10 Remodeling Tips for your Home Improvement Projects

Feb. 12, 2009 - PRLog -- Let's face it, every dollar counts and we have to make the best of it. However, remodeling your home now can have some benefits such as lower rates, labor costs, and materials.  Your home is your biggest investment so making a wise decision can save you from a lot of aggravation and money.  Here are a few tips provided by BuildSmart Services that may help you in your decision to remodel.
1. What projects add value to my Home?
According to The 2009 Cost vs Value Reports from Consumer Reports, projects with the biggest return are Bathrooms, Kitchens, Siding, Windows, and Deck Additions. All Ranging from 68%-85% cost return. Top on the list is Siding the home. If you find a contractor who is flexible these projects can bring you a cost recoup of 100% over the next couple years.

2. What projects can reduce my utility bills?
Projects such as Replacement Windows, Siding, Insulation, Heating and Air Systems, and general repairs can help your home become more energy efficient. There is no project that can benefit the home as much as replacing your windows with energy efficient units. By using high quality replacement windows with energy efficient glass and construction, the reduction of your energy bill will be substantial.  Savings as high as 35% has been reported when using a quality window. Replacement Doors that are insulated and sealed properly can reduce energy loss and reduce bills.  Appliances and Water Heaters should be up to date with Energy-Star approval. Insulating your walls and attic are a must for keeping a home button tight and the utility bills in check.  

3. How will I finance the project?
There are many financing options homeowners can seek when remodeling the home. Some contractors finance projects with high interest credit card programs that can bury a homeowner in high payments and interest rates.  While these programs are not based on home equity they may offer a solution for a homeowner who have no other option.  
A good loan option is the FHA Home Improvement programs, they offer lower rates and lower payments, and the loans are insured by HUD. Allowing a single family residence to qualify for up to 25,000 in much needed repairs. Finally, local banks are a good place to start when finding what are the best options when financing home improvements.

4. How can I get the best price for the project without sacrificing quality?
If you are hiring a contractor, make sure you are getting what you want and it is in writing.  Have them spell everything out so you are clear on the details before making a decision.  Be careful of bait and switch and pin them down on the exact products that will be installed and get in writing.  You can check the Cost vs Value reports to make sure the contractors price in within the current market value.  If the contractor is higher than the averages you have to ask them why.  The more a contractor can offer you upfront such as products, styles, pricing, and design can give you a clear perception of what you are getting for your money.  If the contractor cannot provide you with these answers in clarity, then you should call another.

5. How do I know what are the best products are for my project?
A good contractor will be able to provide you with an assortment of quality products, color samples, and information.  You can always read up on the products via the manufacturers website and see how these products rate and if they meet your needs.  Warranties are an important aspect in your decision of which product to have installed for the home.  Do your research on the true value of the advertised warranty.  A lot of times there may be fine print stipulations that can virtually render the warranty useless, so be aware. And I couldn't say this enough to homeowners who are looking for improvement advice, Get the products you really want and do not make a decision until you are absolutely positive you are getting the products you really want.  
6. How do I find a contractor?
There are many resources a homeowner can use when trying to find a contractor to complete their home repair projects.  Word of mouth has always been the best way to find a contractor.  Satisfied homeowners tend to want to tell friends and family about their experience and will be quick to refer a contractor.  The internet can provide valuable information which can lead to the right decision.  Review a contractors website and you can usually make a sound decision by how they are represented on it.  You have to ask yourself if this company has a free website or it is of poor quality, are they really qualified to provide quality services to my home? In the year 2009 it would be unheard of a quality company to not have an informative, professional, and quality site. It is truly reflective of how they are conducting business.

7. The economy is in trouble, Why would now be a good time to remodel?
Prices, Rates, and Demand are all low right now and homeowners can take advantage of great programs being offered.  Homeowners can qualify for Tax Credits for energy efficient projects up to $500. Materials, Labor, and Fuel costs are down allowing homeowners the opportunity to have their projects price-tag reflective of the current trends.  Home values have been reduced substantially in the past 18 months and with the new economical revivals from Congress it is anticipated that homes will hold their current value without further decline over the next few years.  

8. Where can I find designs for my projects?
There are online resources that can help you with ideas for your projects.  A good contractor should have the tools to design any project interactively with the customer.  So if you hire a contractor to complete your project ask if they can provide designs and you want to participate in the process.  Getting what you want is very important when it comes to home improvements. To often homeowners get pressured into a product they no little about and do not like. I would be absolutely sure that you are getting what you want.  If you feel your pressured and unsure, you may want to call a couple more contractors.

]9.  How do I know what my home really needs without wasting valuable dollars?
I would say this would take a bit of research and honest professional advice.  A Free Home Checkup is a great way to get answers to this question. htttp://www.freehomecheckup.com service gives Homeowners a 12 point Home Checkup that pinpoints areas of the home that could require repair or attention.  They rate your home on a 12 point system and the homeowner gets a Home Report Card outlining problems and solutions.  Its a great way to find out what's going on with your home and what the costs would be to repair and remodel. This is an innovative option for homeowners in their search for a contractor. http://www.buildsmartservices.com has a large network of licensed professionals who participate in providing the highest quality services at affordable prices.

10. What can I do on my own to reduce improvement costs?
Thanks to our home improvement superstores, you the homeowner, now have the ability to tackle many projects that once were only to be dared by a professional.  If you want to reduce costs their is always the "Do-It-Yourself" option.  However, the quick weekend with the buddies may not even scratch the surface of your project.  However, there are many projects a homeowner can tackle successfully with a little information and a lot of determination.  Projects such as painting, landscaping, patios, and general repairs can be completed by a homeowner with little difficulty.  I would leave the Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, Room Additions, Decks, Roofs, Windows, Siding, Doors, and most other projects to a professional. http://www.buildsmartservices.com/

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BUILDSMART SERVICES, LLC. is Northwest Indiana's Home Improvement Source. BuildSmart provides homeowners with cost saving solutions, designs, financing, and project consultations. BuildSmart Features a Network of Home Improvement Professionals who can complete any remodeling and construction project. While other sites promote a meeting between you and a "Qualified Contractor" via their paid lead service. BuildSmart picks it up a couple notches by offering an innovative home improvement experience that is done in home where it matters. Specializing in Windows, Siding, Roofs, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Additions, Decks, and more. No Money Down Financing! Free Estimates, Digital Design, and Home Check Ups!

Home Improvement Contractor in Merrillville, Hobart, Gary, Hammond, Munster, Griffith, Highland, Portage, Valparaiso, Laporte, Michigan City, Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer, Chesterton, and all of Lake, Porter, and Laporte County in Indiana.