Safe "Living" With Your Home Repair Projects

Save Energy And Avoid Most Remodeling Problems

(HIT) - Every family’s home represents a big investment—perhaps the largest of your lifetime. Safeguard, and at the same time update your property with careful research before you begin major improvements. If you take advantage of current trends to maximize both maintenance, and energy conservation, you can protect and extend both the comforts and the economic life of your BIG investment, the home you own.

Properly maintained and improved for better living, your home is likely to increase in value by more than the cost of the improvements. You will probably recover the cost of the energy saving improvements in a few years.

Prioritize Needs For Maximum Energy and Material Savings

Decide what repairs and energy saving improvements are most needed. You will find this checklist helpful in establish your priorities.

A reputable home improvement business representative helps you establish a comprehensive set of material and labor specifications, costs, and offers you detailed assistance covering every aspect of your home improvement plans.

The Importance of Building Codes And Permits

Building codes established by most cities, towns and counties vary considerably from one community to another. However, as a general rule, a building permit is required whenever structural work is involved or when the basic living area of a residence is to be changed. The details respecting required permits in your area are readily available from your local township or boro office. A quick web search will likely save steps and provide you with a printed copy for your planning record.

Plan Your Financing Well In Advance

Naturally, it’s best to pay cash for the job if you can afford it. But for many people, it may be necessary to borrow for "big ticket" home improvement projects and materials. Find a finance plan that will fit your budget ... many options are available to fit your family’s particular needs.

Selecting Qualified Assistance

If the home improvement business-man you select is not qualified, you pay for his mistakes. To avoid the disappointment of a shody home remodeling job and to assure "getting full dollar’s worth," the following basic rules to follow are suggested:

1. Select a business with an established place of business, preferably in your locality.
2. Get more than one reference from satisfied customers.
3. Observe carefully how precisely the contractor "sizes up" your proposed project and set limits for over budget errors.
4. Be sure to get a written agreement.
5. Have a thorough understanding as to the quality of materials and workmanship required.

Working With Your Home Improvement Contractor And Dealer

Plans – If plans are required insist that you okay them before work begins. Allow time to make changes.

Materials – All materials should be specified in the contract by brand names and quantity.

Protection – Be certain your contractor can provide a Certificate of Insurance which provides coverage for Workmen’s Compensation, property damage, and personal liability.

Coping With A Remodeling Project

You have selected the best contractor to do the project but your responsibility doesn’t end here. There is more to consider before the project begins. Have you considered how well you and your family will tolerate the inconvenience?

Make A Phase List Of Procedures

Have the contractor explain what will be removed and installed. Check new materials before they are installed. Expect the unexpected. No one can prepare you for all the unforeseen incidents that may transpire, such as: late deliveries, strikes, shipment shortages, wrong parts, oversights, rain, changes, etc. Tearing down a wall may uncover a problem that demands plan revisions. This starts a chain reaction that invariably lead to delays.

• Don’t expect perfection. But do expect good work. Built-ins won’t have a furniture like finish unless you are willing to pay furniture prices. If in doubt, ask to see a sample of the finish you have chosen.
• Protect your belongings. Cover furniture and carpeting with plastic or canvas tarps. There will be dirt and dust until the project is completed.
• Keep calm and flexible. Time clocking workmen builds resentment. Try to understand their problems. Plan ahead to do without water or power when workmen shut off utility lines. This also is an inconvenience that cannot be avoided. Consider the logistics involved in material delivery. Your contractor is as anxious as you are to finish the job. Be patient and reasonable and enjoy the progress.
• Stay out of the construction area. This is important for safety and maintaining construction schedules.
  Discuss construction changes only with the contractor. Confirm changes in writing.
• Win cooperation with good basic human relations. Relax and enjoy your newly remodeled home!
  
  Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center