How to Choose the Best Contractor for Home Renovation

When you’re undergoing a home renovation, you need to know that you’ve chosen the right contractor. You’re allowing multiple people into your sacred space, living with construction zones for weeks on end, and you need to feel confident that the contractors are trustworthy, skilled, and professional.

When selecting contractors to work on your home, start by clearly defining your project and goals. Then, seek recommendations from family and friends and conduct research online on resources like Angi, Homeadvisor, and Yelp. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, request detailed estimates from each candidate. Ask about their project experience, pricing and customer service, and look for reviews of their work on these websites.

Be wary of contractors that quote extremely low prices for projects like yours. These contractors may lack the proper training and experience needed to complete your renovation, or they may be underestimating the labor and materials costs.

Ask for a reference list from each contractor and contact past clients to discuss their experiences. Be sure to ask whether the contractor finished on time, within budget, and how well they communicated throughout the project.

The answer to this question will give you insight into how each contractor might handle unexpected challenges during your project. For example, if you’re renovating an older prewar co-op or brownstone with outdated plumbing and wiring, these are often complex tasks that will require the contractor to make judgment calls on the fly. They should also be willing to accommodate changes in scope and budget, as these are common occurrences during home renovations.

Easy DIY House Upgrades

Upgrading your builder-grade home can often be a costly and time consuming endeavor. Knocking out walls, tearing out cabinets, and other large projects require a big financial investment and a lot of time (and possibly a contractor). But, upgrading your home doesn’t have to involve such an extensive project.

In fact, there are many simple diy house upgrades that can make a big difference. From adding wall and ceiling molding to painting an accent wall with a maximalist print, these small changes can give your home a big personality boost without calling in the pros.

So, grab your toolbox and get ready to tackle these simple home improvement projects. Remember to always be realistic about what you can achieve by thinking carefully through your chosen task, as well as considering the amount of time that will need to be invested. Some tasks, like tiling a shower wall, are much more complex than they look and may require an artisan to do correctly, while others, such as changing cabinet pulls, can be surprisingly easy to execute with the right tools and directions. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference these simple upgrades can make! For more home tips and tricks, check out our homeowner guide.

Tim Allen Says No to a Home Improvement Reboot

Home Improvement fans have been clamoring for a reunion of the classic sitcom for years, but a reboot seems unlikely to happen anytime soon. During a new interview to promote his Disney+ series The Santa Clauses, Tim Allen dropped hints that he may revive the show, but also confirmed that the original cast would not be returning. Allen’s co-star Richard Karn is still active and popular, but the other star from the show, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, has walked away from acting in order to focus on his education.

Neither actor has been involved in the ’90s sitcom since the show’s eighth season, when Thomas left for school. He appeared in a special episode during that final season before leaving to pursue his studies, and only returned for the series finale to guest star as an aspiring wildlife conservationist.

Considering the fact that Wilson was an integral part of the show, a revival without the character’s actor Earl Hindman could never work. Wilson was the wise-cracking next door neighbor to Tim Taylor, and his quips were often the center of humor on the series. He died in 2003, and the fact that he isn’t around to play the character again might be enough to kill any potential revival. That being said, other ’90s sitcoms have had successful revivals in recent years, so maybe we’ll see the return of Home Improvement one day.

How to Build a Home Improvement Page That Attracts Customers

The home improvement page is a place where your customers can learn more about your company and see examples of the work you have done. It’s a great way to attract new leads and generate business. It’s important to make your website easy to navigate and mobile friendly so people can find the information they need quickly.

Home improvement is a common project for homeowners, and it can be intimidating to take on alone. The internet provides a wealth of resources to help with every step of the process. These sites can give you a clear idea of the costs involved, how to build something, and what supplies are necessary. Whether you need advice for a simple repair or an entire renovation, these sites are essential tools for any homeowner.

This site offers detailed articles and videos on how to tackle various home projects, like painting or installing new cabinets. They also have a helpful cost calculator to help with budgeting. They also have blogs and newsletters discussing current trends, design ideas, and expert insights.

A well-researched blog post can position your company as a trusted resource in the field of home improvement. It will help potential customers feel confident that you can meet their needs and provide the best solutions for them. This is why it’s important to include a mix of different topics and content that will appeal to all types of audiences.

Sharing fun, thought-provoking, and informative posts on social media is a great way to promote your home improvement business. According to a study by Smart Insights, 86% of consumers prefer authentic and “real” social posts.

Quick Home Improvements You Can Do in a Few Hours

Your home is one of your biggest assets, and you want it to look great — for you, for family, guests, neighbors, and future buyers. A fresh coat of paint, some landscaping work, or a few small upgrades can boost your home’s curb appeal and make it easier to maintain.

Even better, most of these quick home improvements are low-cost or DIY — and can be done in just a few hours. So whether you’re planning a home sale soon or just want to enjoy your space more, these quick home improvements will give you the most bang for your buck.

Adding or upgrading storage space is a smart upgrade that can add value to your home. Installing shelves, cabinets, or a DIY window seat is a budget-friendly way to add functionality and visual appeal.

Replacing old appliances with newer, more energy-efficient models is an easy project that can save you money on utilities. Whether your refrigerator, washer-dryer, or dishwasher is more than 15 years old, it’s likely time to replace them with more efficient models.

A new front door is an inexpensive improvement that can increase your home’s curb appeal and make it feel welcoming to visitors. You can also spruce up your entryway by planting a row of window boxes along the front sidewalk with flowers like geraniums or impatiens.

How Home Repair Websites Can Help You Expand Your Business

If you’re a home improvement professional looking to expand your reach and gain more business, consider creating an informative website. Having an easy-to-navigate, well-designed site that showcases your services and displays images of past projects is crucial. The best handyman websites will clearly highlight the types of projects you’re skilled at, and also include a call to action (CTA) that prompts visitors to contact you for more information.

A good example is Everyday Handyman’s website. The company highlights their service options, including assembly, plumbing, and roofing work, and includes a before-and-after project gallery to showcase quality craftsmanship. Their website also offers a convenient way for users to contact them and receive a quote, with an emphasis on safety and efficiency.

Other great examples of helpful home repair websites include Family Handyman, a resource that provides step-by-step instructions for various projects. This website, part of the Reader’s Digest family of publications, has a wealth of knowledge that can help homeowners with both easy repairs and full renovation projects.

Another helpful home improvement website is Porch, which connects homeowners with local professionals who offer services like landscaping and plumbing. Their site is easy to navigate and features an extensive list of available contractors, including reviews from past customers. It’s important for homeowners to choose a qualified contractor, so it’s beneficial to have trusted resources like these available.

Tips for Painting and Home Improvement

Few home improvement projects update a room as dramatically as a fresh coat of paint. It’s a quick fix to brighten up a living or dining room, add an accent wall, or provide touch-ups on ceilings and other surfaces.

Before you pick up a brush or roller, take the time to wash, patch, and sand any walls you plan on painting, says contractor Jay Sanders. That prep work takes more time than painting, but it ensures a smooth, even finish. If you skip this step, imperfections will stand out like sore thumbs.

Always purchase more paint than you think you’ll need. Buying a few extra cans of the same color is better than having to make multiple trips to the store for more supplies in the middle of the project, says contractor George Crew. And don’t forget to save the receipts and check your store’s return policy.

If you’re painting indoors, do the bulk of your work during the day. Natural light streaming through windows will help you see the paint job clearly as it’s happening. If it’s raining or very humid, turn on overhead lighting (LED work lights can be especially helpful), or run a dehumidifier.

How to Plan a DIY House Remodel

Home improvement projects are a great way to add value to your home and improve your quality of life. In 2022, Americans spent $427 billion on remodeling their homes. These renovations often pay off with higher resale values, lower mortgage rates and a reduced need to find a new home.

When planning your diy house remodel, it’s important to determine how complex the project is and whether you have the necessary skills for a successful outcome. A professional can help you make sure the work meets local building codes and is done correctly. It’s also helpful to consider any additional costs you may incur during the project, such as living without a kitchen or pet boarding expenses.

The best diy remodel ideas are those that will be relatively inexpensive and require a minimal amount of time to complete. This can include tasks like painting walls or installing a simple wainscoting. The goal is to make your home look more beautiful and reflect your personal style.

If you are a beginner at DIY renovations, it’s a good idea to start with small projects and work your way up. It’s also a good idea to get a contractor involved in the early stages of the process to ensure you can stay within your budget and that you understand what it will cost to complete the project. This will eliminate any surprises down the line. You should also research your local zoning laws to make sure your renovations don’t require a permit.

How to Sell Home Improvement Products Online

Home improvement projects are often a DIYers’ passion and/or hobby, but it’s important to have the right tools and materials to complete them successfully. With the emergence of ecommerce and social media, it’s now possible for shoppers to research and purchase all the items they need in one place online – a process that can be streamlined with a strong, customer-friendly e-commerce experience.

Home improvements are a huge market that can offer lucrative opportunities for brands, especially when they align with customers’ needs. The best examples of this include home cleaning and organization products that help consumers save time, reduce clutter, and create more space. This category also includes DIY tools that make tasks much easier and quicker, such as a measuring angle-izer for when you don’t want to rely on a tape measure for every project.

The top home improvement retailers are focusing on growing their online business. This is a great opportunity for brands to tap into a new audience that may not have visited their stores in years. However, it can come with operational challenges, such as the need for more granular pricing and promotional capabilities.

The top direct-to-consumer (D2C) home improvement brands are prioritizing innovation and quality over price. They’re offering a more comprehensive selection of products that are built to meet different homeowners’ needs, from modular furniture to smart home solutions. These brands are achieving success by providing high-quality products at an affordable price and offering transparent pricing, hassle-free returns, and responsive customer support.

Quick Home Upgrades That Will Boost Your Home’s Value

There are plenty of ways to add value to your home, from remodeling the kitchen to adding a sunroom. However, these upgrades can also eat up your budget.

If you want to list your house for sale in the near future, or if you’re considering selling down the road, you need to think about how the highest-return investments will affect your bottom line. Investing in upgrades that appeal to a wide range of buyers is key.

According to research from Opendoor, a few quick DIY projects can help boost your home’s value without breaking the bank. Upgrades like painting, re-grouting tile, and power washing the exterior can help your house feel newer and improve its appearance.

Replacing dated brass hardware with sleek, modern handles is an affordable way to add a new look to doors and windows. A fresh coat of paint can brighten a room and breathe new life into tired furniture.

Changing out carpeting for hardwood floors is a classic upgrade that will look beautiful and feel luxurious. Plus, hardwood floors are easier to clean and maintain than scuffed or matted carpet.

Adding ample storage space in the form of closets, built-in shelves, and under-stair storage is another smart and easy upgrade that will make your home feel more spacious. A clean, uncluttered home will attract potential buyers and will give you a better sense of control over your space.