ConstructionDeal.com Update

So, you found a Home Addition Contractor on ConstructionDeal.com and you added a master bedroom and new master bath to your house.

The question is --

Did You Notify your Insurance Company?

The folks over at the INSWEB.com recommend that you reevaluate your insurance coverage -- just after you have remodeled or upgraded your home -- before disaster strikes.

"Home remodeling quickly adds to a houses value, but many homeowners fail to increase their homeowners insurance coverage accordingly. It is not until a disaster strikes that many homeowners realize that they haven't reevaluated their coverage to include any work done on the house. After already undergoing the tragedy of losing your home, you don't want to also find out that your insurance policy only covers what your house used to be rather than what you have made it into. Imagine that you renovated a small one bedroom fixer-upper into a modern 3 bedroom home with a new yard or deck - the difference in replacement value would be considerable."

And it's not just if you've remodeled. If you have upgraded any safety functions in your home since you started your policy, let your insurer know because it may mean additional discounts for you. If you have a fire sprinkler system installed, smoke detectors, CO2 detectors, fire extinguishers, or even home automation or home security features, you could save a lot of money on your homeowners insurance policy.

They have some other great tips on insurance for homeowners, so check it out -- and tell them ConstructionDeal.com sent you!

If you need to find a home improvement contractor, we can help. It's a fast, free and easy service that connects you with remodeling and home repair pros. Simply submit a request and get 4 quotes - sometimes in a matter of minutes.

At no cost.

Labels: Home Remodeling, Home Renovation, Homeowners Insurance

Everyone gets excited when they know a remodeling company is coming over to renovate a kitchen, a bathroom, or a basement.

They've talked with their contractor and all the materials have been picked out and are on the way. They know that it's only a matter of time before their new granite countertop or whirlpool bathtub is in place and ready for use.

The problem is – you've got wait for the whole "construction process" to be over. I wanted to give you a few tips to make sure that process goes as smoothly as possible. These are all the tiny details you've got to take care of before any remodeling workers arrive at your house. It's the stuff that most homeowners forget about, but it can make for a really smooth transition from unfinished basement to being a construction site. It might even save the remodeling company some time and you some money (in costly delays.)

Prepare Your Home

- Pack up all the knick-knacks, small items, tools, decorations, and books that can get in the way of home remodeling. And I don't mean the things in the room being worked on. The remodeling process can create a lot of dust that will spread throughout the house. If you store these items, they can remain dust free – which means less work for you.

- Along those lines, cover larger items like bookcases and furniture, with plastic or cloth sheets to protect from drywall or demolition dust. You'll want to spend time in your new kitchen not vacuuming the layers of dust embedded in your living room sofa.

- If it's a kitchen renovation, try to create another kitchen in a different room. Move your refrigerator to this room. Set up a work table and a space for your microwave. Your bathroom sink may have to double as a kitchen sink; make room for only the most necessary items. Clear dry goods out of your kitchen cabinets well in advance if those cabinets are to be removed.

- You could be without running water for a significant period of time. Or they may need to turn off the water supply at the worst possible time for you. Store up as much water as you have space for in the weeks before work will begin.

Prepare for the Construction Site

- Many remodeling companies and subcontractors will be trying to find your house for the first time. Make sure there is large, visible signage with your street name and number on it for all those deliveries.

- Some contractors do not arrange for portable toilets. If it's up to you, call in advance to make sure they will be delivered, on time, and call several days leading up to construction to ensure their prompt arrive (two days before work begins will give you the best cushion.) Talk with your contractor about this.

- Clearly mark spots around your house – with signs – where you won’t mind workers to travel and deliveries to be dropped off. Keep in mind that construction materials have become quite expensive and you want to make sure things are not stolen during the night.

- If you obtained your own permits, make sure they are handy or are even displayed on the wall in an area that is (and will be) accessible.

- If the contractor is not arranging this, make sure your construction dumpsters are there and ready to be filled during the demolition process (which is usually the first thing to happen on any remodeling job.) If they're not there, it can cause a delay or you'll have to pay workers to remove the debris to one spot and then to pick it up from that spot and put it in the dumpster when it arrives.

Use ConstructionDeal.com to talk with the contractor, in depth, before the project begins, so that you know what is expected of you (find a local pro.) Once you're both on the same page, you can sit back and relax knowing that your new bathroom or kitchen is on its way!

Submit your project - at no cost - and get 4 quotes from reliable remodeling and renovation contractors. It only takes a few minutes and you can get quotes the same day.

Even if you don't use our free and easy service, make sure you get many quotes on the project to make sure you're getting the best price.

Labels: Home Renovation, Kitchen Remodeling

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

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