What is unique, say Realtors and financial lenders, is the opportunity homeowners now have to remodel their homes at bargain prices in order to better prepare them for sale. That’s because contractors, who were once flush with work, are now desperate for business. And the cost of many materials, once in high demand during the construction boom, have also fallen. Read more…

We love building for ourselves, but some jobs just need to be subbed out. Unfortunately, a competent, honest remodeling contractor is no easy find. There are thousands of reliable, trustworthy contractors out there—but there are quite a few toolbox-wielding knuckleheads, too. To protect yourself—and your money—here are 4 tips to ensure that your next remodeling project goes smoothly. Read more…

The kitchen is one of the most valuable rooms in the house and renovating your kitchen can increase your property value. However, a poorly executed do-it-yourself job is not the answer. Hiring a certified professional for you kitchen renovations can save you money and aggravation in the long run.

Contractor 101
How do you find the best contractor for you kitchen remodeling project? Get personal references from friends or family, however don’t take referrals at face value – get written estimates from at least three contractors. And don’t always choose the lowest bid; you may get what you pay for.

Before you hire, ensure that the contractor works for a reputable, certified company. It’s best to find someone who has been in business for several years and has a lot of experience. Ensure that the contractor:

• Has a current license. You may want to check with the Department of Labor and Industries or the Construction Contractors Board if you aren’t sure
• Is a member of a local trade association (ex: Master Builder Association, Associated Builders & Contractors)
• Is not asking for full payment upfront. It is reasonable to make a down payment to cover material costs, but nothing more.
• Drafts an estimate that includes the cost of the materials and labor, an outline of what is to be renovated, and lead times for the work.

Remodeling your kitchen can yield nearly a 100% return on investment. Don’t hesitate to hire a professional for an important remodeling job. There are plenty of reputable contractors who can cater to your needs within your budget.

The kitchen cabinets are a large component of kitchen remodeling costs. You can dramatically change the look of you kitchen and save on remodeling costs by refacing your cabinets instead of replacing them. Although a do-it-yourself job can be rewarding, it’s best to hire an experienced contractor to eliminate wasteful mistakes and major headaches. But how do you find a good cabinet refacing contractor?

The Contractor Search and Negotiation
Ask around and network with your friends and neighbors for a licensed, reputable referral. Get written estimates from at least three contractors. Get to know each contractor by asking them questions about the estimates. Envision the completed job including color schemes and material with the candidates prior to hiring.

Once you’ve chosen a reliable contractor, ensure that all contractual agreements are in writing and that a written home improvement contract is with the estimate. The home improvement contract should include:

• The contractor’s name, phone number, and address
• A detailed description of the cabinet refacing project
• Cabinet refacing start and end dates
• A statement that there will be no change of plans without your approval
• A stipulation that the contractor will not violate building codes
• And details of payment: down payment, monthly payments, number of payments, and total finance cost
• The contractor’s signature and license number

Before you commit yourself to one contractor make sure that you educate yourself. Attempt to only pay a minimal down payment for materials and services. Before long, you’ll be reaping the benefits of a brand new kitchen with little sacrifice.

Vinyl siding is a popular choice among homeowners who want to drastically change the appearance of their homes with a material that insulates well and does not require a lot of maintenance. For proper installation of vinyl or any siding, enlist the help of a professional contractor. You can avoid costly mistakes and hours of aggravation.

Requirements of Siding Contractor Deals
If you’re thinking of hiring a contractor, here are some tips to help you make the proper choice:

• Ask your friends and neighbors for referrals of reputable, licensed contractors. Don’t hire someone who many people complain about.
• Get at least three quotes from different contractors.
• Ensure that the contractor you hire complies with required regulations. They should provide you with proof of compliance.
• Ensure that your contractor is insured and has a clean criminal record. Use a screening service if needed.
• If you are undertaking an total exterior home improvement project, you may get a better deal if your contractor performs the entire job (from siding to windows, gutter, and roofing)
• Ask a lot of questions and get to know your contractor.
• Check with the rules and regulations with the local authorities in your area. The siding contractor may need to get a permit prior to siding installation. A stellar siding contractor will be able to give you this information without your research.
• Get references from your contractor and make sure to call them.

If you properly research a reputable contractor, you can save money and aggravation. Educate yourself and update the outer layer of protection for your home.

According to the US Department of Energy, as much as 10-25% of your heating and cooling bills can be attributed to energy lost through leaky windows. If your windows are outdated, your home’s energy efficiency may not be up to par. Well sealed new windows can lessen the heat transfer in and out of your home and ultimately be the answer to your energy cost savings. If you don’t think window replacement is a do-it-yourself job for you, save time and aggravation by hiring a contractor.

Contractor Hiring Tips
Before you hire a windows contractor here are a few things to consider:

• Determine the style, materials and fixtures you want. Be as specific as possible for a more accurate estimate
• Create a budget. Educate yourself on what is available and pair it with what you want.
• Get three estimates from licensed, reputable contractors. Use online referral sites and ask your friends and neighbors. Make sure each contractor has the same specifications so the estimates are comparable.
• Compare the pricing, materials, and lead times for each estimate.
• Make sure you have a written home improvement contract with your contractor including your contractor’s name, address, and phone number. The document should include: start and end dates, a detailed description of the windows installation, a list of the materials to be used, details of payment, and the contractor’s signature and license number.

Once you have a signed, written contract that details the job, there’s no disputing the original agreement. In the end you’ll enjoy the view from your window and energy savings.

When it comes to turning your dream kitchen into a reality you may decide that working with a professional is the way to go. For kitchen design and construction, an architect or an independent CKD (certified kitchen designer) is the best place to start. His or her advice will be unbiased, and will help you in determining what will look best in your kitchen. Read more…

1. Do you have General Liability Insurance?
2. Do you carry worker’s compensation insurance?
3. Will you obtain all the required building permits?
4. Do you guarantee your work?
5. Who will be in charge of the job?
6. Have you or your company been a party to any construction-related litigation within the past five years?
7. Will you provide me with written references or contact information of previous customers?
8. What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?
9. How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year?
10. How is cleanup handled?

Your home may be your most valuable financial asset. That’s why it’s important to be cautious when you hire someone to work on it. Home improvement and repair and maintenance contractors often advertise in newspapers, the Yellow Pages, and on the radio and TV. However, don’t consider an ad an indication of the quality of a contractor’s work. Your best bet is a reality check from those in the know: friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had improvement work done. Get written estimates from several firms. Ask for explanations for price variations. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder. Read more…