31 December 2008
Find a Home Improvement 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- Save time by not calling contractors at random from an outdated phone book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
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 ConstructionDeal.com and submit your home improvement project with us!
Top Home Renovation Projects Submitted to us:
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Bathroom Renovations
- Master Bedroom Remodel
- Garage Improvement
- Basement Finishing & Remodel
- Attic Renovation
Labels: Contractor, Home Improvement, Home Renovation, Improving Home Value
02 March 2007
An Ounce of Prevention: Household Water Damage
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 ConstructionDeal.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
17 January 2007
Remodeling the Garage
For most of last, the surprising remodeling trend involved the least likely room in the house. It was the garage. And it was just an organization of the usual garage clutter. Storage was definitely involved, but many were turning their garage into a room so neat and clean... you would consider living there.
While you may not be interested in turning your garage into a museum for your priceless car collection, there is a wide variety of garage remodeling projects to consider to get more out of the space.
The first step is usually garage organization. The garage is normally a big storage space. People are hiring garage remodeling companies to help manage the clutter. Garage designers have a wide list of products that help manage, store, and organize all the items in the garage. Items and racks can be installed in ceilings and on walls to get things up off the floor. Gorgeous cabinets, with locking wheels, can be added to store tools and hardware.
The next step is usually to finish the garage. Not all garages have drywall on the walls and ceilings. Adding insulation, light fixtures, and electrical outlets is key to making the garage a livable work area. Extending heating and cooling ducts or adding portable HVAC equipment is also an option.
After the room has been finished, the floor is also high on the list. Gone are the days of the boring, old, gray concrete floor. Epoxy floors, stained concrete, decorative overlays are being added. A few are choosing interlocking mats that go from wall-to-wall or in certain areas to help alleviate the discomfort of walking and working on the hard floor. For those who are really brave, they're even adding a thin, durable, stain-resistant carpeting for extra comfort.
Finally, the garage makeover usually includes toys and accessories. Homeowners might consider installing a car lift rack - it allows the car to be lifted up for storage while another car is driven in and parked underneath. For some, just having a garage door opener is a huge step up. Some don't even want their cars back in their garage; they're using their entire room for a workshop. They're installing drills, work benches, lathes, and a host of other tools to make their ultimate workshop and getaway.
If the garage that came with your home is a one or two car garage, or there simply isn't enough room, you could consider extending or adding on to your current structure. A garage addition contractor could inspect the building and the surrounding area to see if it's a possibility for you.
To locate several garage remodeling companies in your area, post your request on Construction Deal. The site has a whole network of remodeling companies and you can find someone for free. Even if you don't go with us, you should make sure you receive as many bids as possible on the project - that way you'll make sure you won't spend too much! Good luck!
RELATED ARTICLES:
Home Additions: Renovate, Don't Relocate!
Remodeling Trends: Is Now the Time to Remodel?
Construction and Remodeling Tips
While you may not be interested in turning your garage into a museum for your priceless car collection, there is a wide variety of garage remodeling projects to consider to get more out of the space.
The first step is usually garage organization. The garage is normally a big storage space. People are hiring garage remodeling companies to help manage the clutter. Garage designers have a wide list of products that help manage, store, and organize all the items in the garage. Items and racks can be installed in ceilings and on walls to get things up off the floor. Gorgeous cabinets, with locking wheels, can be added to store tools and hardware.
The next step is usually to finish the garage. Not all garages have drywall on the walls and ceilings. Adding insulation, light fixtures, and electrical outlets is key to making the garage a livable work area. Extending heating and cooling ducts or adding portable HVAC equipment is also an option.
After the room has been finished, the floor is also high on the list. Gone are the days of the boring, old, gray concrete floor. Epoxy floors, stained concrete, decorative overlays are being added. A few are choosing interlocking mats that go from wall-to-wall or in certain areas to help alleviate the discomfort of walking and working on the hard floor. For those who are really brave, they're even adding a thin, durable, stain-resistant carpeting for extra comfort.
Finally, the garage makeover usually includes toys and accessories. Homeowners might consider installing a car lift rack - it allows the car to be lifted up for storage while another car is driven in and parked underneath. For some, just having a garage door opener is a huge step up. Some don't even want their cars back in their garage; they're using their entire room for a workshop. They're installing drills, work benches, lathes, and a host of other tools to make their ultimate workshop and getaway.
If the garage that came with your home is a one or two car garage, or there simply isn't enough room, you could consider extending or adding on to your current structure. A garage addition contractor could inspect the building and the surrounding area to see if it's a possibility for you.
To locate several garage remodeling companies in your area, post your request on Construction Deal. The site has a whole network of remodeling companies and you can find someone for free. Even if you don't go with us, you should make sure you receive as many bids as possible on the project - that way you'll make sure you won't spend too much! Good luck!
RELATED ARTICLES:
Home Additions: Renovate, Don't Relocate!
Remodeling Trends: Is Now the Time to Remodel?
Construction and Remodeling Tips
Labels: Garage Remodeling, Home Improvement, Improving Home Value
10 January 2007
Remodeling Trends: the Home Office
Mark Nash, author of the book "1,001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home," interviewed hundreds of real estate professionals about upcoming trends in home remodeling. In this Washington Post article, Nash states that many of the results were surprising. In discussing 'The Hot and the Not', he found that many agents said that adding a Home Office was a big trend for 2007.
Today, technological advances and flexible schedules have made it easier for people to work from home. Many want more productivity by spending less time commuting or to access work-related projects at any hour of the day or night. It means having all the right tools - computer, high speed Internet capability, storage, and office furniture - to get the job done as if the person were in their regular office.
The article even suggests that some families are choosing to add two home offices - one for each household adult - to make sure there is enough room for both wage earners.
Adding a home office can not only be a great tool for you, it can be an attractive selling point when it comes time to move on.
"'More people want a home office today than anything else I've seen this year,' one agent said. 'They want to work from home.'"
The author found that many real estate professionals are suggesting that homeowners who want to sell their homes should turn their smallest bedroom into a home office for their open house. Homeowners are smart enough to know that the home office can be turned back into a bedroom but it might be a good idea to install computers, put in a desk or two, and give them a picture of how it could look as an office.
Whether you're looking to sell your house, or you have need of such a space, what will do you need to create the perfect Home Office?
Today, technological advances and flexible schedules have made it easier for people to work from home. Many want more productivity by spending less time commuting or to access work-related projects at any hour of the day or night. It means having all the right tools - computer, high speed Internet capability, storage, and office furniture - to get the job done as if the person were in their regular office.
The article even suggests that some families are choosing to add two home offices - one for each household adult - to make sure there is enough room for both wage earners.
Adding a home office can not only be a great tool for you, it can be an attractive selling point when it comes time to move on.
"'More people want a home office today than anything else I've seen this year,' one agent said. 'They want to work from home.'"
The author found that many real estate professionals are suggesting that homeowners who want to sell their homes should turn their smallest bedroom into a home office for their open house. Homeowners are smart enough to know that the home office can be turned back into a bedroom but it might be a good idea to install computers, put in a desk or two, and give them a picture of how it could look as an office.
Whether you're looking to sell your house, or you have need of such a space, what will do you need to create the perfect Home Office?
- A Desk or Workstation - high end office furniture that fits well with the size of the room and has a decent comfort factor
- High Speed Cable, Fiber Optics, or perhaps even a T1 line installed - instant connectivity is a valuable selling tool
- Storage Room - people love to have plenty of storage in nearly every room and the home office is no exception. Storage room means being able to organize files but also books and manuals
- Good Lighting - a single, harsh, overhead light is not going to cut it in a home office. Install quality task lighting for the desk or work station and accent lights around the room (either recessed lighting or lamps)
- Office Accessories - adding printers, shredders, phones and phone lines, copiers, computers, and even a small stereo system can complete the home office. Artwork is a final consideration, if you have room for it - it might be better to use any available space for a dry erase board
Labels: Home Improvement, Home Office, Home Renovation, Improving Home Value, Remodeling
02 January 2007
Remodeling a Small Bathroom
While many new homes have these massive master baths with spa tubs, double sinks, and the latest in modern showers, most of us have to deal with the fact the bathroom is a fairly small room.When knocking out walls is not an option for your bathroom remodeling project, there are a number of things you can do to add new life to a small bath.
Pedestal Sinks - if storage space isn't a huge issue, consider switching to a small pedestal sink. The lack of a large cabinet under the sink can really open up a smaller room.
Keep Plumbing in Place - if you're remodeling your small bathroom, there's probably not much room to move a toilet or tub to another spot anyway. But if you can keep from moving any of your plumbing fixtures, you'll really save money on the remodeling. It's very expensive to relocate these items, so you should be able to save money over the larger bath remodeling projects.
Smokin' Mirrors - adding a large mirror, or even two mirrors on opposite walls, can make the small bath space feel larger.
A Wall Hung Toilet - to really make space in a small area, you can install a wall-hung toilet. It does require some plumbing relocation, but if you're really trying to save space and open the room, it's a great option. And, because the pipes go into the wall and not down onto the floor, it makes it much easier to clean the bathroom floor.
Enclosed Showers - very few take baths anymore and it might be the perfect upgrade to remove the tub/shower and replace it with an enclosed glass shower. The glass on the doors will also help open up a small space.
Add Luxuries - because the room is small, it doesn't mean you have to go without. You can still add state-of-the-art technology for additional comfort. Massaging shower heads, towel warmers, radiant heat flooring, and natural stone counters and shower walls are all great options. It would even be possible to add an LCD TV into the wall or a stereo system with in-wall speakers.
Skylights - consider adding a skylight to bring in a ton of natural light and really pop the small room wide open.
There are a lot of other small tips that can help bring your small, outdated bathroom to life. Go with lighter colors or wallpaper to make the room feel bigger. Avoid excessive window treatments that will cut back on light. And make sure to keep the small bath clutter-free. Too many small things sitting around or hanging on the wall will close the room in on you. Finally, if you can't expand the bathroom out, consider expanding it up - by raising the ceiling, you can really make the small space seem much bigger.
If you need to find a bathroom remodeling expert to help with your remodeling project, consider using us. At Construction Deal, you can post your project request for free, choose how many remodeling companies will call you, and then sit back and wait for them to bid on the project. It's fast, free, and easy. And you'll certainly save lots of time and money.
Labels: Bathroom Remodeling, Home Improvement, Home Renovation, Remodeling
06 December 2006
Planning to Improve Your Home Value?
So, your current home is not quite your dream home? You know you'll be moving in a few years? I bet you're putting together a list of projects you want to complete in the long term to make sure your home is ready to sell, if and when you plan on moving.Let's face it - the average American moves every five to ten years. So, anything and everything that you can do to your home to improve the look and functionality could potentially mean a greater return on investment when you sell.
Everyone talks about renovating the kitchen and bathrooms in a house to improve value. But let me help you look as some of the smaller, less interesting but still very important tasks that you need to clear up first. These are the small tasks that a local handyman or contractor could help you with, if you can't do them all yourself, to improve the overall value on your home -- without spending very much!
Lose the Popcorn Ceiling - have you got those acoustic ceiling tiles or popcorn ceilings in most of the rooms in your house? Get them out. They've been an eyesore since the mid-eighties. Nearly everyone hates them and wants them gone. If you get rid of them and replace them with smooth drywall ceilings (possibly with some crown molding up there), you'll win favor with potential buyers.
Air Conditioners in the Windows? Central heating and air conditioning is the way to go. Yes, it's very expensive to have it installed, but it will serve you well while you'll live in the house and serve you well when you go to sell the house. A very wise investment. In most states, it's practically expected and when it's not there, it can be a deal breaker.
Lose the Linoleum - If you've got dated vinyl, plastic, or linoleum floors or counters, you should think about replacing and upgrading when and where you can. There are even modern equivalents to the linoleum products that look and feel much better than the old stuff installed in your house from the 60's. New technology has improved most of the man-made tile and sheet products to make them look like natural stones and ceramic tiles.
Run for the Border - Remove all the wallpaper and borders that have tattooed your walls since 1984. Even faux paint is starting to fall out of favor. Go with quality paint in conservative colors that match the tone and style of the room and house. Paint is classic and much harder to go out of style (the colors may not be but paint is always "in.") If you need to find a painting company, we can help...
Peel the Paneling - Remove or paint over all the dark faux wood paneling in the house. It's been out for a long time but most people have been looking at it for so long, they've tuned it out. Fresh and airy and light is what people want from their home. Not dark and muted, which is what paneling provides.
Improve your home and you'll eventually improve your bottom line. The housing market is slow right now but it doesn't mean that it will be this way in a few years when you're ready to move on.
Keep ConstructionDeal.com in your bookmarks and remember us when you need to find a quality home improvement expert. It's free and faster than looking up remodeling companies at random from your local phone book.
Labels: Home Improvement, Home Renovation, Remodeling
01 November 2006
Get the Best Remodeling Contractor you can!
What's the best way to find a quality home improvement contractor? Here's part of an article I wrote that's on our website on how to make sure you're getting the best remodeling service for your project:"Where do I start?
The truth is... some jobs are too big, too complicated, or require too much time to handle on your own. Whether it's remodeling a kitchen, installing gutters, or electrical rewiring for your business - you'll likely need an expert.
A contractor can be a knight in shining armor when it comes to completing a home repair or remodeling project. You've heard hhorror stories connected with shady contractors and you're starting to rethink this remodel. Statistics show that the huge majority of contractors out there are honest, hard-working professionals. Most people are happy with any improvement project they undertake.
How can you protect myself and make sure I find a great contractor? Here are some tips you can follow to make sure your remodeling project goes well:
- Got License? Most states require that a contractor have a license to operate in that state. Once you find a contractor, check to see if he or she has a local contracting license to do the job. Check out our Resources Page for the State Licensing Board for your state requirements.
- Got References? Get at least three references from satisfied clients. And if you want to get really fanatical, go to the contractor's current job site. See if the site is messy. Are the workers taking care of the property?
- Got Bids? If you have the luxury, get multiple bids from several contractors. Don't always assume that the lowest bid is the best, because that contractor may be desperate for work or might cut corners on the job. But if you get contractor's from several sources, you could get a really great deal.
- Got it in Writing? The days of the "handshake deal" are far behind us. Get a detailed contract together and throw everything in (even if the project doesn't involve the kitchen sink!) The more you clarify, the fewer headaches you'll have if things go wrong.
- Got a Checking Account? Don't ever pay in cash. Can you say, "Proof of payment"? I thought you could... Keep logs of all payments (for example - 10% down, 20% by one date, another 20% by another date, final payment when work is complete) and pay with check or credit card only.
Ready to start your remodeling project? Submit your request to ConstructionDeal.com - we'll match you to 4 renovation contractors in your area - at no cost. It saves you time and money. You'll get 4 bids within minutes and you can choose the best quote for your budget.
Labels: Home Improvement, Remodeling Contractors, Renovation Contractor
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