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Remodel Kitchen

Home Renovations Tips On Hiring A General Contractor

What comes to mind when I say home remodeling? Dread I bet! Remodeling, renovations, sprucing up, whatever you want to call it can all be done without headaches guaranteed. I know it is hard to believe but it is possible to do kitchen and bathroom remodeling, flooring renovations, home additions, porch upgrades and general upgrades without stress or breaking the budget.
Our home, like many, is in a constant state of repair and could always benefit from a minor remodel or home renovation. I can think of many things that need to be done right now. The bathroom renovations would include a flooring renovation along with updates faucets and a new styled mirror. The kitchen remodel could easily start with cabinet refinishing, flooring upgrade and hardware touches. This is not to mention we could use a room addition for extra storage and possible a guest bedroom along with some work in the basement. A basement transformation would be on that wish list too. I am sure if you spoke with my husband an out building, shed addition would be first on his list.
Of course these are the major things. This does not touch base on the millions of little items that could use some handyman touches. The doors get loose, moldings could be updated, crown molding added, pavement outside needs some repair and I am sure you could find some lose boards on our porch and deck not to mention some staining efforts could be used. There is always something big or small to be done.
This is when I begin to tell you the secret to painless home renovations. Listen close. The key to stress free remodeling is to hire a trusted contractor. When you hire a contractor you are not only hiring that person but a team of experts that support him. A licensed contractor has resources available at the touch of a button. If you need an electrician, a plumber, general handyman, painter or skilled carpenter they will be able to show you the way to a trusted professional. I am not saying that finding a contractor will be easy but the effort will pay for itself tenfold.
There are some things that will help lead the way in helping you find a licensed skilled contractor that best fits your need. The first step in finding a contractor you want to work with is to get a list of contractors from friends, family and acquaintances have used in the past. This is a great place to start. If you are new to the area a quick Google search will lend a hand in supplying a number of home renovation specialists. A terrific way in which to find out a lot of information quickly is to check their website. A website is the front window to their "store". Your gut will help steer from here on whether you want to interview them in person.
Once you have a list the next step is to call and do some preliminary checking. You will want to only work with insured, licensed contractors. This is an important first question. If they are not licensed and insured move on to the next home remodeler as a possible source for your renovation needs. Eventually you will decide on a few to meet in person. Ask them to bring a portfolio with references. Most general contractors will let you know what their specialty is. Finding a home remodeling specialist will not be difficult. Your first impression will immediately tell you whether or not this person is someone that is a professional or a quack. Ask basic questions, get a general feel and move forward. It is this simple.
A contractor should be willing to vouch for the professionals they hire to work alongside them. Professional renovators will ensure satisfaction and will guarantee that a job is not complete until the client is one hundred percent satisfied. Once you have found someone you like. Trust and that does work that impresses you refer them often and use them often. A reliable general contractor is a commodity and should be treated as one. You will find that the quality of work they do is good but is better when you are pleasant and helpful in continuing to help them grow their business as well.

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Room Additions

5 Key Tips For Hiring The Right Contractor For Your Home Remodeling Project

Hiring the right home renovation contractor really is an “inside job” that requires thoughtful research on the part of the homeowner. Folks who are considering renovating their homes this year should plan first on getting educated about hiring the right contractor for their project and understanding their rights.
The fact is that home improvement has consistently ranked at the top for consumer dissatisfaction and fraud according to various consumer agencies. With little accountability on the part of the home improvement industry, it becomes the homeowners’ responsibility to get educated and informed so they don’t become a victim of an unscrupulous contractor.
This much needed education focuses on the “pre-renovation” process, which centers on doing research that reveals background information on the contractor such as his/her business ethics, legal history, reputation and competence in handling your project. Skip this step and you risk getting involved with the wrong contractor and worse, a home remodeling nightmare.
The following 5 tips are critical steps any homeowner should do first regardless of the size and scope of their project. Hiring a roofing company to install a new roof or an electrician to upgrade and rewire the home can prove to be disastrous if you choose poorly.
The following tips will provide the consumer with key information about the contractors’ ethics and willingness to be transparent:
* Conduct background checks that include uncovering relevant lawsuits, any small claims court filings, mechanics lien history, credit standing with suppliers and licensing history if required by your state.
* Conduct a thorough interview, asking key questions around customer care, problem solving, safety issues, working with city inspectors, knowledge of code compliance, who will supervise your project and how much time they’ll spend, and how they handle unexpected surprises.
* State in writing that you require Lien Releases at the time of each payment (in writing as part of the contract) from all subs/suppliers for work performed and material supplied to date.
* Create a thoroughly written specifications sheet and contract with every single detail spelled out, including key clauses to protect yourself and reviewed by a construction law or contract attorney.
* Get in writing – as part of your contract – start and stop dates and hours of working time on your project: specify days- Monday through Friday, hours such as 7am – 3:30pm. This ensures that the contractor is committed to completing your project on time, has the crew to perform and is serious about his business. Signing on the dotted line to this commits him to adhering to the contract and that’s a good sign.
Implementing these steps will help to protect you from hiring an unethical contractor. A contractor who is willing to be transparent in his/her business practices and competency is whom you want to hire.
With thoughtful insight and due diligence, hiring a contractor you respect and whose work you appreciate makes it all worth it and in the end you’re rewarded with a positive experience and a great working relationship with your contractor.

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Home Remodeling

Remodeling Your Mobile Home – Hiring a Professional is Always a Good Idea

Remodeling your mobile home is a great way to improve its livability and value. Tackling the project yourself in order to cut costs may seem like a good idea, but before you do, consider why hiring a professional is a smarter move.
Though mobile homes and traditional homes may seem similar, there are actually many important structural differences with which a professional is well-versed. A lack of knowledge will trip up even the most savvy home owner. This can turn a weekend project into a series of chores that never end. While a professional will initially cost more, the experience and knowledge you pay for will save you a lot of trouble.
Some remodeling projects, such as electrical or plumbing upgrades, require specialized skill, education, permits, and licensing. Improperly routed wires could pose a fire hazard. You will definitely want to hire a professional to make sure everything is done properly. A professional will know the legal and safety requirements necessary for completing the job. They will know when inspections are required and how to set them up so as not to fall behind on their project.
Permits are not required for relatively simple projects such as wallpapering or painting, but may be required for more complex undertakings. Permits are set up for the safety of the residents in all homes. They cannot and should not be ignored. Professionals know what types of projects require permits and usually have contacts within the city or county building departments to facilitate the permit process.
Take a moment to consult your homeowner’s insurance. If you take on a remodeling job yourself and accidentally damage your home, your insurance very likely will not cover the repairs.
Once you decide to hire a professional, you will want to do your homework. Check for complaints against the company online. Run a check on the company with the Better Business Bureau, and the Consumer Affairs Department for your state. You’ll be surprised how much information will be released to you, with relatively small effort on your part. Verify the contractor’s reputation and confirm that the license is current and valid. Once you are done checking, check once more. You will need to know that the contractor is insured, and that the limits on his insurance are sufficient to cover your project and workman’s comp in case of a worker’s injury. Any professional builder will be able to provide you with proof of insurance.
When you meet your choice for the first time, take some time to assess the quality of service you will receive by asking questions and making observations. You will want someone who is courteous to you, respects your home, seems knowledgeable and arrives on time. Discuss that contractor’s cleaning policy. Will they clean up when the go home every night? Will they clean up at the end of the project? Are there certain areas you must have clean? Once you are both on the same page, you can sit back and watch someone else handle your remodeling project.