5 Tips for Hiring Home Service Pros

Great information from Zillow.



5 Tips for Hiring Home Service Pros

A little legwork upfront can save you from headaches down the road.

Finding the right person to install your garage door opener, patch your roof or landscape your yard takes time – but it’s time well spent.

The Better Business Bureau last year recorded 24,900 complaints from U.S. homeowners about general contractors, remodeling and repair specialists, roofing contractors, painters and plumbers. The Bureau received an additional 12,500 complaints associated with landscape professionals, pest control businesses, appliance repair companies, air-conditioning contractors and pool service companies. Grievances ranged from quality of work provided to contract issues, and inferior repairs to unfinished work.

Invest the time and energy upfront by checking a service pro’s credentials and insisting on a written contract. These five tips may help you avoid problems:

1. Do your due diligence

Ask potential service providers for copies of their license, insurance and bonding capacity, then make sure the information is current. Ensure the company is licensed to perform the type of work you need and that it meets the bonding requirements of your town, county and state. Ask for references — and call them. Search online for news articles, customer reviews and reports of violations related to the company.

2. Be wary of bargain bids

Bids that come in substantially lower than the competition aren’t necessarily the best deal. There may be an explanation for the bargain-basement pricing; perhaps the low bid doesn’t account for the same installation, materials and features. Or, it could be that the low bid is a sign that you’re going to receive a lower level of service. Conversely, don’t be fooled into thinking a very high bid indicates higher standards of service. You may simply be working with a contractor who is so busy he’s not looking for more work. Any time you receive a bid that’s significantly higher or lower than all the others, ask the service provider if there’s a reason for the difference.

3. Communication is key  

You’re trusting your service pro with the most expensive thing you own – your home. That’s why it’s so important that you hire someone with whom you feel comfortable talking. Do the companies you’re considering respond to your questions in a timely and effective manner? If they don’t respond when they’re trying to land your business, do you think that will change once you’re in the middle of a remodel? If the contractor doesn’t ask pertinent questions how can he know what you expect from him? Once you verbally agree on the work that needs to be done, ask for a contract and read it. Make sure the contract includes the start date and expected completion date.

4. Minimize upfront payments

Be careful if your installer, landscaper or repair person wants to be paid in full upfront. In some cases, a contractor may need a down payment to cover materials, but the bulk of the money should not be due until the work is completed and you are satisfied with the results.

5. Say ‘no’ to door-knockers

Not every roofer, contractor or landscaper who comes to your front door looking for work is a scam artist, but they could be. Be leery of the drop-by contractor who offers a “free roof inspection” or who can “discount” your fence painting because he has supplies left over from a project around the corner. These gimmicks and promotions could signal a con. If you have a good feeling about a door-knocking service provider, ask for a business card and check the company out online or with the Better Business Bureau.

Remember that a well-designed website and a glossy business card aren’t proof that a contractor does quality work. Regardless of the size of the job you need completed, it’s crucial to invest the time to find the professional who best suits your needs, timeline and budget.

Source: Zillow Blog, Mary Boone
http://www.zillow.com/blog/hiring-home-service-pros-180435/

The $50, $500, $5,000 Bathroom Remodel

Happy Monday everyone! I hope your ready for the week ahead, I know I am.

Here's a great article from RealtyTimes with some bathroom remodeling ideas.

By the way, I know of a few good contractors I can refer you to if any of you are thinking of doing any remodeling.


THE $50, $500, $5,000 BATHROOM REMODEL

Looking to redo your bathroom? We'd all love one of those giant showers with the all the jets everywhere and a big soaker tub for two. Throw in some new cabinets while you're at it, and sparkly finishes to replace your old, rusted ones. Sounds good, doesn't it?

But not everyone has the budget to support that expensive reno. The good news is you can make an impact on your bathroom even without big dollars. Here, we lay out some options for a $50, $500, and $5,000 bathroom renovation budget.

The $50 Bathroom
The biggest bang for your buck with a $50 budget will be in changing your paint color. You can get a gallon for as little as $20, plus another $20 or so for supplies if you keep them to a minimum.

Or, if your cabinets are looking a little tired, pick up a quart of good paint and transform your space. Then, swing by Target and pick up a couple of $5 bath towels. Quality is less important than color since these will just be for display. Anna's Linens is another great place to find a bargain, like these $3 bath towels and $5.99 bath rugs.

If you are a DIYer with a good eye for a deal, you might even be able to pull off a flooring redo in a small space.

Check Lowe's and Home Depot for closeouts, clearance, and overage returns. Your local flooring shops may also have some merchandise they are willing to discount. Tile Clearance is another great place to look for everything for floor tile to wall tile and deco inserts.


If the only thing you really want in your bathroom is a more luxurious shower, try this five-spray WaterSense showerhead, $32 at Lowes.

The $500 Bathroom
At $500, you can replace a vanity, flooring, refresh your tub, and make your bathroom prettier and more functional. But, as Huffington Post advises "prepare for a lot of DIY. You can make a lot of updates to your home on your own with great success. But there are some projects you should leave to the professionals. Electrical and plumbing projects, for example, are complicated -- and doing them incorrectly can lead to additional repairs and additional costs."

A new single vanity can be found at Lowe's for as little as $119 on sale. A faucet will cost you a few bucks more. You can also replace an outdated wall mirror with smaller framed option like this $29 espresso framed mirror. And don't forget about the lighting. New vanity lights can cost less than $100 and do wonders for the modern livability of your bathroom.


A more luxurious spa experience can be had with a $79 TotalSpa 3-in-1 Hand Shower Slide Bar with Body Jets

The $5,000 Bathroom
The average bathroom remodel (and we're taking a total overhaul) costs about $15,000. But for one-third of that, you can achieve a great result.

The tricks for remodeling with a $5,000 budget are the same as for $50 and $500: 1) Make smart choices for the highest impact for your budget; 2) Research, research, research; 3) The more you do yourself, the more you get. You may choose to outsource the tricky stuff like plumbing and electricity, but demo and tiling are two things you can help with so you have more money for other cool stuff, like this $1000 American Standard soaking tub.


Too much of a splurge? You can scale back to this Kohler soaker tub for $634. Either way, you've upgraded your bathroom to more of a spa experience. Prefer to upgrade your shower instead? A multi-jet panel will turn it into a vertical spa.

Float your vanity for $1,500, choose a standout color for $1100 or express your classic side with two espresso single vanities side by side for $406 each. Tile your floor, shower, and all the way up your walls if you so want. By selecting a more budget-friendly tile and using the good stuff for accents, you'll make it go farther. Or, forgo broad use of tile and choose key areas to add in rich detail.

Get more information about bathroom tile here.

Of course, if you really feel like expressing yourself through a few stellar items, there is always the Neorest 550 toilet, priced at $2,992. With a dual flushing system, a programmable nightlight, hands-free automatic flush, an integrated warm air dryer, and a built-in air purifying system, what could be better?

Source: Written by Jaymi Naciri on Sunday, 22 February 2015 9:43 am, RealtyTimes

8 Home Renovations That Will Pay You Back

Happy Monday Everyone! Great article for you homeowners out there thinking of what you should remodel in your home.


8 Home Renovations That Will Pay You Back

When you own a home, it seems like there is almost always something you would like to do to make it more comfortable, attractive, or eco-friendly. But, home remodeling experts tell us, if you plan to sell your home at some point, put your time and effort into one of more of these renovations proven to pay you back because they increase the value of the property:

New garage doors – Nothing says curb appeal like attractive garage doors – and you can’t beat the bang for the buck. A mid-range replacement will likely return more than 80 percent on your investment.

A wood deck – Here’s a renovation you are likely to enjoy – and a $10,000 investment will also return about 80 percent of what you spent.

Exterior siding – New siding will not only give your home a major facelift. It will return a strong 87 percent on project costs of about $14,000.

Attic conversions – Adding another bedroom or playroom upstairs give a home more usable living space without increasing its footprint. The remodel investment will likely return 84 percent of a $50,000 project cost.

Kitchen updates – No need to overhaul the entire kitchen, experts say. Upgrading the counters, and replacing cabinets and appliances will likely cost about $18,000 – and will return some 97 percent of cost. Oddly, a big-ticket total kitchen remodel costing over $100,000 may only return 63 percent of the investment.

New windows – New, energy–efficient windows throughout your home will save you money on heating and cooling bills – and you will probably get a return of 79 percent on a $10,000 investment.

Basement remodel – Another great way to add living space to a home is with a basement remodel. Adding insulation and flooring, and upgrading the walls and ceiling may cost as much as $60,000. But return on investment is estimated at 77 percent.

Back-up power generator – The unpredictable weather of the past few years has led to a surge in the popularity of this relatively inexpensive home addition. An average cost of $11,000 could net you a 67 percent return on your investment.

8 Home Renovations That Will Pay You Back







Source: RISMedia's House Call, Posted on Feb 5 2015 - 12:00pm by Barbara Pronin

Five Key Tips to a Smooth Bathroom Remodel

Five Key Tips to a Smooth Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom remodeling is an extensive process involving many parts. If you miss a piece, there’s a good chance your project is going to head south, requiring you to spend more money than you’d intended on parts and repairs. It’s important to consult with a bathroom remodeling contractor before you begin your project to make sure you’re covering all the bases and avoiding these common mistakes:

Budget
Budgeting for the cost of a bathroom remodel is imperative to a successfully finished product. If you budget for small improvements and then invest in expensive materials or major renovations, there’s a good chance you’ll go over budget and find yourself cutting corners mid-project to make up for the added expenses. It’s best to shop around for materials and ideas ahead of time. This allows you to save money for the materials you really want. It’s also smart to leave some cushion in your budget for any unforeseen complications.

Energy efficiency upgrades
Bathroom renovations provide a great opportunity to go green. While some green renovations are a bit more expensive on the front end -- dual-flush toilets, double-pane windows and bamboo flooring, for example -- they can also save you money over the long term. Some smaller-scale, less expensive improvements can also provide long-term financial and environmental benefits. Consider LED lighting, low-flow showerheads and automatic shut-off faucets.

Ventilation
Replacing the ceiling fan in your bathroom will help keep mold and mildew at bay. Airflow keeps moisture from building up humidity in small areas, which can rust metal and encourage mold growth on flooring and cabinets. You might need to hire an HVAC contractor to do the installation; they can recommend the best ceiling fan for your climate and bathroom size.

Fixture Choices
Bathroom fixtures aren’t something you’ll want to skimp on. It’s best to buy quality, durable materials to avoid short-term repairs and replacements. This applies to flooring, lighting and appliances. Speaking with a bathroom designer will ensure that you get the best product for your budget -- especially when it comes to your bathtub and shower. Cheap plumbing components can break down easily, causing leaks and other issues.

Storage
Strive to create enough space for the essentials without cluttering your bathroom with cabinets and shelves. You will probably need space for your linens -- towels, washrags, hand towels, etc., along with your toiletries and other essentials. You’ll also want to make space for cleaning products, so that it will be easy to keep your new bathroom looking its best. Shelving is ideal for toiletries and such; cabinets are optimal for everything else.

Five Key Tips to a Smooth Bathroom Remodel



Posted on Jan 26 2015 - 11:42am by Andrea Davis with RISMedia Housecall

Breakfast Nooks That'll Change The Way You Use Your Kitchen

Breakfast Nooks That'll Change The Way You Use Your Kitchen
Written by Jaymi Naciri on Sunday, 15 February 2015 8:01 am

A breakfast nook is one of the most desirable features for today's families, serving as the ideal spot for casual meals, homework, art projects, meal planning, and catching up at the end of the day.

"Whether you're drinking your orange juice and reading on a bleary-eyed weekday or gathering with the whole family for pancakes on Saturday, a breakfast nook is an ideal place to start your day," said Houzz.

"A mix of built-in booths, banquettes, chairs, tables curved or rectilinear, dimmable light and throw pillows makes for cozy spots where you can get a jump on things. Breakfast nooks also work hard the rest of the day as homework stations and intimate spots for candlelit dinners."

You can have a perfectly configured spot under a sunny wall of windows or an odd, small corner that takes a little ingenuity to plan, and a breakfast nook can shine in either thanks to a seemingly endless array of options both custom and store bought. One thing is certain—with a breakfast nook, the way you use your kitchen will change, for the better.

Built-in benches and a bookcase create a cozy space.

A row of cabinets in front of a bank of windows turns a pretty, blank space into a pretty, useful one.

"Don't have a built-in breakfast nook? Try making one yourself by adding a small table to a sunny corner that doesn't get a lot of use," said Huffington Post. Here, a round table and corner benches maximize space and utility.

A built-in nook works well even in a space without right angles.

Have the space in the center of your kitchen but not so much a separate space? Incorporate a breakfast nook right into your island.

A banquette with extra storage serves multiple purposes.

A banquette can be as fancy as you want.

Use it as a showcase for your personal style.

Don't want to spend a lot? You can DIY your banquette using IKEA cabinets or bookcases.

Breakfast Nooks That'll Change The Way You Use Your Kitchen

It's All About The Paint

It's All About The Paint
Written by Jaymi Naciri RealtyTimes.com on Sunday, 15 February 2015 8:00 am

Painting may not be everyone's favorite pastime, but knowing how to do it well is an important skill. After all, painting a room offers great impact at a low cost. With a few bucks and a few tips, any novice can transform a room from bland to bold, tired to lively, or outdated to updated.

Not keen to do it yourself? You still want to know what to look for and what you expect. At the end of the day, it's all about that paint, but it's not going to climb up onto the walls all by itself. Here are the most important things to know about paint, from buying to rolling.

1. Choosing a color

The look and feel of a room can be changed completely just be choosing a new wall color. But finding that perfect color is not always so easy. "Consumers typically try three to five paint colors before deciding on their final selection," said the Washington Post.

For those who don't know where to start, HGTV suggests experimenting "in a powder room or bathroom, a small hall or area between rooms, or an accent wall. To get started, select a favorite color drawn from artwork, a rug, dishes and an accessory or furniture piece as a main color or accent."

See HGTV for more tips on choosing wall color. You can also look at House Beautiful or Elle Decor for the latest trends in interior colors.


2. Buying the right stuff

If you're working with a designer, chances are you're going to end up with the good stuff, and there's nothing wrong with that. Good quality paint is just that: good quality. It's also, not surprisingly, good money. Experts swear by Benjamin Moore (and we're big fans ourselves), but Home Depot has a huge variety of paints for every budget, including some that compete in quality with the specialty paint stores.

Check out Yahoo's recommendations for paint that can cover in one coat.

3. Supplies

All the necessary paint supplies can eat into your budget. You may be able to skimp on plastic paint trays (or use disposable plastic food keepers that might be hanging out in your kitchen cabinets) but treat yourself to a higher quality paintbrush and roller. Otherwise you might end up with stray brush bristles or chunks of nap stuck in your paint.

Check out Apartment Therapy's complete list of supplies before you go, and remember that household items (like plastic bags or cellophane for wrapping paint brushes and rollers while you're taking a break) can make do in a pinch.


4. Pick the right finish.

There are a number of finishes you can choose, and some work better than others in different types of areas.

"As for paint finishes, you can't fail with a matte or eggshell finish on walls and a satin finish on trim," said Real Simple. Although, if you have small kids and/or animals, or are prone to wiping your hands on the walls, stay away from matte. A shinier finish will be easier to wipe clean.


5. Make use of those supplies and prep well before going for it.

Once you've figured out the paint color, bought all the materials you need and are ready to begin, it's time to…stop. Fail to prep well for painting and you'll end up with a mess. On your furniture. On your baseboards. On your floors. On your ceiling. And everywhere else.

Prepping can be relatively easy or a huge hassle depending on the size of your space and the condition of your walls, but in the end it will all be worth it.

See DIY Network for a prepping overview.

6. Take your time.

Yes, painting your space may take longer than you want or expect, and you may be tempted to rush through it. But taking your time will yield the best results. Especially if you have a space that requires you to cut in, a little patience (and a steady hand) will be key to finishing the job in a way that doesn't require you to call a professional to come do it over.

7. Enjoy the finished project

Because painting is a relatively small job that can be done in a day or a weekend depending on the space, the gratification is near instant. Once you're finished, stand back, survey your work, and feel that sense of pride that comes with a job well done. And if, in the end, you don't like the color you chose, just remember: you can always start all over again.

It's All About The Paint

Tech To Attract Affluent Home Buyers

I'm a Realtor here in the Silicon Valley and many of my past and current clients work for many of the big tech firms like Apple, Google, Facebook, Cisco and others. Many of my tech inclined home buyer clients end up upgrading their newly purchased home with a tech upgrade or two, but whether your in the market to buy a home or currently own one and are looking for some ideas, below is a great article you may find useful. 

Tech To Attract Affluent Home Buyers
Written by Realty Times Staff on Wednesday, 11 February 2015 12:48 pm

ERA Real Estate and HGTV reported 46 percent of consumers see smart-home technology as important for their current and future residences. But luxury homebuyers are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. According to Digital Interiors, 94 percent of buyers surveyed would sacrifice 1,000 square feet of living space for more technology in their new home. Oversized houses are no longer the driving trend in the luxury real estate market and agents are under pressure to respond to the demand. Here’s what affluent homebuyers are looking for and which gadgets are must-haves.

Get a Smart Thermostat

Outfit your listings for luxury with smart-home additions like a smart thermostat . The Nest programs itself based on your preferences and can adjust whenever you leave to conserve energy. Your clients can control the system right from their smartphones. Owners can warm up the living room before an evening entertaining clients. Talk about how they can jet set to their vacation home and simply check-in on their property as needed. The idea behind a smart thermostat is really about controlling the overall climate of the home as opposed to an exact temperature.

Enhance your Home Surveillance

Home security systems have always dabbled in the high-tech world of smart automation. In the past, most alarms simply triggered an annoying sound and contacted the police at signs of danger.

Today, home security cameras keep an eye on the inside and outside of the home with wireless cameras. A wireless camera system can be mounted to the wall or ceiling and monitored remotely. Home buyers are sure to be wowed by its sleek and discreet design. Some home security companies, like Lorex Technology, even offer subscription-free monitoring options, yet another attractive feature for potential buyers.

New owners can keep an eye on their home from vacation, at work or on a spontaneous outing without worry.


Go High-Tech Culinary

Updating a kitchen has always been a recommended way to raise a home’s price tag and attract buyers. But affluent home shoppers are looking for more than just new appliances and chef’s kitchens. The latest technology trends include no-touch faucets and smart refrigerators that can alert you when you’re running low on groceries. The LG model features an internal camera to check on its contents, built-in Wi-Fi to connect to your mobile device and offers available accessories that can be 3-D printed. Other high-tech touches like Bluetooth smart cooking thermometers tell your mobile device when your food is ready to create perfect dishes every time.

Upgrade your Luxury Entertainment

Just about every home has a flat-screen television; some piped for surround sound and home theaters. Let your clients take entertaining to a new level by controlling everything from one device like Savant. Your clients can adjust the lighting, change the channel on your smart TV and turn on music. A system like Savant can also help monitor your home’s security and adjust the climate as needed. While clients are getting ready upstairs for an evening with friends, they can adjust the entertainment area and living room downstairs to create a luxurious atmosphere.

Tech To Attract Affluent Home Buyers

Seller's Advice: Hiring A Handyman

Hiring a good handyman or contractor is important for fixing or renovating your home. In my career as a Realtor I have had the pleasure working with some really great ones, and some no so much. Here is a great article from RealtyTimes about hiring a great handyman - or woman! :-) 

Seller's Advice: Hiring A Handyman