Anybody - and I DO mean anybody, can throw some tools in the back of a pickup truck, or run an ad in the Yellow Pages and call themselves a Professional Contractor. There are Thousands and Thousands of Contractors in Louisiana. (And that doesn’t include the guys who aren’t required to have a contractor license because they only work on “small” projects.) 

“Licensed, Bonded, and Insured” is important. But, beware, many will TELL you they have insurance, but can’t produce the first document to prove it.  The same with proper licensure and credentialing.  Did you know that  Louisiana law requires  projects over $7500  to be done by a licensed contractor? 

What that means for you is that it’s nearly impossible to determine who IS a professional contractor and who just calls themselves one unless you know what to look for.

So just how are you supposed to determine if you are dealing with a professional outfit?  Look for these characteristics found in a truly professional company:

Most remodeling companies did start out with some tools and a truck. The problem is, as they grew, they still thought of their business that way. Some get by with what the law says they have to have: “licensed, bonded and insured”, and others continue on in the same fashion… running their business from home or the back of their truck.   

A truly professional company goes way beyond the minimum requirements of the law. They should have a written code of business ethics and business standards that puts the customer first. And this pledge is in writing, signed by the owner of the company.

At Jim Olivier's Home Improvement Company we are committed to a high code of ethics. We honor our pledge to provide our clients with accurate contracts, warranties, finance agreements, and liability and appropriate insurance. 

A truly professional company will demand that their designers, crews and staff continuously improve and upgrade their skills, and I’m not talking about practicing their skills while they’re ripping a hole in the side of your house. What you need is someone that continues to keep abreast of the latest methods for effective remodeling or renovating.  You also want to seek a  qualified renovator and lead certified firm if your home was built before 1978.  The EPA law for lead safe work practices, effective April 2010, requires your remodeler to be certified in lead safe practices.  Violations carries fines in excess of $32,000 per DAY!

One of the most common causes of headaches and frustrations is simply Poor Communication between the contractor and you, the client, throughout the whole project. A Professional company understands this and is proactive to keep you up to date on what’s going on before, during and after your project.

A quick and easy way to size up a company, right off the bat, is to see how they answer your first call? Do they answer the phone at all? Are you getting voice mail, or, worse yet, a pager? Do they respond your inquiry or get you answers within 24hrs?

During the initial consultations are you given vague or reluctant answers to your questions?

Is the designer responsive to your situation, your likes, dislikes, immediate and long term needs?

Are your plans reviewed, by the production manager,  so they have a thorough understanding of the entire project before they set foot on your property?

This is what we do at Jim Olivier's Home Improvement Company, before any work begins, because many, if not most, of the surprises can be caught and avoided long before the first hammer flies.

Once your project begins, questions will come up and quick, accurate answers are often needed. At Jim Olivier's Home Improvement Company, we’ve perfected a system that keeps you constantly up to date on the status of your project.

Our office staff, production manager, and installers will be familiar with your specific project and are well trained. They’re authorized to answer most questions you may have about your project on the spot.

We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.  This is very unique in our industry. It takes a little time, but there’s no better way to avoid mis-communication and surprises.

Our process of keeping you informed throughout the entire project virtually eliminates the headaches, hassles and frustrations of a remodeling project. A Professional company understands this and is proactive to keep you up to date on what’s going on before, during and after your project 

We will have a final review of your project with YOU. We’ll do a final walk through of your completed project.   We want to ensure Your satisfaction.  And, if there is anything you need fixing after we leave, simply give us a call and we’ll be right out to take care of it.  Our lifetime warranty includes material and labor, so, if it needs fixing, we’ll be there to do it, Free.