Category: Contractors

Tips to avoid home repair fraud »

Indicators of Home Repair Fraud
A salesperson, with no local connections, comes to your door and offers to do home repair work for substantially less than market price.
A salesperson coming to your door saying you need siding, storm windows, or other home improvement. The salesperson also wants you to sign a contract on the spot. The [...]

Frequently used building terms »

1. BOTTOM PLATE (or Sole Plate) - the horizontal member placed on the sub-flooring upon which the wall studs are fastened.
2. BRIDGING - wood or metal members that are installed usually in a diagonal position, between the floor joist for the purpose of bracing the joists against spreading and warping.
3. CEILING JOIST - a heavy [...]

Tips on contractor scams »

1. Today only discounts.
If a contractor ever tells you that the price is available for “today only”, it’s time to show him the door. Quite often they’ll provide you a story that by signing today you’re entitled to a “model home” or “advertising discount”.
The story enters around the need to use your home as a [...]

Hiring a contractor: renovation contract »

Your contract should outline exactly what work will be done in the renovation. It should include all drawings that can be done in advance of the project. It should also include a timetable for the project, with start and end dates. A payment schedule is crucial and should be based not on time spent on [...]

General tips on maintaining your house »

1. For return on investment, the best home renovation is to upgrade an old bathroom. Kitchens come in second. If the only reason for renovating a house is to increase the possible sale price, the best way is to go with renovations that research shows return more than the cost to renovate. Adding extensions and [...]

Tips to choose a contractor »

Contractors can help you with everything from installing a new home network, renovating the family room or building a brand new house - We think that these tips apply to anyone who is considering a hiring a contractor for building anything in your home. Some of these tips we learned the hard way and others [...]

Tips to renovate your house »

Top 4 tips you need to know before even thinking of renovating your home.
1. Do it now
If you’re looking to remodel this year, now is a good time. You may even be able to get your contractor on the phone… on the first try!
The remodeling market has slowed down and contractors may not be as [...]

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