December 31, 2009 @ 3:04 pm

I found this posted on the internet, and thought it was useful..originally designed by NARI. Ask yourself the following:

01. Do you enjoy physical work?

02. Are you persistent and patient?

03. Do you have reliable work habits? (This means that once you start, it will get finished in a timely manner)

04. Do you have all the tools needed and the skills required to do the job?

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

06. Do you have the time that will be required to complete the project? (FYI – the first time you do something, it will almost always take 2 to 3 times as long as a “normal” install, then you also have to calculate how tired you will be at the end of your normal workday or work week)

07. Will it matter to you or other family members if the project remains unfinished for an extended period of time?

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

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

10. Have you gotten and reviewed the installation instructions from the manufacturer to determine whether this product will meet your needs, that you have the abilities to install it, and do you have the tools necessary / ability to rent them? (Most manufacturers installation instructions can be found on the web)

11. 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 and do they have that knowledge and skill level? If you need a professional subcontractor, do you have access to a skilled labor pool?

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

13. Do you have a plan for what to do if the project goes awry / location of the main water shutoff?

14. Is it safe for you to do this project? (Everyone’s health and safety should be your primary concern)

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

16. 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 or rent? 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?

17. 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?

According to what was posted if you answer yes to 8 or more of these questions, you may be able to tackle the project and succeed. Just remember it always costs more to step into the middle of something someone else has begun, find and correct errors and then finish.

December 30, 2009 @ 10:22 am

What are the deciding factors when you hire someone to work in your home? You know what you want, but how do you get there? Newspaper ads? Search the internet for contractors? Maybe call a friend who has recently hired someone and get some feedback. How do you choose? Regardless of the project, whether it be your kitchen, bath, or even hardwood flooring there are countless contractors and even small business owners to choose from.

And more importantly, what deciding factors will you use in making that decision? Will overall cost be the deciding factor, or will it be a combination of things that make up the overall big picture? Lets take a minute and look at a possible scenario. Big contractor versus small business owner…

Big contractor has been in business for many years, and is well established. You the homeowner are contacted by a salesman who reaffirms the above by using it as a selling point. You are shown various offers and told about promotions and specials, all of which are geared towards his #1 priority..selling the job. You are assured that quality and service are the big contractors priority, and again reminded of how long they have been in business.

The project begins, and there are any given number of workers at your residence, ( several of which aren’t true professionals at their trade ) all busy doing different tasks and pressing forward with your project. The goal is to get done, at any cost or measure regardless of corners cut or questionable workmanship. Time progress’s and your project is complete, you pay big contractor and enjoy the end result..or do you?

So, what did you really get for your money? Lets look at the above a little closer and point out some things that may not be so obvious to the general consumer or homeowner. Big contractor has big overhead. All those trucks, employees..( including salesmen )..tool’s and equipment. Not to mention the shop, materials and a host of other things to add to the list. Big contractor is big. Will you get the personalized service and attention you the homeowner are paying for? Or will you just be another number…

To all of us time is money, however to big contractor this phrase means everything. It means more than personal service, quality control, more than even you the homeowner. After all, big contractor has been in business for xx years. If one homeowner has a questionable response when asked what they thought of the job and how it was handled, it can always be rationalized by simply stating that you the homeowner is unrealistic. This “one” questionable response won’t hurt big contractor, he and his business will press on without realizing any measurable negative effects.

This is what separates me from big contractor. You, the homeowner are the most important thing to me. Your response to the questions about my work ethic, professionalism, attention to detail, and overall costing are paramount. What other benefits are you going to realize by hiring me? You get an actual professional with 27+ years of experience working in your home, not a 12.00 or 15.00 an hour employee who is disgruntled about his job, and wages before he ever sets foot inside your door.

No cut corners
No gimmicks
No smoke and mirrors
Just professional results.

December 15, 2009 @ 2:04 pm

With me. What will you get with other contractors? Odds are good you will get employees. Employees who are expected to uphold standards, and the professionalism that was used as a basis for selling the job. Can a $12.00 or $15.00 an hour man do that…?

What sets me apart from other “contractors” you ask? The difference can be measured in several different ways. I am a professional carpenter with 27 years of experience in the field of construction. I also hold a military background. Attention to detail is a value I understand. I own a small company, with no employees. This means I physically work on every job I do and I do it with less overhead than that of other “contractors”. I am not dependent on someone else to do the job in a professional manner, but rather myself. My livelihood, or character, or word isn’t in the hands of some 12.00 an hour employee trying to figure out how to properly cut and install crown moulding in your home, they are in my hands.

December 15, 2009 @ 1:57 pm

Times are changing, and so are the returns homeowners were once seeing on their investments in their homes. Home improvement returns are falling for additions according to national averages. Some area’s however are seeing slight gains depending upon the region you live in. Bathroom remodeling for example in the Mid Atlantic region is showing a 70.7% return, which is an increase. And Foam Backed Vinyl Siding is showing an 80.4% return in the same area, also an increase.

Whatever you decide to do in your home, take the above into consideration. Educate yourself, and make smart home improvements. For more information regarding cost versus value visit http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2008/costvsvalue/national.aspx
When you decide your ready to get the most for your return on your money contact us. Smarter Home Improvements come from Better Ideas.