See What Our Customers Have to Say...

"Thank you for all the wonderful work you have done throughout our building this year. On more than one occasion, residents have stopped by the office to share how impressed they are by your work and the professionalism of your staff. You have been so generous with your time and talents, and have positively impacted our residents' experience at Edina Towers. You truly make a difference in our community, and I look forward to our continued work together.

Thank you again for all the outstanding work you have done for us all year, we look forward to continuing our working relationship in 2011."

Regards,
Juliana Leigh Young
Edina Towers Property Manager

View more of Titus Contracting's client testimonials on our website.

See What Our Customers Have to Say...

"I recently moved my office to a new location in Eagan. I needed the new space to have a build out completed in a short time, so that my clinic operations would not be interrupted. Titus Contracting was recommended to me by my real estate agent. After explaining my situation to Titus, they said they would do their best to finish the project within 5-6 weeks. I told them that I needed the new space ready within 5 weeks, otherwise, I would not have time to set up my new office and my business would be interrupted. Titus Contracting finished the project in 4 weeks, which gave me plenty of time to make a smooth transition into my new office. They did a fine job in a short amount of time. I would recommend Titus Contracting to anyone who is in need of a reliable and efficient contractor."

- Dr. Jay Pettis, Pettis Chiropractic, LLC

For an insight as to what to expect from Titus Contracting, visit Titus Contracting, LLC to view more testimonials!

Replacing Windows & Home Remodeling...

What Type of Window is Best for Northern Climates?

Windows are a major component of a home architecturally and functionally. Not only will the exterior style of the house be affected by the size, shape and style of windows, but these factors will also determine the overall look and feel of the home once inside. There are several details which need to be considered before selecting windows for a remodel or new construction.

The type of windows installed will directly affect the comfort level of the home owner and the amount of the monthly utility bills. The majority of windows available on the market are energy star compliant, but this does not necessarily mean a much leaner heating and cooling bill or electric bill. Other factors which will increase the overall efficiency of a window are whether it is double-paned or triple-paned, has a low-e glazing or from what type of material it is constructed.

When selecting new windows, the home owner should not necessarily base their decision strictly on the cost of each window. Of course monetary constraints will play a large part when determining the type of windows, but the total expense may be much higher than the home owner realizes.

Larger windows and bay windows will increase the amount of light admitted into the home. A house with darker hard wood flooring, tile or carpet would require larger windows to offset the expense of turning on lamps for artificial light. Bay windows will also "open up" the overall feel of the room making it seem larger than actual size.

No matter the size of the window, it is important for the window to be double-paned with an inert gas, such as argon, sandwiched between each pane. The gap between each pane of glass will help to insulate the interior from the extreme temperatures of summer and winter. In northern climates, such as Minneapolis, Minnesota, the home owner may opt for triple-paned windows. The additional gap and layer of glass will further increase the insulative qualities of the window.

The other major attribute of a window which will directly affect the energy efficiency is whether it is aluminum, vinyl or wood clad window. Aluminum is excellent at transferring hot or cold temperatures so it is not the best choice for minimizing heat loss. One of the most efficient constructions will actually be a wood clad in vinyl. Straight wooden frames will be more economical; however will require the most maintenance. The maintenance free external vinyl combined with an interior wood frame will provide a beautiful look on the exterior and the interior.

Because there are hundreds of standard and custom-sized dimensioned windows, it is recommended to rely on the experience of the remodeling company, such as Titus Contracting, LLC. Particular brands and series of windows will be better than others. Again it is important to rely on the contractor's experience and knowledge. It is also advisable for the home owner to conduct their own independent research.

For more information on windows, remodels and home additions contact Titus Contracting, LLC.

Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Titus Contracting, LLC. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Check Out Your Contractor, As Well As Your Roofing and Siding Product Warranty

The biggest investment any individual is likely to make is the home in which the family lives. It then stands to reason that the homeowner should take an active interest in maintaining that home. The two most important parts of the home are the siding and roof.

The siding plays a key role in protecting the frame of the house, every occupant within the interior and the contents. Without the siding being in good condition to help shield and repel insects, rain or snow, rot, mold or fungus, it is only a matter of time before serious problems occur. Serious problems translate to much greater expense than just the basic home maintenance.

Traditionally the materials used in home construction were brick or wood siding. Today, there are several various options which serve as well or better than brick and wood. Cement fiber siding is one of the many types of extremely durable and beautiful siding which has gained in popularity.

The advantage of cement fiber board is that while it possesses the look of actual wood siding, it stands up to the elements and time just as well as cement. In fact it is quite likely that once the existing siding has been replaced with the cement fiber siding, the home owner will be outlived by the siding and may never need to replace any portion of the siding in their lifetime.

The other major component of a house is the roof. Roofing is the integral part of the entire home. Much like siding, without a solid and durable roof above, the interior contents of the home and walls will be destroyed in short order. Most roofing materials come with some measure of warranty. Depending upon the manufacturer and quality of the roofing material, it is common to have warranties of 15, 20, or 30 years.

Two of the most commonly installed types of roofing have been shingles and aluminum panels. Each has specific advantages and abilities which can benefit the family, as well as saving some expense on the utility bill. One may be better than the other depending upon in what region of the country the home is located. A local professional roofing contractor should have the specifics as to which type of roofing is preferred for the home owner's locale and why.

The home owner needs to be aware of the limitations of the product warranty. While the product may be of the finest quality, if the roofing or siding is not installed properly, even the product with the longest warranty can fail. Because of this, it is extremely important to make sure that the contractor is a certified installer endorsed by the particular brand of roofing manufactured. Most manufacturers of roofing shingles and other roofing materials have certification requirements which the installer must complete in order to receive an endorsement. The home owner should be able to rest easier knowing that a quality product is going hand in hand with a quality installation.

To learn more about Titus Contracting and their design process, visit Titus Contracting or call 952-746-7817 today.

Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Titus Contracting, LLC. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

MADAC Award Winning Project

Titus Contracting constructed a project that was chosen for the MADAC award through the Minnesota Multi-Housing Awards!

Titus Contracting is a full-service remodeling company offering both residential and commercial construction. Additionally, Titus Contracting provides cabinets, tile installation, and finish carpentry in Savage, Lakeville, and the Twin Cities, MN.

Here is just a sneak peak of the project chosen for the MADAC award!


To view more photos of this project visit Titus Contracting.

The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Titus Contracting. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Questions to Help Hire the Right Bathroom Remodeler

The bathroom has finally grated on your last nerve. The 80's brown and orange has got to go. If you have reached a similar point, it can be very intimidating to decide on a bathroom remodel contractor. The last thing you want to do is discover that you have hired a sub-par professional. Not hiring a quality contractor can lead to the job costing more than estimated, missed job completion deadlines and much frustration.

To avoid this, be sure to interview several contractors. This will allow you to get a good feel for what is standard in the industry in your area and to become comfortable with the person you decide to hire.

Here are several questions you might want to ask during the interview process.

1) "How long have you been remodeling bathrooms?" This question is similar to "How long have you been in business?" but gets at the heart of the experience a particular contractor might have. He or she may have recently started a new business but has years of experience in the industry. Just because the business is new does not indicate that the job will be done poorly. However, it is probably best to ask both questions and steer clear of new businesses if you can. They may be good at the work but business issues can distract and cause delays.

2) "Are you insured?" This is a big one. If something goes wrong with your job you want to be sure that you can recoup losses and you are protected.

3) "Do you pull the appropriate permits and is this cost covered in the estimate?" You want to make absolutely sure you have proper permitting for your job. Not having permits can cause you to run afoul of government agencies and cause headaches. Making sure the costs are in the bid ensures you don't receive add on "surprises" at job completion.

4) "Do you provide references?" This is a great way to help select an bathroom remodel contractor. By talking to previous customers, you can get a feel for the kind of work the contractor does and how he or she conducts himself during the job. You can find out if the workers were rude, cleaned up the job site poorly, played loud music, etc. These might not impact the quality of the job but they can be very frustrating and are good to know up front. Ask for several references from recent jobs.

These are just a few questions to ask. In the end, however, listen to your intuition and make sure you are 100% comfortable with the company you hire. Ask lots of questions and wait a day or two before signing a contract to give you time to reflect.

If you follow these guidelines you will much more likely to hire the right contractor for your bathroom remodel. Happy remodeling!

For additional information on bathroom remodeling visit Titus Contracting. Article independently authored by Eric Parish. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Titus Contracting. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

The Dos and Don'ts of Hiring a Home Contractor

If you are in need of having some work done on your home and don't have time to do it yourself, then perhaps it would be wise to hire a general contractor to take care of all the details for you. After all, a good building contractor will help you make the best decisions for how to get a job done, and will then line up the workmen to do the job.

Of course, not all home contractors are the same. Some of them have specialized areas while others are qualified to handle an abundance of fields. But regardless of the type of job you need done, you want to be sure that the contractor you hire is trustworthy and that you and the contractor understand what the job will entail. To make the job go as smoothly as possible, start by having a good contractor. To help you determine what qualifications to look for, look for theses dos and don'ts of hiring a contractor.

Do:

• Talk to friends, family and co-workers to get recommendations and references.
• Check with the BBB or Angieslist.com for any complaints or comments.
• Interview at least 3 contractors and get a written estimate from each one. Be sure each contractor lists the same work so you can make a fair comparison.
• Check licensing and registration requirements for your state and find out if the contractor adheres to them.
• Be sure the contractor and any subcontractors are licensed and insured. Check with your own insurance provider to find out if you are covered for any injury or damage that may occur.
• Get the name of the suppliers and ask to see if the contractor pays their bills on time.
• Insist on a written contract that states exactly what work will be done, the quality of the materials, warranties, timetables, names of any subcontractors, total price, and payment schedule.
• Keep in mind, that most states gives you 3 business days to cancel without penalty, though you will be responsible for any benefits already received.

Don'ts:

• Make a final payment or sign a final release until you are satisfied with the work and know that all those involved have been paid.
• Pay up front for the entire job.
• Be pressured into making an immediate decision.
• Hire a contractor that tells you that the job will be a demonstration.
• Hire a contractor that who offers discounts for finding other customers.
• Hire someone who can only be reached by leaving messages with an answering service.
• Be impressed with an unusually long guarantee.

Be Wary of:

• Contractors who have vehicles with out of state plates or drive an unmarked vehicle.
• Those who offer a bid that is completely out of sync with the others; typically you will want to steer away from the lowest bid and the highest bid.
• Hiring the person who "just happens" to have materials left over from a job or who solicited the job from a door to door neighborhood canvassing.

For more information on contracting and design process visit Titus Contracting or call 952-746-7817.

What to Look for When Hiring Home Contractor

Whether you are planning a basic remodel of your master bedroom, adding a family room or building a house, one of the most important aspects of the job is hiring a competent, reliable, and trustworthy contractor. When you hire a contractor, it is vital that it be someone you feel comfortable with, since you will likely be spending a fair amount of time discussing the work to be done. Keeping this in mind, you will want to take your time choosing a general contractor. Talk to those you know for recommendations, contact your local home builders association or make inquiries at your home improvement store to get a list of the contractors in your area who meet your needs.

Before Hiring a Contractor

Once you have made some inquiries and have a list of contractors, you will want to do a little research before you schedule the first interview.

• Verify that the contractor is registered with your state's contractors association.
• Check out the contractor online with sites like Angies List; call your local building department or the BBB to find out if there have been any reports about the contractors you are considering.
• Find out how long the contractor has been in business and if there are any pending or past actions against a contractor's bond.
• As you make the calls, be sure that you have a clear idea of what the project will be. After all, if you don't know what you want to have done or are unable to clearly explain it to the contractor, it will be much more difficult to find someone willing to work for you.

Queries for Interviewing a General Contractor

Once you have the scope of the project determined, you will want to start talking to prospective contractors. As part of the interview, there are several items that should be discussed.

• Ask for references and then check them out. If at all possible, ask the other homeowners if you can see the work. Also, see if you can drop by a current jobsite to see work in progress.
• Ask for references of suppliers that the contractor works with and check out their payment record. If they are behind on any bills, find another contractor!
• Ask for a copy of the contractor's insurance policy and make sure you understand what is covered.
• Ask that the contractor post a performance bond for the entire cost of the project if it is more than $6,000.
• Try to anticipate any inconveniences, variables, potential weather concerns, etc. and come to an agreement, in writing, on how they will be handled. A good contractor will include clean up of the job site as part of the job as it their responsibility to leave your property neat and clean!
• Evaluate all aspects of the job-scope of work, product and material warranties, references, time frames and price- get everything in writing and do not sign anything until there is agreement on all aspects of the job.

For additional information on the topic of home improvements and general contractors visit Titus Contracting LLC. Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Titus Contracting LLC. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

EPA Lead Certification

Contractors who perform work in housing built before 1978 must be trained and certified to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) regulation. The rule applies to any contractor who might disturb lead paint to, for example, service behind-the-wall plumbing.

The EPA’s RRP regulation affects a wide range of contracting firms, including renovators, painters, electricians, plumbers, maintenance firms, and others. It applies to pre-1978 housing and “child-occupied facilities,” which would include childcare centers and schools.

Both individual “renovators” and contracting firms must be EPA-certified, noted Michelle Price, chief of the agency’s Lead, Heavy Metal and Inorganic Branch. Even contractors with previous lead abatement training must be trained and certified under this new program. This new program will allow contractors to help reduce childhood lead poisoning by working lead-safe. Contractors who fail to comply will risk penalties of up to $37,500 per day as well as potential private lawsuits.

Titus Contracting is a proud to announce that we are Lead Certified. For more information on this certification you may visit the Environmental Protection Agency website or contact Titus Contracting directly at 952-746-7817 or online at TitusContracting.com

Kitchen Remodels - Why Countertops and Cabinets Are Best Left to Professional Contractors

Remodeling a kitchen is a time consuming and often a sizable investment. It is comforting to know, however, that a kitchen remodel will yield a maximum return on the investment when the house is sold. Strangely enough, many homeowners will remodel a kitchen, not for their own enjoyment and convenience, but for the convenience and pleasure of the new homeowners. While an upgraded kitchen will be a large factor in the overall presentation of the home regarding resale value, it makes more sense for the home owner to upgrade for the purpose of using the new amenities.

Kitchen countertops and cabinetry are the most important focal point of any kitchen remodel and require the utmost attention to detail. There are several choices to make from countertop material to the type of cabinet door hinges and drawer slides. There is a plethora of different types of construction which will determine whether or not the cabinets can be $2,000, $12,000 or more. It is quite realistic for the average investment of a complete kitchen remodel to range from around $30,000 or so to $50,000 with appliances.

What can a home owner expect for $2,000? The quality of cabinets and countertops at this price point will be on the most basic type with no styling and white in color. Construction will generally be 100% particle board or MDF (medium density fiber) board with an extremely thin veneer. The cabinet and door fronts will just be a flat door with no architectural styling. Cabinets of this type are commonly sold at the local home improvement stores. $2,000 is a very conservative estimate for bare bones kitchen cabinetry and if the remodel is a do-it-yourself project. The majority of home owners, however, will not have the knowledge, expertise or tools to safely and correctly remove the old cabinets and install a new cabinet arrangement.

Installing a laminate countertop may seem to be more of a straight forward and simple task, but can prove to be problematic for a do-it-yourself project. Laminates are extremely easy to chip and ruin if careful attention to technique is not applied. When the countertop of choice is an engineered solid surface or fabricated stone, such as granite, it is always wisest to obtain the services of an experienced professional. While it is possible for the do-it-yourself home owner to install a sectional, prefabricated laminate countertop purchased from a home improvement center, most upgrading is done with the intent of leaving behind a laminate countertop for a sleek and durable engineered quartz or granite slab.

With just the cost for a countertop able to surpass $2000, depending upon the style, material and size, a quality kitchen remodel should not be attempted by most home owners. Home owners may believe that the savings will be worth the added stress and time, but after everything is said and done, mistakes can be just as costly as hiring a reputable contractor. Remodelers and contractors possess the muscle, knowledge and skill to successfully turn a dated and drab kitchen into a beautiful and enjoyable centerpiece of any home.

For additional information on the topic of home remodels an new home additions visit Titus Contracting LLC.

Article independently authored by Daniel P. Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Titus Contracting LLC. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Kitchen Remodel Ideas If You Plan to Move

You need every advantage you can get if you are thinking of selling your house soon in this tough economic market. A kitchen remodel is one of the best ways to make your home more desirable to potential buyers.

Now, you may be thinking of the extensive transformations that were taking place a few years Sure, that kind of remodel will certainly make your home more desirable but it is not always practical economically if you plan to move soon. Is there a way to spruce up the kitchen without breaking the bank? Yes! Lets talk about a few of the methods.

One of the easiest things you can do is replace the cabinetry hardware. After many years it can look really dull and "used". Simply buying new handles or pulls which can range from $3 to $10 each is very inexpensive way to put a little more life into your kitchen. It requires basic tools and handyman skills to accomplish. Just make sure that any handles you buy are the same width as your original handles or the hole in the drawers and cabinets won't line up.

Another option for cabinets is refacement. With this procedure, you leave the cabinet boxes in place and resurface them with laminate sheeting. The doors and drawers are replaced. In this fashion, you get a new cabinet look at a fraction of the cost. Refacement kits can be purchased at home improvement centers and require moderate do-it-yourself skills.

Additionally, you can work with a tile contractor and have them install a new floor. Brand new tile looks sharp and give the room a new look wall-to-wall. It can really remake the whole feel of a kitchen. Plus, as compared to other upgrades for a kitchen, it is not overly expensive.

Another great option is replacing the countertops. There are a number of solid surface countertop materials that are much less expensive than granite or other stone and look much better than laminate. Corian is a popular brand of solid surface countertops that comes in a range of colors and styles.

Of course, if you plan to stay in a home for a number of years you can achieve the best of both worlds with a more comprehensive remodel. You can enjoy the newly remodeled kitchen and the extra conveniences yourself and obtain a higher selling price when you do decide to move. To explore options that make sense, call an experienced remodeling company and have them evaluate your kitchen. They will be able to suggest enhancements that you will enjoy without breaking the bank!

For additional information on the topic of kitchen and home remodeling visit Titus Contracting, LLC. Article independently authored by Eric Parish. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Titus Contracting LLC. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

11 Ways to Protect Yourself From Getting Hammered by a General Contractor

The smell of sawdust wafting through the air, the sounds of hammers and saws, stacks of building supplies, and workers in hardhats...yes, it looks like someone is having some construction work done! And while all of the pieces and players are in place and all appears to be in order, looks can be deceiving. In fact, if you have hired a contractor that you know very little about then until the project is completed and proven acceptable, there is likely a certain amount of trepidation...unless, you have done your homework.

Before having any home or office remodel done, it is an absolute must that you take the time to protect yourself and your investments by doing all you can to make sure that your contractor is everything they should be. Sad to say, just because you have spent the time getting an assortment of bids, contacting the Better Business Bureau, checking with state and local consumer protection agencies, the local authorities in regard to any licensing or banding requirements and a host of other background related details, you still need to go a few steps farther to protect yourself from getting hammered at the end of the job.

Write It Down!

Once you have found the contractor for your job, you need more than a gentleman's agreement. You are making a choice to spend a great deal of money and you need to make sure you understand what the cost will cover. Consequently, you need to get all agreements and promises in writing, before anything else is done. In addition, there is no crime in asking for clarification of any part of the contract you don't understand. If you don't understand something or are not in agreement, don't sign the contract! A general construction contract should include:

1. The contractor's name, address, phone number and fax number
2. A detailed description of all the work to be done
3. A description of materials-this includes brand names, size, weight, color, etc...
4. Beginning and finishing dates
5. Payment schedule. You want to pay as little up front as possible and make payments throughout the course of the project, with the right to withhold payment if at any time the work does not meet your satisfaction. Don't agree to financing arrangements you cannot afford.
6. Any guarantees that the contractor is making or warranties regarding the workmanship
7. A statement allowing you to cancel the contract based on the laws of your state.
8. A statement allowing you to cancel the contract after work has begun if you find unexpected or hidden problems once the job has been started.
9. The contractor's responsibility to secure permits; if you have to get the permit, do not sign!
10. The bonding and licensing numbers of the contractor
11. The contractor is responsible for paying any subcontractors, supply costs, equipment rentals, etc. before you make the final payment. If this is not done, you become liable for the charges!

Don't be pressured into signing a contract that you have not read through or don't understand!

For additional information on the topic of general contractors visit Titus Contracting LLC. Article independently authored by Janet M. Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Titus Contracting LLC. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Home Theater or Game Rooms - Basement Remodels Can Be the Most Rewarding for the Whole Family

Builders and contractors generally build with general appeal in mind. Remodels or home additions, however, should not be generic, but incorporate specifics ideas and desires of the home owner. There can be some confusion in this area. Home owners are not contractors and therefore probably do not know what features and construction is possible. A good contractor will be able to suggest several options, but there will be many more that may not be mentioned.

Remodeling the existing interior of a home, whether it is the finishing of a basement, installation of a theater room or installing a wet bar and game room, can be much more challenging and costly than building a whole new addition. With a remodel, the contractor needs to work with the existing architectural style and crucial supporting members of the building framework.

Limitations such as these will help to keep the cost of a remodel at reasonable expectations. Anytime the home owner insists on changes affecting the structural integrity of the home, such as moving or eliminating a load bearing wall, the costs can increase by thousands upon thousands of dollars and add an extensive amount of time to the estimated completion date. Any changes done to the structural support of the home should be evaluated by an engineer before any work is performed. Some contractors will have the engineering expertise to properly examine this scenario. Many contractors do not, so it is best clarify.

The basic finishing of a basement will most likely be the most inexpensive remodel a home owner can have done. Many home owners of the male persuasion, however, may want a little more than just standard drywall, paint and carpeting. Basements are actually a perfect area for what has been deemed a "man cave". Fortunately these areas usually take the form of a home theater room to be enjoyed by the entire family.

Aside from having a good quality home theater surround sound system, it is important for the space to be as "dimensionally balanced" as possible. Any odd shaped room or an L-shaped room can pose certain challenges. Any flat and reflective surfaces with regards to sound can create some undesirable reverberation. Having sound absorbing material on the ceiling, walls and floor can go a long way in creating that movie theater experience.

An additional option to the basic panorama arrangement of sofas and chair is to have the contractor build a raked seating area. Having the seating elevated on a series of stepped levels may not be possible, depending on the height of the ceiling in the basement. Raking the seating area will of course add expense to the project.

Other niceties a home owner may consider are installing a bar or creating a game room area providing the basement is expansive enough. Keep in mind that if there is no provision for plumbing in the basement, adding just a simple sink to wash bar glasses can be a surprisingly pricey addition. Adding a dumb waiter may be an old-fashioned possibility fix and may not be as expensive as running new plumbing throughout the basement.

For additional information on the topic of kitchen and bath remodels, as well as home additions visit http://www.tituscontracting.com.

How to Have a Positive Experience When Working With a Home Contractor

Hiring a contractor is a common practice for anyone who is planning a home addition or having any type of project done. There are numerous types of field specific contractors that you may need-masonry, drywall, siding, painting and roofing as well as general contractors who will deal with every aspect of building your house. And, when contemplating a large project, having their advice and knowledge can make a huge difference in the overall outcome of the job.

What Does a Contractor Do?

Succinctly put, a contractor is a person who supervises the workers who will actually do your construction project. It is also their job to see that the materials and permits are secured so your job is accomplished in an orderly and timely manner while staying within the allotted budget.

A contractor has knowledge of all aspects of the building process and can help you make the right decisions should there need to be changes along the way. In most states, it is necessary for the contractors to be licensed to perform any work, as well as being bonded and insured. When you talk to a potential contractor, ask to see their licensing, bonding and insurance policy numbers and be sure to check that the license is current. This is vital as in the event that if they do not, you are responsible for any medical bills, lost income or damages, should any occur.

How to Choose a Contractor

In order to have a positive experience when remodeling or building a home, hiring a qualified contractor that you can work alongside of with ease is important. As you select a building contractor, keep the following tips in mind:

• Ask for recommendations from friends and family.
• Conduct phone interviews. Be sure to check on the following: Do they take on the size project you have? Can they provide references? How many other projects will they being doing at the same time as yours? Can you visit a current job site? Ask them to show you their licensing, bonding, workman's compensation and insurance paperwork.
• Talk to the BBB for any complaints filed against them.
• Visit a current job site and check on these aspects: Is the job site neat and safe? Are the workers careful of the homeowner's property?
• Collect bids and plans. Be sure to ask for a breakdown of all costs-labor, materials, and other expenses.
• Be careful of the low bid. Often this means that corners may be cut or the contractor does not have the proper insurance, licensing, etc...
• Establish a payment...get it in writing! Never work with someone who demands half of the payment up front.
• Draw up a contract. Be sure that it clearly states the job requirements, each step of the job, payment plan, proof of liability, a start and end date, specific materials to be use and a stipulation that the contractor obtain lien releases.

For more information on a Home Contractor please visit http://www.tituscontracting.com/.


Article independently authored by Janet M. Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Titus Contracting.

Home Or Commercial Remodels - Finding the Best Contractor Or Builder Can Be Easier Than You Think

Like anything worthwhile, waiting for results takes time. With regards to remodeling a home this is especially true. Ignore every remodeling television show that has been broadcasted on the home or landscaping channels. These shows are usually shown in one hour blocks and heavily edited for the home owners viewing pleasure. For every hour of a remodeling or home building show, almost certainly, weeks have gone by in reality.

Although these television programs do provide some useful information, much of the knowledge conveyed to the viewer and home owner is not always applicable in their own state or county due to varying building codes and requirements. Every region will have definite and specific particulars that pertain. Unfortunately none of these shows actually focus on how to research effectively in order to find a good and reliable contractor. These shows either will focus on what not to do or exceptional methods of building.

Professional contractors and remodeling companies that provide polished and quality results can be challenging to find. In order to secure the services of the right builder, there are several steps to take before even bringing any ideas to the table. The home owner needs to be aware, even at this preliminary stage, that finding the best choice of contractor will probably take weeks in itself.

The majority of successful contractors will either have extensive portfolios of their work to leaf through or better yet may even have a showroom sampling the actual quality of work one may expect. Whether it is a kitchen remodel, adding dormers or a deck, precision and reliability are paramount. There are several resources a home owner may want to check.

Contacting the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a basic beginning. Remember that most individuals will never take the time put in a good word, but will instead be quick as lightning to enter a complaint. Balancing the number of any complaints against the true number of remodels or builds a company has undertaken will give a much more accurate percentage of how satisfied a customer is likely to be. A small percentage of any complaints entered should not be of major concern to a potential client. A small amount of past customers will not be able to be satisfied no matter even if the builder provided free labor and materials.

There are several other good resources with which to check. The National Association of Home Builders, or NAHB is a national association for home contractors. Each state and region will usually have a local or regional home builder association as well. The state licensing board for builders and contractors is a must to verify credentials. Some of these state offices may also be able to provide any information on awards and certifications that the contractor holds.

For more information on remodeling your home or an addition please visit
http://www.tituscontracting.com


Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Titus Contracting.

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