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Renovate, Inc, was founded in 1981 by Karen and Frank Castjohn, and has been building and remodeling continuously since that time. Begun as a true “Mom and Pop” construction company, Renovate represents all of the most unique traits that make Southeast Louisiana so special. The focus on sound ethics, quality workmanship, and warm customer service have kept Renovate a force in the local industry for more than 30 years.
Karen has been an essential founding member of Renovate since its inception and has seen every type of project completed. She oversees the company’s payables and receivables, and works together with her son Nick to plan the company’s financial future. Karen is a graduate of the SBA’s prestigious E200 Emerging Leaders Initiative since 2011.
Karen is also an expert in material selection, and has been consulting with customers on finish choices throughout Renovate’s long history. Her grasp of finances combined with her extensive product knowledge makes her a shrewd budgeter on residential projects.
Nick started working for his parents on jobsites at about 15 years old. On the job steadily in construction since then, he has only paused to earn a Bachelors degree from Texas A & M in Information Technology and Real Estate Finance, and a Masters from Tulane in Strategic Business Management. Nick currently serves on the State Licensing Board for Contractors, and is a past president of the St. Tammany Home Builders. He currently serves on the HBA of Greater New Orleans Board as well, and is the Louisiana Home Builders Secretary. Nick possesses HBA and NARI credentials in Green Building, Graduate Building and Remodeling, and specialties like Aging-in-Place and Universal Design.
Cheryl is the most recent addition to the Renovate family, bringing with her degrees in Interior Design and Art History, along with many years of creative experience in social media. She is available to clients on a consulting basis to plan all aspects of extensive remodeling and construction projects. Her focus is on family dynamics and design/lifestyle integration for happy and practical living in your home.
Cheryl also manages Renovate’s social media on a day-to-day basis and publishes its semi-weekly design blog.
To qualify for the Graduate Master Builder (GMB) certificate program, a builder must have attained the Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) or Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation; or have successfully completed three courses and have at least ten years of building business experience.
GMB graduates complete an intensive series of five, six-hour courses on business management techniques, and the newest trends and technology in the building industry.
Certified Graduate Builders (CGB) earn the building industry’s premier professional designation by successfully completing an intensive series of six-hour courses. The CGB curriculum incorporates training by leading building industry practitioners and academics on a range of topics, including business management, emerging technologies and market trends. After earning CGB credentials, program graduates are required to maintain their designation through completion of twelve hours of training every three years.
The Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation recognizes those remodelers who demonstrate exceptional business integrity, technical competence and a solid track record of customer satisfaction. To earn the CGR designation, a remodeler must complete a series of industry-specific education courses, provide letters of recommendation, proof of licensing and insurance and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. CGR stands for professionalism, experience and a commitment to quality.
The Remodelers™ Council of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB Seniors Housing Council and the AARP created the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program. The CAPS designation program teaches the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry—home modifications for the aging-in-place.
CAPS was developed to help home remodeling professionals meet the needs of the 77 million Baby Boomers that will reach retirement age in the first years of the 21st century. The CAPS designation identifies remodelers that have been trained to help retirees and older adults remain in their homes safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of income or ability level, and continue to live in a familiar environment throughout their maturing years.
In three days of coursework, the CAPS curriculum incorporates a variety of information tailored to aging-in-place home modifications, including: background on the older adult population; communication techniques; common aging-in-place remodeling projects; marketing to the aging-in-place market; common barriers and solutions; codes and standards; product ideas and resources; and business management.
CAPS program graduates are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and/or participating in community service projects. CAPS classes are offered through local and state home building associations and at national trade shows including NAHB’s International Builder’s Show and the Remodelers’ Show.
In three days of course work, the Certified Green Professional (CGP) curriculum incorporates a variety of information tailored to green building and business practices. The CGP curriculum incorporates training by leading building industry practitioners and academics on a range of topics, including strategies for incorporating green-building principles into homes using cost-effective methods of construction, and how green homes provide buyers with lower maintenance and good indoor air quality. Techniques are also discussed for competitively differentiating your home products with increased indoor environmental quality as well as energy and resource efficiency.
CGP program graduates are required to maintain their designation by completing 12 hours of continuing education every 3 years a portion of which pertain to green building activities.
NARI Certified Remodelers (CR) are professional remodelers who provide a full range of remodeling services. To become a CR, candidates must possess skill and knowledge in a broad range of business management and technical skill areas.
To qualify for the CR designation, applicants must meet all of the following:
NARI Universal Design Certified Remodelers (UDCR) are recognized as experienced remodelers with skills and knowledge in all aspects of universal design and remodeling.
The NARI Green Certified Professional Designation (GCP) is designed to recognize and identify remodelers who apply green or sustainable principles to their remodeling projects. To qualify for the GCP designation, applicants must meet all of the following:
