Your Guide to Home Improvement Archive


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

Monday, December 10th, 2007
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 ...
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What if the contractor bungles the job?

Monday, December 10th, 2007
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 ...
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What other cost controls or budgeting ideas might be helpful?

Friday, December 7th, 2007
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 ...
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Are there ways to save money when using a contractor?

Friday, December 7th, 2007
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 ...
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Once I choose a contractor, what items should be covered in the contract?

Friday, December 7th, 2007
According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, a well-written contract should contain the following information: ...
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What role might engineers play in my remodeling project?

Friday, December 7th, 2007
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 ...
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What basic services can I expect an architect to provide?

Friday, December 7th, 2007
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 ...
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What questions should be asked of an architect?

Friday, December 7th, 2007
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 ...
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What guidelines are useful for finding an architect?

Friday, December 7th, 2007
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 ...
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There seem to be no shortage of contractors; how do you identify one who is less than reputable?

Friday, December 7th, 2007
They often give themselves away. The telltale signs: ...
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