My last entry talked about the importance of the builder that you choose, and as I was writing it, I could see the hair on the backs of architects’ necks rising up.

Well, as a builder myself, of course I am going to put my profession first. But truth be told, you do need a good design, and many of the same qualities and traits you should look for in a builder hold true when choosing an architect, as well.

Over the years, I have worked with many different architects, and one big difference is in their discipline. Remodeling and new construction design are very different.

For your remodeling project, you need an architect who specializes in renovation. The best room addition, kitchen or bath should look like it has always been there — from a design standpoint and in terms of the fit and finish your builder creates. When interviewing potential designers, it’s very important to understand their philosophies on design, to see examples of their work and, most importantly, to make sure you feel they are listening to your needs.

I have been on many projects where the whole thing started off poorly, and as we built what was drawn, the client would see it and hate it. Then we as builders would get involved, and many times there can be an adversarial tone between us and the architects. At that point, no one wins, so it is a good idea to be as open as possible. Remember, though, that changing your design and drawings a few times costs money. It is much easier to do on paper rather than once building begins.

A great place to start looking for an architect in your area is the American Institute of Architects. There you will find a list of members in good standing to interview. You can also talk to friends or even stop by a project going on in your neighborhood that you like and ask who designed it.

During the next several months, I will share some insight into what I have learned over the past 25 years as a remodeling and custom home builder. I have worked on some terrific projects and some real duds, and along the way I have made a bunch of mistakes — mistakes that I had to pay for.

My hope is to help you avoid some of the problems I have run into along the way.

Over my next few posts, I’ll share five things to keep in mind when remodeling your home. These are in no specific order — just some things to file away as a checklist to help you complete your project in the best possible way.

First: Your contractor is the most important piece in the remodeling puzzle.

(Architects will be part of a later post, so don’t worry.)

Their talent, communication skills, attitude and professionalism are the keys in getting what you want. It’s very important that you seek out the right people to manage and complete your project and establish a relationship built on total communication and understanding about your goals and expectations.

For many of us, this is how we run our professional lives, but seldom do those skills come into play when remodeling our homes. That is a mistake. I think part of the reason is the emotional tie to our homes, sometimes steer us in the wrong way. Our homes are places where we find comfort, raise our children, watch the big game, and gather family and friends. While all that is wonderful, your remodeling project is a business proposition, and your contractor is approaching it to make money. Always remember that!

Your contractor search should focus on the handful of quality professionals in every city or town. Those remodeling contractors will be members of organizations like the National Home Builder’s Association or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

The problem with these contractors is that they are usually busy, even in these tough financial times.  The good ones know how to run a business and your challenge after you find them will be to wait — and try not to be so surprised when they say it will be at least six months before they can start.  While things may move a little faster these days, it is always better to wait once you find the right fit.

As for references, of course they’re important, but when you get those names, take the time to make the calls and find out about the experiences those clients had. In particular, ask for a project that was completed five years earlier. I am more interested in what they have to say about their job than the project that just wrapped up one year ago.

Welcome to the MLuxe blog, Marvin Windows and Doors’ take on distinctive home style. This blog is inspired by our guiding principle for Marvin Windows and Doors: that each window and door we create is “Built Around You.” As the world’s largest maker of custom wood and clad-wood windows and doors, we look forward to sharing our insights on windows as part of your home scheme.

Our goal is to help you express your personal style through your home. However, MLuxe will discuss far more than windows. Our topics will range from architecture to sustainable living to ways to simplify your life. To ensure our information is the best available, we’ve gathered a group of our friends to share their expertise with you.

• Lou Manfredini - Lou is a regular contributor to NBC’s TODAY Show, hosts a weekly radio call-in show called “Mr. Fix-It,” and is a contributing editor to USA Weekend with his “House Smart” column. Lou’s life-long interest in home improvement began during high school when he worked in a hardware store, gaining knowledge of hardware products and experience in customer service. While attending Millikin University, Lou worked his way through school remodeling homes and learning everything from sewers to shingles. Lou owns his own development company that builds rental properties and manages the construction of custom homes in the Chicago area.

• Sarah Susanka - Bestselling author, architect and cultural visionary, Sarah Susanka is leading a movement that is redefining the American home. Her “build better, not bigger” approach to residential design has been embraced across the country and her “Not So Big” philosophy has sparked international dialogue. Her upcoming book, “Not So Big Remodel,” looks at the remodeling market as more homeowners look to remain in their homes longer.

• P. Allen Smith - Smith is an award-winning garden designer and host of the public television program P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home as well as the syndicated 30-minute show P. Allen Smith Gardens. He has emerged as America’s most recognized and respected garden design expert, providing ideas and inspiration through multiple media venues.

Our topics will vary and we will take our cues from you. What would you like to hear about? Let us know.

Susan Marvin
President, Marvin Windows and Doors