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FAQs on Home Improvement and Remodeling related services...

Remodeling or home improvement home for fun or profit can be a rewarding exercise that leaves you with a sense of pride and accomplishment. It can also save you substantial sums of money -- However, it can also COST you some big money! 

YOU alone are responsible for managing an efficient remodeling project -- even if you use a contractor. Most people severely underestimate the knowledge and commitment in time that is necessary to achieve successful remodeling results on a home.

A Few Tips You Can Use

Contractor markups can add up to 75 percent to the cost of a remodeling project.

The remodeling you provide will add to the value of your home, but at the retail price of the remodeling contractor, not at your cost. 

Use Sweat Equity as a Source of Funds. Arrange with any contractors to let you do some of the work or cleanup.

Some states require builders and remodelers to be licensed and some don't. Check the laws in your state before signing contracts.

A "professional" remodeler usually will be a builder or contractor with an established office, employees, and a client list. These contractors usually specialize in midsize remodeling projects such as kitchen renovation or siding replacement. They generally act as the contractor and project manager. They will usually work from the plans and specifications you provide, managing and scheduling the skilled trades needed to finish the project. They seldom have the design skills necessary to make decorative recommendations. 

"Design-build remodeling contractors" represent a new breed of remodeling contractor. They are usually builders or commercial contractors who have expanded or changed to the remodeling field. They usually can provide a complete one-stop design and remodeling service. The term "design-build" originates from the fact that they usually employ a draftsman, designer, or architect on staff to develop the initial design. They are accustomed to managing the job from start to finish. 


Subcontractor contracts, like affidavits, protect you from surprises. All arrangements must be in writing, no matter how good anyone's memory, reputation or integrity. Subs often develop contract amnesia if a problem arises. Your contract should include job specifications, time frame for completion and a payment schedule. To avoid having to pay for rushed, below standard work, it is wise to include a statement such as "Final payment will be made when work is satisfactorily completed. 


If you are remodeling just for the sale of your home:
Major kitchen improvements should bring a greater return on investment than a minor face-lift. A major overhaul will allow you to add new and more spacious cabinets, solve traffic flow problems and lighten up the kitchen with windows. A full face-lift is expensive and may not return the full value of the investment, so try to do as much of the work yourself as is possible. If your existing kitchen is out of date, consider the remodeling project a necessity. 

Nothing will scare a prospective buyer away faster than an unattractive, leaking roof. If the roof is in poor condition, you may have no choice but to replace it. But don't expect it to add much value to the house. The roof is one of those must do maintenance tasks. 

Unless you live in a really upscale neighborhood, adding a swimming pool as a home improvement rarely returns the investment. 

Painting does not actually improve or return big on the investment. That is, it does not monetarily increase the value of your home. However, it does attract and persuade buyers, so it's a must do item.

As for Landscaping... No true exterior improvement can be successful without an attractive yard or landscape. Overgrown trees, shrubs or bushes look ragged and obscure the view of a home. They also produce a dreary atmosphere. Don't overspend on landscaping, but spending a dollars on it can go a long way.