Are you getting what you paid for? Most likely YES. You want a bargain? Well, you just might get a bargain. Going with the cheapest bid without doing some homework on the contractor, can end up costing you more than the highest bidder actually was. Why? Let me tell you some facts we have dealt with. We have been working with clients that the contracts have taken the money and ran, not completed the job, quality is not up to par, items were damaged during construction, and more.

What is a Punch List? It is the list that is created once a construction project, new home, or remodel is complete. It can be created by the general contractor and/or the Individual that had the project, new home or remodel. On this list, the general contractor has gone through the home and noted things that need to be fixed, replaced, or touched up.

Are you thinking of upgrading your house, but you don’t know what upgrades are the good ones to do? There are a number of different upgrades that you can do to your house, but which ones are the ones worth paying for? Here are some things to think about when you are deciding on what to upgrade in your home.

So many times we get asked, “what is the difference between a homebuilder verses a general gontractor?” They both can accomplish the same things. Here is what I can tell you about the differences. A homebuilder is normally a full-fledge new homebuilder only. However, they can do remodels, etc. This group normally has their own crews and will also use other sub-contractors, too.

You might want to ask a few questions when you decide to build in a subdivision or even when you buy land. Occasionally, the owner or prior owners will have a stipulation on what you can build. When you buy in a subdivision, you need to look at the restrictions for building.

Simple repairs can be tricky. Are you doing them yourself? Hiring a handyman or contractor, or hiring your yard guy to do construction jobs would be my first question and concern. As I recently had my Realtor hat on during a route house inspection, we found numerous things that people need to be aware of.

If you can avoid problems and changes, through proper planning you will be able to finish what you started, and get the results you want. No one wants to see their dream house sit half finished because they could not afford to finish it. Proper planning is going to help you avoid this problem completely.

Times are tough these days and everyone has to protect themselves. We hear too many times that contractors are taking money up front and not doing the job or taking money from the homeowner and not paying their subcontractors or paying for the materials. This really happens in disaster areas, but it can happen in our own backyard.

Where do you start? Ask yourself these questions: Will I build on my current land or need a different parcel? When will I want to start and complete my home? What size of home and garage do I want? What can I afford? What style of home and exterior materials?

Contractors and builders have complaints, too. Every job has its ups and downs and contractors are no different. They have a tough job in many aspects. I started comparing my old information technology days in management to my current days in construction and real estate, and they are similar in many ways.

Many people think of bats as scary and dangerous creatures. The truth is that bats are very beneficial to our environment. Bats can consume large numbers of insects in a short period of time. So, let’s build some bat houses. Bat houses should be made of exterior plywood or cedar (rough on the inside).

Mr. and Mrs. Baby Boomer, what do you want to do? Do you want to build a large or a small home? To look at smaller homes verses the larger homes is the question. This is the common question I ask as a builder or a real estate broker to all my clients.

There are not enough handicap accessible homes anywhere. I’ve been doing research on this, talking to people and preparing final touches to my parents’ home for special needs. This includes apartments as well. We have elderly people, special needs folks, and those coming home from war all needing them. Yes, places can be changed to accommodate these needs.

So, you want to start preparing for the design of your home. Where do you start? Ask yourself these questions: Will I build on my current land or need a different parcel? When will I want to start and complete my home? What size of home and garage do I want?

Fireplaces are a great addition to any home. Not only do they add warmth and save on heating costs, but they are a great decorative addition to any home. There are two main types of fireplaces: log or wood burning and gas. A log burning fireplace is just that – it burns logs and real flames.