Resource Center

Hiring a trusted professional is key to the success of any project. Ask your plumber these four questions to ensure you’re hiring the right pro for your project. You may even save when hiring a plumber. What license do you have and may I see it? In addition to asking for their license, also ask…

Loose banisters, a hole in a wall, a closet door that doesn’t shut right, a rotted board in the back porch. These are the tiresome little problems that can drive a homeowner crazy. In days long gone, we all knew a local handyman who we could call to fix such small, tedious problems. Changing Times…

Believe it or not, a traditional cabinetmaker didn’t spend much of his time making cabinets. Instead, he specialized in designing and building all sorts of fine, custom furniture. There are still traditional cabinetmakers out there if you’re interested, though the name now more often refers to artisans who specialize exclusively in the construction and installation…

Whether you’re standing around the water cooler, talking shop in the garage or sipping wine at a dinner party, there’s a lot of talk these days about which home remodeling projects are a good investment and which ones are best left for better economic times. That said, the smartest choice for you, your home and…

Details are what separate magazine-quality designs from mediocre décor. If you’re after professional-grade decorating, consider hiring an interior designer. Here are five ways they can help you create the interior design you’ll love: Spatial solutions. Oddly shaped or cramped rooms are no match for an interior designer. Designers will provide individual solutions for any home,…

Repainting a living room or cleaning out gutters is no problem for most homeowners. But when it comes to complex home improvements, it’s best to hire a general contractor. Here are three good reasons why: Organization. Keeping a large project organized from start to finish is difficult. A general contractor will hire subcontractors, order materials,…

Hiring an electrical wiring contractor is often an expensive proposition. Yet, without proper expertise, trying to install or repair your own electrical wiring project can be a dangerous undertaking. Severe electrical shock, burns, and lethal electrocution can be the dire consequences of ill-advised bravado. Improper wiring installations can also lead to the bigger problems of…

A change order is an amendment to the original construction plans agreed upon by you and your contractor. Change orders can stem from a variety of situations, including building conditions, soil problems and design updates. Here’s a framework for writing a change order: Disclaimer This form is provided for informational purposes only, and does not…

A punch list is a list of items not conforming to the contract agreed upon by both the homeowner and the contractor. Punch list items can include damage incurred to the home during the job, improper installations or incorrect design features. Examine your job site periodically to ensure that your project adheres to your contract….

A thorough, well-organized contract is the one of the most important parts of a successful construction project. Here are two sample contracts to help you get started drafting yours. As always, it’s a good idea to have your contract reviewed by a contractor or lawyer to ensure you’re completely covered. *These sample contracts are provided…