Home Improvement & Renovation Articles

Can Remodeling and Waterproofing Your Basement Really Increase Home Value? Fri, 18 May 2012 16:24:54 -0500 If you're looking to increase the real value of your home and you have a basement, you are sitting on a potential gold mine. Remodel and waterproof your basement and your home's value will jump quickly.

Save Money On Simple Home Remodeling Projects Fri, 18 May 2012 15:11:28 -0500 When spring begins to approach many people start thinking about the outside home remodeling projects that don't need to be accomplished this year. There are a few simple ways to discover some of the...

Replacing Gutters - It Is A Must Fri, 18 May 2012 11:57:26 -0500 No matter how careful we are with our stuff and how much time we dedicate to its upkeep there will always come that instance when we need to replace them. A great example would be our gutters.

Comfortably Age in Place With These Home Renovation Ideas Fri, 18 May 2012 10:57:08 -0500 Homeowners have many options when renovating their homes. Many homeowners overlook the renovations that will allow them to age in place. It is imperative to learn and implement these improvements now.

Why Professional Liability Insurance May Make Sense for Your Home Remodel Thu, 17 May 2012 15:36:23 -0500 Depending on what type of construction project you are undertaking, whether it be new construction, home remodel or renovation you may have to consider when you need Professional Liability Insurance coverage. In the instance of new construction if your project has been designed using the services of an architect, the architect should carry this type of errors and omissions policy but homeowner's don't always use or budget for these services. Not ensuring the design side of your project is insured, may place you at risk and here's why.

What's Really Included in Contractor Markup? Thu, 17 May 2012 15:22:56 -0500 When hiring a general contractor for your project, you will have a bid or negotiated contract that will include a percentage for the contractor's overhead and profit. If you have requested a cost breakdown from your contractor you will likely see a percentage for their contractor markup. What you probably won't see is the markup for materials purchased and for material and labor costs as well as the overhead and profit for any trades or subcontractors awarded work by a general contractor for your project. You also will not see what the contractor paid for materials he's bought in bulk and taken from his inventory to use on your project. Nobody expects a contractor to work for free, if they did, they wouldn't be in business for long and we'd be going a lot more new construction and renovation work. Before signing a contract it helps to have a clear understanding of what you are really paying for.

Removing Wallpaper: To DIY or Go Pro? Thu, 17 May 2012 14:14:04 -0500 When it comes to removing the old wallpaper from your home, should you do it yourself, or should you let a professional painting crew do the job? Because removing wallpaper can be time and effort intensive, DIYing it may not be the best solution.

What Worker's Compensation Insurance May Mean for Your Home Remodel Thu, 17 May 2012 12:44:30 -0500 As it relates to new construction, remodeling or renovation, in most states, contractors are required by law, to carry workers compensation insurance for direct employees of their company. Doing business with a contractor who does not carry workers compensation insurance, that's current and in force, exposes you to potential liability if accidents occur on your property during the performance of their work. This is one of the most important credentials to consider when interviewing or hiring a contractor or trade to perform any of your work. Continue reading to learn why this is so important...

Basement Finishing and Remodeling Systems Thu, 17 May 2012 10:25:05 -0500 Many homeowners across the United States are remodeling their basements. They use their newly found space for storage, a living room, a bedroom, and more!

Apartment Remodeling: Strategies for Remodeling Your Apartment Thu, 17 May 2012 09:40:49 -0500 One of the more fun, yet more challenging, building remodels one can undertake is to renovate any unit of an apartment building. While you can be assured with most other remodeling projects that the final results will remain in effect for a long time, you can never be too sure with apartment remodeling, as the wrong tenant can mean serious repairs once they move out.

Three Methods of Paying For Home Improvement Loans Wed, 16 May 2012 16:57:18 -0500 When you buy a new home, whether it's brand new construction or a vintage Victorian, it's going to become your "money pit" for as long as you own it, because it seems like something is always going wrong that needs to be replaced or fixed. Small repairs are minor annoyances that won't cost you much in either time or money. Other improvements, such as a kitchen remodel or a basement upgrade, will take a bit more thought in order to pay the price tags. So, what is the best way to afford it?

The Secrets of Home Remodeling With a New View Wed, 16 May 2012 07:34:39 -0500 Upon first inspection your home seems to need just a few touch ups, maybe a crack filled in here or there and you think you're okay and ready for the next project. However this may not...

How to Spot Potential Contractor Fraud - Here Are 10 Red Flags Tue, 15 May 2012 16:01:50 -0500 Contractor fraud is typically wrapped in the promises of quick repairs at below market prices. According to the Wall Street Journal, the entire US construction industry is virtually on "life support". With little hope for any quick turnaround in construction spending and a bleak outlook of the current jobs market, there is a kind of desperation on the part of builders and the trades to find work. This environment can perpetuate construction scams and contractor fraud. What this does to established contractors is force them to compete for project opportunities with those not-so-established; those whose legitimacy as a business may be in question; and those who work with little to no overhead at whatever they can get. There are good contractors out there but you need to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff. Here's how to avoid contractor fraud.

Tips to Minimize Contractor Change Orders When Remodeling Tue, 15 May 2012 16:01:28 -0500 Contractors will request change orders in construction for a number of reasons. It could be a change in scope directed by you as the owner or it could be for overtime or weekend work not included in the original contract. It could be for schedule delays outside their responsibility which extends the duration of the project or it could be a change order request for something that was inadvertently overlooked in discussing the original scope. Many opportunities for a contractor to request a change to their contract can be minimized by ensuring the performance tips below are addressed in your original contract negotiation and award. Knowing these few tips before you hire a contractor may save you a request for change or changes down the road.

Contracting Tips When Doing A Small Bathroom Remodel Tue, 15 May 2012 15:50:51 -0500 So you're thinking about a small bathroom remodel and the steps you will need to take. Part of that thought process is undoubtedly should I hire a contractor to do the work or should I tackle some of it myself. How extensively you plan to remodel, your current living conditions, level of patience and tolerance for disruption along with your financial situation will likely determine the direction you take. Another factor will be how soon do you need it done and are you willing to do some of the tear out work yourself in the interest of saving some money? Here are some things to consider...

What Are Stored Construction Materials and Why Might You Be At Risk When Storing? Tue, 15 May 2012 15:48:31 -0500 Whether you are involved in new construction, home renovation or remodel, at times it is necessary to purchase materials in advance of their scheduled installation to ensure your project continues to move forward. Temporary storage of your construction materials is a little more involved than you may think and may place you at risk. See how to protect yourself.

How Much Will It Cost to Build a Conservatory? Tue, 15 May 2012 12:36:00 -0500 A look at the costs involved in adding a conservatory to your home. What elements do you need to consider before making your final decision?

Things to Know About Grab Bar Installation Mon, 14 May 2012 14:14:51 -0500 For many, grab bar installation is seen as an easy do it yourself project. But be aware that improper installation often creates problems than the grab bar's intended solution.

Fixing Your Mold Problem Fri, 11 May 2012 16:39:57 -0500 Mold has become a fairly trendy topic in today's restoration market, and unfortunately every second rate company in the country wants to jump on the band wagon. If you are facing the options are finding a mold remediation company, prepare to log some hours in research. Picking the wrong company that performs poor quality work could leave you with a problem that comes back with a vengeance. Here are some things to keep in mind while you are doing your home work for the right company, and hopefully they can help save you time, as well as a head ache.

Renovating - Ditching the Day Job to Renovate For Profit Fri, 11 May 2012 16:18:36 -0500 Any one who has taken the leap from full time employment to following their heart has usually experienced a defining moment, an epiphany or an "Aha" that has provided the impetus to back themselves and go for their dreams. In this article I will recount my story and how renovating came to my rescue.

Home Remodeling: Home Remodeling Projects To Think About for Summer 2012 Fri, 11 May 2012 14:59:00 -0500 As summer approaches, many homeowners are indubitably thinking about remodeling their home. The warm weather provides the perfect atmosphere for getting in the renovation spirit, and with many of us taking vacations over this period, we obviously have the time to get in and remodel those parts of our residence which we don't care for, or add on additional space to accommodate those now living with us.

Kitchen Remodeling Tips Powered by Pinterest Fri, 11 May 2012 13:10:55 -0500 Pinning is now considered to be one the latest craze in social media. In fact, a lot of people are already aware of the use of Pinterest. Designers and wedding planners were the first ones to discover the concept in the year 2011 and now it is considered to be one of the fastest growing social networks since the advent of Facebook. This site allows friends and families to exchange recipes, craft ideas and other adorable photos of the family. Nevertheless, Pinterest has made the biggest splash in home decor. A lot of artists are able to get inspiration from Pinterest and can use pins and boards to collect various kitchen remodeling ideas. This allows users to browse at the different pins of other people and get the perfect look of their ideal kitchen.

Requests For Home Remodeling Quotes Are On the Rise Fri, 11 May 2012 12:33:30 -0500 Home remodeling has increased a great deal in just the past year. Inquiries asking for bids on smaller home improvement projects have risen 61% in the past year. For the first time since the recession started, though, people are showing an interest in remodeling projects, even though the scope of the projects aren't as large as they once were.

Hire Honest and Dependable Contractors During Home Improvement Month Fri, 11 May 2012 11:23:24 -0500 May is Home Improvement Month. It is the perfect time of year to get started on your renovation projects. Home improvement is always risky. If you decide to do a project you could risk injury, running into problems you can't solve, or running out of time to complete the project. Deciding to use a general contractor can be a better route but you could risk being scammed or running out of money to complete the project.

Home Remodeling - Construction Brings Happiness to Homeowners Fri, 11 May 2012 10:58:56 -0500 Many homeowners shy away from home remodeling because of the expense and difficulty in getting a project done. When done the right way, changing things up can impart a number of benefits.

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