Tag: yourself

Kitchen Renovation

11 Ways to Protect Yourself From Getting Hammered by a General Contractor

Laura

The smell of sawdust wafting through the air, the sounds of hammers and saws, stacks of building supplies, and workers in , it looks like someone is having some construction work done! And while all of the pieces and players are in place and all appears to be in order, looks can be deceiving. In fact, if you have hired a contractor that you know very little about then until the project is completed and proven acceptable, there is likely a certain amount of trepidation…unless, you have done your homework.

Before having any home or office remodel done, it is an absolute must that you take the time to protect yourself and your investments by doing all you can to make sure that your contractor is everything they should be. Sad to say, just because you have spent the time getting an assortment of bids, contacting the Better Business Bureau, checking with state and local consumer protection agencies, the local authorities in regard to any licensing or banding requirements and a host of other background related details, you still need to go a few steps farther to protect yourself from getting hammered at the end of the job.

Write It Down!

Once you have found the contractor for your job, you need more than a gentleman’s agreement. You are making a choice to spend a great deal of money and you need to make sure you understand what the cost will cover. Consequently, you need to get all agreements and promises in writing, before anything else is done. In addition, there is no crime in asking for clarification of any part of the contract you don’t understand. If you don’t understand something or are not in agreement, don’t sign the contract! A general construction contract should include:

The contractor’s name, address, phone number and fax number

A detailed description of all the work to be done

A description of materials-this includes brand names, size, weight, color, etc…

Beginning and finishing dates

Payment schedule. You want to pay as little up front as possible and make payments throughout the course of the project, with the right to withhold payment if at any time the work does not meet your satisfaction. Don’t agree to financing arrangements you cannot afford.

Any guarantees that the contractor is making or warranties regarding the workmanship

A statement allowing you to cancel the contract based on the laws of your state.

A statement allowing you to cancel the contract after work has begun if you find unexpected or hidden problems once the job has been started.

The contractor’s responsibility to secure permits; if you have to get the permit, do not sign!

The bonding and licensing numbers of the contractor

The contractor is responsible for paying any subcontractors, supply costs, equipment rentals, etc. before you make the final payment. If this is not done, you become liable for the charges!

Don’t be pressured into signing a contract that you have not read through or don’t understand!…

Bathroom Renovations

Save Yourself A Hassle By Following This Home Improvement Advice

Laura

Home improvement plans can really increase your home’s value, both financially and in family comfort. A good way to make sure you do it the right way is to make sure you know what you are doing. Use these tips and advice to make your house your dream home.

If your old vinyl flooring has a bubble, give it a shot! The air in a vinyl floor bubble can be released by slicing it. However, this will only flatten the bubble temporarily. You need to inject it with some new glue though to keep the section held down to the ground. In order to properly do this, you should use glue that comes already loaded inside a syringe.

Good lighting makes an incredible difference in any room. The brighter the room the more welcoming. You can make a room brighter by simply installing more lights. By brightening a dark room one will make the over all feel of the house improved.

Keep a drain snake on hand to save yourself money. One of the biggest advantages is the lower frequency with which you need to purchase drain cleaners. Drain snakes shouldn’t be used unless you are experienced using them. Invest in a snake that’s the correct size or you may damage your pipes.

Add new handles and knobs to your cabinets in your kitchen. Many people focus on the doors without realizing that simply changing the hinges and handles on cabinets can do wonders. Take the time and clean out your cabinets as well when replacing the knobs. Simply screw the new knobs on and presto, you’re done!

No matter what size area you are painting in your home, you should figure out your paint needs before you begin. Do not guess how much the job is going to cost as you could be way off. Be sure you take some time to measure exactly how much of an area you need to paint.

If you feel you want to take on major landscaping projects, make sure to plan your style in accordance with what will best complement your home. Choosing complimentary designs will give a professional and coordinated look to the addition of a new patio or garden.

Hardware isn’t necessarily available from home builders on new home construction. You can get knobs or handles for a low cost online or at a store, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s. Knobs and pulls are easily found in a variety of styles suitable to any decor, and installation is quick.

Paint is the first thing to think about when you’re styling a room. You will have a much easier time painting your ceiling and walls before the flooring is installed. Even if you protect your flooring with the appropriate items you can still splash paint on it.

It can be very rewarding to spend your time doing home improvement. In order to achieve your desired results, it is crucial that you obtain all the knowledge you can on home renovations. …

Renovation Costs

You Owe It To Yourself To Check Out These Home Improvement Tips!

Laura

Improving your home need not be a painful experience. Good planning and some flexibility will make improving your home much easier than you’d expect. If you want to learn how to make home improvements the right way, make sure you keep reading this article.

Use a sponge to help your drywall instead of sanding. Use the sponge instead of sandpaper. With practice, a wet sponge is just as effective in smoothing out the seams of a drywall job as is careful sanding. With the sponge, though, you’ll avoid getting all that drywall dust all over your house.

When planning your home improvements, it is important to pinpoint which room you want to start on. You do not have to work on the entire home at one time. You can work room by room until the house is what you want it to be. Look for sales and deals when you are deciding what you will be renovating. Long-term planning can help you achieve great home improvement results on a modest budget.

When you start a project, ensure you know the scope of the work involved. Get a notebook, and list everything that must be done. A second opinion may help you avoid making any mistakes during your first assessment. Picturing a clear idea of the whole job in your head before you start will make the work much faster and more affordable.

It is possible to just replace a lock’s cylinder, rather than the entire lock. The cylinder will keep the lock in place at all times. Changing out the cylinder of a lock is enough to preserve your security if you’ve lost the keys to the door. If you are replacing a lock for cosmetic purposes, you will need to replace the whole unit.

What do you use to clear out clogs? Cleaners can differ a great deal, and many of them are quite harsh. Do not use crystallized drain cleaners that will damage your pipes over the long run. Be sure to select drain cleaners that work well with the type of septic tank you have.

Brighten your kitchen by using new handles and knobs! Cabinet knobs quickly and easily add a fresh look. When you take off the old knobs you should clean the inside of your cabinets and also wipe the outside down. To finish the project, install the new knobs for an instant updated look.

Consider “age-in-place” improvements you can make. Age-in-place refers to a design philosophy that accounts for the inevitable aging of homeowners over the span of their ownership. Age-in-place renovations can increase the value and the comfort of your home.

If you are planning a major landscaping project, plan it so that the style and construction complement the rest of your home. A patio and garden that match your house’s style will be a coherent, integrated overall look, but when you clash styles, it may look unplanned and unattractive.

Completing your home improvement projects without trials and tribulations is a worthwhile aspiration! …