|
 |
A Guide to Making Energy-Smart Purchases
Being more energy efficient can be as simple and inexpensive as buying and installing caulk and weatherstripping or as ... |
|
|
A Panelized Home: Beginning the Finish
Throughout this project one recurring theme constantly re-emerges—hire the right people and take the time to do it right. |
|
|
A Panelized Home: Factory-Built Homes with a Custom Flair
Panelized construction offers many benefits, such as efficient use of time and materials, custom design options and cost savings. |
|
|
Altering Stock Home Plans
Stock plans are a great, affordable option for new home design. These plans can be customized and altered, but only in ... |
|
|
Asbestos in Your Home
Once a common element in a wide range of building materials, asbestos is now known to be a serious health risk. Before you ... |
|
 |
Bad Wiring
Electrical wiring should always be installed by a licensed electrician and inspected by your local wiring inspector. Your ... |
|
|
Blasting Stone
If you have stone ledges on your building site, you will need to hire a licensed blasting contractor before you dig a ... |
|
|
Blocked Chimney
A blocked chimney can cause combustion by-products to leak into your home, and that is very dangerous to your health. Take few ... |
|
|
Budget Decorating
Here's how to get the most from your home decorating efforts without breaking the bank. Look for good quality furniture with ... |
|
|
Builder Check
If you plan to buy a lot on which to build a home, have a builder (preferably the one you plan to use) review any properties ... |
|
|
Building Permits
Contact your local building inspection department to check for permit and inspection requirements. Be wary if your contractor ... |
|
|
Building Scams
The National Association of Attorneys General lists home-improvement scams as one of the top-ten consumer problems. The most ... |
|
|
Cancelling a Contract
Under the Home Solicitation Sales Act, you have a three-day right to cancel a contract if the contract was signed in your ... |
|
|
Ceiling Fan Installation
Because it's much more complicated to install a ceiling fan than a ceiling light fixture, you might want to consider having ... |
|
|
Chimney Liners
Have your chimney sweep ensure that your chimney has an appropriate liner. Chimney liners are required in new construction to ... |
|
|
Choosing a Contractor
Before selecting a contractor for your next job, contact your local or state consumer agency and Better Business Bureau for ... |
 
|
 |
Choosing a General Contractor
Bob and Joe cover the best ways to choose a general contractor. Joe feels the number one way is by referrals. Start with your ... |
|
|
Contract Details
When hiring a contractor, insist on a complete written contract. Know exactly what work will be done, the quality of materials ... |
|
|
Contractor Caution
Be especially cautious if a contractor: comes door-to-door or seeks you out; just happens to have material left over from a ... |
|
|
Contractor Credit
Pay your contractor by credit card when you can. Under federal and state law, in most cases, you have the right to assert any ... |
