Hiring a contractor for your home remodel can be an
intimidating and nerve-racking task. How do you know if you are hiring the
right professional for the job? What questions do you ask to make sure you’re
dealing with a legitimate contractor, and not a scam artist who will take your
money and leave your property a mess?
Most contractors are legitimate, reliable, and skilled
professionals who produce high-quality work and coordinate activities
efficiently to complete projects on time and within budget. However, like any
industry, home contracting has its share of bad players — and it is up to you,
the homeowner, to identify them before you agree on the project rather
than after the fact, when it’s too late.
The accompanying infographic, Red Flags Before Hiring a Home Contractor, offers tips for anyone thinking about a renovation or remodeling project. The infographic tells you what to look for when interviewing a contractor, and describes the warning signs that the person you’re talking to is not the one to hire. A 10-minute time-out to digest this information could end up saving you thousands of dollars and preventing months of stress and anger.
A home remodeling project is often
centered around cosmetic and functional upgrades–in other words, making things
look better and work better. It can be easy to get distracted by all the new
finishes and gadgets that you’ll have, but if you really want a great remodel,
you’ll also want to pay some attention to these four upgrades that will make
the whole project work better.
Updated Electrical Components
It’s great to install new
appliances that will improve your energy efficiency and allow you to do more
things around the house, but it’s also beneficial to do some electrical
upgrades to support those appliances. Enough additional demand could
necessitate having an electrical contractor come and install a heavier service. Contact a qualified person
for advice on what may need to be upgraded.
Efficient Home Systems
One great way to pay for your home
renovation is to cut your energy costs at the same time. A new water heater,
more efficient HVAC components, or LED lights will add to the initial cost of
the remodel, but they’ll pay dividends every single time that you use them. In
addition, you’ll be able to complete those messy installations while the house
is already being worked on instead of waiting until something breaks down later
on.
Additional Insulation
A big part of many home remodeling
projects is replacing wall and ceiling coverings. While the sheetrock and
paneling are out of the way, check out your insulation. If it has thin areas or
gaps, fill those back in. If the insulation is old, consider replacing it.
Again, there is no easier time to do work like this than when the walls are
already open, so take advantage of the opportunity to lower your heating and
cooling costs.
Security Features
A well-planned security system can
protect your family and property from crime and fire. It can even warn you of
problems like ruptured water lines. Many homes have integrated security systems
installed during construction these days, but older homes can easily be
retrofitted during a renovation. Incorporate motion sensors, door alarms,
motion lights, and other features that your contractor recommends.
The “after” pictures of your
renovation will probably not feature your new electrical panel or the extra
batts of insulation in the attic, but as you move forward from the completion
date those elements will prove just as valuable and satisfying to have. As you
renovate for looks, remember you can also renovate for safety and efficiency.
Are you and your family not spending enough time outdoors
because your backyard is not conducive to gatherings or even hanging out on a
lazy Sunday afternoon? There is a wide range of options for backyard remodeling
projects to get you outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while visiting
with friends.
Build a Deck
Building a deck in your backyard creates an entirely new
gathering and entertaining space that you and your family will be able to enjoy
for years to come. The right deck design will incorporate your home’s style and
character and fit snugly into space in your backyard.
Adorn your deck with benches, built-in furniture, planters,
latticework, or even add a protective cover using beadboard patio ceiling techniques to
keep the elements away from all or part of your deck area.
Pool/Spa Additions
A backyard pool or spa can add hours and hours of family fun
time for years to come. Whether you are looking at adding an above-ground pool
or you have space and equipment for the proper pool drainage to install an
in-ground swimming pool or spa, this backyard remodeling project will get you
and your family outdoors for days at a time.
Install an Outdoor Kitchen
One of the most popular recent trends in backyard remodeling
projects includes the installation of an outdoor kitchen, an ideal space for
entertaining outside. Among the features and amenities to enhance the outdoor
cooking and dining experience include:
Bar
Two-Sided Grille
Serving station
Seating area
Pizza oven
Outdoor barbeque smoker
Icemaker
Outdoor refrigerator
Sink with garbage disposal and dishwasher
Add a Fire Pit
A fire pit can add style and character to your backyard while
offering an ideal gathering place to spend the evening outside with friends and
family, and providing heat and aesthetic beauty to your outdoor space.
Before installing a fire pit in your backyard, make sure you are
complying with all applicable local regulations, and always take appropriate
safety precautions around live flames.
Get Sporty
There is nothing quite like a competitive game played in the
comfort of your backyard with family, friends, or neighbors. You do not need
too much space to add a permanent or temporary surface or equipment to turn all
or part of your backyard into a mini-sports arena.
Some common ways to add a sporty element to your backyard that
the whole family can enjoy:
Baseball diamond
Basketball court
Bocce ball or croquet court
Giant board games, such as chess, checkers or
Connect 4
Horseshoe pit
Ice or street hockey rink
Putting green
Soccer field
Tennis or paddle tennis court
Volleyball or badminton net
Light the Way
Proper and ample lighting will allow you and your family to
enjoy your backyard amenities at any time of the day or night. Advances in LED
lighting technology offer a wide range of options for sizes, styles, colors,
and timing features for entertaining or just hanging with your loved ones
outside.
Options and techniques to lighting your way to backyard fun
throughout the year include:
String lights
Lanterns
Hidden wall and floor lights
Uplighting to feature walls and plants
Light orbs and spheres
In our digital age, more and more Americans are spending more time behind smartphones or TVs than spending time in the outdoors. Getting your family outside and active may be as simple as making your backyard an inviting place to spend time. Reduce screen time and increase quality time by turning your backyard into a family-friendly oasis!
Mandy Lee is a contributor to Innovative
Green Building Materials. She is a
blogger and a content writer for the building materials industry. Mandy is
focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover
materials and methods of construction that increase property value, maximize
energy savings, and turn houses into homes.
If you’re planning on a spring or summer home sale, winter is a great time to tackle some of those projects you’ve been putting off. When bad weather forces you indoors, you can make the most of your time taking care of property maintenance sure to impress prospective buyers. Here are a few winter home improvement ideas to bide the time until you list.
Take a look outside
Perhaps you live in a mild area, or maybe your location is lucky enough to have some clear weather days in the winter. Take advantage of breaks in the weather to get a jump on spring yard cleanup. Clear out overgrown flower beds and any debris left over from fall, as well as taking care of any pruning you may have missed (or put off). If your home is in a wooded area, take note of any dead or dying trees and limbs, and put a call out to a local tree service professional. When it comes time to list, you’ll be happy you took care of the major yard work, allowing you to focus on the smaller details when your home finally hits the market.
Take on the heat
If you turned your thermostat over to heat without calling in an HVAC professional, take the time now to make an appointment for a check-up. There’s nothing worse than having a furnace die in the middle of winter, especially when any problems could have been addressed with a little pre-season maintenance. While you’re at it, change out your filters from the summer air conditioning use and keep a close eye on your furnace filters as well. It’s better to discover an issue now rather than upon a prospective buyer’s inspection.
Energy-efficient remodeling
While winter may not be the most opportune time to replace old windows, tackling a basement renovation may be just the project your home needs for a facelift. Taking a basement area from dank and dark to finished creates more livable square footage and is incredibly appealing to prospective buyers. Winter is a great time to tackle large indoor projects — make your basement area one of them.
Get a new coat of paint
So, maybe you’re not looking to invest a great deal of money on major renovations you won’t get to enjoy. Instead, give your home a facelift with a fresh coat of paint. Paint manufacturers run some of their best deals over the winter months, and painting professionals are usually less booked. Choosing to paint your home interior over the winter can translate into great cost savings and give you more bang for your buck when it comes time to sell.
Upgrade the hardware
While it is possible to sell a home with an old kitchen, and truthfully, you won’t really see a return on your investment if you remodel, there are affordable ways to give it a facelift. When a full kitchen remodel is not in the works, you can affordably update an outdated kitchen by refreshing the look of your cabinets. A little paint and some new hardware can go a long way.
Instead of completely renovating, consider updating or adding a backsplash or some tile work or changing out the sink or faucet. These minor changes can make a major impact — without completely killing your budget — when buyers are walking through your home.
No matter how small the project, taking advantage of the winter months to tackle home improvement and maintenance can get you better prepared to sell in the spring and summer. Not only will you have seen to areas in need of repair or a little TLC, but you’ll be free to focus on any unexpected challenges that may pop up throughout the selling and moving process.
Remodeling projects can be a lot of fun to
plan, particularly if you already know what you want. These are sometimes
residential renovations that serve as a way to modernize homes. There are also
projects of this sort that are done on commercial buildings and structures.
Many of these allow for business expansion and greater functionality.
Electricians along with construction contractors are area experts who can be
helpful.
The goal of both types of remodeling projects
is to take advantage of the space that you currently have. This means getting
the equipment and machinery that is necessary for these projects, as well as,
hiring professionals to assist you. Remodeling companies and contractors have
vast experience and equipment. Finding these experts is the best way to ensure
that your remodeling is successful.
Use of High Tech Project
Equipment
These days there are many pieces of equipment
that have been advanced by technology. It doesn’t matter whether we’re talking
about thermal
cameras, that are used by law enforcement or graphing machines. This
type of equipment allows contractors to perfect the work that they do to
complete these projects. Remodeling may require electrical work, taking down
walls or even adding on rooms and entrances.
Avoid Faulty Wiring Issues
No matter what changes a homeowner wants to
make in their home, electrical work is usually involved. This is true for
instances of altering lighting or wiring specific pieces of equipment in a room.
Hiring a skilled electrician or a contractor with this certification is
important. These are professionals who understand how to wire correctly and
safely to accurately get this portion of projects completed.
Handle Technical Changes
There are sometimes changes to a living room,
office, or bedroom that requires technical expertise. Electricians can assist
you with removing lighting and adding a ceiling fan. These are also individuals
trained at making a variety of technical changes. Homeowners should not try to
do these tasks, but to hire an experienced professional.
Modernize with Upgrades
Electricians can assist homeowners in making a
variety of changes to modernize the house. You may want to swap out traditional
heating mechanisms with digital projects. In many cases, these are items that
need to be wired into the wall. Upgrading with panels and sensors will allow
you to sync systems and devices. Those that are hard-wired should be changed
properly to avoid damage or even fire.
While the right home improvement project can
create a more attractive space or add value to a property, a botched upgrade
project could be nothing but trouble. Careful planning is essential for
ensuring a successful project. From overlooking the need for a permit, to
making sure their budget is able to handle the expense, there are plenty of
things that need to be inspected before work can begin.
Building Codes and Permits
Failing to procure the necessary permit or
undertaking an improvement project that may be in violation of building codes
can lead to all sorts of trouble. Having to deal with fines or to alter the
parameters of a project are complications that property owners would be wise to
avoid. Inspecting and assessing all pertinent legal issues regarding their
project is one of the most important steps for planning a home improvement or
upgrade.
Electrical Wiring
A new room or an upgrade to an existing area
can place considerable strain on a home’s electrical wiring. Failing to inspect
the state of the wiring beforehand can lead to problems like blown fuses,
shorts and even an increased risk of an electrical fire. For homeowners who
lack the tools and expertise needed to effectively assess the state of their
wiring, hiring a professional can often be the best way to deal with the
situation.
HVAC Systems
Adding a new room can also require HVAC
upgrades in order to ensure adequate heating, cooling and airflow. Simply
extending the ducts and vents into a new area of the home may not be sufficient
as the added interior volume may be too much for existing appliances to handle.
When it comes to equipment inspection or HVAC repair,
property owners would do well to consult with a professional regarding the
state of their equipment.
Budgeting and Finance
Even modest upgrade projects can quickly get
out of hand, especially when property owners fail to keep an eye on their
bottom line. Inspecting the household budget when planning a project is always
a wise move to make. Property owners who have a firm grasp on their financial
situation are less likely to get themselves into trouble.
Upgrades and renovations can allow property owners the chance to create the home of their dreams. Proper planning is essential for ensuring that the most costly missteps are able to be avoided. Inspecting the state of the home, assessing the resources available and double-checking the financial situation are all essential components for ensuring a smooth and successful project.
A long-term home renovation project can be both daunting yet overwhelming. It’s the thought of having a new look for your home that excites but the decisions and plans awaiting you could push you into panic mode. Remodeling projects entail many details that need to be straight before the D-day. To help reduce the stress and avoid making mistakes, consider planning ahead. Here’s how:
Determine Your
Budget
A long-term home renovation is
definitely going to use up a relatively huge amount of money. You might want to
set an estimated budget with your contractors to see just how much you should
inject in the project. Determining a budget long before it commences ensures
that you streamline your sources of money to avoid delaying completion or
taking more time than what was expected. Include certain amounts for
emergencies and unexpected costs.
Research and Purchase
Some Materials and Supplies
You already know what renovations
your budget will allow you to make. You also have an idea of what’s needed for
the project. Consider purchasing some items bit by bit, depending on the offers
and discounts you might come across. For instance, materials used for safe way scaffolding,
paintbrushes, and protective wear. Consult your contractor on these supplies to
avoid buying unnecessary items.
Look for Professionals
for Your Workforce
The quality of your home renovation project and its completion mainly depends on your budget allocations and the quality of workmanship. Set up interviews before the project starts to find the best experts in the industry. Let them know what is expected of them, discuss the terms and conditions, and alert them in advance of the timelines of the project. This should help you plan the renovation project on a timely basis and reduce the probability of being disappointed. Seek the guidance of a project manager to capture the best contractors.
Clear the Work-space
Renovations entail breaking down old structures, use of fumes dusting, cement work, and other rough activities. Consider clearing appliances, furnishing, and other materials from the work-space. You could transfer them to a storage area in the meantime before you are done with the remodeling. Eradicate harmful objects and chemicals and close the work-space to prevent children and pets from trespassing to the work-space. Don’t wait till the D-day to arrange the work-space as it pushes the project timelines forward.
Organizing and planning your renovation project ahead of time puts you in a better position to have a less stressful time.
The kitchen is often the ideal room
to focus on during a home renovation. The need for both a functional space and
a social environment means that there are no shortage of ways to upgrade a
kitchen. By focusing on the right details, kitchen renovations, both large and
small, are far more likely to provide property owners with a more comfortable
and stylish decor.
Updated Appliances
Older-model appliances can make
cooking a much less enjoyable experience. A new stove, microwave or
refrigerator can be an important part of any upgrade or renovation effort. Even
smaller appliances can be a welcome addition to the environment which can help
to ensure that a small budget is less likely to become a limiting factor.
New Cabinets
Cabinets are often the dominant
feature of a kitchen’s decor. New cabinetry may seem like a sizable expense,
but such an upgrade can go a long way towards breathing new life into a space
that has begun to feel stale or take on a more dated look. Homeowners who lack
the funds needed to replace their cabinets may still have options. Replacing
cabinet pulls and hardware can be a more frugal option, but one that can still
make quite a difference.
Replacing Old Countertops
Older counters that clash with an
updated decor or design scheme can be a real eyesore. Installations that have
been in place for years or even decades most likely show signs of wear. More
dramatic countertop surfaces or replacing existing installations that have been
damaged or that may be showing signs of discoloration can help to improve the
overall atmosphere of the kitchen.
Installing New
Floors
New floors are another option worth
considering. Replacing existing tile or linoleum flooring can go a long way
towards providing an older kitchen with an updated and more modern look. While
a complete replacement can be expensive, such efforts can also be scaled back
in order to fit a smaller budget. Tile places
that stock a large inventory of flooring materials can make it easy to replace
individual tiles or small areas of an existing floor that have been damaged
over the years.
Planning a Successful
Renovation
There are plenty of tips that can
help to ensure a successful kitchen upgrade or home renovation project. Paying
attention to the details when planning an upcoming project is one bit of advice
that homeowners would do well to take seriously. Even seemingly minor issues
and inconsequential details could end up playing an important role in ensuring
a more successful renovation.
Is your home looking a little tired? It happens, especially
with older homes. Mother Nature just has a way of beating up every surface on
the exterior of your home. And, over time, all of that abuse will start to
show. Here are four ways to put some pizzazz back into your home’s curb appeal.
Paint
You can drastically change the look of your home’s exterior
by painting. And, almost any exterior surface can be painted.
Wood: Whether your entire home’s exterior is wood or just the trim around the windows and doors, you can spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint. And, you can play around with some colors to create a new and different look for your home.
Siding: You can also paint your siding, regardless of what it’s constructed of.
Brick: Painted brick is a very attractive exterior enhancement for your home. It’s also an affordable method of covering bricks if they aren’t in the best shape.
New Windows
Another great way to update the look
of your home’s exterior is with new windows, especially if you have older, wood
windows where the caulk or the integrity of the wood is compromised. Window replacement
will not only make your home look more beautiful, but it will actually save you
money in the long run. With the reduction in utility bills,
they will quickly pay for themselves.
Siding and Shutters
You can also completely resurface
the exterior of your home with new siding and shutters. There are so many
different colors, designs, and materials that you can actually create an
entirely different look your home.
Landscaping
A big part of your home’s curb
appeal is the landscaping. Step back and take a good look. Think about these
areas to make your home’s exterior look fresh and updated.
Are there any overgrown shrubs? They can be very unsightly.
Do you have trees and bushes covering the windows or other parts of your home? Clean and crisp always looks better.
An overall tidy, green lawn is always a win for curb appeal.
You could also highlight certain attractive features of your home with flowers or gardens. There are many options out there for adding some zing to your landscaping.
These are just a few ways that you
can update your home’s exterior. Keeping your home’s exterior looking great not
only makes it a more comfortable and enjoyable home for you and your family, it
also increases the value of your home. And, it’s so much nicer to come home to
a beautiful house.
There comes a time in every person’s life when they decide that it’s high time for a home renovation. Whether you got bored with the same old furniture, tiles, and floors, or you are experiencing problems such as leaking roofs and the lack of square footage for your growing family, sooner or later, you will have to hire contractors to get to work. While this is an exciting time and the time of change, there is also one dilemma that is on every homeowner’s mind – should you live in or move out? Moving out while remodeling may bring additional costs during this already expensive period. But staying put might result in more problems than you and your family can handle. Here’s how to solve this dilemma once and for all and decide what to do when repairing or replacing the items inside your home.
Live in or move out while remodeling? The answer is a complex one.
Look at the size of the project when deciding whether to live in or move out
Without a doubt, the first thing to consider when deciding whether to live in through the remodeling madness or to move out is the amount of work that needs to be done. It’s the sheer size of the project that will help you make the best decision. For example, if the work needs to be done on one half of your home or more, the answer is simple. Functioning in such a constricted space won’t be a feasible option for you and your family. On the other hand, if the workers will be focused on one to two rooms, there is no need for you to spend any extra money on movers. Sure, there are plenty of affordable movers out there, and you can find them everywhere. From databases such as Verified Movers to their own websites, moving quotes come in a vast price range. But, be frugal, and spend your money only on the necessities. And movers are not a necessity if all you are doing is repainting your home.
How long will it take for the project to be finished?
The truth is that there is not a simple answer to the dilemma of moving out or staying in during remodeling. But, one thing you have to take into account is for how long the workers will invade your premises. Let’s say your goal is to give your kitchen a makeover and replace the tiles, as well as the cabinets and countertops. While you are at it, you have decided to change your bathroom tiles, as well. The answer depends on the size of these rooms and on the estimate your contractor gave you. If they estimated that the work can be done in a matter of days, which is oftentimes the case with small kitchens and bathrooms, then there is no point in you moving out. Perhaps you can use your neighbor’s bathroom (assuming you are on good terms, of course) for those two or three days and you can always order in. But, if the workers will be busy with these rooms for a whole week or more, it will be next to impossible for you to stay put. That’s a situation where you have no other option but to move out.
In order to get a fabulous kitchen, you might have to sacrifice a lot.
Think about the health and safety hazards
It goes without saying that your health comes first, even before your finances. You can never let it suffer just because you need to save a few extra dollars. Money can always be earned but, sometimes, health cannot be restored. And the truth is that there is nothing worse than living in a construction zone. Don’t mind the constant yelling, drilling, and altogether noise that comes with remodeling. But take into account all the power tools that will be lying around, sometimes unattended. Add dust everywhere and you quickly get a scenario that presents a major safety hazard. Such conditions are dangerous for grown-ups, but they are ten times as dangerous for kids. So, if you have a child, it goes without saying that you should move out if the scope of the project is so big that it entails the aforementioned conditions.
How can you stay in and keep your sanity?
Some people are all for staying in your home during remodeling. That way, you get to keep close tabs on the construction workers and to personally make sure everything goes according to the plan. Once again, unless it is dangerous and otherwise impossible for you to stay in, you could attempt to live through the mess that comes with remodeling. And you should do that by creating your own personal oasis in one part of your home. Have your contractor create a seal off zone, a chunk of your home that will be off-limits to the workers. This will be your place to retreat once the whole undertaking becomes too overwhelming. Not only will you be able to calm down in this area, but you will also have a fully functional place.
Having a zone where you can retreat, no matter how small, will be helpful.
Have an exit strategy
If, on the other hand, you belong to those who prefer to get away from all the mess that comes with remodeling, you have your options open. For starters, you can stay in with friends and family, and save the money you would have to spend on rent or hotels. Of course, you should choose this option only if you know you won’t be intruding. Otherwise, there is no point in saving money while losing precious friendships and hindering family relations. Moreover, you can stay at an extended-stay residence hotel or seek out other long or short-term housing solutions. Again, everything depends on how long the remodeling will last.
When dealing with the live in or move out dilemma, the most important thing is your sanity. Do you think you will be able to mentally handle all the disruptions? Or will you crumble down under the pressure and chaos? Be wise when choosing, as your happiness, as well as the success of the project, depend on it.
