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Are there ways to save money when using a contractor?

Chances are you will have to pay the going rate for contractors in your area. Architects or designers will typically cost 12 to 20 percent more.
But remember you will want a home improvement that is done right the first time. That said, there are still ways you can save if you do decide to work […]

What guidelines should I use to find a contractor?

Use caution. Your home is your most valuable financial asset. You will want someone who completes the job, not botch it up. It is important that you find a competent and reliable contractor who will successfully complete your home improvement project.
Here’s what you can do:
Avoid the Yellow Pages. Check with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers […]

Are there different types of contractors?

Home improvement professionals vary. Who you hire also will depend largely on the size and complexity of your project. What follows is a brief description of the different contractors who do work for homeowners:
General contractors - they manage all facets of the project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, obtaining building permits, scheduling inspections, and working […]

Should I always get a permit before making home improvements?

To save both time and money, some people avoid getting building permits. But most cities require them. Besides ensuring safety during construction - housing inspectors sometimes stop by to check on the progress of projects at key points - they are also a source of revenue.
Cities charge a fee when a building permit is issued. […]

Is there such a thing as “over improving”?

Yes. The last thing you want to do when undertaking a home improvement is go overboard. This means fixing up the home to the point where it becomes worth far more than nearby neighborhood properties.
Down the road, when you may want to sell, potential homebuyers will be reluctant to pay, say, $200,000 for your home […]

Are there ways to save money when adding new space to my home?

The direction in which you build can make all the difference. Experts say building up is normally less expensive than building out on the ground level. Adding an expensive wing or addition requires a new foundation. It is less costly to extend plumbing and other mechanical systems upward, as opposed to installing new ones. So […]

What about other home improvements, are they deductible?

Yes, but only after you have sold your home. According to the IRS, home improvements add to the basis, or value, of your home. A tax-acceptable improvement is defined as one that adds value to your home, “considerably” prolongs your home’s useful life, or adapts your house to new uses. Examples include installing new plumbing […]

Are window replacements tax deductible?

Yes, at least for a limited time. Congress made it a little easier to upgrade your windows while reducing your taxes. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 offers consumers a tax credit for replacing old appliances and home products with energy efficient models. The tax credit is up to $200 with the purchase of qualified […]

How can I make energy efficient improvements to my home?

Begin by focusing on those small cracks and crevices around doors and windows. According to Lowe’s, a 1/8″ space between a standard exterior door and its threshold is equivalent to a two square inch hole in the wall. Close those gaps to save up to 15% in heating and cooling costs and also reduce the […]

How much can I expect to spend on maintenance?

One percent of the purchase price of your home every year to cover everything from painting to repairing gutters to caulking windows and maintaining routine system repairs and maintenance. An older home may require more maintenance, although much will depend on how well it has been maintained over the years. Take the upkeep seriously, and […]

Are there routine steps I can take now to avoid major home improvements later?

Get in the habit of taking an annual inventory of every single space in your home to check for potential problems. Examine the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical wiring - basically everything. Try to fix trouble spots as soon as you uncover them. This proactive approach will help you avoid major repairs to your home later.

How do I get help for remodeling following a natural disaster?

The Small Business Administration (SBA) not only assists businesses after a natural disaster, civil disturbance, fires and other catastrophes, it also provides disaster loans to individuals - including homeowners and renters. The loans, which cover uninsured or underinsured losses - are issued after the President or SBA Administrator signs a disaster declaration. Homeowners can then […]

Does the government offer assistance with home improvements?

Yes. Two very popular programs offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) include the Title 1 Home Improvement Loan and the Section 203(k) Program. In the first program, HUD insures the loan up to $25,000 for a single-family house to cover alterations, repairs, and site improvements. The latter program, which also insures […]

How can I finance a remodeling project?

There are many ways to finance a remodeling project. If you have equity in your home, a good credit rating, and steady income, you can refinance your mortgage and borrow a percentage of the equity to cover remodeling costs. Refinancing is a good option if you can get a mortgage interest rate at least two […]

My budget won’t allow for expensive add-ons; is there another way to find and make space?

That space may be as close as the next room, particularly if there is unused or under utilized areas in your home. A garage, attic, side porch, large closet, or basement can all be converted to fit the use you have in mind. Or, maybe, a small area can be carved from a larger area […]

What should elderly homeowners consider when deciding to remodel?

According to the AARP, older homeowners prefer to age in place, meaning they want to live in their homes safely, independently and comfortably, despite age or ability level. To do so, many require a few modifications in the home to enhance maneuverability, including the installation of a private elevator and the addition of a bathroom […]

What is Universal Design and how does it relate to remodeling?

Universal design is an approach to design that focuses on making all products and environments as usable as possible by as many people as possible regardless of age, physical ability, or situation. In recent years, the housing industry has recognized the importance of a “universal” approach to residential design that modifies standard building elements to […]

What should I consider when remodeling the bathroom?

Don’t jump too quickly to discard reusable fixtures. If your tub is in relatively good shape, consider having it re-glazed instead of replaced, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. As for the walls around the tub, cultured marble sheets are cheaper to install than marble tiles and also easier to clean. Fiberglass […]

What should I consider when redoing my kitchen?

It is tempting to discard existing appliances when you build new cabinets around them. Rethink the idea. If the appliances are workable, keep them - and save yourself from $1,000 to $5,000, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Also keep the present location of major fixtures, appliances and utilities relative to the […]

What are the best home improvement projects to maximize ROI, or Return On Investment?

Experts agree that any remodeling project that brings your home up to the level of your neighbors’ is a worthy investment. However, some improvements offer a greater return than others. It depends on the type of work you have done. Remodeling magazine publishes an annual “Cost vs. Value Report.” The most recent report, based on […]

What can I do to minimize chaos, danger and stress once a project has begun?

Plan ahead. Since your home will become a worksite once the remodeling begins, inconveniences will arise that can be minimized with a little planning. Begin by having a frank discussion with the contractor to set guidelines and develop a clear understanding upfront about the various project stages and the processes involved. Talk, for example, about […]

What is a variance?

A variance is a request made to your local jurisdiction to deviate from current zoning requirements. If granted, a variance will allow you to use your land in a way that is normally not permitted by the zoning ordinance because it waives a certain requirement of the zoning ordinance. For example, it may allow the […]

What should I know about zoning issues and approvals?

Zoning regulations establish how the land can be used, either for residential, industrial, commercial, or recreational purposes, or sometimes a combination thereof. Designed to protect property owners and communities from undesirable, or inappropriate, land uses and/or construction, zoning laws can be very rigid and inflexible. On the other hand, they can protect your property […]

Do I have to be concerned with building codes and permits?

Depending on how your contract is written with the home improvement professional, either you or the contractor will be responsible for securing government approval to perform most remodeling jobs. Building codes set minimum public-safety standards for such things as building design and construction. Codes vary from one state, county, city, and town to the next, […]

What are some of the legal considerations relative to remodeling?

There are many, including those surrounding zoning, permits, variances, and building codes. All of these regulations are the government’s way of controlling the physical development of land and public-safety standards for such things as building design, construction, alteration, repair or demolition. The regulations vary from one state, county, city, and town to the next and […]

What should I know about mechanics’ liens?

A mechanic’s lien is a “hold” against your property that provides contractors and suppliers legal recourse to assure payment for services. The liens vary from state to state and allow for a cloud on the title of your property and foreclosure action. Also, if you paid the contractor, but he failed to pay the subcontractors […]

What are allowances and what should I know about them when planning with a remodeling contractor?

Rather than price specific products or materials, many contractors prefer to use product allowances, an amount included in the contract to be used toward the purchase of these products and materials as they are selected by the consumer. Typical categories where allowances might be used include flooring, cabinets, and lighting fixtures. Allowances allow homeowners more […]

What should I look for in a warranty from a remodeling contractor?

A well-written warranty document detailing specific information should be provided and incorporated as an addendum to the construction contract. Information should also be provided as to the procedure to follow for prompt warranty services, as well as what happens should a dispute arise over warranty issues.

Does the contractor have to provide a warranty for the work?

It depends on whether one is required by state law. If your contractor offers a warranty, which ensures quality workmanship and required repairs if faulty products or workmanship is discovered, ask to see a copy of the written provisions to make sure you have sufficient protection from defective work. You may want to become familiar […]

What if the contractor bungles the job?

If you have a legitimate complaint, keep after the contractor until the needed repairs or alterations are made. If this fails, contact your local Consumer Protection Agency. Keep a copy of the contract, receipts, and photographs of the work. Although it has no legal authority, you also may want to contact the Better Business […]

What other cost controls or budgeting ideas might be helpful?

Plan ahead and create a realistic budget. Decide on the items and materials you would like to have in a room and set your budget accordingly. This will prevent hasty, and costly, decisions down the road. The experts suggest setting aside 10-20% of your budget to cover unforeseen problems and miscellaneous charges. Then, choose less […]

Are there ways to save money when using a contractor?

Be an educated consumer: aggressively shop for the most reasonable bid, not necessarily the cheapest. Inexpensive, but shoddy, work will only cost you more money in the long run. After you find a contractor, insist that trade discounts on materials be passed on to you, or buy materials yourself. Root out any unnecessary costs written […]

Once I choose a contractor, what items should be covered in the contract?

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, a well-written contract should contain the following information:
The contractor’s name, address, telephone and license number, if applicable;
Details about what will and will not be done;
A detailed list of materials for the project, including model, brand name and color.
The approximate start date and substantial completion dates.
A written […]

What role might engineers play in my remodeling project?

Soil and structural engineers can be particularly instrumental to a home remodeling project. An engineer can tell whether you can tear down a kitchen safely or whether the walls can bear the load of a second or third story. You can use an engineer to size interior supports, stamp a drawing for building department approval, […]

What basic services can I expect an architect to provide?

Most projects require a set of basic services. They are as follows: preliminary, or schematic, design; design development; preparation of construction documents (drawings and specifications); assistance in the bidding or negotiation process, and the administration of the agreement between you and your builder or contractor, if needed. Some projects will require other services, such as […]

What questions should be asked of an architect?

Ask questions that will give you a sense of the architect’s style, approach to design, and methods of work. For example: What is your design philosophy? What important issues or challenges do you see in my project? How will you approach my project? What will you show me along the way (models, drawings, or sketches) […]

What guidelines are useful for finding an architect?

Start by finding out who designed the projects that you like in your community. Get referrals from people you know, or the local American Institute of Architects (AIA). Interview three to five firms to get a range of possibilities for your project. But only select firms that specialize in residential designs, preferably remodeling, and review […]

There seem to be no shortage of contractors; how do you identify one who is less than reputable?

They often give themselves away. The telltale signs:
Pressure is used to get you to sign a contract;
Verifying the contractor’s name, address, phone number and credentials is impossible;
Cash payments are only accepted, not checks made out to a company;
Payment for the entire job is demanded up-front, whereas most remodelers typically require a down payment of 25-50% […]

Are there specific questions I should ask a contractor?

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, sometimes it’s not the responses you get that are important, but what you don’t get. So you should trust your instincts and pay attention to the information that is obviously missing. Nevertheless, here are some questions NARI suggest you ask before signing that remodeling contract:
How long […]

What guidelines should I follow to find a contractor?

Always exercise caution and be comfortable and confident about your final decision. This means selecting a competent and reliable contractor with a track record who can complete the job without hassles or negative consequences. What you can do:
Get word-of-mouth referrals. Ask friends, family, co-workers and neighbors for the names of established, local contractors in […]

Should the architect and contractor have a “vested” interest in one another?

It does not hurt to have a situation where the architect and contractor already have an existing working relationship. In fact, such an association could benefit a project by ensuring the smooth integration between the design and implementation. In a residential project, there is sometimes a triangle of tension between the architect, the contractor and […]

What are the specific responsibilities of the contractor vs. the architect?

Beyond having the architect create the design and the contractor implement it, both professionals have additional responsibilities. The contractor is responsible for pricing the project and ensuring that it is completed in a timely fashion. The architect is responsible for getting the construction drawing completed with proper specifications and architectural detail. Since many jurisdictions require […]

Who should be called to the project first, the contractor or the architect?

Opinions vary about which professional to call first. Some say the architect comes first because “you have to design it before you can build it.” The architect, who is trained to resolve problems creatively, can help define the project in ways that provide meaningful guidance for the design. The architect can also do site studies, […]

Who are the professionals that do home improvements?

They vary depending on the size and scope of your job. General contractors are companies or individuals who contract with you to manage all aspects of the project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, obtaining building permits, and supplying materials and labor equipment needed to do the project. Specialty contractors, on the other hand, are mainly […]

Should I hire a professional or do the job myself?

It depends on the complexity of the project and your ability to do the job well yourself. Really consider whether you have the time, skills, tools, help, and legal knowledge of local regulations to get the job done. While you could save up to an estimated 20% of the project cost doing the work yourself […]

What factors should determine whether I decide to move or remodel?

Your personal needs, preferences and finances are all factors. If you’ve lived in your home awhile and prefer to stay in your school district or neighborhood, improving your existing space may work best for you. If a second bathroom is what you desire, it may also be cheaper to convert existing space than to relocate […]

Are special tax breaks available for historic rehabilitation?

Certified historic structures now enjoy a 20 percent investment tax credit for qualified rehabilitation expenses, if they are income producing properties. A historic structure is one listed in the National Register of Historic Places or so designated by an appropriate state or local historic district that is certified by the government. The tax code does […]

What about state and local governments?

Just about every state now offers loans for renovation and rehabilitation at below-market interest rates through its Housing Finance Agency or a similar agency. Call your governor’s office to get the name and phone number of the agency in your area.
At the municipal level, many cities also have programs for special improvements to certain blocks […]

Does the federal government offer home improvement programs?

Yes. Among the most popular:Title 1 Home Improvement Loan. HUD insures the loan up to $25,000 for a single-family home and lenders make loans for basic livability improvements - such as additions and new roofs - to eligible borrowers.
Section 203(k) Program. HUD helps finance the major rehabilitation and repair of one- to four-family residential properties, […]

What kind of return can I expect from home improvements?

This will vary depending on the type of work that is done. Remodeling magazine publishes an annual “Cost vs. Value Report” that can answer this question in more detail, based on the top 15 home improvements. A recent study it conducted says the highest remodeling paybacks have come from siding and window replacements, major […]

What guidelines should I use to find a contractor?

Chances are you will need plenty of help making those major repairs and additions. But the last thing you will need is someone who fails to complete the job or botches it up. Finding good, responsible help is imperative.
Here’s what you can do:
Avoid the Yellow Pages. Check with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers for […]

How to Find a Professional Roofing Contractor

RISMEDIA, Nov. 15, 2007-Southern California homeowners and building owners looking to repair or replace their damaged roof systems after the recent wildfires should heed this important advice: Insist on a professional. The National Roofing Contractors Association can help you find a professional roofing contractor in your area. Here are some valuable guidelines to help you […]

How to Choose the Right Decorative Concrete Style for Your Home

RISMEDIA, Nov. 2, 2007-Concrete, and all it’s decorative options and styles, has become the material of choice for homeowners and builders wanting to accentuate a particular home style. From a coastal home style to a classic ranch or colonial style home, The Concrete Network outlines design ideas and tips for using concrete to complement your […]

Homeowners: Save on Taxes by Going Green

By Marshall Loeb, MarketWatch
RISMEDIA, Oct. 19, 2007-(MarketWatch)-If you’ve been considering making your home more energy efficient now is the time to act. Not only will “greening” your home help you save on heating bills this winter and reduce your environmental imprint but it can also cut your tax bill.
In an effort to combat growing energy […]

Home Improvement Q& A: Nine Questions to Ask a Contractor

By Desiree French
RISMEDIA, Oct. 12, 2007-Q: Are there specific questions I should ask a contractor?
A: According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, sometimes it’s not the responses you get that are important, but what you don’t get. So you should trust your instincts and pay attention to the information that is obviously missing. […]

Something New Under the Sun: Cheaper Solar Technology

By Jim Carlton, The Wall Street Journal
RISMEDIA, Oct. 8, 2007-When Bill and Margaret Oliver decided to take the plunge into solar energy earlier this year, the retired Long Beach, Calif., couple searched for months to find someone who could install 35 newfangled solar panels atop their three-bedroom home.
Despite the hassles — and though the panels […]

Home Improvement Q&A: What guidelines should I follow to find a contractor?

By Desiree French
RISMEDIA, Oct. 5, 2007-Always exercise caution and be comfortable and confident about your final decision. This means selecting a competent and reliable contractor with a track record who can complete the job without hassles or negative consequences. What you can do:
• Get word-of-mouth referrals. Ask friends, family, co-workers and neighbors for the names […]

Homeowner Trends: Screened Porch Upgrades

RISMEDIA, Oct. 2, 2007-According to local deck and porch designing experts, screened porches have been making a strong comeback. However, what was once a practical necessity is today becoming a more luxurious amenity for homeowners who are interested in jazzing up their screened porches with their own personalized style or transforming them to match their […]

Home Improvement Q & A: What are the Specific Responsibilities of the Contractor vs. the Architect?

By Desiree French
RISMEDIA, Sept. 24, 2007-Beyond having the architect create the design and the contractor implement it, both professionals have additional responsibilities. The contractor is responsible for pricing the project and ensuring that it is completed in a timely fashion. The architect is responsible for getting the construction drawing completed with proper specifications and architectural […]

Home Improvement Q & A: Who Should be Called First—The Contractor or the Architect?

By Desiree French
RISMEDIA, Sept. 20, 2007-Opinions vary about which professional to call first. Some say the architect comes first because “you have to design it before you can build it.”
The architect, who is trained to resolve problems creatively, can help define the project in ways that provide meaningful guidance for the design. The architect can […]

The Kitchen Goes on a Diet As Homeowners Trim Budgets

By June Fletcher
RISMEDIA, Sept. 18, 2007-(WSJ.com)-Many Americans are losing their appetite for costly kitchen makeovers. With pending home sales at a six-year low and home prices flat, people are no longer willing to sink as much money into their kitchens as they were during the boom. Spending on kitchen renovations costing more than $20,000 was […]

2007 RE/MAX Housing Study: Home Owners Continue to Invest in Their Homes Despite Economy

RISMEDIA, September 5, 2007–Metro Detroit homeowners remain vigilant in improving their homes despite the slow economy. According to the 2007 RE/MAX Housing Study, 60 percent of metro Detroit homeowners made improvements to their homes in the past two years, down only slightly from 66 percent in 2006. The study included Oakland, Wayne, Macomb and Monroe […]

How to Convert to a Home Office

RISMEDIA, August 29, 2007-(DoitYourself.com)-According to a recent Builder Magazine study, 54% of households have home offices and most architects now include them in new home plans. If your current home doesn’t include an office, why not create one using an extra bedroom, underused closet or the kitchen pantry?
As in any remodeling job, start with the […]

Financial Fitness: Invest in Home Workout Equipment or Join a Gym?

By Dana Dratch
RISMEDIA, August 29, 2007- (Bankrate.com)–Which gives you the most for your fitness dollar: Joining a gym or buying equipment and working out at home?
The answer: Whichever one keeps you moving.
“The motivations for different people are different,” says Dr. I-Min Lee, M.D., Sc.D., an epidemiologist and associate professor of medicine at the Harvard School […]

New Siding Could Spark Home Sale

By Steve McLindenm
RISMEDIA, August 29, 2007— (Bankrate.com)–Siding replacement continues to pay back as much or more per remodeling dollar spent in a home’s resale value than any other major improvement. So, yes, it is obviously one of the most important elements in a prospective home-buyer’s view. The bad news is that on average, you will […]

Why It Makes ‘Cents’ to Include a New Garage Door in Your Home Remodeling Project

RISMEDIA, August 17, 2007—According to an online survey, 71% of homeowners who recently replaced their garage door believe it increased the value of their home.
And when real estate agents were shown “before” and “after” photos of houses that upgraded with new, stylish garage doors, they increased the estimated list price of the home anywhere from […]

Making Repairs after Unexpected Home Damages

RISMEDIA, August 17, 2007—(MCT)—The carpet from the family room and everything that had been on it are piled at the curb. The washer, dryer, hot water tank, freezer and other items that had been knee-deep in muddy water in the basement have been dragged out there, too.
Sheets of plywood cover windows broken by falling trees […]

Home Improvements Q & A: Should I hire a professional or do the job myself?

By Desiree French
RISMEDIA, August 15, 2007–It depends on the complexity of the project and your ability to do the job well yourself. Really consider whether you have the time, skills, tools, help, and legal knowledge of local regulations to get the job done. While you could save up to an estimated 20% of […]

Homeowners Who Go Green Face Neighbors’ Objections; How Gore Got His Solar Panels

RISMEDIA, August 6, 2007–(Wall Street Journal Online)–In neighborhoods across the country, there’s a battle brewing: the environmentalists vs. the aesthetes.
As “green”-minded homeowners move to put in new energy-efficient windows, solar panels and light-reflecting roofs, they are bumping up against neighbors and local boards that object, saying the additions defy historic-district regulations, will look ugly or […]

Home Improvements/Remodeling Q&A: To Move or to Remodel

Consumer News
By Desiree French
RISMEDIA, August 6, 2007–Q: What factors should determine whether I decide to move or remodel?
A: Your personal needs, preferences and finances are all factors. If you’ve lived in your home awhile and prefer to stay in your school district or neighborhood, improving your existing space may work best for you. […]

EcoStar Introduces EcoVent Roofing Tiles

RISMEDIA, August 3, 2007—EcoStar, a manufacturer of premium steep slope roofing materials, is adding EcoVent™ to its line of premium accessories. EcoVent is a continuous tile-over ridge vent that efficiently removes hot, moist air from the attic space of a building.
Vital to increasing the life span of a roof, EcoVent helps reduce cooling costs […]

NAHB’s Newly Updated Warranty Book Helps Builders and Remodelers Avoid Costly Mistakes

RISMEDIA, August 3, 2007—The subject of builder and remodeler warranties is one of the most important issues affecting the construction industry today. Customers expect warranties, and building professionals depend on them to demonstrate their confidence in their work. In the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) recent release Warranties for Builders and Remodelers, Second Edition, […]

Beyond Curb Appeal: Take a Closer Look at a Home’s Landscape

By Amy Hoak, MarketWatch
RISMEDIA, August 1, 2007—(MarketWatch)—An infestation of carpenter ants signaled the demise of a shade tree in Doug Cowles’ yard almost 20 years ago when he lived in Downers Grove, Ill. In retrospect, he knows he should have given the trees a better look before buying the home.
“I had to pay to lose […]

Timber! Thank the Housing ‘Slump’ for Lower Lumber Prices; Other Materials Don’t Budge

By Amy Hoak
RISMEDIA, July 23, 2007—(MarketWatch)—Those thinking about building a deck this summer, or another project that requires large quantities of wood, might be able to do it less expensively than they would have last year — if, that is, they are doing the work and not hiring a contractor. But don’t expect the savings […]

Facing the Crayon Test: New Formulas Promise to Resist Stains

By Sara Schaefer, The Wall Street Journal
RISMEDIA, July 23, 2007—Hate seeing marks on a freshly painted wall? Paint manufacturers are pitching new formulas of paint that promise to be stain-resistant. We found that they did a great job resisting water spots and shoe scuffs, but none could completely withstand a parental nightmare: assault with a […]

Hot Housing Market Means More Need for Yard, Garden Work

RISMEDIA, July 16, 2007—(MCT)–Eileen N. Fanning can tell when new homeowners are shopping at her Pamelia garden center in Watertown, New York, by the items they choose. Hardwoods, shrubs, mulch, topsoil, stone, large trees and evergreens are ever popular.
With so many new homes coming on the market recently in the wake of the Fort Drum […]

Regional Spotlight: When You’re Fixin’ to Sell Your Home

RISMEDIA, July 4, 2007—(MCT)—As summer heats up, so does Weld County’s housing market. During the summer months, more homes are put up for sale and more buyers are searching for a new place to live.
But Weld home sellers might have to work a bit harder this summer than in years past to attract buyers. In […]

House Trends: Screened Porches, a Solution to Outdoor Living

RISMEDIA, July 2, 2007—Imagine being able to enjoy a well-prepared dinner on your porch every evening this summer, but without the annoyance of insects or the worry of rain.
According to Chris Carey, director of sales for Archadeck, that notion is exactly what draws many people to have a screened porch added onto their home.
“Outdoor living […]