HOME IMPROVEMENT: THE LOWEST PRICE IS THE BEST OPTION – OR NOT

A MISCONCEPTION ABOUT HIRING A REMODELING CONTRACTOR

Price should not be the only factor when hiring a professional home remodeling contractor.

Price should not be the only factor when hiring a professional home remodeling contractor.

Choosing the lowest price saves you money. 

This is not always true!  Although a low price seems tempting, you must ask yourself what is the contractor omitting or what shortcut is the contractor taking?

A True Story:

One roofer’s price on a job was $300 lower than the other price estimates.  The homeowner wanted to save money and accepted his proposal.  After the roofer installed the new roof covering, all the old shingles, tarpaper and nails were lying all the way around the house in the shrubs, trees, and grass.  When the homeowner saw the debris strewn throughout his yard, he was enraged!  The contractor told him that cleanup was not a part of his proposal and that was how he could do the job for less money than the other contractors could.

Signs of Trouble

One of the most common signs of trouble ahead is someone offering to do work for less money than others do.  Like anything else, you cannot get something for nothing.  Be careful of choosing your home remodeling / general contractor based upon the lowest price.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. specializes in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust.
Visit the Leading Edge Home’s website or call 561-795-2551 to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.

HOME IMPROVEMENT: BEING YOUR OWN GENERAL CONTRACTOR CAN COST YOU

So You Want to Be Your Own Contractor

Are you sure you want to be your own general contractor?

IT WILL BE LESS EXPENSIVE TO DO THE WORK YOURSELF — REALLY?

One of the most common misconceptions about home remodeling is that it will be less expensive to do the work yourself or act as your own general contractor.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE DOING A DIY HOME REMODELING PROJECT

There are many things to consider before beginning a home remodeling project on your own.

SUBCONTRACTOR LICENSE VERIFICATION

First, you need to verify that every subcontractor or tradesmen you hire has the correct license and carries insurance.  If a person does not have Worker’s Compensation Insurance, or an exemption, then you are liable for their lost wages and medical bills if they get hurt while working on your home.

WHAT IF THE TRADESMEN DAMAGE YOUR HOME?

What happens if one of the tradesmen damages your home?  Your homeowner’s policy will not cover the damage caused by them.  A general contractor carries both general liability and builder’s risk insurance policies to protect you.

PERMITS… PERMITS… PERMITS

Although you can typically pull a building permit for your job if you live in a single family home, will the subcontractors you hire be able to pull their permits?  If you live in a multi-family dwelling, you will not be able to pull your own building permit.

Failure to pull a permit can cost you three times the original cost of a permit if the building department catches you.

If you decide to pull your own building permit, you will have to schedule your inspections, may need to take time off from work to meet with building inspectors, and you will have to take responsibility for all the work performed on your home.

WILL YOU BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTIONS? – TAKE A VACATION DAY

You may have to rely on the electrician, plumber, mechanical contractor, and roofer to pull their own permits and schedule their own inspections.  You still may have to take time off from work to make your house available to them and their building inspectors.

How much is your time worth?  When you schedule subcontractors and inspectors to come to your home you must ensure access to your house

BUILDING CODES… HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW?

Do you know the latest building codes?  If you do not build to the current codes or hire subcontractors who do not build to the current Florida Building Codes, you could end up wasting money having to redo work.

PRICING…  YOU WILL PAY RETAIL FOR YOUR SUBCONTRACTORS

You may think you are saving money by contracting with trades directly, but they have multiple sets of prices.  One for contractors they work with all year long, one for the occasional contractor, and one for the public.   The public pays the highest price.

WHICH COMES FIRST… THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?

It is critical to know the order in which subcontractors need to perform their work.  If you get the order wrong, you may need to remove a subcontractor’s work.  This will not only cost time, but money as well.

These are just a few of the potential issues that you may run into if you decide to act as your own general contractor.  Before following this path, consider the risks, the time you may waste, the monetary losses you could face, and the added stress of completing your home remodeling project.

 

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. specializes in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust.
To ask Todd a question, contact him at 561-795-2551 or visit the Leading Edge Home’s website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.

Bathroom Ideas: 10 Top Trends for 2015 – Or Not….

The following article by Melissa Dittmann Tracey provides interesting information about the 10 Top Trends for 2015.  (See below for the full article)

NKBA_bathroom

Photo Credit: National Kitchen and Bath Association

The top 10 overall bathroom design trends expected to be hot this year:

1. Clean, white, contemporary designs
2. Floating vanities
3. Open-shelving
4. Electric heated floors
5. Purple color schemes
6. Trough sinks
7. User experience (ease of use and low maintenance) and accessibility features
8. Extra amenities (like steam showers, anti-fog mirrors, lighted showers, and shower seats)
9. Innovative storage (such as drawer pullouts and rollouts to hold hair styling equipment)
10. Showers and freestanding tubs

Just keep in mind, that the  National Kitchen & Bath Association’s trend report on what’s driving bathroom design in 2015 does not mean you need to update your bathroom to conform to the latest styles and trends.

There are ways to add some of these features … such as installing a tiled back splash, replacing your faucets, adding crown molding, or even changing your paint color to update your bathroom’s look.

If you plan on remodeling your bathroom, functionality, safety, and personal preferences should be your primary focus. Color trends, materials, and other hot designs trends will be outdated in years from now.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County

The Spa-Like Bathroom: 10 Top Trends for 2015

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

NKBA_bathroom

Just like the kitchen, contemporary designs are growing in popularity in bathroom remodels. These contemporary touches in the bathroom equate to clean and open designs, with floating vanities and freestanding tubs.

Last week, at Styled Staged & Sold, we highlighted the top 10 trends for the kitchen this year. This week, we focus on the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s latest trend report on what’s driving bathroom design in 2015.

Here are the top 10 overall bathroom design trends NKBA designers expect to be hot this year:

1. Clean, white, contemporary designs
2. Floating vanities
3. Open-shelving
4. Electric heated floors
5. Purple color schemes
6. Trough sinks
7. User experience (ease of use and low maintenance) and accessibility features
8. Extra amenities (like steam showers, anti-fog mirrors, lighted showers, and shower seats)
9. Innovative storage (such as drawer pullouts and rollouts to hold hair styling equipment)
10. Showers and freestanding tubs

Most popular colors: White and gray are the dominant colors for bathrooms. Half of designers expect to see gray growing in 2015, and several designers also mentioned the growing popularity of purple, lavender, and lilac tones gaining steam in bathroom designs. For fixtures, white continues its dominance.

 

Out of style: Jetted tubs, whether whirlpool or air, are decreasing in popularity, according to NKBA’s report. “People are moving away from jetted tubs to more classic soaking tubs,” says Bill Donohoe with Donohoe Design Works in the Los Angeles area. Also, beige fixture colors are increasingly dropping in popularity.

HOME IMPROVEMENT: GARAGE DOORS CAN ADD CURB APPEAL

How to Take Your Garage Door From Eyesore to Eye Candy

Spruce Up Your Garage Door and Change The Look of Your Home

Garage doors are typically utilitarian in nature and architecturally bland – but they don’t have to be. There are many different materials, styles, and features in garage doors today.

You can get your door in many finishes and colors to complement the design of your home. You can even get a garage door with windows. Windows in garage doors are not as strange as you may think. They provide architectural beauty to the outside of your home and allow natural light in to brighten up the space. There are many window design options for today’s modern garage doors, just remember they will probably need hurricane protection.

All garage doors are not created equal.

There are many things to consider when choosing a garage door (which of course must meet the Florida building code for hurricane resistance).

Here are some things to consider when choosing a garage door:

The door’s material will impact how much annual maintenance is required, how much punishment it can take and how long it will last. For example:

Steel doors offer a classic design as well as the traditional carriage house style. These doors are durable, needing only minimal cleaning and maintenance.

Vinyl doors are longer lasting and suited to areas subjected to severe weather. They are rust-free, dent resistant and never need repainting.

Fiberglass doors have the look of real wood with a natural grain appearance. They are made of durable steel but with a fiberglass skin.

Real wooden doors offer classic craftsmanship. While they do require periodic maintenance (paint or stain), they make a perfect complement to any architectural style.

Aluminum and glass doors offer the most sophisticated look and modern features, including a variety of glass options. While aluminum doors require no maintenance, they do not have the same level of insulation as the other doors.

Garage Door Insulation is Important

Most people don’t think that a garage door’s insulation is important, however, it provides cost saving energy efficiency while reducing noise levels from the outside. Also, when you insulate your garage door, you are making the garage more suitable to use for things other than storage, including a work area or even a place for social gatherings. Although the room is not, and should not be, air conditioned space, the insulation helps reduce the heat from the outside.

An advantage of polyurethane insulated doors is that they provide added fire safety. This type of insulation acts as a barrier in reducing the amount of smoke and flames generated in a fire.

Garage Doors are Affordable

It is surprising how affordable garage doors have become. In most cases, people are guilty of doubling the price when they guess how much it will be. In general, the most expensive doors are those made of premium wood followed by fiberglass, steel, un-insulated steel and finally lower grade wooden doors.

Make Sure The Door is Approved for Use if Florida

It goes without saying that here in Florida you should also verify that there is a Florida Product Approval for the door, a permit is pulled for its installation, and that you are given copies of all the documentation for homeowner’s insurance discount purposes. Without the proper documentation, your home owner’s insurance rates may increase and you could have a problem when you go to sell your house.

 

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.

Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional: 1 in 5 Seniors Victimized By Scams

DON’T BE A VICTIM OF FRAUD

Nothing makes our blood boil more than seniors, or anyone else, be scammed by “contractors.”

1 in 5 Victimized by Scams

According to a recent article in the Palm Beach Post, 1 in 5 seniors have been victimized by scams… including home improvements.

The Knock on the Door Scam

One story sited in the article talked about a 92 year-old woman who was “offered what sounded like a good deal to repave her driveway.” She was told, by the woman who knocked on her door (RED FLAG) that her family’s business was finishing a job down the street, had materials left over, and could give her a low price.  But all they did was take up front fees and did no work.  This story is a common one.

The Pay Up Front Scam

Here’s another one about a woman who paid for her kitchen to be remodeled by an unlicensed contractor who paid up front and was left with nothing in her kitchen. The victim paid everything up front and then was asked for more money. This is what she was left with.

Press on the picture below to hear the victim’s story!

 

Unlicensed contractor arrested

Only Hire A Licensed Contractor

For your safety, financial well-being, and to get your home remodeling project done properly… only hire a licensed contractor

 

 

If you have questions about any home improvement project, please call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.

HOME IMPROVEMENT: What to Expect When Remodeling

Ten Things to Expect When Remodeling

Leading Edge Homes - Remodeling Dreams

Home improvement projects don’t happen overnight like they do on television. Know what to expect before you begin the process.

Dust.

Even when temporary plastic sheeting walls are erected, a fine layer of dust and dirt will still get passed it. Remember to change the air filters on your HVAC system often.

Noise.

There is no way to get around it – from circular saws to air guns and compressors, construction is noisy. Plan to take a daytime nap somewhere else or invest in a good set of ear muffs if the noise will bother you.

Soaring highs.

It may be the demolition of those ugly kitchen cabinets you’ve hated for years or the installation of drywall signaling a milestone toward completion. Celebrate them.
A few sighs. You may become tired of making so many decisions or writing large checks. Don’t be discouraged, it will be worth it when the project is complete.

 

The unexpected.

Lead based paint, crooked existing walls, or a cracked tie beam. No, you won’t be laughing but neither will the contractor.

Change orders.

You may want to upgrade materials or add to the scope of work. Yes it will cost more and the project may take longer, but you will be enjoying the new or remodeled area for years to come.

Cash concerns.

You may start getting upset over the amount of money you are spending, especially if you have made many change orders. A good rule of thumb is to set aside a minimum of 10% of the project cost for extras. Doing so will help alleviate some of the stress.

Delays.

Rain storms, sub-contractors not showing up, materials on back order – the list is endless. Construction is far from a perfect world. You need to be resilient.

Decisions.

Where do you want the switches, how high should the fixture be hung, oil-rubbed bronze or chrome? Count on lots of questions. Your selection of a contractor is just the first of many decisions you will have to make.

A party.

When everything is complete, you are going to want to show off your project. It’s fun for both you and your guests to see a beautifully finished home.

 

If you have questions about any home improvement project please call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.

Home Improvement: Don’ts from a Contractor’s Point of View

HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:

Don’ts from a Contractor’s Point of View

Don’t delay decisions.

Make your product and color selections well in advance of when they are needed.  A late decision on a faucet can mean weeks of delay if it is on back order.

Don’t change your mind (too much).

Although this is inevitable, remember that change orders cost money and delay completion.

Don’t buy your own materials.

Contractors typically get better prices than consumers.
Also, if that toilet you got “such a good deal” on has defective parts in it, you will be paying the plumber to uninstall it and paying him again to reinstall a replacement once you get it.  If he buys it and there is a problem, it’s on his dime to make it right.

Don’t start a project without a contingency fund.

Unforeseen issues can arise or you can get carried away with change orders (“while you’re here” syndrome).  You don’t want to run out of funds before the project is complete.

Don’t put lipstick on a pig.

Some people insist on putting high end cabinets into a house with a sinking foundation or a super high-efficiency air conditioner in a house with leaking windows and no insulation. Listen to your contractor.  Sometimes it makes more sense to tear a house down than spend a fortune repairing it.

Don’t let kids and pets get in the way.

Remodeling work in inherently dangerous.  It’s just not safe to have children or animals around construction.  The same holds true for your guests and nosy neighbors too.

Don’t live in the home. 

If you are having a whole house remodel done or taking the roof off to add a second floor, don’t try to live in the house.  Make other living arrangements that are safe, comfortable, and dry.

Don’t ignore what the house needs.

If the contractor finds that existing walls do not have fire stops in them, spend the money to correct the problem because it’s a matter of life safety.  If he suggests repainting the rest of the house’s exterior while adding on a garage, you can easily defer that expense to a later date.

Don’t plan a room addition without thinking about furniture.

Although you may like French doors centered on a wall, it’s too late after the project is done to determine the couch blocks the door.  I suggest drawing the rooms to scale on one sheet of paper and your furniture to scale on another sheet of paper.  Cut out the furniture and place it on the room to make sure you like the way things lay out and verify there are no conflicts with windows and doors.

If you have questions about any home improvement project please call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.

Home Improvement: Things to Look Out For When Remodeling

Ten Things to Look Out For When Remodeling

 home improvement - before you remodel

#1 – Lead based paint.

If your house was built prior to 1978, it may have lead based paint.  If your project involves disturbing more than 3 square feet of wall (interior or exterior), you MUST test for the presence of lead based paint or risk being severely fined by the EPA.  Paint chips are especially hazardous to toddler who may touch the chips and put their hands in their mouths ingesting the poison.

#2 – Asbestos floor tile.

Typically 9″x9″ up to 12″x12″. Even the glues used may contain asbestos.  The danger occurs when the flooring crumbles and dust is scattered into the air and inhaled.  This stuff could kill you with a long painful death.  Have the flooring tested by a professional and if it must be removed, hire a professional remediation contractor.

#3 – Contractors who say no permit is needed.

Other than painting and floorcovering, a permit is typically required for all projects.  Don’t get caught and have to pay a fine.  When in doubt, call your local building department and ask.  Inspections are for life safety purposes and protect you and future owners of your house.  Failing to obtain a permit can even stop the sale of your house if discovered.

#4 – Water damage.

What seems like an innocent brown stain on the ceiling could be the sign of a roof leak, water supply pipe leak, or an air leak around an A/C register.  Don’t disregard this important message from your house.  Investigate the source and make the necessary repairs to avoid major repairs in the future.  Also, if mold has formed, don’t disturb the surface or you can send mold spores throughout your house.  Call a mold remediation contractor to avoid respiratory problems.

#5 – Termites.

If you see mud trails going from the ground up to the floor level of your house, you may have termites.  If you see little wings or droppings along baseboards, you might have termites.  Call a pest control professional before the termites eat up so much of your house that you need structural repairs.

#6 – Property headaches.

Before installing a fence, get an updated survey of your property and have the corners marked.  This will avoid issues with the fence encroaching on your neighbor’s property.  Before doing a room addition, contact the local zoning department and ask what your setbacks are to avoid submitting plans for a room addition that puts the building too close to your property lines.

#7 – Bank problems.

Make sure your bank financing is approved and funded before giving a contractor a deposit on a job.  It would really ruin your day if the financing is not approved, your contractor has already demolished part of your house, and you can’t afford to finish the project.

#8 – Plan.

Don’t draw up plans that don’t provide sufficient detail.  If you think that you will fill in the details later, you may be in for some very expensive surprises.  Sub-contractors will charge for what you have left out and you may not have enough money to finish your project.  Remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

#9 – Cracks.

Both vertical and horizontal cracks in a block wall can spell trouble.  There may be uncompacted soil under the foundation or insufficient support of a tie beam.  Consult with a structural engineer to determine the source.

#10 – Illegal wiring.

Many homeowners think they know how to perform electrical repairs.  Although the light or receptacle may work, the repair may be a fire waiting to happen.  If you open up a wall and find spliced wires that are not inside an electrical box, call a licensed electrician.

 

If you have questions about any home improvement project please call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.

Home Maintenance: A Fire Waiting to Happen

YOUR DRYER IS THE MOST DANGEROUS APPLIANCE IN YOUR HOUSE

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and 10 injuries due to clothes dryer fires.  Watch this from the NBC Today Show:

 

LINT… LINT… GO AWAY!

Not all of the lint generated by a dryer is stopped by the lint screen.  Much of it ends up inside the machine on the heating element – and lint is highly combustible.  Lint also builds up in elbows, termination caps, and in flimsy plastic or foil duct extenders. Only smooth metal vents should be used and fittings must be taped together with aluminum tape (no screws), which is what most manufacturers specify.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Here’s the take away – have your dryer and duct work cleaned out once a year.  If you need a recommendation, call us.

If you have questions about any home improvement project please call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.

Home Remodeling: Add On or Move Out?

Add on or Move Out?

Which door you choose – a room addition, a new home, or nothing at all depends on your personal choices. There are many hard costs and personal costs that should help you decide.

Is It More Cost Effective To Move To A Bigger House Or Add On?

There’s no easy answer for this question.  Often it depends on how much value the addition adds and whether the addition will price you out of the neighborhood.

Questions You need to Ask Yourself?

Can you find an existing house with the additional space for less than the price of an addition?

How easily can you sell your home?

Will you be able to carry two homes if you find a home that fits your needs but haven’t sold your current home?

 

It’s Not Just Hard Costs

Other things to consider include the cost of moving, closing costs, if it’s a new house the cost of window treatments, etc.

Sometimes there are other factors to consider besides cost that make adding on more desirable:

  •   not disrupting children in school
  •   convenience of existing home’s location
  •   great neighbors
  •   getting the new space built to your exact specifications
  •   no plans to move for 10 years or more, etc.

Doing any home remodeling project is a personal decision and only you can weigh what is best for you and your family.

If you have questions about any home improvement project or are considering a home room addition project please call me at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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