ConstructionDeal.com Update

Need drywall repair? Need new drywall installed? You can either pick a company at random from the phone book... or you can get 4 free quotes from drywall pros - - in minutes.


At ConstructionDeal.com, we send out your drywall request - at no cost - to drywall contractors in your area. No need to call several drywall services and repeat your story over and over.

Simply fill out our short form and you'll get several bids at once - saving you time.

Getting multiple quotes means you'll get to choose the best prices - saving you money.

Types of Drywall Services
What can a drywall contractor do for you? Drywall companies work with various types of sheetrock inside your home. They install, repair and finish walls and ceilings in just about every room in your house.

• Drywall Installation - drywall contractors can install walls and ceilings in your main floor. They can help create walls where you need them. They can finish an attic or a basement and can even install sheetrock in your garage.
  
• Drywall Repair - drywall specialists can fix cracks and holes and water damaged sheetrock throughout your home.
  
• Drywall Finishing - are you a do-it-yourself homeowner and can easily install your own drywall? Well, you can leave the finishing work to the professionals for a small, even and perfect look to your walls and ceilings with no seams, corners or drywall screw holes visible anywhere!
  

Need a drywall contractor for your home improvement or repair project? We can help. Submit your request - at no cost - to ConstructionDeal.com and talk with drywall contractors today.

ConstructionDeal.com - Where Projects Get Done!™

Labels: Bathroom Remodeling, Drywall, Home Improvement

Yes, home improvement and home remodeling projects can save you money.

No Excuses
Want more of an excuse to remodel your kitchen? Install an air conditioner? Need to replace your rotten, old wood shake roof?

Okay, we all know that renovating your home can improve home values. A brand new kitchen and master bath can return as much as 95% of your investment when you go to sell your house. But there are other ways to make sure you get some of your money back after you upgrade your house.

After you have any home repair or home improvements done to your home, contact your insurance company. Let them know the kind of work you've had done. Depending on your policy and company, you will be eligible for discounts.

Home Repairs: if you need a new roof, new plumbing, electrical rewiring, or a new heating & air conditioning system, you should contact your insurance agent. Your home owner rates could drop by 5, 10, or even 15% for installing newer, safer, and more efficient equipment in your house.

With newer electrical systems and new wiring, your home will have much less chance of burning down. A new roof will protect the home for serious water and storm damage. Upgrades in HVAC means your new, efficient system won't have to work as hard which can lead to overheating and fire danger.

• Home Improvements: improvements or renovations that add safety and security products to your home can save you money.

• Fencing: check with your insurer about any discounts associated with new fencing. It's possible that the security of fencing around your home, pool, spa, or children play areas could be eligible for savings.
  
• Fire Sprinklers: retrofitted homes with fire sprinklers mean your home can't burn down. Insurance companies love that. Discounts abound when sprinklers are installed in a home. And you can usually have the installed in an existing house for about what new carpeting would cost (maybe more - depending on the layout of your house.) And you'll have the peace of mind of know that your family will be much safer than just having fire alarms in the house.
  
• Security Systems/Cameras: installing a home security system that includes sensor lights or cameras or alarms could allow insurance savings of 10 to 20%! Knowing your home and the contents and people are being monitored means fewer expenditures from insurance providers. And sometimes they pass the savings on to you. A burglar alarm, a computer home security system with CCTV cameras, or a home monitoring service like ADT can all cost you a pretty penny, but if you can get some money back, it's worth it because of the added protection.

Other Discounts: call you insurance company if you have renovated a room for a home office and now work from your house or if you are retired. You could get a discount for being around the house more often. Retirees and home office workers can prevent burglaries and home fires because they are there to prevent things from getting out of hand.

Also, if you do remodel your kitchen, bath, or add real value to your home - - you could be eligible for a higher payout in the event of a tragedy. In other words, you have sunk a considerable sum into a new kitchen - granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a travertine floor.

Should an accident occur, you'll want to make sure your insurance company knows about the new improved value so that you can be compensated when it comes time to settle the claim.

RELATED POSTS:
The Importance of Fire Sprinkler Systems
Remodel Your Homeowners Insurance
The Home Improvement Penalty

If you're looking to find any qualified home repair or home improvement company, post your request on ConstructionDeal.com!

It's a fast, free way to find a local service professional or contractor for all your home remodeling and home repair needs. Simply tell us about your project, sit back and wait for our network of companies to review your project, and receive as many phone calls from as many companies as you would like.

The more contractor bids you receive the more likely it is that you'll save money!

Labels: Home Improvement, Homeowner Insurance, Improving Home Value

As Spring and Summer roll around, you notice a lot of discussion in the media about home repair scams. It's as old as the hills - warm weather brings out the crooks who want to take advantage of the unsuspecting... and the lazy.

You can protect yourself from an unscrupulous contractor or even an outright scam artist by doing your due diligence. Or, in other words -- doing your homework.

Scam Artist?
Where do the scam pros lurk? At your front door, for starters. Don't ever hire anyone soliciting repair or renovation services door-to-door with a "special deal" or someone who has some "leftover materials from another job." Usually, you should leery if an unknown contractor or company calls you out of the blue. Treat an unsolicited call from a remodeling or repair company the same as you would any telemarketer. Hang up.

Can I Trust the Yellow Pages?
Just because a company is in the phone book does not mean they represent quality nor has the company been screened by the directory. They simply paid for an ad.

Beware any contractor who only gives you a cell phone number and has no business address. It doesn't mean you should avoid them completely, but it means that you may not be dealing with a qualified or established company. Do a little extra homework and thoroughly check their references. Go to a current or recent job site to physically review their handiwork.

Does a Contractor License Matter?
Yes and no. Some people prefer to work with a local contractor who will simply give them the best price - they don't care of that repair or remodeling company has a license or not. However, a license is a great indicator of quality, history, experience, and stability for any contractor.

If you want to find out if your potential contractor is licensed, ask for their license information and check this online resource!

Also, find out if your state even requires a license. Some do not. Some only require a license for certain projects or projects over a specified dollar amount.

Should I Check the Better Business Bureau?
Absolutely! The construction industry provides the BBB with the most complaints nationwide. They handle, monitor, and help resolve customer grievances against companies. Check to see if your potential contractor has current problems or a history of complaints. They hold complaints on record for 36 months.

What About "Pre-Screened Contractors"?
Ha! There are several online companies out there that promise that all their companies and contractors have been pre-screened. Or, there are "excellent" reviews and ratings on their sites. ConstructionDeal.com doesn't do anything quite so foolish.

Why? Well, read this story to get an idea. It's nearly impossible to keep track of all the thousands and thousands of contractors in our network. They may sign up with no BBB complaints, all their insurance and bond payments made, with no legal actions against them, but... all of these things could easily change the next month, week, or even day!

Any company that promises their contractors are prescreened are providing a false sense of security to homeowners! We want you to ALWAYS do your homework on ANY and EVERY service professional who may step foot on your property. The more you know, the less chance you have of getting burned.

How Much Should I Pay Up Front?
Ah, here's where many homeowners get screwed. The unscrupulous contractor and especially the scam artist will ask for most (if not ALL) the money up front. But, they're getting smarter about this. They know most homeowners can't or won't pay it all up front. So, they're trying to get as much as possible and they're running away with it.

The BBB says you should never pay more than one third up front. I'm a little stingier and I think you should be, too. Try to negotiate a serious pay plan in your contract. Tell the contractor or company you will not pay more than 15% up front - but will give another ten percent on the first day of the job... if they show up. Then, if work progresses, you'll pay more each day/week/month. And then pay the final amount after work is complete and you are happy.
There will be compromises there. But I would rather see you not get your project completed than to be ripped off by a scam artist. So don't be afraid to negotiate to protect yourself.

What Else Can I Do?
Again, if you can - check REFERENCES of every contractor or company who will do work for you. And if they cannot provide you with more than one or any reference more recent than 2 months ago, you should be concerned. Quality companies should be proud of their work and should have plenty of satisfied clients. If they do not - what do you think your odds are that you'll be happy with your project?

If you do get burned without doing any of your own research, you've got no one to blame but yourself. If something does go wrong, try to work with the BBB to get help. They can usually help resolve almost 85% of all the construction, remodeling, and repair cases they mediate. If not, the courts might be your only alternative.

RELATED POSTS
Remodeling! 'Tis the Season!
Carpeting Scam to Avoid

If you need to find a home repair expert, post your project with ConstructionDeal.com. We'll match you to as many contractors as you wish -- and don't forget to check them all out! It's a fast, free service for all homeowners and business owners with remodeling, building, or repair jobs.

Labels: Find a Contractor, Home Improvement, Home Repair

If you're working on a remodeling project or a home addition, it's sometimes hard to try to visualize how everything will look and where it will all go. You may be planning on buying new furniture or you've got existing furniture and you want to see if it will fit. You might just be considering ways to move your furniture around in your living room, too.

Well, I've found a neat tool that could help you see your room configuration a little better. It's a room planner from a furniture site called Raymour & Flanigan.

It's free to use. You may need to have the correct software to enable it but they have a link for the player. It could come in handy when you're planning a remodel.

It allows you to print up your designs after you're done. It even has an option to email it to your designer or contractor.

Planning Is The Most Important Part of Any Remodel:
If you don't have everything ready when you're starting a remodeling project, you're going to spend more money that you expect. Count on it.

When you don't plan every little detail, you will have to make changes. Changes mean more money, more delays, and more problems.

Start talking with a general contractor early and often so you won't have to make changes down the road. Plan like crazy and expect the unexpected.

Labels: Furniture, Home Improvement, Interior Design

Doing any home remodeling project on your own can have a dark side. People love to watch the DIY Network and HGTV to see all the home improvement shows and renovation projects.

The problem is - they make it look rather easy. They don't show you the team of carpenters, subcontractors, assistants and even the show's producers all doing work "in the wings" to make the finished room. They also don't show you all the expensive tools they use.

So many homeowners decide to save a little money by doing the project themselves. And the results are not always up to standard. I found this article by David Bradley that talks about the Do-It-Yourselfers Home Improvement Penalty:

According to real-estate agent Nancy Raddohl, many of the potential buyers that she brings to a house notice a do-it-yourself project... right away. "'A buyer's first impression is I don't want to go any further into the house. They won't get beyond the front entrance," the suburban Minneapolis-based Raddohl of ReMax Carriage House said."

"Raddohl's candor is a zinger through the heart of homeowners who may think their handiwork is up to professional snuff. Quality upgrades can add value to a home, but shoppers easily are turned off by badly executed projects. The listed price can drop accordingly."

"Errors are especially onerous in highly visible glamor rooms such as kitchens and baths. Even minor miscues such as sloppy painting can have a negative effect on buyers."

"So before you power up your hand tools, consider this: Sellers risk thousands of dollars of their asking price because of shoddy workmanship. It's common lore among real estate agents that buyers set the value of a home, not the seller."

"I call it 'the home-improvement penalty.' Thinking your end result is good enough won't cut it in remodeling circles.'"

"Of course, this deflates do-it-yourselfers who puff their chests in pride at a job well done. So what if drywall seams show or spacing between bathroom tiles is a little off? To buyers, however, any glitch is a big deal."

"Even little errors may cause buyers to turn tail to the next property. Their perception is the seller's reality: If one thing is wrong, are there other problems very far behind?"

"Homeowner mistakes can be pounced on by real estate agents and contractors. Raddohl won't hesitate to make poor work a negotiation point to shave thousands off the listed price. Using the example of an amateurish countertop, she said she would advise buyers to press the issue."

"'I'd ask sellers to have work redone, and it could cost $5,000 or more,' she said. The repair costs come straight out of the seller's pocket.'"

"Contractors equally are keen to benefit from improvements gone bad. If a bathroom project goes down the drain, a contractor knowing the homeowner is over a barrel for needed repairs may be less inclined to negotiate and can charge top dollar."

"On top of materials and labor, homeowners also may be stuck for structural repairs if a job that really went haywire caused damage to portions of the home."

"If a project doesn't fit a contractor's schedule, the eyesore could serve for weeks as a reminder not to take home-improvement projects lightly."

"There are other risks, too. Homeowners inadvertently may skirt local permit requirements. Even if the work is passable, appraisers or building inspectors may nix a project weeks, months or years after completion and require work be redone to meet local codes."

"Again, homeowners will dust off their checkbook to pay for mistakes."

"The bottom line: Homeowners must bluntly assess their DIY abilities."

"Impressive work involves more than skills. It also requires the right tools, materials, planning and project management."

You can read more about the home improvement penalty on rgj.com.

The author of the article also has a checklist that you should go through before you begin any home improvement project:

• "Do I have all the skills to do the job right the first time?
• Do I have the time to acquire the skills or to do the work?
• Can I commit to performing the work to a professional degree, or will it look as if an amateur did it?
• Are all the right tools available? Can I afford all the right tools?
• Have I planned for all the details to make sure the job looks good?
• Do I need a license for a task that involves electrical or plumbing prowess?
• Am I balking at hiring the work out just to save money?
• What do I risk if I do the work myself? Will I lessen the value of my home? Is there a risk I will damage the home?"

If you don't want think you like the answers to these questions, you can always find a quality professional through ConstructionDeal.com. On our site, we can match you with contractors and remodeling companies in your area - at no cost.

You're under no obligation to hire anyone, but it's a great resource to save time and money: you won't search at random through the yellow pages, leave messages, and repeat your plans over and over again (saving you time.) You'll also get multiple quotes on your project, allowing you to choose the right bid and company for the job (saving you money.)

Labels: DIY, Home Improvement, Home Maintenance

If you're looking for energy savings in your home, there are a lot of easy and inexpensive ways to not only cut down on your electric bill but also do your part to help the environment. These days, everyone is looking to "green" up their home. I've got a great product for you to consider. And you may not have even known this product was energy efficient - it's the ceiling fan. A ceiling fan can be a great way to help you lower your environmental "footprint" as well as the monthly utility bill.

And don't think that a ceiling fan only helps in the summer time. You know that cold air tends to stay low to the floor and warm air tends to rise above your head. Did you know that a ceiling fan can help push all that warm air back down to your level? The room will feel warmer and your heater will not have to work as hard. A ceiling fan in use in the winter time can reduce your energy bill by 10 to 15%. The ceiling fan can also help prevent those "sweaty" windows during the winter months when condensation is eliminated by the quality air circulation. Naturally, the ceiling fan can be reversed to work hard for you in the summer, keeping your air conditioned air circulating and cutting utility bills by up to 15%.

The nice thing about these fans is that they require very little electricity to run. And they can easily be installed by a professional electrician or handyman, but if you've already got an overhead light in the room -- it's a project you can do easily on your own. The right fan can add a beautiful fixture to accentuate the decor of any room. A lot of ceiling fan models also come with a lighting option to help with overhead and accent lighting. So, what's not to love? Energy savings, aesthetics, easy installation, and additional lighting... All for a very low price.

And when it comes to price, consider shopping for your next fan online. More and more, people are going online for information and to find a better deal than they find in a brick and mortar store. And there are so much variety in ceiling fan styles and colors and sizes that the local home improvement store will probably not carry the right fan for you. When I bought my last ceiling fan for my bedroom, I purchased online from Littman Bros. Lighting. What I liked about Littman was they have an established store with experience near Chicago - and they deal with homeowners and builders alike (and to know you're getting the best product and price, always shop where the builders shop!)

What to look for in a ceiling fan?

• Prices vary, from $25 to $1000. Higher priced fans electronics that allow motors and lights to be turned on remotely, either on the wall or with a remote control, and can reverse direction automatically.
  
• Higher quality fans are more quiet, with stronger motors and balanced blades to allow for a long life.
  
• You'll notice that fans that list a pitch of 12 degrees or more usually have a highly efficient motor, because it requires more power to turn the blades at those angles. Avoid fans with less than a 12 degree pitch.
  
• In small rooms, go with a 29 to 36 inch fan; medium-sized go with a 36 to 42" fan; and a large room you can go with a 50 to 54" fan.
  
• Optimal placement is 8 to 9' in a room, so make sure the kit comes with rods to drop the fan down if you have 11 to 13 feet ceilings. Avoid fans that are too close to the ceiling - they're ineffective.
  
• Look for high quality fan motors that have heavy duty windings and sealed bearings.
  
• Finally, make sure you've got a good lifetime warranty on your fan choice.
  

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*sponsored energy savings blog

Labels: Ceiling Fans, Electrical Installation, Energy Efficiency, Home Improvement

Labels: Home Improvement, Home Repair, Saving Money

I found this handy little tool that can help you try to figure out how much your remodeling project is going to cost.

No estimator is perfect because there are so many variables - the location of the project, the current cost of materials, and the quality of products used. But this tool could help give you an idea of how much you'll need to spend:

Home Remodeling Cost Estimator

It can take a while to answer all the questions, but it could be the tool you need to help estimate your remodeling job.

The estimator is powered by HomeTech and keep in mind that it is for informational purposes only, as an educational product. It does not provide exact figures for your home renovation job. Also, if this estimator link has expired, you can register with HomeTech for a 30-day free trial.

What Can Affect Your True Cost?

• The Homes Location: a remodeling job in one city, state or region of the country can cost more or less than in another part of the country. A roofing job in Charlotte is usually considerably less than a roofing job in San Francisco. Costs of materials and labor can be much higher in larger cities.
• The Cost of Supplies: lumber, concrete, steel, and other materials can change from one quarter or year to the next. And prices of supplies can vary by region as it may cost more to ship to one state or the other.
• The Projects Quality Level: for the sake of simplicity, there are usually 3 levels of quality (basic, mid-range, and upscale) which affect your projects price. Laminate flooring, pre-made cabinets, and tile countertops will usually cost less than hardwood floors, customized cabinets, and granite counters.

If it looks like you can go ahead with your home improvement project, you can always go to our site ConstructionDeal.com and find a quality renovation company!

It's free to be matched to at least 4 local remodeling companies in your area. You'll get multiple bids from contractors which can save you money by helping you choose the best bid!

You're under no obligation to hire the companies that contact you -- and it will save you time. Renovation contractors call you!

Labels: Cost Estimator, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodeling

The 2nd most popular remodeling project, after the kitchen, is an update of the bathroom. Of course, the cost can be prohibitive - with a national average cost of a complete bathroom renovation running over $10,000!

Many people feel that it's an all-or-nothing proposition. Either doing a complete update and transformation of their bathroom, with all the latest fixtures, or putting off the project and doing nothing.

The folks at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) had some great suggestions on how to save money when you're planning to remodel your bathroom. It could mean that you'll be able to re-do the room without breaking your bank:

• "Consider reglazing a tub instead of replacing it, especially if it is still in relatively good condition. This can save you more than half the cost of a tub replacement-and minimize the dust at the same time!
  


• Cultured marble sheets are a good choice for tub surrounds, instead of ceramic tile. You will save considerably on labor costs and the marble sheets are much easier to clean.
  


• Fiberglass surrounds are also less costly than tile.
  


• Examine how you are utilizing space. You may be able to steal some space from a neighboring room or closet. If your overall space is limited, purchase a jetted tub and shower combination or install a pedestal lavatory instead of a vanity cabinet with a sink. Understand that, while pedestal lavatories do eliminate the need for vanities and save space, some models may cost more than a separate vanity cabinet and sink. Look at all your options before making a decision.
  


• Cultured marble lavatories can be a great budget choice since it is an integrated sink bowl and countertop sold in one easily installed unit.
  


• Define what is truly needed in the bathroom. Sometimes an extra bath is planned when installing a double sink in an existing bath would meet the need.
  


• If you are going to add a large jetted tub to your project, consider adding a water heater dedicated to that tub. A large jetted tub can hold up to an average of 75 gallons or more, which can easily overextend your existing water heater and cause problems in the future.
  


• When revamping yesterday's bathroom to fit with today's homeowners' expectations for luxury, homeowners can familiarize themselves with the latest options in home spa advancements. One such indulgence is an electric warming system beneath your new stone or tile floor."

If you're planning a bathroom remodeling project in the next few months, you can use these tips as a guideline to help you save money. You can consider all of them, some of them, or maybe even just one idea. But any way you can help improve your bathroom on your budget is a good way.

And, if you need to find a local bathroom remodeling company to help answer your questions or give you some quotes on the work, you can use our main site - ConstructionDeal.com. It's a fast, free, and easy way to post your project and let bathroom renovators bid on your job. And this saves you time and money -- but make sure you get at least 4 different bids. The more bids you have, the better chance you will get the best price.

RELATED ARTICLES:
Travertine Tiles
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Labels: Bath Renovation, Bathroom Remodeling, Home Improvement, Improving Home Value

I've found a great resource to help you review the most important part of your house - your foundation.

It's not a sexy part of the home renovation process. But it is essential to make sure the structure of your house is in good shape.

This information is from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and it has a great section to help you do your own evaluation of the foundation. There are sections that help you ask the right questions, gives you options, and lets you know what will happen if you do nothing.

"Renovating a full-height basement can add value and extra living space to your house. Even if you don't have a full basement or aren't planning any basement improvements, the foundation of the house is the most important consideration in any renovation. The foundation supports the structure above it and resists the pressure of the soil around it. Fixing any foundation problems before you renovate is essential to preserve the durability and structure of your home."

The foundation for your house may be a full-height basement, a crawl space, a slab-on-grade foundation or even a combination of two or more types. Foundation materials include poured concrete, unit masonry, stone and preserved wood. Each type of foundation or material has its own associated problems.

The most common problems related to structure or soil conditions are:

• Cracks in slabs, walls or footings;
• Crumbling mortar or concrete;
• Unstable or weak soils;
• Uneven settlement;
• Warped or bowed foundation walls;
• Adfreezing (frozen soil sticking to the foundation and lifting it) or frost heaving;
• Low ceiling height;
• Inadequate support of the main floor system;
• Soil gas or radon infiltration;
• Odors or generally poor indoor air quality (IAQ);
• High humidity;
• Pest infestation"

You can read through the sites questions and suggestions. They also provide a Basement Assessment Worksheet to allow you to check off the problems and locations. It's a great way to let you know it's time to bring in professional help.

Here's a sample of the some of the questions, options, and consequences of ignoring a problem:

"Ask Yourself...

• Is there any porous, powdery or crumbling concrete or mortar?
• Are there honeycombs (voids) in the concrete?
• Is the surface layer of concrete breaking off (spalling)?
  

Consider Your Options:

• Patch small areas of crumbled, honeycombed or broken concrete with a cement-based material. Consult a structural engineer for widespread problems.
  

And If You Don't...

• Small areas of crumbled, honeycombed or broken concrete will allow moisture and soil gas to enter. Deterioration may continue, affecting the structural strength of the foundation.
• Large, damaged areas may be unsafe if they don’t adequately support the existing house or proposed renovations."

Check out the site - even if you're not Canadian. There's some really good, useful information there. If you review your foundation and find some problems, you can always use ConstructionDeal.com to help you find a quality foundation repair company.

It's a fast, free, and easy way to find a service professional.

Labels: Building Foundations, Home Improvement, Home Maintenance, Home Repair

I'm a big fan of the Italian style of kitchen design. I wanted to provide you with a "photo blog" post of several Italian kitchen pictures. Hopefully, it can give you some ideas for any future kitchen remodeling project you may have planned.

Not all of the designs are modern or ultra-contemporary (although I've included some stunning modern kitchen design pics) in style, they also have some classical examples:

And when it comes to a more modern and sleek look -- the Italian designers have some wonderfully exotic creations:

Don't be afraid to use color in a kitchen. If you like contemporary styling, you can choose bright reds, blues, greens. They make a great contract to brighter and whiter flooring or wall paint colors. It's better to have darker colors than lighter ones if you have a lot of natural light in the room.



In modern kitchen design, it's important to make sure the room is still inviting and comfortable. Many didn't like the harsh or industrial look and it turned many off because it seemed too cold. By adding the rounded surfaces, accent lighting, and the colors to the stainless steel, the modern kitchen can have a softer look. If you'd like to check out some Italian Kitchen design websites, I've picked out a few that you can visit for even more inspirational design ideas!

Italian Kitchen Design Companies:
Ged Cucine
Fiamberti
Aster Cucine

When you're ready to renovate your kitchen, you can always post your project with ConstructionDeal.com. It's a fast, free way to find a local kitchen remodeling company in your area.

RELATED KITCHEN POSTS:
Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
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Labels: Design Ideas, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodeling

Labels: Home Improvement, Saving Money, Tankless Water Heaters, Water Heaters

With the housing market in turmoil, many people are deciding not to sell. What's the answer then, if you've got an expanding family or you simply need more room?

If you can't afford a vacation home (although next year should be a good time to buy a 2nd property, now that housing prices have dipped dramatically), you might think about expanding your current one.

A "Home Addition" can sound scary. Adding on to your home doesn't always mean ripping off your roof and adding a whole 2nd floor. A home addition company might simply add on a garage, a back porch, or an extra bathroom which could really make a difference in your living situation.

I wanted to provide some useful tips just in case you're planning to hire a home addition contractor... to make sure every goes right.

Home Additions - Inspect It

• If you're going to make even minor wall changes to your house, please (please, please!) bring in a structural engineer. Anytime you're going to knock out a wall, it could affect the integrity of the building. A general contractor may not completely understand the engineering of every home structure and could give bad advice. It may sound "expensive" to hire a structural engineer, but imagine how more you'd spend if a side of your home fell off...
  

• Get your permits. Nothing is more obvious than a home addition, no matter how small or insignificant. Even if you get away with doing the work without a permit, a homeowner is going to notice part of the house is new. Don't get caught having to pay fines, penalties, and maybe even pay to have the work removed and re-done after an inspection.

Home Additions - Plan It

• If you're adding to your home, by expanding out or up, it's important to also talk with an architect or designer. Why? Because you really don't want your add-on to look like it was added on. You want it to blend seamlessly into your neighborhood background. Are all the homes around your house single-story, two-bedroom bungalows? If you plop a 2nd floor on, with dormers, and cozy third floor attic, it could look out of place. That's fine if you're going to stay in the home forever, but you could have a problem selling the eyesore down the road. To make sure your addition works, talk with a designer who can help give you what you want without sacrificing the look and value of the house.
  

• Also, homes were built in specific areas of the country in specific eras. Many times, an architect or inspector will be able to review your home plans and your original blueprints to determine if your house can support the extra weight of a 2nd floor. The structure of your house might not be capable to handling an addition -- homes originally built with 2nd floors have different framing, so you want to make sure your home can handle it.
  

• Your current heating and cooling ducts and unit are set up for the current number of rooms in your home. Adding even a sunroom or extra bathroom could throw things off. Consult an HVAC company to inspect your air flow requirements with an addition room or floor.
  

• Make sure your designer takes in all aspects of the other homes in your neighborhood: doors, windows, paint, siding, roofs, and elevation. These should all work with the architecture of the home and the surrounding area.
  

Home Additions - Build It

• Prepare for the major disruption of having workers, equipment, and materials (as well as dust, debris, and possible damage) that will be invading your house. On a floor addition, you'll have to relocate to other living quarters, but you might be able to work around a bedroom addition or having your kitchen expanded. Review my post on preparing for a remodel.
  

• Take plenty of pictures and monitor the work. Keep track of all the details in case there are problems or disputes down the road (and, also, to remember the experience.)
  

• When it's all said and done, don't forget to email me your pictures of the job! We'll post them on this blog!
  

Good luck with your home addition experience!

Who are we? We are ConstructionDeal.com - a fast, free and easy way to find all types of home improvement contractors, designers, and subcontractors. Simply submit your request and get 4 quotes from qualified professionals in your area - at no cost.

Labels: Home Addition, Home Improvement

Labels: Home Improvement, Remodeling Trends, Saving Money

Are you thinking about having an outdoor kitchen installed in your backyard?

Two questions: Do you like to eat outdoors and do you hate to run back and forth for supplies while you're eating and cooking outside? Well, if you answered YES to both, it might be time to think about adding an outdoor kitchen to your house.

Things to Consider When Planning an Outdoor Kitchen:

• How much do you want to spend?
• How much space do you have outdoors?
• How much will you use your outdoor kitchen?
  

Your Outdoor Kitchen Budget
Your budget will determine how far you go. Whether you'll end up with just a new grill and counter space or if you'll get a completely functional outdoor kitchen (with a grill, fridge, eating area, sink, gas & electric lines, and more.)

And, you might not have enough room for a full spread. Some may have to contend with a deck, a pool, or a small yard and cannot go all out. Careful planning by your outdoor kitchen designer can usually accommodate several options.

Finally, think about how much kitchen you need based on how much you'll use it.

If you only plan on eating outside once a week or two weeks, you'd probably just want a grill and countertop and cabinet set up. But if you'd like to practically live outdoors, you can really add some value to your house with a second kitchen with all the amenities.

Outdoor Kitchen Options:

Custom Units:
- Built-in to your specs to fit your space and your choice of materials, styles, and size
- You can match materials to your pool tiles or house colors
- Give you more flexibility for all the options you want
- Gives you the best upscale look
- Can be very expensive to have all the custom masonry installed
- Could increase your home's value

Prefabricated Units:
- Less expensive semi-custom or prefab designs that come in specific sizes
- Choose from selected materials for the sides and counters (not as much selection choices)
- You provide sizes of your appliances (grill, fridge, etc.) and the pieces are manufactured and shipped to the home for installation
- Can possibly be moved with you when you leave
- May not require building permits, depending on application

Freestanding Units:
- Not as much glamour but definitely less expensive (perfect for rare outdoor use)
- Very portable
- Come with limited counter space to accompany your grill and underneath storage
- Inexpensive
- Some have excellent options, like a built-in fridge or a umbrella for protection

Keep These in Mind when Building your Outdoor Kitchen:
Make sure your grill is not placed in a location that can send smoke into your home or through your eating area.

Keep it comfortable: make sure you can weatherproof the location. Add umbrellas or roofs to keep the sun off. Add portable gas heaters to extend the season. A firepit may be an option for additional heat.

Make sure you can move your refrigerator indoors if you have really cold winters. And if you run water lines, don't forget to winterize to prevent pipes from freezing.

Check on local building requirements - if you're going to add gas, electric, and/or water lines you may or may not be able to run those lines together to your kitchen. Or, you might be able to put them in the same trench be keep them separated.

Your desired outdoor kitchen options can ratchet up the prices: think about how you like to cook. Adding wood-burning or pizza ovens, woks, ice makers, or oven vents can add to your budget.

If you can, plan on adding an additional counter opposite the grill or even a u-shaped counter area to be able to continue the "work triangle" that you have in your indoor kitchen to the outdoors.

Let ConstructionDeal.com help you find outdoor kitchen builders. Simply submit your project and get 4 quotes the same day - sometimes within minutes.

At no cost.

Tell us about your project and we'll notify qualified kitchen installers. It's fast, free and easy and there's no obligation to hire anyone.

Ready for summer?

Labels: Home Improvement, Home Renovation, Outdoor Kitchens

Okay, so I covered some tips to help you sell your home during this housing market decline (or bursting bubble, depending on your point of view.) But I also wanted to give some suggestions of what not to do if you're trying to sell your home these days.

I'm all for staging your house to make it visually more appealing - there's a house on my street in the $600,000 range, with a "Price Reduced" For Sale sign, that has two rooms that look like they were finger-painted in a blood red color... and they wonder why it hasn't moved for the past 3 months...

It's also necessary to make sure whatever is broken gets fixed -- if the home isn't going to pass prospective buyers' inspections, they're not going to pull out their checkbooks (it's regular to see homes here in L.A., with For Sale signs in the front yard, that have exterminators' tents draped over them.)

Where I worry is that desperate homeowners might look to make drastic home renovations to fan the flames of interest and spark a sale. There are a few remodeling jobs that will increase your resale value so it's important to know what to do and what not to do. Check out this 2005 Cost vs. Value Report to get an idea of how much return you might get, based on your area of the country, for what you'll spend on the remodel.

Two major suggestions of what to renovate: do a low-to-medium cost kitchen remodel or add an additional bathroom (if you have the space/correct floor plan - consult an architect or design specialist.)

Renovations I suggest you avoid if your selling your home:

- Basement Upgrades - You might be tempted to finish your basement or turn an existing area in your finished basement into a home theater. Or another bedroom. Despite the fact that you may be making the room more livable, more than likely it will not help you sell it and you probably won't get back the money you spend to do the job. Also note, you normally can't count a basement bedroom as another bedroom on your listing (depending on window size.)

- "Invisible" Upgrades - Unless needing repairs, don't replace or remodel anything that can't be seen. Telling people the house has a new furnace, a tankless water heater, or brand new copper plumbing just doesn't do the trick. buying a house can be an emotional and visceral experience. Updates need to be visual and visible. Crown molding can be seen -- new insulation cannot.

- Swimming Pool Additions - You've always wanted a pool, Jacuzzi, or whirlpool spa tub. But not everybody feels the same way. In fact, some people with small children definitely don't want those upgrades. Others with colder winters and maybe people without the extra income for maintenance might find these additions a deal breaker. Adding a pool in a small yard could remove a child's or a pet's play area.

- "Specialty Room" Additions - Don't spend any money to convert a bedroom or family room into a home office, gym, den, or home theater. Those rooms are great for your house, if you'll be staying there a while and you don't need the space. If you've already got a specialty room set up, change it back to the original purpose.

They say the current housing market won't recover until next year, depending on how the economy reacts the rest of this year. Make sure your house is ready to sell but don't throw money away on renovations that won't provide a return on investment.

Use ConstructionDeal.com to find local contractors for your home improvement projects. It's a fast and easy way to find local contractors - at no cost.

Simply tell us about your project and you'll get 4 quotes the same day - sometimes within minutes. There's no fees and there is no obligation to hire anyone.

Related Posts:
How to Beat the Bursting Housing Bubble
Real Estate Dictionary
Housing Bubble Humor

Labels: Home Improvement, Housing Bubble, Real Estate

Whether you need to have a screen door fixed or you're adding a 2nd story to your home, you should always do your homework.

This means you should check references - whenever you're hiring a service professional or a company to come into your house, take your money, and perform work. Don't be shy and don't be lazy. The correct term is due diligence.

Get names and phone numbers (any contractor should be proud of any past work and happy to give the information) and call them.

Ask -- at least -- These Four Questions:

1) Did the Contractor stay on schedule and follow the terms of your contract?

2) Did the Contractor listen to your concerns, respond to problems, and seem concerned about resolving the issues?

3) Were you pleased with the work and were you pleased with how it got done? (okay, so it's two questions... sue me.)

4) Did the Contractor make all the necessary corrections to any problems?

Click here to find out if a Contractor is licensed.

If you need a contractor, you can always use ConstructionDeal.com. We have a network of service professionals ready to help you complete your project. But don't just count on the work we do to check them out - check them out yourself. Do your home work.

Simply submit your request to our site and you'll get 4 quotes the same day - sometimes in a matter of minutes. At no cost. And no obligation.

Good luck with your project!

Labels: Find a Contractor, Home Improvement, References

We occasionally get requests to have wine cellars built or wine storage coolers installed in new kitchens. A good bottle of wine usually never lasts long in my hands, but I figured I'd pass along some wine storage tips for those planning to start a wine collection:

Keep Wine Temps Down

Make sure the wine bottles are stored at a consistent temperature (usually between 53 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit, with 55% to 75% humidity.) Keeping temps constant is a key. One of your best bets is a wine cellar in your basement or a wine fridge in your kitchen. Without those options, don't rack the wine in a warm, bright area - keep them in a dark place, low to the ground.

If you have a wine cellar installed, make sure they put the lights on a timer so that the heat from the lamps don't interfere with temperatures.

Store the Wine on it's Side?

Yep. I usually keep myself on my side after I've stored a lot of wine...

Age is Relative

How long to age the wine? Depends on your taste. If you prefer a bold, flavorful wine you can open it right away. However, if you prefer a more mature, mellow flavor, you can age a bottle for five, 10, and even 15 years to get taste you're looking for.

Re-cork Open Wine Bottles

If you're like me, the wine never lasts long enough to stick a cork back in it. But if you've opened up any old bottle of Chardonnay or what-have-you, and can't finish it, re-cork it. Put it in your fridge. Since any type of wine - red, white, rose - will "flatten", make sure you finish it off within 3 days of opening it.

How Long to Age?

Red wines usually age best. The flavor will mature when the acidic tannins fade. Ask your wine shop about how long to keep it on ice. Some wines should be finished off immediately and some (depending on the grape, vintage, etc.) should be stored for years. If the shop doesn't know, you can check with the maker of the wine - they usually have the details on their websites. They are the source and they know when their grapes will peak.

Mahogany?

You've heard mahogany is the best wood to use in a wine cellar? You've heard right. It's a great hardwood that is durable and helps protect the wine. Pine, birch, and oak can retain water and start to rot after an extended period. Some of the best cellars in the world use mahogany.

Need to find a wine storage contractor to protect your grape juice investments?

Submit your project request to ConstructionDeal.com. It's fast, free and easy. Tell us about your wine storage needs and you'll get 4 quotes in the same day - sometimes in a few minutes.

There's no cost and no obligation to hire any of our professional wine storage pros. But make sure you get enough quotes - you want to make sure you're getting the best price for the job.

Labels: Home Improvement, Wine Cellar, Wine Storage

Not that kind of stud... A wall stud. Whenever possible, always try to secure shelves, mirrors, or other slightly heavy items into a wall stud. But, you know that...

What you might not know is how to find the stud. Sure, you can cheat and use one of the electronic stud finders -- you place it against the wall and move it along until it lights up when covering over a stud.

If you don't have one of those, you go "low tech." Studs are typically 16 inches, center to center. Remove one of the wall plates from a light switch or electrical socket -- usually the electrical boxes are mounted to a stud. Look to see if it's on the right or left hand side and measure 16 inches either way to find your stud.

You can also check your baseboards. Most baseboards are nailed directly into the studs. If it appears the nails are about 16 inches apart, you've more than likely got the location of the wall studs.

You might be able to remove a lamp shade from a lamp and shine the bare bulb on the walls -- drywall is normally screwed into the studs and it can leave a seam. You can move the lamp around to expose highlights to see those seams.

Sound like more than you want to bother with? Well, perhaps it's time to hire a handyman service. Go to ConstructionDeal.com and submit a request. You'll get 4 quotes from home repair services in the same day - sometimes within minutes.

There's no cost to use the service and there's no obligation.

Labels: Home Improvement, How To Install

"So... what can your site, ConstructionDeal.com, do for me?" you ask.

Here's the short version -- we'll help you find a contractor (and save you time and money doing it.)

Here's the slightly longer version -- Let's say you have a remodeling or repair project and you need a professional to help you do it. From help building a new house all the way down to stopping that faucet leak in the kitchen. You have a few options to find an expert - you can ask a friend or family member for a referral.

You can pick up your yellow pages and thumb through to find a few companies that have a pretty ad. Or, you can use a service like ours.

"How does ConstructionDeal.com save me time and money?" you follow up. You're tricky that way. Always asking the good questions.

If you rely on the referral from your friend or sister-in-law, you end up calling only one company. That company might not do the type of work you need. And, you'll only be talking to ONE company. That means you'll get only ONE bid on the job. You might pay too much.

If you have to pick a few random companies from the phone book, you have to spend time calling them all up, qualifying them over the phone to make sure they can do the job, and then you have to wait for follow-up calls. You might even need to pull a few more names out of the book and call those up. Takes a lot of time.

What our site does is this -- you submit your remodeling project under the correct category. You provide an accurate description of what the project involves (thus, qualifying the contractors), and then you sit back and wait for them to call you. Nice, huh? You'll get 4 quotes from service pros the same day - sometimes within minutes.

Anyway. That's what we're all about. Matching you up to contractors. If you need some work done, post your project -- at no cost -- and decide on the best bid from all the contractors, to have the job completed. Simple.

If you don't need anyone right now... be sure and bookmark our page.

"Thank you," you say.

You're welcome.

Labels: Find a Contractor, Home Improvement, Home Repair

What is a house blog?

I wanted to let you all know what some crazy people are doing. They're writing about their home renovations.

In other words: House Blogging.

House blogs are online journals the homeowners keep while they renovate or restore their houses (as if doing a lot of the work themselves weren't tiring enough.) They're taking pictures, telling war stories, and showing us their progress.

House in Progress is the popular online diary of a family renovating their 1900’s bungalow in Chicago.

At 1902 Victorian, they’re working to take their “old house out of the disco era and back into the Victorian.”

Domicile – this blog covers the “domestic musings” from homeowners in Canada which can cover anything from home renovation to gardening and even cooking and recipes.

House Made chronicles two Bay Area women's purchase and revitalization of what they describe as "a neglected 1922 Pueblo/Spanish bungalow in Oakland."

Finally, there is a central hub for some of the DIY house bloggers out there, called HouseBlogs.net, that is a directory for over 300 House Blogs.


My favorite house blog title? This Old Crack House about the adventures of turning a... well, a crack house into a home.

Looking to renovate your old home? We can help save you time -- submit your home renovation project to ConstructionDeal.com and we'll find you a local contractor. And you can choose how many contractors you would like to contact you! It's fast, free and saves you time.

Labels: Blogging, Home Improvement

How can all those TV show contractors on HGTV and the other cable networks, who all claim to be experts, find time to actually get out there to build anything?

I found a great new site that claims it is the "Antidote to Home Improvement Television." It's the Remodeling Repartee blog and they ask the same question and many more. Check it out.

I love how there are numerous versions of previous blog posts titled "Why I Hate Home Improvement Television." Fun stuff written by two women who are out there doing it.

The shows can provide motivation to undertake a project but the necessity of keeping most episodes to under thirty minutes can give a bad impression. It makes it seem easy. And that gets many homeowners into trouble. A few shows will at least last for several episodes to give people an idea that it's not always something you can do in a day.

What projects have you taken on that you needed professional help to finish?

Well, if you ever get in a bind after watching Home & Garden Television, let us know. We can match you with a local general contractor or a handyman service to "come to the rescue." It's a fast and easy way to find service professionals - at no cost.

Labels: Home Improvement, Home Improvement Shows, TV Shows

It's always important, when taking on any home improvement project, to make sure you're aware of the entire renovation process. And that includes starting everything off right with your contract between you and your general contractor.

Here are some tips on things to put in your official contract before you sign on the dotted line:

• Make sure your remodeling contract states the job will pass all inspections and if it does not, then the contractor will cover the expense to fix any problems.
  

• Be sure all the financial terms of the contract are clear and concise. Lay out a specific payment amount or percentage of the total bill and list when those payments will be made.
  

• The contract should stipulate the total price, schedule, payment dates, and if there is a cancellation penalty.
  

• Down payments are usually 10% of the total project cost. If you receive a contract that strays from this, talk it over with the contractor or walk away from their services. Excessive amounts up-front could be a warning sign.
  

• The contract is a legally binding document that gives details of the expectations and responsibilities of both parties involved (including subcontractors.) It clarifies the goals of both homeowner and the contractor, and protects everyone's rights regarding the remodeling project.

If you need to find a quality contractor for your next building, remodeling or home repair project check out our network of service professionals at ConstructionDeal.com!

Labels: Contracts, Home Improvement, Home Renovation

Whether you're selling your home or you just want to make some home improvements, here are some renovations you can have done to really bring up the value of your house:

Kitchen Remodeling: there are home improvement shows dedicated just to the kitchen! The kitchen has become the heart of the home and everyone wants to refurbish or expand theirs. They want natural stone counters, comfortable and easy-to-maintain floors, new cabinets and hardware, and new appliances. Studies have shown that a kitchen remodel usually guarantees the best return on investment and is the best way to improve the value of the house. If it's done right...

Bathroom Renovation: homeowners want to pamper themselves in state-of-the-art master bathrooms. They want space, beautiful appointments, and whirlpool tubs. If there is room for a separate shower and toilet, that's a bonus.

First Impressions: when it comes to increasing home values, every one thinks of the interior first. But your "curb appeal" is what makes the first impression for everyone who comes to your home - whether it's the dreaded mother-in-law visit or your first visitor during an open house. It's important to cut back overgrown bushes and trees, add landscaping and new sod. Take care of it all with a new sprinkler system.

New Replacement Windows: not only are new windows easier to clean but they usually pay for themselves in about 5 years. Your old wood windows that have expanded and contracted endlessly each season are letting out your heat and air conditioning. New windows always add to the value of any home for aesthetic reasons, environmental reasons, and financial reasons. What's not to love?

A New Roof: a new, strong roof tells everyone that this home is protected. It will prevent Mother Nature from wreaking havoc on the rest of the home. The new roof and gutters will push water away from the foundation. The new vents will help regulate temperature inside, saving money on utility bills. And it looks pretty darn good, too.

With an unstable real estate market and rising interest rates, many are choosing to stay put for now and to improve the value of their home. When the time is right to sell again, make sure your home is ready to get you the most bang for your buck!

If you're in the market for any of these renovations, keep ConstructionDeal.com in mind! We'll help you find a local remodeling expert and save you time and money in the process. It's a free service for homeowners -- you simply post your request and wait for Contractors to call you!

RELATED POSTS:
5 New Home Remodeling Trends
Home Additions: Don't Relocate! Renovate!
How to Beat the Bursting Housing Bubble


Refer a Friend to the ConstructionDeal.com Blog!

Labels: Curb Appeal, Home Improvement, Improving Home Values

Welcome to the official blog for ConstructionDeal.com!

We're starting a blog to provide information on our site and to offer tips & tricks for homeowners and business owners who need help with remodeling, building and repair projects.

We want to make sure that every project goes well and so we'll use this blog to help with that process.

Everyone is welcome to submit a post; simply email us at blog (at) ConstructionDeal (dot) com. We'll be posting advice, site updates, frequently asked questions, and articles from various sources.

We want our network of property owners and contractors to post their own home improvement stories, advice, and tips that they have to share.

Power is knowledge and we want everyone to know as much as possible before taking on a new project!


Thanks,

Tim
ConstructionDeal.com
866-663-4711

Labels: ConstructionDeal.com, Home Improvement, Home Remodeling