Avoid Home Improvement Scams
Home improvement scams can be any homeowner's nightmare. Researching contractors on the internet and through references is the best way to avoid problems on home improvement projects.
Homeowners Living Maintenance Free
Maintenance-free is a concept that sounds good, but doesn't quite pan out when it comes to most single family homes. All homes age and need ongoing maintenance and attention in order to stay in good shape. But, in the late 1980s, developers began to introduce the concept of a maintenance-free community, in which residents aren't responsible for mowing the grass, plowing the snow, fixing roof leaks or painting the exteriors of their homes.
Water Barrier System
When you own a home covered with synthetic stucco you may decide to install a water barrier system. Some water barrier systems work, but many fail, and you should ensure that your system is in working order. A synthetic stucco-certified home inspector can look at the exterior of the home to find potential damage.
Contractor May Help Avoid Extensive Landscaping Changes
What can you do when the property that borders yours is to undergo extensive landscaping changes? Do you have a say in the matter? Even if your local government has approved the landscaping changes you may be able to provide an alternative by suggesting a qualified contractor.
Home Improvement: Eliminating Trapped Odors From Your Home
Can a french drain cause an odor to be trapped in your home? Ilyce explains how a french drain works and that it shouldn't cause an odor in the home. Ilyce suggests visiting the home improvement store to find out more about trapped odors and where they might be coming from in the home.
Customer Complains About New Deck
A contractor writes Ilyce to ask about his obligations to an unhappy home owner. He installed, and repaired a deck for them. They would now like him to start over on the project. Ilyce explains where the contractor stands in these negotiations.
Avoid Contractor Liens With Lien Waivers
Before you get a contractor to work on your property you should get a lien waiver. Lien waivers ensure that if your contractor or a sub-contractor does not get paid for the home improvement or home repair work that they do, your home won't be in danger. When a contractor puts a lien on a home, it makes it more difficult to later sell the home.
Renovate Or Tear Down: When Shouldn’t A House be Saved?
In neighborhoods all across America we are seeing old homes being torn down and replaced with new construction. Lane Epstein, an architect and vice president of Baker Construction Group, shares how to decide if an older home is appropriate for renovation or tear down.
Real Estate Minute: Home Repair Help For Veterans
Real Estate Minute with Ilyce Glink SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE OFFERS HELP REBUILDING Original Air Date: July 11, 2006
Expenses For New Flooring
When undertaking home improvement projects like replacing flooring, the price you pay can depend on how the house is laid out. Sometimes there is more waste when a room is smaller, increasing the cost. To get a fairly decent estimate, try to add up the room sizes and then figure out how much flooring you'll need. Or go to a big box store like Lowe's and talk to a salesperson, or use online calculators like those found at www.homedepot.com.