Dispatch: Do your research before upgrading your home

QC Homebuilders HOME SHOW

By Staff

It’s as simple as A, B, C when upgrading your home.

First, find a reputable firm, one with a proven track record and recognized by the Better Business Bureau. One like Davenport-based Suburban Construction.

“Our record does speak for itself,” Suburban’s Darin Wilson, vice-president of operations, said. “We have been in business for 25 years. We are local, we stand behind what we do, we do quality work and people trust and rely on our knowledge. If you look in a phone book of 25 years ago, you will see many firms offering services similar to ours. Look today and you will not see many of those same firms. You will, however, see us then and now.”

Suburban specializes in a variety of construction options and there is no “slow” season for the company.

“We work all year,” Mr. Wilson said, noting Suburban was installing windows in a home during a January cold snap. “It’s good to be busy. It says that people can rely on us to do things in a timely fashion and meet their needs any time of year.”

Secondly, Mr. Wilson says it’s important to sit down and decide what you want and what your home will need to make it more attractive and energy efficient. Then find a sales representative you feel comfortable with and do not bend from the price range you have set.

Mr. Wilson says Suburban offers seamless gutters and gutter caps, fiberglass doors, state-of-the-art Energy Star replacement windows, a variety of siding options, several patio door systems, soffits and trim options.

“Quality products are a key,” he said. “That, and knowledgeable people taking you through the process. It starts from the customer’s first visit and never really ends. The relationship should last long after the work is completed.”

Mr. Wilson added it might be most important to feel good about your purchase.

“It’s your home,” he said. “Make sure you are getting what you asked for, what you paid for and it is the kind of quality product and workmanship you know will last. It’s still a word-of-mouth world, where six people will hear about how great you did, but 20 will hear about it if you didn’t meet the expectations of the customer. You want to be on that ‘six’ side.”