project. For example, if your idea of fine cuisine is making boxed macaroni and cheese with "squeeze" cheese as opposed to the powdery stuff, your needs (space, storage capability, presence of an island, etc.) aren't going to be quite as demanding as the chef who frequently throws dinner parties and is usually accompanied by his spouse in the kitchen.

Sure, a home remodeling project sounds great, but how much is it going to cost you? You can get a good estimate with NARI's Master Plan for Professional Home Remodeling, a free magazine available for ordering via the Web site. Users may also download sample articles from the publication, which covers such topics as what types of questions to ask a remodeler, finding good contractors, "Budgets 101," types of remodeling professionals, contracts and changes, and maintaining your budget.

If, after perusing the site and doing your homework, you're ready to remodel, the site enables you to conduct a search of your own (by entering your zip code) for a NARI professional remodeler and/or supplier. The NARI distinction is perhaps your best defense for warding off any remodeling nightmares. Finding a quality contractor to build the room of your dreams used to be as easy as finding a needle in a haystack. Now it's as difficult as turning on your computer.

Published: September 8, 1998

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