Many people plan to have home remodeling work done at those times of year when it’s easier to be out of the house or while school and work schedules are less hectic, such as spring or summer. Good weather means that dinners can be cooked on the grill while the kitchen is being redone or… Read more »
Author: Contractor Connection
Remodeling For The Future: Aging In Place
Whether your retirement years are just around the corner or far in the future — or if you expect older family members to join your household someday — the home remodeling plans you make now should include accommodations for aging in place. If your plans involve extensive changes, think about consulting with general contractors and… Read more »
Tips For Remodeling Your Attic Space
Looking for a smart way to gain more living space in your home? Remodeling your attic can add comfort and convenience without going to the expense of adding square footage your home. Your plans for an attic conversion must take into consideration your objectives for your space and your budget, of course, but with potential… Read more »
Laundry Rooms Trends: Move Up in Home Remodeling Plans
Laundry rooms are no longer an afterthought, having come a long way since they were tucked away in dark basement corners or unfinished spaces. From home improvement sites to remodeling forums, laundry rooms are being discussed as far more than just functional necessities. They’re becoming attractive spaces that make doing the laundry more pleasant and… Read more »
What to Think About for New Home Windows
Your choice of windows not only has a great impact on the look of your home — it also can affect your comfort and even your household budget. If your windows are drafty or no longer protect your home from the elements as well as they should, include new windows in your home remodeling plan:… Read more »
Tips For Green Home Remodeling
Using eco-friendly or green materials and methods in home remodeling is growing in popularity. While it may not be feasible to create a completely green home when you’re remodeling rather than building new, there are many ways to make your plans more earth-friendly. Choose environmentally friendly materials. Research products that are certified as having a… Read more »
Lighten Up! The Benefits of Installing Skylights
If your home remodeling wish list includes bringing more light into your home, installing skylights may be the answer. Using skylights or solar tubes to increase natural light can bring the outdoors in and improve your sense of well being, even in the long days of winter. Unlike traditional windows, installing skylights help let in… Read more »
Tips For Better Closet Design
From professionally customized storage systems to do-it-yourself options, improving your closet space can be key for an easier, more organized lifestyle, whether you’re planning to hire a remodeling contractor or simply upgrading your storage space. But what kind of improvements do you want to make? With so many choices spanning a wide variety of budget… Read more »
How To Recognize Home Improvement Scams
With the housing market showing recovery, home improvement scams are on the rise. Because construction work can be expensive, there’s often a lot at stake for a homeowner seeking the help of a contractor. Home improvement fraud can take many forms and it can be difficult to determine whether a contractor is an ethical professional…. Read more »
What To Know About Load-Bearing Walls
Load-bearing walls have a very important job to do: bear the load of anything above them. They transfer the weight of the house to the foundation and down into the earth. While you can make changes to a load-bearing wall, it’s not a task that should be done without prior planning. Load-bearing walls support the… Read more »
Preparing For Natural Disasters: Floods, Hurricanes, Tornadoes And Earthquakes
Disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes can occur in almost any area of the country, so it’s a good idea to prepare for them. Organize your home to minimize damage, create emergency plans and make sure you have emergency supplies. You should also plan what you would do in case of a natural… Read more »
Why And How To Hire A 203(k) Approved Contractor
If you have the skills — and your lender’s approval — you could do the repair or renovation work yourself on a property that qualifies for a Section 203(k) loan from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). And, if you’d also like to be your own general contractor, you’ll need to be licensed to do the… Read more »
The Benefits Of FHA Section 203(k) Loans
Older homes, fixer-uppers or foreclosed, neglected houses aren’t at the top of the list for buyers looking for move-in ready homes. Others, however, see these properties as great opportunities and are using the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) Section 203(k) loan to purchase houses in need of rehabilitation. These loans differ from traditional mortgages in that… Read more »
What You Need To Know About FHA Section 203(k) Loans
If you’ve found a house in need of extensive rehabilitation to make it habitable but can’t obtain a traditional mortgage loan, you may be able to get a Section 203(k) rehab loan from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The loan program was created for those who want to repair a home in order to make… Read more »
Types of Siding: Pros and Cons
New siding is one of the best ways to give your home a facelift and add value, but which type is right for you? Before you hire a siding contractor, get familiar with some of the differences between types of siding, and the pros and cons of each.
Siding Contractor Hiring Guide
Considering the impact that new siding will have on your home’s appearance, your choice of siding contractor may be the most important step of your project. It takes time to determine which siding professional has the skill and experience to install the particular type of siding you want, but it’s worth it to know that your job will be done right.
Tips For Maintaining Your New Siding
Protect the investment you’ve made in your brand-new siding by performing regular maintenance. Proper care will extend the life of your siding and keep it looking new. Regular maintenance is also key to ensuring that your siding is performing well at insulating your home and keeping moisture out.
Tips for New Room Additions
Building a room addition is usually a large investment of both money and time. Before you hire a room addition contractor or start your own DIY room addition project, consider the following tips for planning your new room.
Hidden Home Addition Costs to Know About Before You Start
Some costs of a room addition are easy to identify: You know there will be fees for permits, the price of labor and material, and charges for change orders. But there are other expenses to factor in to the total cost of your new room. Here’s a list of the most common costs that may have an impact on your budget:
Your New Room Addition Is Built — What’s Next?
When your room addition contractor’s crews have left and you’re ready to move everything into your new living space, make sure the project is truly complete. Here are a few items to follow up on that will help ensure your room addition comes to a proper conclusion.
