How to Become a Remodeler: Guide to Getting Started in the Industry

If you are hoping to learn how to become a home remodeler, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we share everything you need to know about how to get into remodeling homes. Topics explored include education, home remodeling certification, licensing requirements, skills that will help you succeed as a remodeling pro and how to get started.

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• Who Should Become a Remodeler?
• Necessary Education to Become a Remodeler
• Necessary Skills to Become a Remodeler
• Necessary Certifications to Become a Remodeler
• How to Become a Home Remodeler Step-by-Step

Who Should Become a Remodeler?

Remodelers make major improvements and overhauls to rooms in a home and sometimes the entire home. Therefore, a remodeling professional must have a wide range of knowledge about the home remodeling business and the many trades involved in making over a home. They are often considered a jack of all trades in that sense. Being successful as a remodeler also requires strong communication and team building skills since remodelers often work directly with clients and coordinate with contractors and subcontractors. Since remodelers often conduct a significant amount of the work themselves, a certain level of physical stamina is required. 

To find out more details of the role that remodelers play in home makeovers, check out What Do Remodelers Do?

Necessary Education to Become a Remodeler

Aspiring remodelers can gain the skills they need through on-the-job experience, apprenticeships or formal education such as trade schools. Here are some common topics you should seek to master if you want to learn how to become a home remodeler:

• Hard Skills These are the on-the-job skills gained by doing the work of remodeling and also understanding the relationship between the many pieces that fit together in a home remodeling project such as framing, plumbing, roofing, electrical, painting and more.
• Supervising Gaining experience in leading teams will help you when you become a remodeler since you are likely to be the person coordinating major parts of the project or the entire project. 
• Client Relations Keeping customers happy and making sure homeowners have a five-star experience during a project falls on the remodeling contractor. Therefore, honing your communication skills and gaining experience in relating to customers and managing their expectations will pay off in referrals and happy clients. 
• Understanding how to do budgeting, estimating and pricing well is a key for assuring that you are earning a profile while avoiding costly change orders and overruns.

Education Requirements

Education requirements vary by the region you work in and the type of remodeling work you choose to pursue. Typically, one or a combination of the following are needed to pursue a career in building:

• High School Diploma Graduation from high school or earning an equivalent degree is usually the bare minimum needed to get a job in the remodeling field. 
• Technical School Trade schools and community college programs offer one to two year programs for building skills and increasing your chances of succeeding in remodeling. Many schools offer individual classes that can be taken outside of a degree program. 
• Bachelor's Degree Four-year programs are available in construction management or related fields for those who want to pursue more education in the building business. 
• Apprenticeships Many remodeling pros gain their initial experience through apprenticeships and on-the-job training. This has the benefit of being paid while you are learning. 
• Additional Training Many states or employers require that you receive certain certifications when starting work in the field. These often include safety related courses to understand the OSHA requirements and standards. 
• Learn more  about the many and varied types of training programs available in this guide to Top Construction Schools 

Necessary Skills to Become a Remodeler

Home remodeling involves many moving parts because you are making improvements to multiple aspects of a home and also required to meet all building standards. Therefore, knowing the trades is important for any remodeler. Here are some important ones:

• Plumbing With kitchen and baths being the most popular type of remodeling projects, understanding the ins and outs of plumbing becomes essential for remodelers to succeed in the industry. Moving and replacing sinks and appliances are common changes made during such makeovers.  
• Drywall Repair Since remodeling often involves changing the layout of rooms, moving walls, and improving any existing ones, drywall repair plays a major role in the upgrade.
• Door and Window Installation Knowing how to install new windows and doors is another valued skill for remodelers.
• Flooring Changing out tiles, wood floors, carpeting or other flooring is a key component to changing the look, feel and functionality of any living space. 
• HVAC Making spaces comfortable means improving heating and air conditioning while meeting building requirements around this aspect of a home.

Necessary Certifications to Become a Remodeler

While some certifications may be necessary to start work as a remodeler, others are optional. Many of them can build your credibility in the field. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry offers several certifications which when completed, show both employers and clients that you meet or exceed the industry standards. Some are specific to a remodeling specialty such as kitchen remodeling.

Here is a sampling of some of  the offerings:

• Certified Lead Carpenter This is designed for those who oversee the technical aspects of a project, including personnel management and material flow. 
• Certified Remodeler This certificate is for experienced pros who provide a wide range of remodeling services and are often owners of a remodeling company or in upper management. 
• Certified Remodeler Specialist is for those who focus only on one particular trade such as concrete and masonry, electrical, insulation, mechanical systems, roofing and siding, etc. 
• Master Certified Remodeler The highest level of certification is intended for remodeling professionals who have been a certified remodeler for 10 years, hold another certification and have demonstrated leadership within their community and NARI.
• OSHA Many states or employers require that you receive certain Occupational Safety and Health Administration training  when starting work. These courses cover safety related issues, OSHA requirements and standards. 
  

Check out  Construction Certifications to learn more.

How to Become a Home Remodeler Step-by-Step

Now let’s dive into the steps for becoming a remodeler. In short, this involves:

• Getting educated
• Gaining experience
• Obtaining certifications
• Finding employment or exploring entrepreneurship

Step 1: Obtain the Necessary Education and Training

After you have discovered what type of of education and experience requirements you need to meet, here are some ways to fulfill the requirements:

• Complete a degree program With many home remodeling degree offerings available, you may choose to pursue a college degree.
• Take additional business courses Perhaps you have the hard skills, but lack some of the experience on the business side of the remodeling industry. Seeking out business courses at a local college, or through other programs, can help fill that gap.
• Find apprenticeships Many employers offer apprenticeship programs, especially in areas where there is a shortage of skilled construction labor. Contact local employers and reach out to professional remodeling organizations to find those offered in your area. 
• Learn at Home Don’t discount the work you have done on your own home or that of family and friends. These projects require the same skills, and if it is your own home, you probably learned from your mistakes. Record before and after photographs of each successful project and seek out testimonials as appropriate. This will help you start your project portfolio.

Step 2: Develop the Required Skills

Now that you know what skills you will need, consider which you already have, and how you will gain or improve on those you lack. Consider these ways for doing so:

• Complete formal and on-the-job training  Combining both at once gives the benefit of being paid while learning. 
• Find a mentor Building a relationship with someone already in the remodeling field is a great way to supplement on the job and school training. A mentor is someone you can ask questions to with low risk, and who can offer encouragement and advice.
• Test multiple trades Trying on different hats can help you hone in on what you love to do while also giving you the experience in the various trades you will need to understand to succeed as a remodeler.

Step 3: Obtain Relevant Certifications

Having the right home remodeling certifications in hand will make it easier to advance in the field and get a job. Consider:

• Working for a company that will financially support your certifications
• Saving up part of your paycheck to finance certifications that will lead to greater earning potential down the road

Step 4: Find Employment in the Construction Industry

Getting your first remodeling job may seem daunting, but it may be easier than you think. Here are ways to find that initial job:

• Create a resume Include any relevant experience, and if remodeling experience is limited emphasize your other attributes that will show employers that you will be a valuable team member. Characteristics such as working hard, curiosity, dependability and ability to learn quickly translate to every field. 
• Network Join professional organizations, attend events and talk with other remodelers. Even if they do not currently have a job available, they may know someone who does. Let everyone know that you are seeking a position in the industry. 
• Check Job Sites Regularly  Set up notifications for job search sites, especially any that specialize in construction work. 

Learn more about the benefits of networking in this guide to Networking in Construction

Step 5: Consider Further Education and Career Advancement Opportunities

The construction and remodeling field, like all industries, is constantly evolving. Keep up with the latest trends and set your sights on applying for your own license someday by constantly learning through courses and conferences. Maybe you consider taking on a higher home remodeling and repair degree program or additional home remodeling certification.

Explore different types of specialties as you gain more experience on the job. This will help you decide where you want to go after your first job and beyond. Perhaps that may mean that some day you will open your own firm. 

Learn more about How to Start Remodeling Business 

Conclusion

With the right skills and experience you can start a rewarding career in home remodeling and play a major part in improving the living spaces of homeowners and helping them increase their property values. Following the steps covered in this article can help increase the chances that your career will be a long and rewarding one. 

Now that you know how to become a remodeler, sign up for a free trial of Houzz Pro and take advantage of the verified license badge to build trust and credibility with homeowners when your career is off the ground.