Remodeling has become fairly common practice.

Factors of the tight economy, fewer lots on which to build and people buying distressed properties for investment have led to a surge in remodeling. Many people who have experienced remodeling jobs have various stories to tell – not all of them good.

But a group of area licensed subcontractors and designers has organized to create an environment where remodeling can be a positive experience. The Homeowners Remodeling Group assists homeowners in remodeling projects, big and small, offering them with “A Road Map to Remodeling Success.”

Mike Archambault, owner of Wood Whims and one of the founders of the remodelers’ group, said the homeowner can serve as their own contractor for the work. If he or she would rather not be in charge of the project, Jack Bercel, one of the principals in Bercel Builders, will serve in that capacity.

“We basically build you a road map to show you how to work with the subcontractors to get your remodeling job done,” Archambault said.

A potential remodeler answers a questionnaire to determine what his or her needs are. The survey gives the remodeler a good idea on what is involved in the job and saves the person at least 20 percent on the work.

“If you serve as your own contractor, you will probably save more than 20 percent, but by working with this group, you will save at least that much,” Archambault said.

The homeowner works directly with the subcontractors, saving time, frustration and money over working with “big box” stores in a do-it-yourself project.

“Big box stores generally promote how fast they are,” Archambault said. “What they don’t tell you is the full story of a remodeling job. They aren’t going to give you all the information you need, and you are not going to be working with seriously experienced subs.”

The remodeling group provides more than 200 years experience between them.

“We are giving you a series of excellent people who insist on the highest standards in every job,” Archambault said. “When we came up with the idea (of forming the group), we sat and figured out who we would recommend to somebody who was asking for a specific job.”

By using the remodeling partners, the customer gets quality workmanship, and the subcontractors are able to work more in a down economy.

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” Archambault said.

There are criteria a customer must meet to serve as their own contractor on the job. Organization is a key factor in leading a team through a remodeling project.

The “Road Map to Remodeling Success” is personalized to the client. It includes a detailed timeline to keep the work on track.

“This gives a homeowner a realistic idea on what it takes to do a remodel the right way,” Archambault said. “It really helps calm the unknown in remodeling and helps prevent mistakes from occurring.”

Archambault stresses that using licensed subcontractors “saves a ton of money in the long-run and prevents the customer from making mistakes.

“People are going to get exactly what they ordered, so communication is key. That’s what this group is designed to do. It is a group effort that works well.”

For more information about the program, call Wood Whims, (480) 837-1458. Other subcontractors in the program include Bercel Builders, Inc. (Jack Bercel, (480) 837-2596); Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery (Jillian Puglisi, (480) 556-0103); Fountain Hills Design Center (Alice Blackerby, (480) 837-6561); Mike’s Drywall Service, Inc. (Mike Kochen, (480) 816-0980); Rimrock Design Enterprises (Reuel Moser, (602) 996-7707); Stone Net, Inc. (Tom Wagner, (623) 707-3615); Travis & Sons Plumbing, Inc. (Bob Travis, (480) 837-9422; and Trinity Power & Electric, Inc. (Mark Cook, (480) 837-2838).