Tips and Ideas Blog
Tips and Ideas for protecting, improving or restoring your home.
Restoring Lives, Rebuilding Futures with Unmatched Dedication
Navigating the dynamic landscape of restoring and enhancing lives, businesses, and communities, Contractor Connection stands out as a steadfast beacon of support and unwavering commitment. With a remarkable track record that spans over 25 years, this blog takes an in-depth look at the profound impact of our distinctive approach. By seamlessly combining careful contractor matching,… Read more »
Unlocking the Value of Temporary Housing: A Comprehensive Guide
Temporary housing is a critical, yet often underappreciated, facet of the insurance and property management industries. In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of temporary housing, explore its value proposition, and highlight the unique benefits it offers to insurance carriers, property management firms, temporary housing companies, and policyholders. Temporary Housing Temporary housing… Read more »
Seamless Collaboration: How Contractor Connection Partners with the Insurance Industry
In today’s ever-evolving insurance landscape, the importance of swift and efficient claim resolution cannot be overstated. Contractor Connection, drawing from over two decades of expertise as a managed repair resource for the insurance sector, has positioned itself as an integral solution for the seamless restoration of damages and recovery work. Let’s embark on a thorough… Read more »
Managed Repair Excellence: What Sets Contractor Connection Apart
In the world of managed repair and home improvement, finding reliable contractors can be a daunting task. Whether you’re planning a small renovation project or need emergency repairs, you want to ensure that the professionals you hire are not only skilled but also trustworthy. This is where the Contractor Connection Network steps in, offering a… Read more »
How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement?
The Bottom Line on The Cost to Finish a Basement. Understand and budget for the costs to finish your basement before you start If you have an unfinished basement, your home has untapped potential. The applications for this below-ground space are nearly bottomless, and it’s often large enough to add considerable square footage to your… Read more »
Your Garage Remodel: How to Make It a (Re)Model of Efficiency
Remodeling your garage can increase your home’s living space—and value Teenage rock bands and tech startups aside, the garage can be a rather uninspired space. Its potential, however, is unlimited. Whether you want to turn your garage into a new bedroom, den or rec room, your options are plentiful. To achieve a custom, finished look… Read more »
What To Do Before, During And After A Hurricane Or Tropical Storm
When a hurricane or tropical storm damages your home, the questions and uncertainty racing through your mind may be endless. What is the first thing you should do? Who is the first person you should call? How long will it take to get your life back to normal? Here are just a few tips on… Read more »
What to Know About the “Contract” in General Contracting
Having a clear, comprehensive contract with your general contractor is one of the most important aspects of a successful home remodeling or renovation project. It can make all the difference between a project you’ll be pleased with for years to come, or one that turns into an expensive headache. A contract protects you, your budget,… Read more »
5 Kitchen Remodeling Tips (or Myths)
Kitchen remodeling can be one of the most intimidating home remodeling projects, and many people live with outdated or inconvenient kitchens for years out of fear of the upheaval and expense of remodeling. It can be a big job, but with the right kitchen remodeling contractors, you can stick to your budget and schedule while… Read more »
5 Kitchen Remodel Ideas that Stand the Test of Time
When you’re in the market for kitchen remodeling ideas, the most important thing, aside from functionality, is that your investment stands the test of time. Every era seems to have its own kitchen dos and don’ts, many of which can’t survive a decade. That’s a tremendous waste of your budget, not to mention a disappointment…. Read more »
6 Reasons to Hire a Professional Contractor
Most homeowners think about renovations sooner or later. Unless you have good handle on home improvement, you’ll probably hire someone to do the work for you. That’s where things can get tricky. Who do you hire, and how do you know whether he’s reputable? A professional contractor is always the right choice, and for many… Read more »
6 Small Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
Small bathroom ideas sometimes get the wrong approach. Maybe the homeowner tries to incorporate everything that would normally work in a larger space, but the room ends up feeling cramped. Or maybe the opposite is true with sparse décor and under-scale fixtures, and it seems more suited for a child than an adult. The right… Read more »
Thought Leader Series: Home Modifications to Increase Safety for Seniors
Stephan Baldwin is the Director of Business Development for AssistedLivingCenter.com, a resource for senior care communities. If you had to choose between spending your senior years in a semi-private or private nursing home room or in your own home, would you hesitate to answer? Of course you wouldn’t. Everyone wants to live near their family… Read more »
Thought Leader Series: Adding a Wet Bar? Don’t Forget…
Travis Pizel is a personal finance blogger who writes at Enemy of Debt where he shares his family’s financial experiences, struggles and successes. As a father and husband, he provides a unique perspective on balancing debt, finances, and family. Many people dream of having a bar in their home for not only their own use,… Read more »
Thought Leader Series: Winter Weather is Upon Us; Be Prepared for Extreme Weather
Lorena Brockman is a blogger for JennsBlahBlahBlog.com and has notable know-how in bloggin, home design, and has been deemed “Greatest Auntie Ever” by many. To learn more about Lorena, visiter her company’s blog at JennsBlahBlahBlog.com. Winter is a beautiful time of year. There are celebrations, holidays, and sparkling snow. The downside of the season is… Read more »
When to Know if it’s Time for Siding Replacement
Your home protects you from the harsh elements of nature. Over time, your home’s exterior takes a real beating – especially if you have siding. Here’s how to determine when to replace siding: Signs of siding problems. Chances are you can tell when your siding doesn’t look as good as it once did. But even before… Read more »
How Kitchen Remodeling Budgets Go Over
A kitchen remodeling project is only exciting and fun until it starts to expand beyond the budgetary borders you’ve set. Going over budget occurs far too often, leaving homeowners in distress over how they’ll finish their projects while still managing to keep food on the table and pay the bills. On average, homeowners recoup only about 65% of… Read more »
Survival Tips After a Home Disaster
Disaster Survival Tips A home disaster can include fires or floods that strike suddenly, overwhelming unfortunate homeowners. If you’ve suffered a disaster that damaged your home, the first thing to do is determine whether it’s safe to stay in your home while repairs are taking place. Here’s what to consider when making that decision, and… Read more »
A Quick Guide To Planning A Home Addition
Before you buy materials or start swinging a hammer, make sure you have a plan in place for your new home addition. Consider working with a home addition contractor to make sure you’ve thought of everything. The following tips can help you pull together a plan for success. Think about why you’re adding a room…. Read more »
Home Fire Safety & Prevention Tips
Infographic: Fire Home Safety Tips & Facts The risk of a home fire rises during cooler weather, but it can be a threat year-round. From space heaters placed too close to flammable materials, to forgotten stove burners left on and unattended, there are a number of potential fire dangers in the average home. The good… Read more »
Wood Stove And Fireplace Safety Tips
If you want to feel cozy, nothing beats curling up in front of a fireplace or a wood-burning stove when temperatures outside drop. But as comforting as a warm fire makes us feel, there are some risks. Luckily, it only takes a few simple precautions to protect your family and home so that you can… Read more »
How To Hire A Home Restoration Contractor
The best contractors are highly sought after and it can be difficult to get on their schedules. That’s why, when you need a home restoration contractor for major repairs after a disaster, it’s tempting to just go with whomever you can get the fastest. Resist falling into that trap. Disasters and home repairs are stressful… Read more »
Water Damage Repair Tips & Facts Infographic
Water damage is one of the most common and costly types of damage a homeowner can experience. If you have water damage to your home, Contractor Connection has a nationwide network of professional contractors ready to help. Our contractors have experience in flood repair and remediation, including work involving insurance claims. To find a contractor… Read more »
8 Ways to Winterize Your House
As the days grow shorter, the air feels brisker, and the leaves begin to turn, residents of cold-weather climes start to think about the toll snow, ice and freezing temperatures can take on their houses. Now is the time to protect and winterize your home. Minimize the Impact of Winter and Improve your Home’s Energy… Read more »
Master Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
After a long day, the thought of retreating to the master bath has restorative powers. Creating a master bath oasis will not only improve your quality of life, it will add to your home’s resale value. To ensure you get the results you want, consider the following tips, then hire a professional bathroom remodeling contractor…. Read more »
Get The Facts About Mold Remediation
The word “mold” can strike fear in the heart of a homeowner. An undetected leak, water damage, lack of air circulation, high humidity – all of these things can lead to a problem with mold. Mold left untreated not only causes damage to your home; it can be a serious health hazard, so it’s important… Read more »
Storm Damage? Hire A Contractor You Can Trust
Natural disasters can bring out the best in people, neighborhoods and communities as they work together to repair and rebuild. Unfortunately, such disasters can also bring out the worst: Unscrupulous contractors who take advantage of storm victims’ urgent need for help. With the potential for millions of homes along the East Coast to have been… Read more »
What To Do About A Flooded Basement
Heavy rains, broken pipes, or failing water heaters or sump pumps are just a few of the circumstances that can lead to a flooded basement. Regardless of the cause, act fast to avoid long-term damage. There are some steps homeowners can take to help mitigate the effects of flooding, but if standing water is an… Read more »
Ideas For Pet-Friendly Remodeling
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, an estimated 36.5 percent of U.S. households include dogs, while 30.4 percent include cats. Why not include these important members of the family in your home remodeling plans? Consider your pets’ needs in relation to your own when incorporating remodeling for pets into your renovation plans. Here are… Read more »
Fire Damage Restoration Tips to Know Now
With record droughts plaguing parts of the United States, fire is becoming an all-too-common threat for homeowners. Should your home get caught in an out-of-control wildfire or fall victim to a more common kitchen or electrical fire, you’ll want to contact a house fire restoration expert and take your own action to remediate the damage…. Read more »
What is an FHA 203k Home Improvement Loan?
It’s a rare property that doesn’t need any improvements made upon purchase or before it can be sold, but some require extensive work, which can make it difficult to get a traditional bank loan. Did you know that there’s a special type of home loan designed especially for fixer-uppers? Called a Section 203(k) loan, it… Read more »
Tips For Carpet And Rug Cleaning
Remember the day your carpet was installed? It was so soft, fluffy, fresh-smelling, and oh-so pristine. Now fast-forward, and there’s that pink spot where red wine was spilled at book club, those dented circles where the sofa used to be, and the lingering aroma of dog. It may seem like a tough task, but you… Read more »
Six Tips For An Affordable Kitchen Remodel
If the phrase “kitchen remodel” was the prompt given while playing a word association game, no doubt many of us would respond with “expensive” or “cost-prohibitive.” It is, however, possible to create a beautiful, functional kitchen without breaking the bank. Here are six ways to keep your kitchen remodel affordable: Plan carefully. Developing a master… Read more »
Overwhelmed by House Renovation? Get Survival Tips!
It’s exciting to imagine the end result of a home remodeling project, envisioning a fabulous new bathroom, lovely new floors, or a gleaming, modern kitchen. Getting to the end, however, can take some patience, savvy and planning. Depending upon the project, you may have to deal with everything from workmen arriving at the break of… Read more »
Tips To Improve Home Energy Efficiency
A good way to save money on household expenses is to improve home energy efficiency. In some cases this will mean an initial investment, but in others, a bit of time and effort will pay dividends for years to come. Try these tips for increasing your home’s energy efficiency: Start with an energy audit: Check… Read more »
What To Know About Historic Home Restoration
Whether a Queen Anne Victorian, a Craftsman bungalow or a New England saltbox, historic homes need special care and attention. When you have a historic home, you are more than a homeowner; you are the guardian of the house. Your family will be leaving its imprint on the history of the home, so any alterations… Read more »
Fixing Up House to Sell with Home Remodeling
If your home is looking a bit dated or if it qualifies as a fixer-upper, expect it to take longer to sell and perhaps not fetch as much as a turn-key property. Tackling home remodeling projects can be off-putting to many busy people while others find it difficult to envision a home’s potential. For these… Read more »
Why Hire a Room Addition General Contractor Instead of DIY
A room addition can add value to your home, alleviate the need for an expensive move, and increase your enjoyment of your living quarters. It’s a big project, with many moving parts, so it’s not a good candidate for a DIY project. The time and work required to handle every aspect of the project can… Read more »
What To Do When You Have A Roof Leak
Summer often means lazy days, picnics, fireworks, cool dips in the lake … and roof leaks. When summer’s downpours and thunderstorms hint at roof problems, taking action immediately can prevent most costly repairs or replacement down the road. Here’s what you can do when you have a roof leak: Finding the roof leak – The… Read more »
Home Safety & Maintenance Tips to Prevent Home Disasters
“If only” … how many times have we prefaced our regrets with an “if only” statement? Many common home disasters fall under this category as they can easily be prevented through routine maintenance, inspection and upkeep. How to Protect Your Home with Home Safety Tips Follow this advice to keep those “if only” homeowner’s regrets… Read more »
Money-Saving Home Improvements
Spending money may actually save you money when you complete upgrades and projects that can help lower the costs of owning a home. These practical home improvements can pay for themselves over time by reducing the costs of energy and water, and even homeowners insurance. A sampling of money-saving home improvements include: Drought-resistant landscaping: With… Read more »
Infographic: Fire Damage Repair Tips and Facts
Share this Image On Your Site <!— Copy and Paste This Code Into Your Post –><br /><br /><br /><br /> <img src=”https://www.contractorconnection.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Fire-Damage-Prevention-Infographic.png” width=”540″></p><br /><br /><br /> <p>Fire Damage Repair Tips & Facts – An infographic by the team at <a href=”https://www.contractorconnection.com/Blog/Article/fire-damage-repair-tips-and-facts”>Contractor Connection</a></p><br /><br /><br /> <h2>Embed Fire Damage Repair Tips & Facts on Your Site:… Read more »
Top 5 Mistakes When Hiring A Contractor
For many people, building or remodeling a home is something they have to squeeze into their busy lives. From researching online for a few hurried minutes before bed, to making quick calls during a child’s soccer game, it can be difficult to find the time to find and interview contractors. When you’re pressed for time,… Read more »
How to Minimize Water Damage Repairs
Water damage to your home can happen suddenly from a flash flood or burst pipe, or slowly and almost imperceptibly, as with a hidden leak. Either way, taking quick action is the key to minimizing damage. It’s imperative to seek professional help as soon as you know about the problem to prevent even more serious… Read more »
Small Backyard, Patio, and Porch Ideas
High-density living often means going without a great deal of outdoor space. With some creativity, however, it is possible to carve out an exterior niche without major home remodeling. Adding to existing structures or making the most out of small outdoor spots you do have creates a way to connect with fresh air and sunshine…. Read more »
Tips For Remodeling A Fixer-Upper
Remodeling a fixer-upper looks fast and easy on the popular home improvement TV shows, but renovating a property in disrepair or in need of major updating is a significant undertaking. Buying and renovating a fixer-upper can, however, be a worthwhile project with some smart planning and preparation. Build your fixer-upper team. You may be impatient… Read more »
How to Choose Carpet Styles & Material
When you emerge from bed in the morning, do you want to sink your toes into luxurious softness? Then carpeting is for you! Besides its endearing softness, wall-to-wall carpeting provides insulation, sound-absorption, and slip resistance. When choosing carpeting from all of those samples on the showroom floor, hone in on material and style. Carpet Materials… Read more »
Types Of Flooring: What’s Old Is New Again
From cork to terrazzo to linoleum, once-popular types of flooring are making a comeback thanks to their eco-friendliness, durability and design appeal. Whether your home is new or vintage, these flooring options will set it apart. Cork – A material that’s been used for centuries, cork is now a green building staple. Cork is an… Read more »
Consider Accessible Design For Your Home Remodeling Project
“Baby Boomers,” members of the largest generation in U.S. history, who were born between 1946 and 1964, have begun to retire. As more of this generation ages, accessible design will become a key feature to consider when remodeling or building an addition or new home. Especially if you are thinking ahead to resell your home,… Read more »
Home Remodel Checklist: Start Your Project Right
Whether your home remodel project is simple or complex, making some basic decisions in the beginning will go a long way toward ensuring you’ll be happy with the results. Use this home remodel checklist as your starting point for your project. 1. Set the Home Remodel Schedule Do you have a can’t-miss deadline, such as… Read more »
9 Outdoor Living Space Ideas
With spring on its way, consider reinventing your outdoor space into one that encourages you to spend more time under the sun and stars. To create a comfortable, inviting area, you will need your plan to incorporate seating, a view, a shady spot for hot days, and privacy. You can decorate your exterior room much… Read more »
Spruce Up This Spring With Your Tax Refund
In recent years, the average tax refund has been in the neighborhood of $2,600. If you’re anticipating money back or already have your refund in hand, one way to put it to good use is on home repairs or improvements. Whether you want to stay within the amount of your refund or use it to… Read more »
Use Color Psychology When Choosing Paint
With thousands of options to choose from, choosing paint colors can be a daunting exercise. One way to narrow it down is to consider how you want to feel when you come home after a long day. Do you want to open your front door to a calming oasis or to a space that energizes… Read more »
Tips For Successful Home Staging
When preparing your home to go on the market, consider the four c’s for making your home look its best to potential buyers: Clutter Clean Cosmetic Curb appeal Many homeowners will be able to tackle the four c’s themselves, although there is professional help available to augment those efforts. Try these easy and inexpensive home staging… Read more »
Choosing Roofing Materials for Durability
When the rumble of distant thunder fills you with dread and a downpour has you scurrying for buckets to catch the leaks, then it’s inevitable: time for a new roof. How long that new roof keeps you feeling cozy and snug largely depends on the roofing material you choose. Durability is a significant factor when… Read more »
Kitchen Remodeling Myths
Kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Kitchen remodeling can be one of the most intimidating home renovation projects, and many people live with outdated or inconvenient kitchens for years to avoid the upheaval and expense of remodeling. It can be a big job, but with the right kitchen remodeling contractor, you can stick to… Read more »
6 Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas
Small-scale or large, bathroom remodeling can pay great dividends. A small bathroom is the perfect canvas for adding a fresh look to your home. You can use the size limitations to your advantage, choosing higher-priced materials since you have less wall and floor space to cover. Powder rooms offer even greater opportunities to experiment with… Read more »
Time For Bathroom Remodeling? Tips For Choosing Fixtures
You’re likely to be living with your choice of bathroom fixtures for many years, so take your time deciding if it’s time to plan for bathroom remodeling or a brand-new bathroom. As with most categories in home improvement materials and equipment, there are more options in bathroom fixtures than ever before. Depending upon your budget,… Read more »
Tips For Preventing Frozen Pipes
It can happen to anyone — just that one time you forget to protect your home’s plumbing system from freezing, and wake up to flooding in your home. Make sure you avoid the hassle and expense that frozen pipes can bring by using these tips: Keep water moving: Water that’s moving will freeze at a… Read more »
Top 6 Exterior House Painting Tips
Painting your home’s exterior is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to make a high-impact change to its appearance. If it’s been years since you’ve done any exterior painting, you may be surprised by the new choices in modern coatings and tools. Some things haven’t changed, however, such as taking the time to do… Read more »
6 Reason to Hire a Home Improvement Contractor
A qualified contractor can help protect your investment in your home. Most homeowners think about renovations sooner or later. Unless you have a good handle on home improvement, you’ll probably need to hire someone to do the work for you. Knowing where to start, however, can be a challenge. How do you find a home… Read more »
How to Find Local Contractors Near Me
One of the most satisfying — and most stressful — things a homeowner can take on is a large renovation project. The difference between a job that makes you glad and one that gives you nothing but headaches is finding the right contractor. All renovations come with some problems. That’s the nature of the work. But with a good,… Read more »
5 Kitchen Remodeling Ideas You’ll Love For Years
When you’re in the market for kitchen remodeling ideas, the most important thing, aside from functionality, is that your investment stands the test of time. Every era seems to have its own kitchen dos and don’ts, many of which can’t survive a decade. That’s a tremendous waste of your budget, not to mention a disappointment…. Read more »
Tips For Building An Outdoor Kitchen
If your home remodeling dream includes making the most of your outdoor living spaces, an outdoor kitchen can be a great place to start. Whether you build an extravagant kitchen that’s on par with your indoor kitchen or want more basic outdoor cooking capabilities, there are several aspects to consider as you’re planning. Site selection Where… Read more »
Tips for a Great Client Contractor Relationship
A contractor’s skills, experience and qualifications are the most important factors in the success of your home improvement project, but the relationship you have throughout the process matters as well. What factors count in a good relationship with your home improvement contractor? Great communication, a detailed contract and reasonable expectations are some of the keys…. Read more »
How to Find the Best Time of Year for Home Renovations
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 »
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.
Time For A New Roof? Here’s What You Need to Know
A new roof is an important and costly purchase. Not only does it have a large impact on your home’s appearance — it’s also one of the most critical factors in the integrity of your home’s structure. Before you begin calling roofing contractors, get up to speed on roofing costs, materials and installation.
How To Choose A Qualified Roofing Contractor
Before you make the significant investment in a new roof, know what to look for in a roofing contractor. There’s more to quality roofing than meets the eye, so don’t let low prices or advertising be the deciding factors when you’re ready to hire.
Keep Up on Your Roof Cleaning & Maintenance
Although a brand-new, properly installed roof is designed to last for decades, you can help make sure that yours does just that with regular inspections. Knowing which factors affect the performance of your roof and which minor maintenance tasks you can do yourself will go a long way toward keeping your new roof in great condition.
Tips For Organizing Your Newly Remodeled Kitchen
Congratulations — you’ve survived months of mess and made endless decisions, and now you’re the proud owner of a new kitchen! It’s time to finish the job right by setting up your kitchen to get the most out of its features and make your life easier. The following tips tell you how:
How to Plan for Your Kitchen Remodel Design Project
When it’s time to remodel your kitchen, just knowing where to begin may be your biggest challenge. Here are seven strategies that can make it manageable and ensure that you get the results you want.
Where Should You Splurge or Save on a Kitchen Remodel?
To determine how your budget will be allocated, start with a clear idea of what matters most to you. If you have a large family, for instance, storage space may be at the top of your list. If you look forward to spending hours in the kitchen cooking up four-course gourmet meals, a professional six-burner range may be your starting point. Prioritizing what’s most important before you start your kitchen remodeling can help you (and your kitchen remodeling contractor) arrive at a plan that works for your wallet and for the way you really live.
Home Remodeling & Renovation Ideas
With real estate market conditions still sluggish in many areas of the country, homeowners who otherwise might sell their homes are choosing to invest in home remodeling instead. Home renovations offer the immediate benefit of having a more comfortable or functional home for yourself and your family, as well as the longer-term benefit of adding resale value.
Tips For Planning Your Home Remodeling Project
Planning for your home remodeling project may be the task that’s most important to an outcome you’ll be pleased with. Working without a plan is likely to result in spending much more time and money that you expected, and ending up with a space that doesn’t align with your initial vision. Experienced DIYers and professional home remodeling contractors have at least one thing in common: They don’t lift a hammer without a well thought-out plan in place.
How Home Renovations Can Increase Your Homeowners Insurance
Home remodeling involves a long list of tasks, from drawing up plans to choosing a home renovation contractor. One important task, however, is easy to overlook: Making sure that the insurance on your home is updated along with your home. If you didn’t include your insurance agent in the planning phase, talk to them as early in the process as possible.
When to Hire a General Contractor
If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person, you may not think that a residential general contractor can add any value to your projects. For some types of projects, that’s certainly true, but for others, a good contractor is indispensable.
What To Ask When Hiring A General Contractor
If you’re thinking of hiring a general contractor, knowing which questions to ask can make the difference between a job that’s well done, on time and on budget, and one that’s an ongoing source of conflict and stress. To help ensure you’re making the best choice, ask each of your potential contractors these questions:
Your General Contractor Is Done — Now What?
So you’ve just used a general contractor for a home remodeling or room addition project and now the work is done. You have your furniture back in place, the dust swept away, and you’re enjoying your home’s new look or new space.
How To Choose Flooring
So many factors go into selecting the right type of flooring, from durability and budget to where it’s located in your home. Plus, it’s a choice you’ll likely have to live with for a long time. Before you hire a flooring contractor, assess your needs and get familiar with what’s available on today’s market.
How to Find (and Hire) the Right Flooring Contractor
Hiring the right flooring installer is as important as choosing the right flooring material. The quality of installation plays a great role in how well your flooring looks and how it performs over time. Selecting a highly qualified flooring contractor is the first step to ensuring long-term satisfaction with your new floors.
Floor Cleaner & Maintenance Tips for Your New Flooring
Get the most of the investment you made in having a flooring contractor install brand-new floors with regular care and maintenance. Here are several tips to help you keep the type of flooring you have looking good for years to come:
Tips For Planning Your Bathroom Remodeling Project
There’s much more to planning a new bathroom than just choosing tile and fixtures. With its very frequent use, the choices you make in the planning stages will have a great impact on how well your new room meets your needs, and for how long.
Bathroom Remodeling
Bathrooms may be the smallest rooms in the house, but they can have the greatest impact on daily living. Not only are they likely to be the most-used space in your house, the quality of their construction can have an effect on the integrity of your home. Done right, your new bathroom will function as well and look great; done wrong, it could be a source of headaches for a long while. Because poorly constructed bathrooms can lead to water intrusion, damage and mold, it’s important to have a top-quality contractor do the job.
Tips For Hiring A Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
Bathrooms may be the smallest rooms in the house, but they can have the greatest impact on daily living. Not only are they likely to be the most-used space in your house, the quality of their construction can have an effect on the integrity of your home. Done right, your new bathroom will function as well and look great; done wrong, it could be a source of headaches for a long while. Because poorly constructed bathrooms can lead to water intrusion, damage and mold, it’s important to have a top-quality contractor do the job.
Basement Remodeling: What To Know Before You Begin
Your unfinished basement may be filled with storage boxes or completely empty, but either way, it’s packed with potential. If you’re thinking about finishing your basement space, there are several things to take into consideration before you hire a basement remodeling contractor.
Choose the Right Basement Flooring, Wall and Ceiling Materials
A basement has an environment unlike any other room in your house. Below-grade spaces come with some challenges (mostly water-related), but with a basic understanding of the types of materials that are appropriate for basements, you can minimize some of the problems that dampness there can cause. Here’s what you need to know before you call a basement remodeling contractor for your project.
Basement Remodeling Ideas
If you’ve had your basement remodeling contractor finish your basement with new walls and flooring with no particular use in mind, here are some ideas for making your remodeled basement one of the most useful spaces in your home.
What is Aging in Place and Universal Design?
Making homes more accessible to people with physical challenges and those who wish to remain in their homes as they age is much more than a trend. For many, it’s a necessity, and aging-in-place contractors and universal design contractors are responding to the need.
Five Tips For Universal Design
Universal design features or aging in place modifications make a home easier and safer to live in for everyone, regardless of age or mobility. The number of contractors, architects and interior designers offering universal design services is on the rise to keep up with the growing demand to modify existing homes or build new ones that accommodate a range of needs.
Tips For Living In A Multigenerational Household
From adult children moving back in to sharing a home with grandparents, households with multiple generations is on the rise. The high cost of housing, a sluggish job market and older adults’ desire to stay out of senior communities or assisted living facilities has increased the focus on how people of all ages and varying abilities can live well together. Many have even invested in modifications to their homes with the help of aging in place contractors.
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