Tag: stress free remodeling

HOME REMODELING – Do-it-Yourself or Not?

Do-It-Yourself Projects, Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional, Home Improvement, Laundry Room Updates, Room Additions

READY, SET, DO-IT-YOURSELF – OR NOT

Do It Yourself Remodeling

Have you ever watched a home improvement show and decided “I can do it myself.” The shows make it look so easy – and the whole house is renovated in just 30 minutes!

It’s time for a reality check to see if you should really tackle a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) created a simple yes-or-no quiz that you should take before you tackle a DIY project.

Take this quiz to find out!

Answer yes or no:

1.  Do you enjoy physical work?

Most home remodeling projects are labor intensive.  You may discover muscles that you didn’t even know exist!

2.  Are you persistent and patient?

This reminds me of the a homeowner who decided to tackle removing the old flooring in his home. To his dismay, there were multiple levels of old flooring that had to be removed, he needed to rent special equipment to remove the flooring, and it delayed the completion of his renovation/addition by more than a month.

3.  Do you have reliable work habits—meaning that once the project is started, will it get finished?

How many times have you started a project and then life takes over?  This happens to the best of us.  How much time do you truly have to devote to a project?

4.  Do you have all the tools needed and, more importantly, the skills required to do the job?

Not only do you need to have the tools and the skills, you also need to know the building codes.  Additionally, if the project required a permit, and you do not get one, you can be fined, receive a stop work order, and worse yet – be told to remove all changes you made to your home.

5.  What quality level do you need for this project? Are your skills at that level?

Even painting is not just about getting a paint brush,  a can of paint, and painting the walls.  You need the right type of brush, the right type of paint, and the knowledge of how to prepare the painting surfaces.

6.  Do you have the time that will be required to complete the project?

Time… if only there was more of it. Just because the DIY shows make it look like a project takes no time at all doesn’t mean that is true! Always double or triple the time estimated for a DIY project, unless you are highly skilled and familiar with that particular project.

7. Will it matter if the project remains unfinished for a period of time?

People with the best intentions sometimes don’t realize how long a project may take.  If you are only working weekends and nights to finish a project that may take 8 weeks, your project may take 20 weeks or more.  How long do you want to live with your house in disarray?

8. Are you prepared to handle the kind of stress this project will create in your family relationships?

A renovation project becomes your life. How will you handle questions like:

            “Why is it taking so long?”

            “What did you do to the wall?”

            “When will it be done?”

            “How much money will that cost?”

             9.  Do you know all of the steps involved in the project?

Another true story – a homeowner hired Leading Edge Homes, Inc. to do an addition.  As the project continued, the homeowner decided to add the new flooring to the rest of the house. Unbeknownst to us, the homeowner decided he wanted to save money and paint the rest of his home. He made that decision after the new flooring was installed. 

The homeowner should have taken this quiz before starting some DIY projects.  He is only painting on the weekends – all of the furniture is sitting in the middle of the room. He didn’t think through the steps.  He should have painted before having us install the new flooring! Now there are drips of paint on the new floor. 

10. Is this a job you can do completely by yourself or will you need assistance?

If you do need assistance, what skill level is involved for your assistant? If you need a professional subcontractor, do you have access to a skilled labor pool?

11. Are you familiar with your local building codes and permit requirements?

(Some jurisdictions require that the work be completed by a licensed and bonded professional in order to meet code.) It’s best to check these requirements before beginning work on the project.

Remember, if you fail to pull a permit you will end up paying more for your project than you imagine.  Some municipalities charge you a penalty of triple the permit fee if you failed to pull a permit.  Also, if you go to sell your home and work was done without a permit, you will have difficulty selling your home.

12. What will you do if the project goes awry?

Many contractors are wary about taking on a botched DIY job and you may be forced to remove all of your handy work.  All of the money and time you spent may be thrown away.

13. Is it safe for you to do this project?

(If you are not familiar with roofing or do not have fall protection restraints, you may not want to venture into a roofing job. Similarly, if you know nothing about electricity—leave it to the professional. Some jobs can be fatal if not performed correctly. Your health and safety should be the primary concern. Never enter into a DIY project that would jeopardize either.)

14. Will you be able to obtain the materials you need? Who will be your source of supply? Will they deliver?

The quality of some of the items you purchase at a big box store is often times lower than the same items you can purchase from building suppliers.

15. Are you attempting to do-it-yourself for financial reasons?

If so, have you looked at all of your costs, including the cost of materials, your time, and the tools you need to purchase? If you are new to the DIY game, you may also want to look at the cost to correct any mistakes you may make—i.e., the damage factor. Will it still be a cost-saving venture?

If you have to take vacation time to do the project, what is the value of what is lost? 

16. If you are trying DIY for the satisfaction of a job well done—can you ensure that the job will be “well done”?

If it doesn’t come out right, how will you feel? Will you be able to afford to redo any unsatisfactory work?

Did you answer YES to some of the questions?

Be honest — How many did you really say yes to? If you answered yes to 8 or more of these questions, NARI says you may attempt a DIY project. But, before you run for the nearest hardware store, revisit those questions you marked “No,” and carefully consider the potential problems you will face in those areas if you proceed with the project.

Hiring a professional, like Leading Edge Homes,  might be your best choice. A remodeling project can be  one of the most important investments that you can make in your home.

Work with an experienced roomologist (contractor experienced in room additions and home renovations) to plan and design your home improvement project. The planning phase is equally important to the completion phase. If you can imagine it, we can design it.

For all of your home remodeling , contact your local certified “roomologist”, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. at 561-795-2551. Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

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.

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Are You Done Yet – Understanding the Remodeling Process

Bathroom Renovations, Home Improvement, Kitchen Ideas, Room Additions

“ARE YOU DONE YET?” – UNDERSTANDING THE REMODELING PROCESS

No, home remodeling is not like what you see on television - it takes time.

No, home remodeling is not like what you see on television – it takes time.

 

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

As a contractor, my two least favorite questions are “How long will it take?” and “Are You Done Yet?”  Perhaps it is because it reminds me of the long trips in the car when my children were young and they asked the infamous question “Are we there yet?”

To answer the question “how long will it take,” there is no clear cut answer. No two jobs are alike. Construction phases take varying amounts of time.

The outline below is a general guideline of what to expect during a home remodeling experience.  One thing to remember is that you may not see someone at your site daily when you do a home remodeling project.  Scheduling, weather, inspections, and material availability all play a part in how long your project takes to complete.

HOME REMODELING PROCESS / STEPS

If you read through all of the following steps, you will see that there are many moving parts that must be coordinated to complete a project. Leading Edge Homes, Inc. tries to ensure that your home improvement project moves along as quickly as possible, but will never sacrifice quality for speed.  

Please note, not all of the following steps are required for each type of job. Each step is prefaced with an “A” for an Addition and  “R” for a Remodeling / Renovation project.

A — PRELIMINARY SOIL TESTS / SURVEYS

AR — REROUTING WIRES OR PLUMBING

Rerouting of overhead electric, cable TV,  and phone service, and sewer and water supply lines if necessary.

AR — DEMOLITION

Any existing structures (roof overhangs, screen rooms, existing concrete, etc.) in the way of the addition are removed.  Land is cleared by machinery if site conditions allow, otherwise it is cleared by hand.

For an interior remodel, the cabinets, walls, floor coverings, and fixtures in the work area are removed.  This creates lots of dust.  Make sure any objects that could not be removed are protected.

Debris is placed in a designated area or in the provided trash receptacle.  Leading Edge Homes, tries to clean up the site daily, however, at times piles of debris are visible.

A — EXCAVATION AND SETTING FORMS

The addition area plus at least 3 feet beyond are cleared down to suitable soil.

Fill dirt is delivered to the addition area and compacted.  Please do not remove any of this dirt.  It is needed to create the house pad.

Footers are dug around the addition perimeter and forms are placed into the dirt.

These forms are set in place with precision instruments, and a survey will be taken with them in place.  Do not move or alter them in any way.  Should you accidentally step on or disturb one of these forms, please contact the office immediately so the forms can be rechecked for accuracy before the concrete pour.

A soil density test is conducted.

A form board survey is performed.

A — UNDERGROUND UTILITIES

The underground plumbing, electric, and air conditioning pipes are placed in what becomes the slab.  Do not remove or change the position of any of these items.  They have been placed in the precise location in which they are needed.

Separate inspections for each of these trades is performed.  Inspections may not occur on the same day.  All trades must pass inspection before work can proceed.

A — POISON THE SOIL

This is the first of two sprayings to prevent termites.  Do not touch the soil!  It is hazardous to your health.

A — SLAB FORMATION COMPLETION

Plastic, steel (it may be rusted, but that does not effect the strength of the slab), and recess forms are put into place.

Another inspection is performed.

A — POUR THE CONCRETE

Once the pad is formed and passes all inspections, the slab will be poured.  This is a difficult date to schedule.  It is subject to weather conditions (on the date of the pour and on prior days), equipment availability, and the concrete finishing crew’s schedule.

Your patience is appreciated.  We are as anxious as you to complete this phase. If you can’t resist, please wait at least 24 hours after the concrete finishers have left before walking on the new concrete.

Some concrete may squeeze out from under or around the forms.  This is a normal condition.

Loads of concrete may vary in color.  This is a normal condition and does not affect performance.

Cracking may occur during the first 90 days of curing, and later during the first year.  Steel reinforcement has been installed in the slab to reduce the separation of the concrete when it cracks.  (The concrete will be specially prepared if tile is to be installed on it.)

Sudden inclement weather conditions may require protecting wet concrete with a temporary plastic covering.  This may result in an alteration of the finished appearance of the concrete surface.  Do not be concerned.  This does not affect the concrete’s performance.

A — BUILD EXTERIOR WALLS AND ROOF

Wood / Steel Framed Construction

The exterior walls are framed with wood and / or steel.

The roof trusses are set, sheathing is attached to the trusses and exterior walls, and the fascia is installed.

It is time for another inspection.

Block / Masonry Construction

The exterior walls are built with masonry block.

The column and beam steel is installed.

The tie beam is formed, where and if needed.

It is time for another inspection.

Wood scraps are fastened over any column clean out holes.

Concrete is poured into the tie beam and columns.

Note: This concrete is a special mix and appears to be watery! Do not be concerned. Its formulation causes it to be extremely strong when dry.

The roof trusses are set, sheathing is attached to the trusses, and fascia is installed.

It is time for another inspection.

A — ROOF COVERING

The roof is dried in.  Roofing underlayment is attached to the sheathing, and metal drip edge, valley, and “L” flashing is installed.

Skylights (if any) are installed.

It is time for another inspection.

If the final roof covering is tile, more roofing underlayment may be installed, and the tile is loaded on the roof.  Otherwise, the final roofing material is installed on the roof.

A R — INTERIOR FRAMING

The window bucks and windows are installed.

The exterior door bucks and doors are installed.

Interior walls are framed and block walls are firred as necessary.

You can now see your room(s).  They may appear smaller than you expected, but will look larger once the drywall is installed.

The rough air conditioning (duct work), plumbing (including tubs), and electric are installed.

It is time for more inspections.

A — PREPARING THE HOUSE EXTERIOR

Wire lath is installed over exterior sheathing, and in the soffits.

Scaffolding may be present on your job site.  DO NOT allow children to play on it.

Hurricane tracks are installed (if they are embedded in the stucco).

It is time for another inspection.

The exterior is painted, then roof tile, if applicable, is installed.

A R  —   INSULATION

Insulation is installed in the walls and ceilings.

It is time for another inspection.

 

A R  —   DRYWALL

Drywall is fastened to walls and ceilings.

In most municipalities, it is time for another inspection.

The walls and ceilings are finished.  This multi-step process is effected by humidity, and requires varying amounts of drying time.

Wall and ceilings are spray textured, if applicable.

 

A R — INTERIOR FINISHING TOUCHES

Interior doors are hung, and pull down stairways are installed.

Cabinets are installed.

Interior base and case moldings are installed.

Tile is installed on floors and walls, if and where applicable.

The interior is painted.

Shelving, mirrors, countertops, and tub skirts are installed.

The air conditioning equipment and grills are installed.

The final plumbing fixtures and faucets are installed.

The electric switches, outlets and fixtures are installed.

It is time for inspection of all the trades.

 

A — EXTERIOR FINISHING

Hurricane hardware is installed.

The flatwork (sidewalks, patio areas, etc.) is formed.  Soil in areas  under roof are sprayed to prevent termites.  Do not touch the soil!  It is hazardous to your health.

Reinforcing steel may, or may not, be placed in the flatwork area.

The flat work is inspected.

The concrete is poured.  This is a difficult date to schedule, due to weather conditions (on the date of the pour and prior days),  equipment availability, and the concrete finishing crew’s schedule.

Your patience is appreciated.

You may walk on the new concrete 24 hours after the pour.  Do not drive on a new concrete driveway for at least one week.

Loads of concrete may vary in color, and will NOT be the same color as existing sidewalk, driveway, or patio areas.  There is no way to control the color variations of concrete.

The final vertical spray for termites is performed.

Any sod replacement and sprinkler repair specified is performed.

A R — THE PROJECT IS ALMOST DONE

Screens are installed in any windows.  The dumpster and portable toilet will be removed from your site.

 

The FINAL BUILDING INSPECTION is performed.

 

The carpeting is installed. This is done after the final inspection because we want no one to walk on your new carpet but you!

A R — ENJOY YOUR FINISHED PROJECT

Leading Edge Homes thanks you for your patience and hopes you enjoy the changes to your home.

 

If you are considering a home remodeling project or have been inspired by something you have seen on television and want to determine if it can be duplicated in your home, contact Leading Edge Homes, Inc. at 561-795-2551.  We will give you a real, guaranteed price and our best guestimate of how long the project will take.

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.
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Home Improvement: When Your House is Telling You It Needs to Be Repaired

Home Improvement, Home Maintenance/Repairs

PUTTING THINGS OFF NOT WHAT IT IS CRACKED UP TO BE

 

Photo courtesy of @pawsandwatches

Photo courtesy of @pawsandwatches

Many people follow this advice from Mark Twain, “Never put off till tomorrow what may be done the day after tomorrow just as well.”

This philosophy make work fine for doing your laundry – you might have to re-wear some clothes after spraying them with Febreeze. It also might work well for grocery shopping  – you eat cake for breakfast;  it is made with eggs after all, right?

HERE’S AN EXAMPLE OF WHERE THIS ADVICE CAN HURT YOU IN THE WALLET

Home Improvement - House cracks are dangerous copy

Have you noticed cracks in your drywall or on the exterior of your house?  Are the gaps in the cracks getting larger? Do you have cracking walls that extend from floor to ceiling,  sticking doors, sagging floors or pooling water near a slab foundation? These MAY be signs of problems with your foundation. More advanced or severe damage is indicated by wide cracks in exterior walls or even separation of one section of a house.

IGNORING OR DELAYING REPAIRS ON YOUR HOME CAN LEAD TO DISASTER

Here’s why — the longer you wait to treat visible signs of damage, the more severe the damage can become. Left untreated, minor cracks and leaks can turn into serious structural issues that compromise the value and overall health of your home.

Your home’s structural integrity depends on the strength of your foundation. It supports everything else – walls, windows, floors, doorways, roof — so when your foundation is damaged, it can cause serious problems throughout your home.

WHAT CAN CAUSE THE DAMAGE?

One cause of a sinking foundation is improper compaction of the soil when your home was built. If the soil is not compacted properly, over time i will no longer be able to support the weight of your house and cracks will ensue.

Also, like other things in life, your foundation is subject to environmental stress. Expanding and contracting soil, excessive moisture and inadequate drainage are also threats to your home’s foundation. Over time, environmental stress can cause the foundation to shift, crack or settle unevenly.
Improper drainage: The most common sign of poor drainage is water pooling and forming swampy areas near a home’s foundation. Poor drainage can occur as a result of clogged or damaged gutters, or because the land surrounding a home isn’t properly graded away from the structure.

Water leaks under the slab: Slab foundations conceal sewer lines and water supply pipes; when a leak develops in a hidden line, it can cause the soil beneath the slab to deteriorate. This type of problem may cause moist areas in interior floors, or homeowners may notice a sudden spike in their water bills – but more often than not a slab leak will go unnoticed. Leak isolation testing is the preferred method for detecting slab leaks.

Tree root intrusions: Large trees can cause foundation problems as roots grow through the soil underneath the home. The intruding roots can exert significant pressure on under-slab water pipes and foundations. They can also leech moisture from the ground, causing soil to contract away from the home.

HELP ME I’M SINKING

A homeowner in Wellington contacted Leading Edge Homes because he wanted us to investigate the cracks and separation he was seeing on the exterior of his home.
Unfortunately for him, the investigation determined that the soil beneath the corner of his house was not compacted at all.  The soil engineers gave the compaction a rating of “10” out of 100, where at least and “95” is required before a structure can be built on top of the soil.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE

The exterior remediation includes pressure grouting beneath the foundation under the watchful eye of a structural engineer.  A special concrete mixture is used to solidify the soil beneath the house.  In addition, part of the exterior wall will be opened up to allow the hollow block cells to be reinforced with steel then poured solid with concrete.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN INSIDE THE HOME

Sadly, the cracks allow for water intrusion.  Several years ago Leading Edge Homes had to do a similar repair for another homeowner in Palm Beach County. They ignored a musty smell in a bedroom for a long time, which turned out to be mold. The exterior cracks and sinking foundation allowed water to get inside the home.

In that case, the homeowner had to have specialized mold remediation performed which included removing the drywall, flooring, and even some of the furniture.

Ignoring the warning signs was quite costly.

LESSONS LEARNED

Don’t put blinders on if you see wall cracks thinking that what you don’t look at won’t bother you. Call in the experts at Leading Edge Homes and we’ll determine if the cracks are cosmetic or structural. It is easier and less costly to treat a problem early rather than after severe damage has occurred.

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions about your home, a home you are purchasing, the design process for building a home, or a project you are considering, contact your local design-build contractor, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. 

For all of your new home, home remodeling and inspection needs, contact your local certified “roomologist”, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. at 561-795-2551.

Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

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.

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HOME REMODELING: I MADE A HOMEOWNER CRY

Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional, Home Builder, Home Improvement, Home Maintenance/Repairs

TRUE CONFESSIONS OF A REMODELING CONTRACTOR:  MAKING A HOMEOWNER CRY

Nothing is worse than having to tell a homeowner they have been scammed.

Nothing is worse than having to tell a homeowner they have been scammed.

 

MAKING A HOMEOWNER CRY

This has been one of the toughest month’s for me as a home remodeling contractor.

Two of the potential clients that I visited with were brought to tears and another one was strong enough to hold back the tears but realized they threw away money.

WHAT WENT WRONG

The first of my heart breaking experiences happened in Palm Beach Gardens.  A woman, had a leak, which unfortunately led to mold.

But… the people she hired to “fix it” removed anything and everything that they could, down to the metal studs that were part of her exterior walls.

There is no easy fix to put her home back together, especially because it is part of a quadruplex. The homeowners association won’t let her rip down what is remaining from the exterior walls and now they are in danger of collapsing, her insurance company is denying the claim, and the “friends” that helped her weren’t licensed.

WARNING:  ALWAYS VERIFY THAT THE PEOPLE YOU HIRE TO WORK ON YOUR HOME ARE PROPERLY LICENSED – read more – 

The only remedy she has is to hire a public adjuster to help her navigate the insurance company process and to hire a construction attorney to help her recoup her costs from the work that was done improperly.  Until she gets the homeowners association to grant her permission to fix the exterior walls, she is in limbo.

The next of my heart breaking experiences happened in Wellington where work was done without a permit and the second contractor is no where to be found.

A homeowner needed work done on his home. The “contractor” who only could work weekends was caught doing work on the home without a permit. The Village of Wellington issued a stop work order, fined the homeowner, and had the electric meter pulled from the house as a safety precaution.

The homeowner, after paying fines, hired another contractor. But, this contractor is now missing in action. I advised the homeowner that I could not do any work on the home unless the permit was closed. Like the previous homeowner, this job will remain in limbo until the legal ramifications are solved.

WARNING: FAILURE TO GET A PERMIT CAN CAUSE YOUR JOB TO BE SHUT DOWN! – read more 

The last my heart breaking experiences this week also happened in Wellington.

A homeowner wanted to remodel their kitchen and have an addition put on their home. They hired a draftsman to draw up the plans. The plans did not reflect what the homeowner wanted! The plans were what the designer wanted to draw.

As a design-build contractor I have seen this time and time again. Some draftsmen or architects don’t understand the big picture and don’t understand how things are tied together. The homeowner, throughout our meeting, kept saying “but that is what I wanted.”

It is very frustrating to me that homeowners waste money on plans that won’t work. It is not that every designer/draftsman does a poor job… but I have seen it way too many times that plans are not usable because they are incomplete, don’t meet the homeowner requirements, or they are drawn incorrectly.

I’D LIKE TO SCREAM FROM THE ROOF TOPS – HIRE A DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTOR! IT GIVES YOU A CONTRACTOR THAT CAN NOT ONLY DRAW YOUR PLANS BUT ALSO BUILD THEM TO YOUR SPECIFICATIONS! – read more

 BEFORE YOU CHOOSE TO DO A REMODEL

Think about how your change will effect the look of your home. Realize that the newer things may alter how the rest of your home looks. That doesn’t mean you don’t make changes.  But… think about how your changes can affect your vision of your home.

If you are changing the floors, do you want to change the doors, their thresholds, the moldings? If you are adding additional cabinets, how are you going to tie the cabinets together?  Will you need to resurface the old cabinets, change out all of the hardware, or replace everything?

Making all the cabinet pulls the same may not be so easy. How the new handles get installed may not cover old holes. The old hardware may not easily be removed.

When you do choose to remodel, look for someone with good listening skills who shares your vision for what your home should look like. Feel free to ask for references. Then, before you sign on the dotted line, check with your state to ensure your architect or custom builder is licensed in his or her field.

FOR ASSISTANCE IN PLANNING YOUR PROJECT

If you have questions about the design process or a project you are considering, contact your local design-build contractor, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

For all of your new home, home remodeling and inspection needs, contact your local certified “roomologist”, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. at 561-795-2551.

Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

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.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT: Common Mistakes 3 – Not Verifying Information

Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional, Home Improvement

Common Mistakes 3 – NOT VERIFYING INFORMATION

Leading Edge Homes - A Home Improvement Contractor You Can Trust

Home Improvement Contractors Provide References

When hiring a remodeling / home improvement contractor, it is common practice to ask for references.  In my experience, almost everyone asks me to provide references before they hire Leading Edge Homes, Inc.  

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. gladly provides references. But…

Most People Don’t Call References before they Hire A Home Improvement Contractor

Call at least three of the references you’re given.

You can never learn too much about the company you are considering using.  Take a few minutes to talk to these people.  It will be worth it!

Ask if the job was done to their satisfaction and at the agreed upon price.  Ask if the contractor was easy to communicate with and deal with.

Call the references and see example work.  You can learn a lot by seeing the finished product.  If the contractor is good, many previous clients are extremely proud of their “new” home and will be glad to let you look.

Also… VERIFY A Contractor’s Insurance

Anyone can say they are insured.  Insist the contractor prove it by having their insurance company FAX or mail to you a certificate of insurance with you as the certificate holder.

 

The most important advice I can give you is:

TRUST that you have chosen the right home remodeling professional to complete your home improvement project but VERIFY that what he has told you is true.

In case you missed it:

Common Mistake 1 – Listening to the Wrong People

Common Mistake 2 – Using Only the Better Business Bureau to Assess a Contractor’s Reputation Only

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.

 

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HOME IMPROVEMENT: BEING YOUR OWN GENERAL CONTRACTOR CAN COST YOU

Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional, Home Improvement
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.
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HOME IMPROVEMENT: GARAGE DOORS CAN ADD CURB APPEAL

Doors, Garages, Home Improvement

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.
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