Find a Remodeling Contractor

When you need to find a contractor for any remodeling project, you usually have to search randomly through your yellow pages. Or ask a friend for a referral.

It's not easy to find the best contractor. More and more homeowners are going on the Internet to search for information. So, it made sense to offer an Online Contractor Referral Service.

Several years ago, we created ConstructionDeal.com to help you get your remodeling project done.

On our site, you can:

• Post your remodeling project in minutes!

• Receive bids from local Contractors

• Meet with remodeling pros and make your decision

• Save time by not calling contractors at random from an outdated phone book

• Save money by getting multiple bids from remodelers and... go with the best bid!

• You do all of this -- for free -- on Construction Deal

Do you need to hire a home improvement contractor?

Many homeowners need a contractor to fix, maintain, or improve many areas of their house: remodeling their basement, attic, roof, drywall, and individual rooms. A general contractor is knowledgeable about every aspect of the whole house and has an expertise for nearly every project.

The national average age of American houses is 36 years. As your home ages, it's important to maintain and improve your most valuable and largest investment. When you need a contractor, think of Construction Deal and post your home improvement project with us!

Labels: Contractor, Home Improvement, Home Renovation, Improving Home Value

Here's a great tip from an article called Ten Things Your Plumber Won't Tell You on SmartMoney.com: "Water is the single most common cause of household damage, according to a nationwide analysis by Safeco Insurance, a Seattle-based homeowner's insurance company. From 2002 to 2004, 30% of home water-damage claims resulted from appliance failure and another 62% from faulty plumbing systems. The biggest culprits: water heaters and washing machines. And repairs are costly. Safeco found that American households with water damage spent an average of $5,000 for each episode in that same period.

Some easy cautionary measures, however, can lessen the risk of water damage and dramatically reduce your reliance on plumbers. First, take stock. Make a checklist of your home's water-based appliances and equipment — water heaters, washing machines, sump pumps — and note any wear and tear, especially on appliance parts (washing machine hoses, for example). Water heaters have a life expectancy that is hard to predict, so check yours monthly for puddling and follow all maintenance guidelines to a T. There might not be an immediately visible problem, but tanks can rust on the inside, leading to a rupture."

If you would like to find a water heater professional to inspect your system, post your request on Construction Deal.com. We'll match you with a local water heater pro for free. It saves you time from having to search through the yellow pages and saves you money by having multiple companies bidding on the project.

Labels: Home Improvement, Plumbing

From the Noblesville Ledger.com article by Bonnie Britton: "Whether it's redoing a kitchen that causes you to lose your appetite, or a bathroom where you never want to linger, 2007 might be the year to think about updates and check out the latest trends.

Home-furnishings retailer ShowPlace Direct has identified some of the top decorating and home-improvement trends for 2007, based on polls conducted with U.S. interior design firms and furniture manufacturers. On the hot list: hardwood floors -- especially bamboo -- still reign, blue decor and furniture to capture the still popular 'cottage look,' flat-screen TVs screened-in porches or sunrooms, and energy-efficient faucets.

Fancier faucets

Judd Lord, director of industrial design for Delta Faucet Co., based in Indianapolis, said faucet trends for 2007 will reflect Americans' need to relax and be more environmentally conscious.

In an e-mail interview, Lord said the 'homeowners want to bring the Zen-like feel of the spa into the home, and both the urban/loft and eco-chic trends play into this need.'

But there's still room for luxury and glamor.

'Many products, including faucets, lighting, etc., take on design cues from the glam heydays of the '20s, '30s and '40s.Warm glamorous finishes and textures such as polished nickel, polished chrome, pewter, glass and cut crystal come into play.'

Flat and framed out

Marian Salzman, recognized as one of the world's leading trendspotters and co-author of 'Next New: Trends for the Future,' said by telephone recently that 'flat-screen TVs are the new artwork.'

'They're here to stay.'

Rosalind Pope of Rosalind Pope Interior Designs in Indianapolis says the nicest thing that has happened for decorators and designers are flat-screen televisions.

'You don't have that huge armoire anymore. You don't have to worry about the depth. You can put it on a slender console which looks smart, or you can hang it on the wall.'

Totally out? 'Conspicuous consumption, heavily branded ostentatious items, unnecessary gadgets,' Salzman said.

Hail the hardwood

Still the champion: hardwood floors. Everyone wants them, home design experts say. And now the floors themselves are evolving.

Distressed flooring is gaining in popularity, says Anita Howard of the National Wood Flooring Association.

'Borders and medallions, anything that is going to customize the floor... hand-scraping, a process that you use to make new wood look antique (is big).

'One of the big trends is reclaimed wood. You take it out of old barns, factories, warehouses and make flooring out of old wood.'

Exotic woods, whatever isn't grown domestically, such as Brazilian cherry, are also going to be big in 2007.

As for tile, it's still holding its own.

Kelly Cheslyn, vice president of Architectural Brick & Tile in Indianapolis, says 'We're still holding strong in our market with glass and metals. Porcelain has absolutely taken over the ceramic market.'

Big sizes in tiles are also a trend for 2007. 'Or, the smaller the better,' she says. 'Twelve-by-12 tiles are definitely in.'

Sunrooms let light shine

Gathering and entertaining outside is still growing, experts say. Leading the way are outdoor kitchens and screened in porches, says Case Design/Remodeling, the country's largest full-service company.

Screened-in [sunrooms] will be as big as ever in 2007. The design of these rooms includes simple square floor plans with screens, to more elaborate add-ons with vaulted ceilings, all-weather glass windows, wallpaper and heat and air conditioning. Not changing: The decor. Rattan is still No. 1.

Blues have designs on you

Home-design consumers are going to have the 'blues' in 2007.

Josette Buisson, artistic director for Pittsburgh Paints, says the latest color trends 'represent the classic confluence of nature's elements and global influence and how their beauty connects and inspires our individual style.'

Pope says crisp blues and whites are back, 'not just robin's-egg but the fresh French blue.' This includes not just paint, but furniture and accessories, too."

'You are seeing more white walls, but color is still good.'

If people had to repaint every time a color trend came along, 'the paint would never dry.'"

Okay, just to let you know, Construction Deal.com is here to help! If you need to find a local remodeling company to help you update and modernize your home - you can use our free service to find quality professionals. Simply tell us about your remodeling project and then sit back and wait for them to contact you (no more searching at random through your yellow pages!)

Labels: Design Trends, Home Renovation, Interior Paint

Top 10 Reasons to use Construction Deal.com to find your next Contractor!

1. Construction Deal.com is a free service: we do all the work to match you with a quality service professional. Unlike other online services, you get to choose how many contractors will call you!

2. You're under no obligation to use any of the qualified contractors in our nationwide network.

3. It's a simple Two-Step Process - tell us about your project, then sit back and wait for companies to call you!

4. If it's inside or outside your home, we've got you covered! We have professionals available in over 40 categories, from architects and new home builders to plasma television installers and pest control pros.

5. The company is nationwide, but we'll find a contractor near you - usually within 24 to 48 hours.

6. We've got outstanding customer service - we'll call you after you post your project to verify your information and answer any questions you may have. If you have any problems with your project, we'll work with you to get it solved.

7. Construction Deal.com can help provide you with financing for your remodeling project! We are a one-stop shop to help you complete your project.

8. Our online resources save you time. Looking up contractors on your own, you can spend hours sifting through the phone book. You'll call and leave messages or have to explain your project over and over again. At Construction Deal.com, our contractors call you!

9. Using Construction Deal.com will save you money, too. Instead of talking to only one service pro, several companies will bid on your project. Having multiple bids means you'll get to choose the best price and the best company for you!

10. Our site is chock full of great resources to keep you informed! Check our our home improvement blog - tons of useful information that will help you get your project done.

Labels: Construction Deal.com, Home Renovation, Remodeling

Here's some money and energy savings advice from Toolbase Services: "Programmable thermostats save energy by permitting occupants to set temperatures according to whether the house is occupied. These thermostats can automatically store and repeat settings daily with allowance for manual override. By eliminating manual setback, which is easy to forget, they allow the setting of more comfortable temperatures in the morning before occupants wake. Temperature setback can be adjusted for both heating and cooling seasons.

Programmable thermostats can be set to adjust the temperature setting according to a user's schedule. These thermostats typically have a digital interface that allows more precise temperature control and a wider range of options or features.

Programmable thermostats typically offer a number of programming options:

• Daily programming that allows one schedule to be used each day.


• Weekday/Weekend (5/2) programming that allows adjustment of timing for setbacks with different settings for weekdays and weekends, and with 5/1/1 programming that permits separate schedules for Saturday and Sunday.


• Full seven-day programming that permits a different setback schedule for each day of the week.

Other special features depend on manufacturer and model and may include the following:

• Vacation Override, which allows temporary override of the programmed settings.


• Keyboard Lock, which prevents unauthorized changes to the preprogrammed settings.


• Low Battery Indicator indicates whether the battery used to hold the programmed schedule is low.


• An Energy Monitor that can keep track of how many hours the HVAC system has run for any selected time period.


• An Auto Season Changeover that automatically provides heat or cooling at the onset of the heating and cooling season.


• A Filter Change Indicator that goes on after a pre-set time period to remind when it is time to clean or replace the filter.

Different types of heating/cooling systems may require different types of programmable thermostats. For example, heat pumps require programmable thermostats that minimize the use of less efficient auxiliary electric resistance heating. Only a few companies manufacture line-voltage setback thermostats that directly control 120 volt or 240 volt line-voltage circuits connected to electric baseboard electric heaters. When purchasing a programmable thermostat, it is necessary to insure the thermostat is compatible with the HVAC system."

If you need to find a quality HVAC company to install a programmable thermostat, you can use our network at Construction Deal. You can post your request for free to find a company to come and install a new thermostat in your home.

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Labels: Energy Savings, Home Maintenance, HVAC, Thermostats

It used to be that when people were remodeling or decorating, they made every attempt to bring the outdoors inside. Large windows, natural woods and stone, Earth-tone colors throughout. But more and more, people want to take their indoors outside. Expanding their living space is the order of the day for American homeowners.

There are a number of ways to create an outdoor living space, but the most popular by far has been the addition of a wood deck on the back or the side of a home. Having a deck is like adding a completely new living area to your home - you can build a basic deck or create an elaborate outdoor kitchen and dining area.

Plan, Plan, Plan - this is the key to any deck building project. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you get the right deck for your home and to make sure it lasts a long time.

• Location, Location, Location - where your home is located is important. The amount of sun, wind, rain, snow, and humidity in your area will affect the design of the deck, the materials you use, and the accessories you put around it
  
• Traffic Signals - how much use will the deck receive? Are kids and large pets involved? Is the deck the only route to the backyard? Plan to be able to handle the right amount of traffic on your deck
  
• Material Issue - the type of treated wood or composite materials is a major decision. It needs to be a material that you're happy with aesthetically and that will withstand your weather and moisture patterns
• Visualize It - draw out some sample designs of what you'd like your deck to look like. Go outside and spray paint lines on the grass of where you'd like your deck to be. Get a visual of what it will look like so that you won't be surprised that it's "too big" or "too small" while they're building. Change orders (meaning that you want to change the size or design during production) will cost you more money. Will your pool, shed, garage, air conditioner, or other items in your yard affect your plans?
  
• Accessorize It - plan on what you want to be a part of your deck - a hot tub, a fire pit, bench seating, storage under the benches, a bar, a kitchen counter (with plumbing?), a built-in picnic or dining table, etc. Will you want to add awnings or overhead beams for sun protection?
  
• Size Matters - consider the over size of your deck. Will is be able to grow with your family or needs? Will it be too big and overtake your yard? Also, a large deck will mean a larger budget. If you visualize it first, you'll be able to see if you have enough room to walk around once your furniture is in place
  
• Budget - consider what you're willing to spend to add a deck. Add ten to twenty percent to that for surprises and contact your deck building company

If you're ready to add a new deck to your backyard, don't wait until Spring or Summer -- start planning now to get it ready for the season. If you need to find a deck builder in your area, post your project with Construction Deal. It's a free way to find multiple contractors who will contact you - that save you time. Multiple bids will save you money.

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Labels: Deck Addition, Deck Building, Decks and Patios

Remodeling your home also includes more than just a new master bath or a second floor home addition. Remodeling your landscaping is just an integral part of your home, and your home's value, as the bricks and mortar.

Here are some tips to make sure you do the right thing for your home exterior, your curb appeal, and your property value.

• Off Season Color - Sure, your plants and flowers bloom in the Spring and last through the Summer. But keep in mind that there are a host of plants available that can add color and vibrancy to your home in the Fall and Winter months, as well. Talk to your local nursery or a landscape designer about making sure you have plenty of green, and other colors, throughout the entire year!
  

• Protect Your Hills - if your landscaping terrain has a lot of hills and slopes, make sure you plant strong, deep-rooted plants, trees, or bushes that will help protect the hill (and your home!) from soil erosion and land or mudslides.
  

• Uphill Battles - speaking of hills, don't try to make your landscaping work outside of your region. You may love palm trees, but they don't do so well in New England. Some goes for a home in a harsh, warm, dry climate and trying to keep your Kentucky bluegrass as a healthy lawn.
  

• Don't Plan to Fail - when you fail to plan. A landscape needs a design. You can't just go to a nursery and buy a handful of plants and then just plant them wherever you think they look nice. You need to have a plan:
  
• Create zones around your house where you'll have landscaping
• Determine the types of plants you'll want in those areas
• Consider height, color, and seasonality of all the plants to make sure they'll work together in each zone
• Create a mockup, in your yard, of where everything will go with cardboard stand-ins and spray-painted lines around your zones so that you'll be able to visualize what it will look like when complete
  

• Outside the Box - you don't have to have grass in your yard, you can have rocks. You don't have to have hedges, you can have exotic plants. You don't need to have rose bushes, you can have a fountain. Mix it up and put your own personality into your landscaping. Be prepared that some elements might not work, but the trial and error could give you a truly unique look for your home.
  

• Water It - don't forget irrigation design for your landscaping. You might think that you'll remember to run the hose and sprinkler out every other morning, but chance are you won't. Consider adding a timed sprinkler system in with your overall design to make sure your plants and grass get the water, at levels they need to flourish.
  

Sound like too much work for you? You might try a Landscape Designer - they can help you from start (planning!) to finish with your project or they can help consult on your design to make sure you have the right staging, plant types, and more. If you'd like to find a landscape architect or company in your area, post your request on Construction Deal's website. It's a fast, free, and very easy way to find local pros.

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Labels: Curb Appeal, Landscape Architects, Landscape Design