When Do I Sign the Contract? - Remodeling Tips For Homeowners and Contractors

Okay you've finally found a good contractor and now it's time to sign the contract, but how do you know for sure that you have a good contract. You're not really going to know for sure, until the entire project is completed, but there are a few things that we can do to prevent some problems in the future.

A good contract will have enough information in it the project, scope of work to be provided by the contractor and legal contract clauses. Let's start with the project and the scope of work to be provided by the contractor. This will be a detailed written description of every thing that the contractor is going to do to your construction project or house.

If you're remodeling your bathroom, the construction contract should have model numbers and a good description for your bathtub, toilets, tile, flooring, fixtures and even the paint that you're going to use for your ceilings and walls. Once you have this and you're happy with it, we can focus on the clauses in the contract. Do they make sense to you and do you understand everything that's written in the contract?

If you don't understand something or disagree with something in the contract, explain your situation to the contractor and try to have the construction claws removed. A contract is an agreement between two people, not an agreement between one person who's planning on taking advantage of another person.

A good contract has enough information in it to make both parties happy. If you're not happy with your construction contract, make the necessary changes or find another contractor who's willing to work with you.

Dog Creates Remodeling Nightmare

How many homeowners normally leave their dog in the backyard or they have full time access to the backyard through a doggie door. You're probably wondering how can a little dog create a remodeling nightmare for any contractor.

This wasn't the case this dog was a large Labrador retriever and tore up everything in the backyard constantly. The house remodel we were working on was a two story room addition over a single story house. This job lasted around six months and the dog was a daily reminder of how much attention a large dog actually needs.

Let's start with the first item of value the dog actually destroyed. It was my favorite tool bags of course that I have taken care of for over five years and deeply appreciated the fact that they were broke in just the way I wanted them to be. Kind of like a baseball mitt that doesn't quite fit right because of how stiff it is until you break it in.

While the homeowner of course apologized and never even offered to replace them. Oh but after that he did mention never to leave anything lying around in the backyard. Lesson learned of course and never forgotten. Well to make a long story short this large dog could chew up tools, lumber, plumbing pipes, electrical wire and was even able to destroyed the plywood fencing we would use to keep him away.

I'm going to stop right there with the remodeling nightmare created from this dog in hopes that other contractors can learn from my valuable lesson. As a contractor you should never assume that a homeowner will replace any damaged or broken tools and materials.

As a homeowner with a dog reading this article, think about having a place to enclose the dog if necessary while remodeling work is done on your home.

I love being around dogs and other animals but sometimes a problem like this can make life extremely miserable for both parties.

Know the Advantage That You Can Get From the Under Sink Water Filter

Today, under sink water filters are very significant to be established at home and it is necessary to preserve the purity of tap water. This will make more appliances in advance will be improved when it comes to cleaning, maintenance, and prevent diseases caused by dirty side of the family home. The underneath sink water filter is used wildly today that in recent years to adopt filtration systems that eats up space in your kitchen sink. This system is easy to install, that every members of the families can do it just for their own. Technologies has passed all the water bodies every day, and year, I know that water has been improved so that it replaces the water filters commonly used to ensure the efficacy of filters in the house.

But before you consider having this device is then said to you that products are NSF certified filter very useful and ensures that you have your water clean and undamaged. If this is not an NSF certified, you are not sure because it can allow contaminants exceed your filtration system that would be very risky for you. Water filters are divided into two uses entry point and the point of use and it is very important to the improvement and maintenance of smell and taste of water. Filters cooking class point of use means they only serve to filter a particular area or spot to the kitchen. It uses carbon filters, which are accountable for captivating and filtering out impurity.

These kinds of water filters can also have membranes that were semi permeable and are more effective filtering materials. This can easily remove arsenic, nitrates and any contaminants present in water. Category entrance to the site, allows you to filter the entire field of water supply in the household. It is usually installed outdoors or in the basement of the house. It is used to remove impurities and contaminants such as rust, small objects that are visible on the eyes and dirt. But the point of use is also necessary to be sure to filter the water from the house. There are many shops and online sites, it focuses on the sale of water filters that are relevant to the maintenance of the household supply of water on its cleanliness and this is to prevent families on dangerous objects. Just make sure you look for a product that is appropriate and reliable for you.

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Positive Home Improvements

Positive home improvements! Does that insinuate that there are also negative home improvements? Yes, it does. So, it is usually a good idea to develop a carefully thought out detailed plan before starting any modernizing project for your home. Older homes, especially, are probably in need of some kind of a facelift. Improving or remodeling the essential parts of any home, like the roof, windows, the kitchen and the bathroom, will be beneficial to everyone.

The roof, undoubtedly, should be your first priority; if the roof leaks everyone in the home is miserable. Cold, drafty windows are a close second. Shivering people have a tendency to be irritable. Replacing any old drafty windows with the new energy efficient ones is always a positive way to entice someone to buy your house instead of the one across the street.

Depending on the remaining budget, the kitchen should be next in line. It is the most used room in the home; thus it demands the most thoughtful attention. Installing cabinets that contain all of the new pull out and lift up shelves, the deep pots and pans drawers, and the very new revolving pantry style storage shelves will definitely impart a "wow" factor. A new easy to clean floor; along with a fresh coat of paint will complete the picture. Beautiful kitchens have been known to tip the scales in favor of the seller many times.

The bathroom should be next on the agenda. Depending on the condition of the existing fixtures, there are a number of things to choose from. A new easy to clean floor should probably be first on the list. A raised toilet, or commode, is always a welcomed sight.

These improvements should not only help you sell your home, they should also aid you in getting a better price for it.

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The High Cost of Doing the Perfect Basement Remodel

Turning your basement into a showplace that you can use for entertaining will most likely be a big job, especially if there have never been any previous renovations done in your basement. There are many precautions you want to take prior to starting any basement remodel, and if you want to use high-end flooring, furnishings, and accessories like you have on the upper floors of your home, you have to expect to pay a good price for them. The good news is that with enough time, effort, and money, you can turn your old basement into extra floor space that's even nicer than what you have in the rest of your home.

To start with, you need to take a good look at your existing basement. What kind of shape is it in? Are there cracks in the foundation, water seepage, uneven floors or walls? All of these structural issues will need to be addressed before you can start adding sheetrock and carpeting or finishing the space in any other way. You also need to look at plumbing, wiring, and duct work to see if any of it needs to be altered before you can go ahead with your project. If you can do some of the work yourself, you'll be able to keep costs lower. If not, you will need to pay a contractor to take care of any problems you have.

Sometimes the hardest part, however, is picturing how you want the new space laid out. You will probably want to reserve space for a full bathroom and possibly extra sleeping space for guests or a teen's room. Do you want a wet bar? If so, you need to plan a layout that will include one in an easily-accessible spot. Of course, every addition you make is going to make your basement remodel cost more, but if the perfect end result is what you're after, then you want to make sure and include everything you will need. It will be easier to add things now than having to remodel around them again later.

Maybe you've seen pictures online that show just how gorgeous your basement space can be. It's difficult to tell from many of the photos that these rooms are actually in basements, because they look just like the rooms upstairs. This perfection is all in the planning as well as the amount you're willing to pay for the perfect basement remodel.

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Remodel Classifieds Can Help You Get the Job Done

If you are really into the 'do it yourself' phenomenon, there are many remodel classifieds to help you save money, design the project, manage the budget, and give you exactly what you're looking for.

Remodeling can conjure up pictures of a complete demolition of the interior of your home, to repainting your half bath off the kitchen. No matter what your goal or your budget, there are plenty of classified ads out there to choose from when it comes to asking for and finding qualified help.

If you see ads that simply say 'remodeling', you should at least click the link or call the number to ask what type of remodeling they do. They may specialize in commercial projects or they might limit their jobs to decks and patios, but either way, find out what they remodel before you get your hopes up.

The term 'remodel' usually brings larger projects to mind, however. If you are simply looking for someone to hang some wallpaper or paint the kitchen, you may need to look in another section of the classifieds.

For real remodeling projects, these would include major changes in kitchens, bathrooms, lighting, or exterior work that would include adding an addition, tearing up grass and putting down brick or tile, redoing a driveway, or even putting on a garage.

In most states, any contractor is required to put his license number in any ad he places. If your state does require this, you should check your state's website to make sure this license does indeed belong to the company you are talking to. Too many companies use false numbers or they use someone else's license numbers. If anything ever happens and you're dealing with a less than reputable company, you don't have much recourse if they don't have a license.

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Remodeling For Better Value - Living Rooms

The main living area is the central core space in your home. It is both public and private - a space that you share with family members and with guests. From the main living room, one should be able to connect easily with dining areas, kitchen, and hallways to bedrooms. The living area should be given top priority in the hierarchy of rooms. Often it is not.

Sometimes the front door opens right into the living room, and the passage deeper into the house cuts right through it. Please! Before you go a step further, stop to imagine how you will furnish and enjoy sitting in a room like this. If you home has this layout, consider some serious surgery to correct this problem. Never allow walkways to cross through the middle of living areas. This creates a division within the space which no amount of furniture placement will help. If you have this floor plan, face up to it, and make the necessary changes before moving on.  

Most buyers today prefer two or more living areas. These may include a main living room, plus a family room or den, a study, and a game room. Keep in mind that the trend today is to avoid wasted space. Rooms that are used primarily for display have very little real use and value. Consider converting an unused formal living room to a study. Sometimes a wall can be opened up to bring a seldom used room into a real relationship with the house. This is much cheaper than adding on more space. Remodeling tip: Make better use of the space that you have.    

The "greatroom" is a popular layout that combines the living-dining-kitchen space. This open style is efficient in its use of space, combining multiple uses. The house seems bigger than it would if divided into small rooms. People are able to work in the kitchen and talk with family members or guests in the living area. If you can open a kitchen wall to allow a connection between spaces, you will be making a change that most buyers prefer. 

If budget allows, a gameroom is a space that serves a multitude of functions. It is a more private living area that is often used for TV watching, computers, pool table, or children's toys. It is often an upstairs common area that connects to bedrooms. Special media rooms are sometimes added, although the trend today away from little used spaces.  

You cannot talk about living areas without considering the flow through rooms. A natural and logical flow will guide people from the front door into the heart of the home - the main living area. The pathway should not wind through the middle of rooms, or make you skirt around furniture. Visitors should not be confused as to where to go. A logical floor plan is crucial to making visitors feel welcome and comfortable in your home. A great living area draws people into it in a natural way, and provides a center for common activities. Remodeling decisions that place great value on this space add value to the home

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Easy Home Bar Plans - Home Bar Hideout

This is a sample of one of our customer's home bar projects. The "Honeycomb Hideout" bar was built using plans and design ideas found on www.barplan.com. This amazing home bar project includes a HUGE 300 gallon fish tank bar back.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJd3bO1Od8c&hl=en

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Your Handyman Home Repairs Solved Online

It is very easy to find a company offering handyman home repairs today, and it is a far easier process than in the past. Previously, there were limited options and you essentially were stuck with whatever business was closest to you. Now there are a number of businesses in each major urban area that are within a customer's reach. To find these businesses there are many websites that will help point you in the right direction. You can find repair and home improvement services close to you and get an idea about the level of service and cost that you can expect.

Finding a business for your house repairs usually starts with location. At these types of websites you are usually prompted to put in your zip code or some other location identifier. Once this information is typed into a search box or selected from a list of available options, you will be able to narrow your search to the businesses in your area. Often these websites are able to search throughout the United States and so you'll need to focus your search right away to find a handyman home services business that is nearby.

Once you've found a number of businesses that are nearby, the next step is to focus on the type of handyman home repairs that you currently need. Most house repair services will have a specific area of expertise such as plumbing, painting, remodeling, or electrical wiring. If you are remodeling a bathroom for example, you'd want a company that has an expert plumber. What you need can either be discussed on the phone or even through email and you can be assured that your needs will be met by the worker who is eventually sent to your home.

Usually, your search for a handyman for hire for house repairs comes to an end with the name of a business and their contact details. This gives you the chance to call the business that should be the best choice for you. In some cases, the information that you have typed into the website can be sent on to the company that is selected, so they have a record of what you need and a pro handyman can be sent out right away.

Getting quality, handyman home repairs at a fair price is what everyone is hoping for, and searching through websites can be a great tool. If you are already getting a reliable handyman service from one company, then by all means stick with them. But if you are new to the area or have never really dealt with house repairs before, then utilizing the internet is the best way to start your search.

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Home Remodeling Tips - Getting Started

Home remodeling is a quite regular event that the home owners undertake. This is true for I know that all of us wanted our homes to look nicer and happy to live. So for those who are thinking for home remodeling, here some tips to help you in your home remodeling.

Home Design

At first many people think on what way will their home look nicer and what's the possible design that will fit for the natural aura of the place. The concept of design for home remodeling in this sense comes in. So for the design for home remodeling you should decide if you want to hire an architect, an interior designer, and other home remodeling masters to create your home remodeling ideas. It is necessary to consider for the design for home remodeling that you can afford and you really feel comfortable. A certain understanding with the home remodeling contractor is very important for a solid work. And make a decision for a certain budget for your home remodeling and stick with it.

Implementation

In this step for your home remodeling, you must plan and analysis your home remodeling design with your contractor for any ideas that will help you in your home remodeling whether about the flow or about the costs. And then choose materials and products for your home remodeling project. If possible try to choose first those materials for your home remodeling project that is needed first and those that need enough time. The time for the home remodeling contractor to come up with a detailed construction schedule and procedures and to get some construction crews must also be given attention.

Consultation

It is important that in every home remodeling project, there should be a consultation between the home owner, the home remodeling contractor and his job site supervisor, the architect or designer, any other construction members who will be working with your home remodeling project. In this case, you must take note some of the important matters involved in your home remodeling project and send memos for any possible changes from the original plan. It is important that you set ground rules for your home remodeling project between you and your home remodeling contractor or the job-site supervisor, and if possible try to think for a communication plan that will definitely take place between you and your home remodeling contractor and the other important persons under your home remodeling project. The common noted primary contact person is the job-site supervisor. If you are really serious with your home remodeling project, then you should pay attention to every details or comments or questions regarding your home remodeling project.

Finally, the tips for setting up some things in your home remodeling project must also be considered. Take away the personal things from the working area and if possible you try to put up a temporary mini kitchen in another part of the house. And for your home remodeling, try to set up some trash bins, portable toilet, and construction fence for better movement. And make room for large belongings which are delivered at this point.

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Basement Finishing - Using A Stud Wall

Basement finishing sometimes requires putting up a stud wall. Tailing up the studs that will form the structural support for the new walls of your remodeling job is a highly satisfactory task. It will be accomplished quickly.

The next task when basement finishing with a stud wall is to measure along an existing wall to the point where the new partition will connect. Drive a nail into the floor at this spot. Tie one end of a chalk line onto the nail. What's a chalk line? It's a length of tough builder's twine that's been rubbed across a big lump of carpenter's chalk. If you want to get fancy, you can buy the same deal on a little reel affair that is filled with chalk dust. In either form the gadget is a very handy marking device.

Reel off enough chalk line to take you out to the end of your new partition wall. At this point, you really need an assistant to hold the line taut; sometimes basement finishing requires more than two hands. Place a large carpenter's square so that one leg lines up with the old wall and the corner of the square rests up against the nail that you've just driven into the floor. Jockey your line back and forth until it is aligned perfectly with the other leg of the square. Stretch it taut, pull it up at the center and let it snap down to make a neat chalk line along the floor.

The next step in your basement finishing is to place a 2x4 flat side down on the floor and line it up carefully with the chalk stripe. This hunk of wood is called a shoe and it forms the base of your new partition wall. Fasten the wood using 16-penny nails spaced about 16 in. apart. It's a good idea to stagger them slightly in a wavy line so you don't split the timber. That's a handy tip to remember when doing other basement finishing tasks such as with the ceiling and so on.

Naturally, if you're fastening to a concrete floor, the procedure gets a little more complicated. Incidentally, don't bother cutting the shoe to allow for a door opening. Just continue right across, but don't nail at this point. Later, when you've framed in the opening for the door (and have tripped over the lumber three or four times), you can saw out the excess wood. Hopefully, there won't be too much excess if you are doing your basement finishing on a tight budget.

Next, carefully measure the distance between the top of the shoe and the ceiling. Cut a straight 2x4 to this exact length and nail to the wall where the new partition meets the existing wall. Be sure to place a level alongside the wood and jockey it back and forth until you get it absolutely straight up and down before tacking it into place. If you do your basement finishing with precision you'll get a much more satisfactory result.

Measure for the 2x4 that will form the top support of the new wall and cut it to size. This piece is called a plate. Get a friend to hang onto one end of the plate while you nail the other end to the ceiling right next to the old wall. Line it up carefully with the upright stud that you've already fastened in place. At this point the plate is only fastened at one end and it can pivot back and forth on this nail. If your friend weren't holding the other end, it would probably fall down on your head and basement finishing isn't quite as fun when you've got a bruise to worry about.

Select a nice straight 2x4. It should be long enough to reach from floor to ceiling minus about 1 in. Sight along the side of the timber to make sure that it's straight because this piece of wood is a measuring stick of sorts. Here's how to use it for your basement finishing task.

Rest the bottom end of your measuring stick against the side of the shoe. Hold it in place with your foot. The top edge of this timber rests against the side of the plate and you hold it there with your hand. With your other hand, hold a level flat against the side of the measuring stick.

Jockey the whole works back and forth until the bubble in the level is centered, then nail the loose end of the plate to the ceiling. If you've been lucky enough to locate an absolutely straight stud as a measuring stick, mark it carefully and put it aside so that you can use it for the same job later on. That'll make your basement finishing easier.

You should end up with a satisfactory stud wall.

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