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.