Category Archives: Home Renovation | Repair

Over the last several years, contractor fraud in the construction industry has increased significantly, leaving many homeowners and business owners at a steep financial loss. Contractors are an integral part of the construction business, but as more contractors go rogue and fail to perform the work they promised, reputable construction companies and individual contractors take the hit. In a recent case in Washington, D.C., a residential home improvement contractor was found guilty of making false statements in bankruptcy proceedings and taking undue funds from government programs as part of his contracting business. From 2008 through 2015, the contractor stole from several homeowners by lying about his credentials and skills, requiring many of them to find other solutions for their home improvement needs.

As contractor cases like this continue to make the news, it is imperative for legitimate, licensed and bonded contractor businesses who hire contractors as well as homeowners to recognize the, warning signs of fraudulent individuals. There are several ways fraud can take a toll financially, but those who hire contractors can pay close attention to the following in an effort to stop fraud in its tracks.

 Licensing and Bonding Requirements

One of the most important steps in hiring a reputable contractor in construction is checking on the licensing and bonding credentials in place. Nearly all states require a contractor to hold a license, which requires an application and some proof of training or work history. In addition, a surety bond is also mandated by many states. Contractor surety bonds are an expense to the contractor, similar to insurance for a business, except that the surety company promises to pay up to the bond amount should the contractor fail to perform the work up to industry standards. These two critical pieces of information are a telltale sign that a contractor is, at a minimum, able to legally operate in the state where the project will be completed.

It is important to note, however, that simply because a contractor has a license and a bond it does not necessarily mean they will conduct themselves in the most professional manner. Those who hire contractors must also take the steps below to ensure they receive what they pay for without instances of fraud.

 References and Work History

Another smart way to check the legitimacy of a contractor is to ask for references and previous work completed. When contractors are willing and able to provide past customer references, be sure to follow up by calling those customers to ask about their experience. In most cases, legitimate contractors offer up references they know will put in a good word for them, which can make it difficult to know if fraud is on the horizon. To spot check these references, do an online search for the contractor or business name to see if there are any negative reviews or fraud alerts. Avoid hiring contractors who have several complaints against them with regulatory agencies or popular online review sites.

 Payments and Billing

The final protective step in avoiding contractor fraud may be common sense, but it is arguably the most important. Any contractor who asks for a significant up-front payment on a contract should be questioned as to why there is such a large need. In most cases, a small percentage of the project’s value is due at the time a contract is signed, but not the full amount. Any ask over 20% of the total payment may indicate the contractor isn’t operating legitimately. Large initial payments give no incentive for contractors to come back to complete the work, so it is best to choose a different hire.

Contractor fraud in construction is not completely avoidable, but there are steps consumers and business owners can take to safeguard their bottom line. Always start with a check of licensing and bonding, and follow up with work history and references when possible. Be sure to save the bulk of payment until the contract is successfully completed to avoid financial loss in any construction project.

Author:

Eric Weisbrot is the Chief Marketing Officer of JW Surety Bonds. With years of experience in the surety industry under several different roles within the company, he is also a contributing author to the surety bond blog.

Link to photo: https://www.jwsuretybonds.com/img/jwteam/Eric-Weisbrot—Marketing-Manager.jpg

Replacing your existing window is something that you should take seriously. Apart from being a huge investment, it’s also a relevant improvement that enhances the overall appearance of your home. While it’s considered a cheap expense, knowing the right time to replace your window is of paramount importance. So if you want to save on energy costs, here are some essential signs that allow you to know if your window needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

Windows are difficult to open and close

When you find your windows difficult to open and close, it may be about time to replace them right away. The difficulty may be caused by the shifting of the shape of the window frame. In the end, you need to be able to open and close your windows properly to keep your home safe and secure.

There are cold spots near windows

If there are gaps outside the disintegrated frame, it’s a clear sign that warm air escapes from home during winter and cool air leaks out during summer. When this happens, replacing your window may be your best option.

You hear outside noises

Your windows may be to blame when your home frequently experiences outside noises, thus you can’t even get a good night’s sleep. Remember that older windows can no longer block the noise out properly from a nearby area. Furthermore, it would be better to change your old windows with a new noise-reducing one to make your home a quiet place of resting after a busy day.

Windows are rotting

An essential sign of severe structural damage is a rotten window. When your windows are already rotting, don’t think twice to have it replaced immediately. Apart from difficulty closing and opening, rotten windows don’t look good for your home. To stay on top of your safety, be sure to check your windows from time to time.

Window glass is broken

Once your window glass is broken, replacing it is the right thing to do as a homeowner. Besides, you don’t want a broken window to affect the security of your home. There are several window replacement options offered by professional companies that you can actually take advantage of. Instead of having an individual piece of window replaced, you can make use of many options for an entire replacement at an affordable cost. That way, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade your windows without spending a lot of money in the first place.

You can barely see outside

Windows are supposed to help you see the outside surroundings. But if you can barely see out of them, then a window replacement can be a good consideration to make. Besides, your windows are already affected by discoloration, fading, and even condensation. Take note that the fading of your windows can lower the value of your home as well as affect its curb appeal.

You have high energy bills

The unusual increase in your energy bills has something to do with your windows. Even if you have an air conditioning that works properly, leaky windows that allow too much outside air can be partly to blame for the high energy bills. If possible, try to compare your bill from last month and if it’s significantly higher than the previous one, it’s a warning sign indicating a possible need for window replacement.

Conclusion

Your home remains a valuable investment you’ll ever make in your entire life. In fact, replacing your old, outdated windows can go a long way in improving the overall look of your home as well as the value of your investments. However, knowing the need for window replacement isn’t as easy and simple as you ever thought. With the essential warning signs mentioned above, you’ll surely be able to recognize the necessity of making this upgrade to your home. If you consider replacing your window now, then seeking assistance from window installation companies like Window Film Depot can be of great help.

If you clean your house regularly, then you must also pay heed to the nasty smells in your house. Many times external cleaning leaves stench and smell in your house. So, it’s important that you consider internal deep cleaning at least once every week.

This will keep your house germ free and odor free. You can also consider House-cleaning services for complete cleaning solutions. Here are 14 All Natural Ways to Get Rid of Smells in Your House read on.

Wash trashcans

Wash your trashcans with hot water or soapy water at least once every week. This will help to remove tiny bits and debris that cause odor and smell in your house. You can also use softener sheets for your kitchen trash cans to eliminate the foul smell.

Wash your dishwasher

Wash your dishwasher regularly with a part of vinegar and distilled water. You can simply place the solution on the rack and then cycle it through. This will also help to eliminate the foul smell.

Clean your freezer

You can reduce the smell from your freezer with the help of coffee beans. Simply put some dry coffee beans in a clean sock and place it inside. This will deodorize the bad smell in no time.

Clean your microwave

If you don’t clean your microwave often, then you must. The smell of burnt popcorns and baked foods can also cause a foul smell. Put some lemon juice in hot water and add some cinnamon. Place this in your microwave and bring it to a boil. This will reduce the smell to a good extent.

Washing machine odor

You must wash your appliances from time to time including washing machine. Wash the drum of the washing machine with a special washing solution once every fifteen days. This will help to eliminate the foul smell.

Smells in carpet

If your carpet is washable, wash your carpet every week for foul smells. Or, opt for house cleaning services in NJ that offer carpet cleaning services. You can also use vinegar to clean your carpets.

Wooden cutting boards

Clean your wooden cutting board with the help of lemon juice or baking soda. You can also use mineral oils to eliminate the smell from the wooden cutting board.

Cut the cooking smell

Spicy or fried food can also cause a foul smell in your kitchen. You can boil vinegar with hot water. This will cut the cooking smell and deodorize the kitchen area.

Clean your bathroom regularly

Wash and clean your bathroom on a regular basis. There are maximum germs in your bathroom, so it is important that you clean it on a daily basis.

Cigarette smells

Simply use a good air freshener to get rid of foul cigarette smell in the room. Also, keep your windows open to get rid of cigarette smells.

Musty mattress smells

You can use baking soda to get rid of foul or musty smells of your mattress. Just sprinkle some baking soda and let it dry. Use a vacuum after this process to clean it.

Your Closet

You can use coffee grounds for deodorizing the smell in your closet too. Or, you can also use an air freshener.

Keep your windows open

Always try to keep your doors and windows open to eliminate foul smells from your house. This will keep your home fresh.

Use natural disinfectants

Use natural disinfectants like vinegar, lemon and baking soda for keeping your house fresh and clean. This also helps to eliminate foul smells from your house.

With so many options and possibilities to choose from, homeowners who have embarked on a bathroom renovation journey at one point often feel lost at sea. It’s important to know what stays and what has to go. Sometimes even seasoned renovators have to balance the pros and cons. A residential contractor may advise total destruction of the old bathrooms, but it’s ultimately your old bathroom’s design and layout that determines the extent. When it comes to floors and plumbing, showers, sinks, and surrounds, contractors and experts often have their rules of thumb, but don’t forget it’s you who’s calling the shots.

Re-decorating or re-designing

If you’re only giving your bathroom a facelift, your decisions will include adding colored wood trim, introducing a new commode, replacing the old vanity with a more back-friendly one, or replacing blinds with shutters. These updates don’t require re-plumbing and structural modifications, which, in return, call for new floor plans, wiring and lighting. While in the previous decades, the primary use for the bathroom was utilitarian, today, the emphasis is on luxury and relaxation which can be achieved only through a complete overhaul. In some cases, the tub and commode will remain, but the other fixtures and furniture will be replaced. It’s important to know, however, that in overhauls like these, one new element usually dictates adding of another. Another important rule is to go through the renovation with the same high standard. Otherwise, you’ll be pairing a JC Penny suit with Armani shoes.

Fate of the toilet

In a re-decorating scenario, a perfectly good toilet is something that can stay, but once it has to come up from the floor during the remodel, the best course is to replace it. An old toilet taken from its place needs to be rebuilt before it’s returned. However, the tank-to-bowl seals harden over the years and are likely to separate when the toilet is taken out. And the costs of a plumber rebuilding an old unit don’t fall any short of buying a new one. Another consideration concerning the toilet is what every experienced bathroom designer might tell you – put the new toilet where it won’t be the first thing you see when you open the door. The logic is simple – the bathroom door often gets left open, so the first thing a guest to your home will see is the toilet. So, if you’re aiming for a spa-like vibe in your new bathroom, consider hiding the throne behind a hutch like a cabinet wall.

Should tub stay or should tub go

If your tub is nicked, or someone has ‘expertly’ used abrasive cleaners to the point that now it can be everything but white at its best, refinishing or replacing is just a matter of finance. Refinishing a tub is not even a third of the total tub replacement cost which includes tearing up the door, as you can’t get the old one out otherwise. Another pro of refinishing is that you aren’t messing with the lead drain traps that are soldered into place and keeping the existing fixtures. Apart from financial concerns, refinishing is also recommended if it’s just that awful avocado green, rose gold or unsightly brown colour of the tub that’s bothering you. If the floors and wall coverings come down, refinishing, however, loses its economic appeal, and you might as well stretch out for a new bathtub and maybe add some new features to accompany it.

Less is floor

When it comes to floors and remodel, think twice before you decide to rip the old one up. If you like the material and texture of the old floor, and it’s in good condition, keep it. If the floor is in less than ideal shape, you can still restore it, especially if it’s a quality hardwood floor. Similarly, if it’s a tile floor, and only needs re-grouting, leave it be. However, if the tiles are damaged and you don’t have a box of extras sitting somewhere, it’s better to replace it altogether than to lose your nerve looking for the ones that match. With floors, it’s essential to watch your timing and not jump ahead of schedule. The fact that you saved some money on replacing the vinyl flooring yourself means little if you did it before the major remodel started. Not only are you limiting your floor plan options but also put the new floor at risk of being damaged.

Although contractors and renovation experts will have their ideas on how to do it, it’s the condition and layout of the existing bathroom that determines the scope of the remodel. Before you decide about the basics, make sure to answer the question – are you re-decorating or re-designing? The answer will help you decide what to keep and what not.

Bio: Cooper Klein is an entrepreneur with a degree in Marketing. He’s interested in real estate and home decor. In order to spend more time with his family, Cooper decided to take a break, and he’s currently working from home as a blogger for SmoothDecorator and several other sites.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CooperNKlein

As the famous saying goes, cleanliness is equivalent to godliness, it could not be any truer. Everyone likes to stay in a house, which is clean, and tidy, not only for one’s hygiene and sanitation but also as a projection to the outside world.

There are some simple tips that you can follow to cut down your costs and get an impeccable house, a few of which have been listed below-

Use Mild Dish Soap Or Plain Water

Dishes are something that is used every day, it is a good idea to clean them as, and when they come instead of stacking them up for later. A clean dishwasher gives a tidy look to your kitchen immediately. To clean these dishes, you will need dish soap and a sponge. The type of soap you use and the quantity and technique is important in saving money. This works by primarily preventing wastage due to overuse or wrong usage.

It is always better to use mild dish soap instead of the harsh ones laden with chemicals because not only does it prevents the dishes from getting spoilt, milder dishes are cheaper in comparison to the stronger ones. If you wash the dishes as soon as you finish eating, you can even use plain water to scrub off the initial leftovers so that cleaning becomes easier and less cumbersome.

Clean Daily

Doing the stipulated work every day is going to be helpful in reducing the burden of the work. If you procrastinate, you will end up bulking a lot of work, which will become very stressful later. Tidying up daily is a good idea. Using microfiber brushes to dust areas that commonly get dirty on a daily basis or brooming in the morning is a good habit. Some things might be displaced from their original position; you can put them back where they belong.

Dusting

If dryer sheets are being used, you can keep them to dust your laptop and television screens later. It prevents the leftover static, which holds the dust and is an effective method of reusing.

Choose Reusable Cloths And Mops

Recycling and reusing are the orders of the day. Recycling by yourself might be difficult because of the need for specialized tools, but reusing is something that you can easily do. Using your old clothes and towel as rags to clean the house is a good idea. Newspapers and magazines, something that almost every house has, can be used to clean windowpanes and doors. You can even buy cleaning clothes, which can be reused after washing them in a washing machine once in two weeks. Disposable ones should be avoided to save money and make the process more cost-friendly.

Make Your Cleaner

Do-it-your yourself cleaners are one of the most effective methods of not relying on chemical products for cleaning and saving a lot of money as well. All the ingredients that are used for making your cleaner are easily available in the market. Baking soda, vinegar, liquid soap, and water are the most common ones. Take them in appropriate quantities and use them to clean effectively.

Clean With Baking Soda

Baking soda is a non-toxic cleaner and is used in food as well. It is mainly used for cleaning utensils, fridge, windows etcetera because of the presence of mild alkali, which dislodges the grease and dirt from the surface, which can be later easily removed with water. Baking soda is very cheap as well.

No Shoes

This may sound a bit rude, but it is a conscious decision that you have to take to ensure that your house remains clean. People carry the maximum dirt from outside through their shoes. Therefore, make it a strict rule of not wearing outside shoes inside the house. You can make a customized rack to keep the shoes and may label it for general instructions. Providing alternative shoes might be a good way of keeping up the hospitality but make sure that only the person enters the house and not his or her footwear.

Vinegar: Cheap And Versatile

White vinegar is an ideal cleaning product. Mix it with one portion of water to clean taps of metal, countertops, windows, glasses etcetera. You can even use it to clean the inside part of your refrigerator.  This avoiding the use of chemicals in cleaning the area of food storage. It also does not leave behind any lingering smell which gives it an edge over other cleaners.

If you follow the above mentioned easy tips, you will realize that not only is your house clean, you will have extra money remaining.  Which is a good reason to follow the tips in this article.