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.