When searching for home improvement contractors, locating licensed and experienced contractors is only the beginning. On the path to whittling down your prospective contractors to the perfect fit, you will need to carefully examine their skills and expertise as well as the finer points of...
Bathroom design and remodeling represent a significant investment — the return on these projects is immense in terms of both resale value and daily benefit. The expense of new showers, tiles, and cabinets means that you need to plan and execute carefully. On the other...
The best home remodeling projects are a bit like dinner at a five-star restaurant. The quality of the experience starts with vision and preparation before the magic actually happens. Before buying materials or hiring a contractor, we recommend that you consider the five stages of...
Even if money is no object, it’s important to get a fair and accurate estimate for home remodeling. The cost and details of the renovations affect the return on investment and your enjoyment of the finished results. The timeline of the work will also be...
Construction and remodeling contracts consist of detailed plans and lists of terms that answer the “who, what, and when” of the project. These elements should be present and easily understood by all parties: Architectural drawings Specifications for material types and labor standards Payment terms and schedule Progress schedule, and...
Building contractors come from a variety of backgrounds, including construction project management or skilled trades such as carpentry. With enough experience and knowledge of the process, a building contractor brings exceptional value to the client. Building and remodeling require dozens of workers or more, with...
Many of the best home improvement ideas can reduce your energy consumption without your having to lift a finger — smart design and elegant solutions that naturally improve the home’s efficiency. Solar panels and new air conditioners are not your only options. Well-placed remodeling and...
Residential construction involves numerous moving pieces and variables. The contract type is a crucial factor in the cost, schedule, and management of the project. When seeking estimates and interviewing contractors, be sure to discuss various options for the contract structure. Do you prefer fixed costs or...
Hopefully you never encounter a contractor who acts in bad faith. Yet even a good-intentioned contractor might fail to deliver the results you want if you aren’t on the same page from the beginning. A great home construction contract protects you while also making it...
Planning home construction when you have children, especially smaller ones, requires some special foresight. In general, it’s best to design the home for the bulk of the years they will spend there rather than the immediate future. At the same time, home construction offers a...