Running Out of Money

Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or you are hiring someone to do the job, running out of money will certainly put a damper on things. If you care doing the job yourself, be sure to budget carefully and to over budget what you think you are going to need. This way, you will have a little padding if something doesn’t go quite as you had expected. To avoid running out of money when working with a contractor, be sure you have a solid contract in place that specifies exactly how much the project will cost. The contract should also clearly spell out what will happen if problems arise and how much extra expenses may cost.

Experiencing Problems with the Weather

Another issue that some homeowners come across when remodeling or otherwise improving upon their home is uncooperative weather. If the project takes longer than expected, you may find yourself still working on the project well into the winter, which can make it quite difficult for you to keep your home warm. Or, you may deal with rainy weather, which can postpone the completion of your project and cause damage to exposed areas of your home. No matter how much you plan ahead, Mother Nature may have different plans for you, so be prepared for some possible weather-related issues.

Finding Out it is Not What You Expected

Many home improvement horrors stories also revolve around getting started on a project and then discovering things are not quite what you expected. Oftentimes, walls aren’t square, floors aren’t level and problems are hidden in ways that aren’t discovered until you start tearing things out. In some cases, these unexpected surprises make projects far more difficult and costly to complete. For this reason, many homeowners choose to hire a professional to complete certain projects. Just remember, it is generally cheaper to hire a professional from the beginning than to hire someone to come in and clean up the mess after you have already started.

Do you have a home improvement horror story of your own? If so, we’d love to hear about it!

The post Home Improvement Horror Stories appeared first on Local Contractor Finder.

Ticking Time Bomb #1: Cracks in the Foundation

Cracks in the foundation can occur from stress caused by the weather, tree roots and a number of other natural causes. To prevent problems, you should avoid planting trees next to your home and you should be sure your gutters are properly installed and cleaned on a regular basis. It is also a good idea to contact a foundation contractor to inspect the condition of your foundation every few years.

Ticking Time Bomb #2: Electrical Wires Not Up to Code

Depending upon how long you have lived in your home, your electrical system may not be up to the current standards. As such, your home may be at risk of an electrical fire. Therefore, it may be a good idea to hire an electrician to make sure your system is up to code and running properly.

Ticking Time Bomb #3: Faulty Plumbing System

A faulty plumbing system can cause a great deal of damage to your home, particularly if it springs a leak in a wall or under the house where it can’t be easily reached. Hiring a plumber to inspect your system will help prevent these problems from occurring.

Ticking Time Bomb #4: Old Furnace

An old furnace that is not properly maintained can stop working at any time, leaving your family in the cold in the middle of winter. In addition to changing the filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, you should also have your furnace inspected by a qualified HVAC technician each fall.

Ticking Time Bomb #5: Eaten Away by Termites

Termites can cause extensive damage to a home before the homeowner ever realizes there is a problem. This is because termites typically stay hidden away in walls where they are never seen. You can keep termites at bay by storing wood away from your home and by keeping soil and other matter away from the bottom of your home. Period inspections from a termite inspector are also recommended.

Ticking Time Bomb #6: Leaking Roof

A leaking roof can suddenly collapse without notice, particularly during a heavy storm or in strong winds. You can help keep your roof in good shape by cleaning out your gutters, installing roof vents and clearing away snow and ice before it develops. You should also invest in periodic inspections so small repairs can be made before the problem gets bigger and more difficult to manage.

Ticking Time Bomb #7: Septic Tank

If your home has a septic tank, you can run into problems if you fail to maintain it properly or to get it pumped on a period basis. Furthermore, you should avoid planting trees near your septic tank, as the roots can become problematic. Some experts recommend getting the septic pumped every 3 to 5 years, but you may be able to go much longer before you need to get yours pumped.

Ticking Time Bomb #8: Overextended Breaker

If you have lived in your home for a very long time or if you attempted to do some of the electrical work yourself, you may have an overextended breaker providing juice to one of your appliances. If this is the case, you have a potential fire hazard on your hands. To ensure your system is safe and up to code, you should hire an electrician to check over your system.

Ticking Time Bomb #9: Dryer Lint

Many homeowners fail to realize that dryer lint gets caught in the exhaust tube that leads to the outside of the home. Not only does this prevent your clothes from drying properly, but it also forces your dryer to work harder and can become a fire hazard. To prevent this from happening, you should periodically check and clean the exhaust tube.

Ticking Time Bomb #10: Overgrown Trees

Overgrown trees can be a hazard to your family and your home, particularly if some of the branches have grown weak or have rotted out. If you have a tree with branches that are hanging over your home or other structures, that are hanging over wires or that appear to be weak, you should contact a tree removal service to get rid of the trees and branches before they cause damage to your property.

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Ask for Full Disclosure When Buying

If you are purchasing a home, you can learn more about its past by asking specific questions about the home’s past. Laws vary from state to state, but sellers are generally required to disclose information when specifically asked. So, if you want to know if anyone died in your home or if your home was used for illegal activity, ask the seller or the real estate agent representing the seller. Just be sure to ask specific questions regarding the home’s history.

Talk to Neighbors

Of course, there is always the possibility that the owner truly doesn’t know about the home’s past or you may be in a state where full disclosure isn’t required beyond a certain timeframe. Or, if you are already living in the home, you obviously can no longer expect the former owner or real estate to discuss the home’s history with you. In this case, simply talking to the neighbors may help you learn more about the home’s history. If the home has a dark past or if some sort of illegal activity took place there while the neighbors were living in the neighborhood, they will likely be able to tell you more about it.

Search the Internet

Thanks to the power of the Internet, a whole lot of information is available at your fingertips. Simply conducting a search of the home’s address may actually bring up a newspaper article if some sort of criminal activity took place in the home.

Check Out Police Records

Another option is to look into police records related to the home. Many police precincts will provide you with a printout of any calls that were made to the police within the past few years from a particular address. You will likely have to pay a small fee for this information, but it can help you get a better idea of what took place in the home before you took ownership or before it went on the market.

Investigate City Records

City records can also give you a better idea of what may have taken place in the neighborhood where your home is located. For example, they may reveal is the plot next door was once a cemetery or whether or not it was torn down and rebuilt, which could indicate something dreadful once took place there.

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One of the most important steps you can take toward hiring the right contractor is to take the time to interview all of the potential clients and to learn more about what each has to offer to you.

Still, in order to get the most out of the interview process, it is essential to avoid these three big mistakes commonly made by homeowners when interviewing contractors.

Mistake #1: Failure to Plan the Right Questions

The single biggest mistake some homeowners make when interviewing contractors is failing to ask the right questions. Before you begin the interview process, you should create a list of questions that you will ask every contractor that you interview. Some key questions you should be sure to ask include;

• How long have you been in business?
• Who will supervise the progress of the job?
• When will the project be started and what kind of schedule will you put in place?
• What approach will you use to complete this project?
• How is your company organized?
• Is your company a full-service firm or a specialty firm?
• Do you offer design services?
• Do you carry workmen’s compensation and liability insurance?
• Are your employees certified?

By asking these questions, you will be better able to determine if you are comfortable with how the company operates and the service it can provide. For example, if you are doing a small project, hiring a specialty contractor may be the best route.

If you have a large project in mind, on the other hand, you will want to hire a contractor who can handle the full scope of the project.

Furthermore, to ensure you are not held financially responsible if something goes wrong on the worksite, you need to be sure the contractor has workmen’s compensation and liability insurance in place.

Mistake #2: Failure to Ask Follow-Up Questions

Another mistake commonly made by homeowners when interviewing contractors is failure to ask follow-up questions. While it is important to have a list of questions available for each contractor, you should also be willing and able to ask follow-up questions.

For example, after asking who will be assigned to supervise the job, you should ask plenty of questions about that person and what you can expect from that person as your main point of contact.

Furthermore, in addition to asking about the anticipated schedule of completion for the project, you should also ask about the intended work schedule and how you will be notified of any delays or changes to the schedule.

In short, if you have any lingering doubts or questions, be sure to ask them before you bring the interview to an end.

Mistake #3: Failure to Document

To ensure you are able to fairly and accurately compare what each contractor has to offer it is also essential to avoid the third most common mistake: failure to document. As you interview each contractor, be sure to write down their answers to your questions and to carefully read through the written contracts they provide. By comparing what each contractor has to offer, you will be better prepared to choose the one that is right for you.

The post 3 Big Mistakes to Avoid When Interviewing Contractors appeared first on Local Contractor Finder.

Clearly, you want to get the best quality for the lowest price possible, but this is not all that you should consider when choosing a contractor. Rather, it is also essential to take the steps necessary to ensure you are protected in case something goes wrong with the project.

While most homeowners realize they need to get a contract that provides specific details about the project, many fail to ask about three little known documents that they should insist upon receiving: a copy of the contractor’s license and a copy of their workmen’s comp and liability insurance policies.

The Contractor’s License

While licensing requirements vary from one state to the next, most have some sort of procedure for contractors to follow in order to become licensed. Remember, it is not good enough to simply ask the contractor if he is licensed. Rather, you need to obtain a copy of the license so you can check the expiration dates and so you can call the issuing authority to verify that it is still in good standing. If the contractor is not licensed, you should never trust your home or your money to his company.

General Liability Insurance

While general liability insurance protects the contractor against lawsuits related to bodily injury or property damage, it also protects your home from damage and negligence of the contractor. The policy will also protect you if any of the contractor’s employees and sub-contractors cause damage to your property while working on your project.

If the contractor does not have insurance in place and something goes wrong, you will either have to pay for the damage yourself or sue the contractor for damages. Obviously, suing someone costs money, and you may never receive the compensation even if it is awarded to you.

A third option is to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance, but there is no guarantee the cost will be covered, particularly if you cannot prove that you hired a licensed contractor to do the work.

Workmen’s Compensation

In addition to protecting your home from damage, you also need to protect your pocketbook if someone gets injured while working on your project. This is where workmen’s compensation becomes important.

If the contractor does not have workmen’s compensation coverage, you will be held responsible for any injuries the workers sustain while working on your project. If the contractor you hire is just a one-man operation, he may be exempt from carrying workmen’s compensation.

In this case, you should ask the contractor to provide you with a copy of his certificate of exemption. Going this route can still be risky, however, as you still may find yourself in trouble if the contractor decides to bring someone along to help or if he hires a subcontractor.

The post 3 Little-Known Documents to Request Before Hiring Any Contractor appeared first on Local Contractor Finder.

Still, regardless of how valuable your belongings may be, there is nothing more precious than your family. Therefore, when considering the safety and security of your home, it is important to consider how to keep the contents of your home protected when you are away as well as when you are home.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help prevent break-ins while your family is home. Here is a look at three great ideas you may want to consider.

1. Install Quality Locks with Automatic Locking Mechanisms

While a determined invader will find a way to get into your home regardless of the quality of the locks you have installed, installing a quality locking mechanism will help to deter potential invaders. Of course, installing quality locks will do nothing to protect your family if they do not keep the door locked. Therefore, you may want to consider installing a mechanism that automatically locks when the door is shut.

2. Install a Burglar Alarm

Another step you can take to protect your family is to install a burglar alarm. Unlike a home alert system, which must be manually activated when your family is in trouble, a burglar alarm is automatically triggered when the security of your home is breeched. With a burglar alarm in place, you can be sure the police will be automatically notified if your family’s safety is in danger.

3. Install Surveillance Cameras

Yet another way to protect your family and to prevent a break-in is to install surveillance cameras on your property. Often, simply having surveillance cameras installed in areas where they can clearly be seen by potential intruders is enough to keep them at bay. After all, the last thing they want is to have their images captured on camera. Therefore, you should either install the cameras in an area where they can easily be spotted or hang signs warning that the property is monitored by surveillance cameras.

To further increase the security of your family, you may want to install cameras with surveillance monitors inside. In this way, your family can survey the outside situation at any time. This can be particularly beneficial when someone comes to the door, as they can see who is at the door without actually approaching the door. If something seems suspicious, your family has the extra time that is needed to take the appropriate safety actions.

The post 3 Ways to Help Prevent Break-Ins While Your Family is Home appeared first on Local Contractor Finder.

Therefore, before you hire a contractor to handle your next home improvement project, you should take the time to learn more about how to go about firing a contractor without risking retaliation.

After all, the contractor will have had access to one of your most precious possessions, so you want to be sure you will not face any problems with that contractor in the future. To that end, here are five simple steps to take when firing a contractor.

Step #1: Create a Solid Contract

The first step toward firing a contractor is to be sure you have a solid contract in place before the work ever starts. All information regarding the project and the materials to be used should be clearly defined in the contract. Your contract should also describe how you can recoup funds for the work and materials if the work doesn’t meet your standards and how any subcontractors will be paid. In other words, you should agree to all of the termination terms before the work begins. This way, you are both clear on the exact procedure and expectations.

Step #2: Gather Evidence

If you plan to fire your contractor, you will need to take the time to gather evidence and document why you are unhappy with the contractor’s work. If the contractor has a problem with arriving to the site late, for example, you should begin documenting when he arrives each day. If he is leaving a mess behind at the end of the work day that is not in accord with your agreement, take photos. If the work quality is shoddy, take photos and document what is wrong with the work or the materials that are being used. This way, when the time comes to fire the contractor, you will have the evidence you need to support your decision.

Step #3: Prepare Your Documents

Next, you will need to prepare your documents to share with the contractor. This may include labeling photos, highlighting specific areas in your contract or placing your notes in an easy-to-read format that you can share with the contractor.

Step #4: Get Your Thoughts Together

After preparing your documents, you should write down a few notes regarding the points that you want to cover when you meet with the contractor. This way, you will be sure to cover all of the important points without veering away from the purpose of your meeting.

Step #5: Meet with the Contractor

Once you have gathered all of the necessary documentation and evidence, it is time to set up a meeting with the contractor in order to discuss your concerns. When meeting with the contractor, be sure to stick with the facts and to discuss only those things that are related to his work and performance and not regarding his personal relationship with you.

The post How to Fire a Contractor without Risking Retaliation appeared first on Local Contractor Finder.

If so, there are several things you need to take into consideration when hiring a contractor. Not only do you want an affordable contractor who can perform quality work, but you also want to be sure you are hiring an honest contractor who will deliver the work as promised. Therefore, when choosing the contractor to hire for the job, you should be sure to watch for these 4 red flags of a crooked contractor.

Red Flag #1: He Solicits Your Home

As a general rule of thumb, contractors who make cold calls by going door-to-door do not represent legitimate businesses. Oftentimes, these are phony contractors who are passing through the area in hopes of making a quick buck. One common tactic used by these contractors is to claim they have materials left over from a previous job that they wish to use on your home for a reduced cost. While this may sound like a great way to save a little money, you are not very likely to see any of those materials or the contractor after you make a down payment on the job.

Red Flag #2: The Contractor Asks You to Obtain the Permits

After accepting your project, the contractor is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits. If the contractor asks you to obtain the permits, it may be because he is not licensed or is not registered with the proper state agencies. A reputable contractor will obtain the permits himself before starting the project.

Red Flag #3: Accepts Only Cash

A contractor who only accepts cash is often untrustworthy. While some may not accept credit cards due to the fees associated with this form of payment, all reputable contractors should accept checks. Not only does this help keep you protected, but it also provides you with proof of payment if problems should arise later. Furthermore, the contractor should never require payment in full upfront. Be sure to work out a payment schedule before work begins.

Red Flag #4: Contact Information is Missing

If the contractor’s contact information is missing, it is another sign of a potential problem. At a minimum, the contractor should be able to provide you with a working phone number and an address that can be verified with the Better Business Bureau.

When you select a contractor from Local Help Finder, you can be sure you are selecting from only the most reputable and knowledgeable contractors in the area. By completing an extensive pre-screening process, we provide you with the comfort of knowing that your job will be in good hands.

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Yet, many homeowners fail to take this step or they simply do not ask the right questions when contacting references.

Since references are your key to learning more about the contractor’s work habits and quality of work, it is essential that you plan out the right questions and ask them with each contractor you interview.

To that end, here are the top 5 questions you should ask when contacting references.

Question #1: Did the Contractor Stay on Schedule?

Everyone has heard horror stories about contractors who fail to stay on schedule or who work odd hours that interrupt with the homeowner’s lifestyle. When talking with a reference, take the time to learn more about the hours the contractor worked and whether or not he stuck to the agreed upon schedule. Obviously, there will be times when legitimate reasons slow down the progress of work, such as uncooperative weather, but your contractor’s references should be able to give you a good idea whether or not you can expect poor time maintenance to be a problem.

Question #2: Did the Contractor Meet the Terms of the Contract?

You should also ask the references whether or not the contractor satisfactorily met the terms of the contract. In addition to following the schedule established by the contract, this includes finding out whether or not the project was completed as agreed and with the agreed upon materials.

Question #3: Was the Contractor Willing to Listen to You?

Nothing is worse than having a contractor who is unwilling to take the time to listen to your needs and to answer your questions. So, be sure to ask the references whether or not the contractor was willing to listen and to engage in a two-way conversation where their opinions were valued.

Question #4: Was the Contractor Willing to Make Corrections as Necessary?

No matter how well-planned a project may be, you may run into problems along the way. Perhaps this was due to a miscommunication or because the contractor simply didn’t meet your expectations. Either way, a reputable contractor will be willing to correct any mistakes as necessary. Therefore, be sure to ask the reference whether or not any mistakes were made and, if so, if the contractor was willing to make the necessary corrections without a hassle.

Question #5: Would You Hire This Contractor Again?

Ultimate, the million dollar question comes down to, “Would you hire this contractor again?” If the reference says that he would not hire the contractor again, this will certainly serve as a red flag. If the reference would be willing to hire the contractor again, it is certainly a point in that contractor’s favor.

The post Top 5 Must Ask Questions When Calling Contractor References appeared first on Local Contractor Finder.

If so, you may uncover some unexpected surprises as you start to tear things out and otherwise prep your home for your upcoming project. In some cases, you may even be surprised to discover that your home was clearly once the home of a hoarder. In fact, here are three signs that your home was likely filled with to the brim with piles of items at one time in its life.

Sign #1: Uneven Carpet Wear and Discoloration

One telltale sign that your home was once owned by a hoarder is the condition of the carpet. While it is normal for carpeting to be worn out in high traffic areas, your carpeting may be unevenly worn out and discolored from the items that were once stacked in the room. It is not unusual for the carpeting in hoarder homes to have stained outlines that clearly show where boxes were once stored. After all, when a floor is covered with boxes and other items, it is impossible to vacuum the carpeting that remains exposed. In all likelihood, you will need to replace your carpeting in order to remove evidence of the hoarder who once lived in your home.

Sign #2: Scratches on Your Ceiling

You can also be relatively sure your home was once owned by a hoarder if you discover scratches on your ceiling. Oftentimes, hoarders have no other choice but to stack their belongings higher and higher due to a lack of room. As a result, they frequently stack them all the way to the ceiling, where their belongings may scratch and otherwise cause damage to the ceiling. In most cases, this damage is insignificant, so you may not have even noticed it when you first purchased the home. Once you take a closer look at the ceiling, however, you may find that you need to do more than just paint the ceiling in order to complete your remodeling project.

Sign #3: Uncovering Hidden Messes

Many people who purchase a home that was once owned by a hoarder are surprised to uncover some of the “goodies” that the hoarder collected over the years. This is particularly true if you purchase a home with outdoor buildings, which may have been used by the hoarder to store some of their precious items. Unfortunately, cleaning out the clutter can be a very time consuming process, but it will be well worth it when that space becomes available for you to use. Many discover unusual odors or stains in remote corners of their homes that were missed during the home inspection process.

Have experience with buying a previously owned home of a hoarder? Share your experience in the comments below!

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