Photo: jbroofingcompany.com

Re-roofing our 1908 American Foursquare-style house reminded me of a Frank Capra movie. For once, things actually went as planned.

35 years ago, I installed a new roof on a different house, a modest ranch with a low-pitched roof. But at that point, I had the support of two helpers, and the work was hard enough. Now I’m a lot older, and the Foursqure roof is steeper and higher. So doing the job myself was out of the question.

Related: Should You Replace or Repair Your Roof?

In other words, I needed to find a qualified roofing contractor. Impressed by the performance of some roofers I’d observed in my neighborhood—these guys were like a choreographed dance troupe—I searched around on the internet and before long, found the right company.

I called and talked to the owner. He said he’d get back to me with a proposal after sending his foreman over for a look. After making several additional calls, I had two other companies to consider.

Now the challenge was to choose the best one of the bunch. How did I do it? By following three golden rules of hiring contractors:

1. Look for longevity and professionalism
Surfing a contractor’s website, I like to see signs of professionalism, such as Better Business Bureau accreditation, trade magazine rankings, or industry awards. Likewise, elite or master certification from a leading manufacturer demonstrates a commitment to training. If you really want to avoid all surprises, then pay close attention to those companies whose work has been officially recognized by the institutions that matter in the construction field.

2. Get references (and check them)
Go with a well-established company that can support its claims to quality with checkable references. Online testimonials are nice, but they’re not as trustworthy as speaking directly to another human being. Positive reports on a site like Angie’s List should not be ignored; simply remember that not every contractor worth considering has been reviewed online. When possible, go out and visit roofing jobs completed by the companies on your short list.

GAF's Timberline HD Asphalt Shingles in Shakewood

3. All quotes are not created equal
A contractor must see the roof in question before he can submit a bid. Expect each candidate in the running for your business to offer insights on the work involved, including your best options and the estimated time required. Should you meet a contractor who is not willing to explain his estimate in depth, move on to the next candidate.

Here’s how the meeting went with the company that my wife and I ultimately chose to hire: The contractor showed us several samples of the shingle product we were interested in. Then he told us about his company, started by his father-in-law, and about the eight-man crew, which had been together for eight years. And he went through his typed proposal with us, line by line. The proposal included everything from ice-and-water shield to site cleanup and warranty details. I knew he was the right contractor for the job.

A week later, a crew and dumpster showed up at the house. In a few hours, the old roofing had been removed, and new plywood sheathing had gone up. By the end of that first day, in fact, half the installation was complete. Within another 24 hours, the job was completely done. And when I inspected under shrubs in the garden, I did not find a single nail.

As I looked up at the new roof, sunlight danced on the shingles, birds chirped, and the sky filled with music. Frank Capra came to mind, and I thought: It’s a Wonderful Roof!

For more on managing construction, consider:

Bob Vila Radio: Hire a Pro
What Your Contractor Won’t Tell You
Quick Tip: Hiring a General Contractor

In Quest of the Best Roofing Contractor Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: landsourcecontainers.com

Labor. Materials. Pizza?

Some costs do not fit neatly into a renovation project’s line-item budget, but if you ignore hidden costs, you will be left wondering why your wallet has sprung a leak. Prepare for these often unanticipated expenses:

1. Waste disposal. Dumping isn’t free. If you wish to have a dumpster parked on a public street, most municipalities will charge you about $50. Some local governments even require a homeowners’ insurance rider to cover dumpster-related injuries. No proof of insurance, no permit. No permit, no demolition work.

2. Child and pet care. Keep your children at a safe remove from the work zone. If necessary, hire a babysitter. Pets, too, can react badly to construction noise or to the sudden parade of unfamiliar men stomping around in steel-toe boots. Depending on the nature and duration of your project, you may choose to board your pets with a kennel (local rates vary).

Related: 7 Renovation Tips to Boost Resale Value

3. Meals of convenience. Delivery pizza and takeout Chinese food quickly lose their appeal, but if your kitchen is being renovated, your options at mealtime will be limited—and pricey. Not to mention that if you throw out all of your pantry staples that have passed their expiration date, you might spend $100 or more on restocking spices, baking supplies, and so on.

4. Landscaping. Extensive remodeling almost inevitably results in damage to landscaping: Flying shingles crush shrubs; stacks of lumber kill grass; and toxic spills destroy perennial flowers. Keep a list of the plants you must replace, so you can shop autumn sales at local nurseries.

5. Cleaning. Once work is complete, an industrial-strength deep-clean will be in order, especially if you are upgrading the home in order to sell it. According to Homeadvisor, you should expect to pay about $180 for a maid service, plus another $195 to have your carpets professionally cleaned.

For more on managing construction, consider:

Home Building Projects Estimating Checklist
2 Professionals Who Can Save You Thousands
Construction Site Living: Surviving Days (and Days) of DIY

5 Hidden Costs of Remodeling Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: Kim Piper Werker

Homeowners begin every renovation with the best of intentions. The budget is fixed, the schedule is firm, and the results—well, the results are sure to be spectacular.

Unfortunately, life gets in the way, and that week of organized chaos for which you had bargained soon becomes a month (or more) of construction site living. If your home improvement is taking longer than expected, don’t panic—plan!

Demolition is only the beginning
First things first, set aside sufficient time for deconstruction. A good way to kill your drive from the get-go is attempting too much on day one. Come up with a conservative plan, then stick to your set schedule. Remove debris as it accumulates; don’t wait until you’re knee-deep in rubble. Also, consider getting the demolition done a week prior to your official project start date. This strategy helps remodelers move through the “What did I get myself into?” phase.

Put safety (and sanity) first
Do everything possible to protect your children or pets. Unplug and store power tools, tighten the lids on paint cans, and vacuum all dust. Clean up loose nails, gather stray wires, and remove toxic liquids or putties (e.g., joint compound). Here’s a neat trick for dealing with dirty paintbrushes: Between uses, wrap them in plastic and place them in the refrigerator. They’ll be ready for action when you next need them, and your dog will stay its original color.

Photo: retrorenovation.com

Keep things moving
You may discover after a few days that your seemingly simple project is more involved than expected. At this point, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Resist the temptation to back away from the task altogether. Even if you can only bear to commit one or two hours per day, continue to chip away at making progress. Sooner than you think, the end will be in sight.

Encase your project in plastic
Plastic sheeting serves at least valuable roles: It prevents construction dust and debris from spreading throughout your home, and it enables you to hear when a child or animal has entered the work zone. Buy this product by the roll at your local home improvement center, and attach it to wall studs using a staple gun.

Create an oasis of calm, or escape
Give yourself a place to retreat. Maintain at least one room that is renovation-free. Here, you do not have to deal with, let alone see, the work underway. Being able to forget about the project, even for a short time, helps remodelers relax and rejuvenate. If the nature of your renovation is such that you cannot carve out a calming oasis, think about temporarily residing somewhere else—a relative’s house, a hotel, or even a rented RV.

For more on managing construction, consider:

Cookies, and Other Tips for Coping with Remodeling
Live In or Move Out: The Remodeling Dilemma
The 12-Year Kitchen

Construction Site Living: Surviving Days (and Days) of DIY Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: shutterstock.com

According to the S&P Case Shiller index, sale prices are up 8.1% for the 20 metro areas the company tracks (for the 12 months ended in January). That means it may be an advantageous time to pursue a home equity line of credit for that bigger-scale project you’ve been eyeing.

Appraisers rely on recent sales to put a value on your house, so after about a year of steady-to-increasing values, chances are that an optimistic valuation will be accepted by lenders.

Still, homeowners and lenders alike are operating with caution, says Brad Blackwell, executive vice president and portfolio business manager for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. As in the past, two questions are of key importance today: how much can you borrow, and how should you spend your equity?

The prevailing rule of thumb is that an individual’s total home debt—original mortgage plus home equity line—should not exceed 85% of the property’s value. For a house worth $200,000 with an outstanding first mortgage of $100,000, the cap for the home equity loan will likely be $60,000.

Blackwell cautions, “don’t take out more than you can afford.” You will be paying off the equity loan with earnings, so consider current and expected financial obligations before accepting the maximum amount offered. Plot the financial parameters of the project first, then adjust its scope accordingly.

Now more than ever, traditional wisdom applies: Keep your home improvements in sync with neighborhood norms. “If you over-improve,” Blackwell says, “you won’t necessarily get it back. Typically the money you spend on home improvement will not give you a dollar-for-dollar increase. Different projects will provide different values, with kitchen and bathroom renovations and energy efficiency returning the greatest value.”

See the latest Cost vs. Value report, compiled by Remodeling magazine, for estimates on the return for various types of remodeling projects.

If you limit the amount you borrow and reign in the scope of your remodeling work, you’ll find the sweet spot where investment intersects with higher value.

For more on financing, consider:

Footing the Bills
HELOC? HEL, Yes!
FHA Financing for Renovations? Yes, But…

Measure Twice, Borrow Once: Home Equity Loan Success Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: mint.com

Unhappy with the job your contractor did? Peeved at your local hardware store’s churlish service? Annoyed with the runaround you got from a real estate agent? Just use an online review site to gain a small measure of revenge and to satisfy yourself by warning others. Right?

Wrong! Businesses are biting back—even to the point of suing—when they judge a customer’s complaints to be unwarranted. And without missing a beat, some online review sites have added a ‘reputation management’ feature enabling businesses to veto undesirable customer reviews.

If you’re browsing customer review sites for info on contractors and other home improvement professionals, here’s how to read between the lines:

• Read the oldest comments first. Are negative comments immediately followed by an onslaught of glowing recommendations? It’s possible the business owner has tried to bury the negative comment by asking friends to post a flurry of positive feedback.

• Determine how a business owner has addressed complaints in the past. Did he or she apologize, correct the issue, or post an explanation? Savvy business owners see reviews as a conversation, not a contest.

• If you regularly rely on a particular review site, take the time to understand the business model and examine how the site markets to businesses. If you find that the site caters to businesses behind the scenes while positioning itself as a consumer advocate, you’ll be able to sharpen your dung detector.

Want to be sure that your review survives to be read by others? Be accurate and specific. Detail the amount of a cost overrun, for example, or cite the number of messages you had to leave in order to get that contractor’s attention. The more concrete your examples the less likely you are to slide into slanderous territory—and the more likely it is that others will take your comments seriously.

For more on managing construction, consider:

Working with an Architect
How To: Hire a General Contractor
2 Professionals Who Can Save You Thousands

Reading Between the Lines on Customer Review Sites Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: homedesignsdecorated.com

“Satisfaction goes up when you have concrete expectations,” says CA-based contractor Dan Fritschen. The unglamorous truth is that planning ahead saves money. In order to plan effectively, Fritschen recommends that homeowners seek assistance from two types of renovation consultants. Early in your project, each of these pros will ask different, equally important questions to help you translate a design vision into a built reality.

1. Interior Designer

Photo: thservicesblog.com

Is renovating truly necessary? An interior designer can outline options that require little construction—or none whatsoever. Such designers typically charge about $50 to $80 an hour for a consultation and plan.

“Unlike contractors and real estate agents whose ‘consulting’ is a sales tool to get you to buy additional services, a designer familiar with contracting and remodeling will listen to your lifestyle goals and help you see all the options,” says Fritschen. If, for example, you’d like more entertaining space, the designer might say, “If you move your dining table over there and your sofa over here, you’ll have the space,” says Fritschen. “A contractor will never tell you that.” Designers can also recommend low-cost solutions to lighting, traffic flow, and functional problems.

Even if you decide to go ahead with a renovation, the designer’s input can help you envision the end result. In addition, the designer can assist you in determining the specifics of layout, lighting, storage and finishes.

2. Structural Engineer

Photo: resumeok.com

A structural engineer is the second professional you didn’t know you needed. In the early planning stages, he or she can plot the structural requirements of the construction options you are considering, and the associated $500 fee can steer you away from a plan that is impractical at best, impossible at worst.

Designers may or may not have the expertise to review the structural underpinnings of your project, and you cannot count on a contractor’s staff to think through those essentials, says Fritschen.

Finally, consulting with a structural engineer at the beginning can help you synchronize your renovations plans with the local building code, and having plans developed in collaboration with the engineer should speed the process of getting permits and of inspections.

For more on renovation, consider:

What Your Contractor Won’t Tell You
3 Top Apps to Help You Plan a Remodel
Bob Vila Radio: Home Improvement Planning

2 Professionals Who Can Save You Thousands Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: buyidahorealestate.com

If you are thinking that this is the year to tackle a bigger renovation project that you’ve been postponing, you’re not the only one. After several years of maintenance mode, homeowners are going to spend on actual improvements this year, predicts the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard.

Leading the charge: baby boomers (of course) renovating their homes to accommodate changing needs as they age. Boomers are expected to account for over 45% of remodeling spending this year. Meanwhile, growing families with little equity are expected to expand rather than move, and three million foreclosed properties need some TLC before they can be rented or resold.

Demand is already driving up costs for materials by about 35%, according to a recent survey by the Associated General Contractors of America. Drywall, wood, and paint in particular are going to cost more. Last year, only 15% of contractors raised their rates. This year, twice as many will do so.

You can get ahead of these trends with some smart remodel planning:

• If your schedule is flexible, plan your project for fall, when the traditional home improvement season is winding down. Contractors are more likely to give you a price break when they know they won’t be busy.

• Ask contractors for breakouts for particular materials costs so you can negotiate for the best deal for both labor and materials.

• Consider sourcing materials on your own, shopping sales, and stockpiling your inventory in your garage.

• Closely examine the requirements of your project so you can extract maximum functionality for minimum cost. Consider, for example, using standard-sized windows instead of custom-built.

For more on remodeling costs, consider:

Quick Tip: “Budget-Smart” Bathroom Remodeling
Remodeling an Old House: What Should You Keep?
Shopping DIY Online

Cost and Competition: Remodeling Heats Up Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: pwcconstruction.com

Licenses, bonding, and insurance: Every contractor is required by law to have these essential documents in order, but not all do. And the harsh reality is that, if your contractor flouts the law, it could end up costing you.

Adamina Fies, president of Synergy Design & Construction in Reston, VA, says that, as absurd as it may seem, homeowners need to triple-check that their contractors and subcontractors are complying with state and local laws. If your contractor doesn’t have the proper paperwork, then you, the client, could be pulled into lawsuits ranging from on-the-job injuries to unpaid subcontractors’ bills.

Here’s the checklist Fies uses when vetting contractors:

License to Drill. Is this license the right class for the job? Many states offer several classes of construction-related licenses, depending on the level of technical expertise claimed by the contractor and the typical cost of the projects they work on. Make sure your contractor not only has a license, but has the proper license for the scope of your project.

The Buck Stops Where? Understand who is responsible for subcontractors’ work. Check out open complaints against both the general contractor and subcontractors, typically filed with your state’s Department of Commerce.

Law and Order. Review court records to confirm that the contractor is not being sued for nonpayment. Cash-flow problems can prompt contractors to pay for last week’s work with the check that you hand over today. Unpaid subcontractors can sue, bringing your project to a standstill if the contractor doesn’t have enough cash or credibility to get the resources required to finish.

Take Inventory. As the job progresses, match invoices with the materials used and the work completed in order to be sure that you are being charged for what was bought for, and actually used for, your project.

Finally, be sure to check with your insurer to ascertain precisely what construction liabilities are covered by your homeowners’ policy. If needed, take out a temporary rider to cover worst-case scenarios.

For more on contractors, consider:

Contractors, Contracts, and Costs
How To: Hire a General Contractor
What to Look For in a General Contractor

What Your Contractor Won’t Tell You Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: homedepot.com

Be sure to review the specifics carefully via IRS Form 5695. And audit your receipts to verify that the materials and appliances you bought qualify. For maximum return, include these factors as you estimate the value of the credit:

• Energy-efficient features are nice to have, but they’re not necessarily compelling to potential buyers, according to the National Association of Realtors. Do not expect a high resale return on new replacement windows and doors.

• If you are selling soon, do translate the benefits of energy-efficient features to money saved monthly through trimmed utility bills. If you hope to include these improvements in a sales package about your house, show the before-and-after cost savings captured by the improvements. This will illustrate to buyers the potentially higher cost of houses with less energy-efficient features, making your house a stronger candidate by comparison. And by breaking down the monthly utility cost, buyers can closely estimate the cost of owning the house.

• Remember that tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades are cumulative for the past several years, topping out at $500. Review your credits for the past several years to make sure you are claiming up to that $500 total.

For more on energy efficiency, consider:

20 Ways to Go Green Today
How To: Save Energy at Home
12 Ways to Put Your Home on an Energy Diet

Energize Savings with a “Green” Tax Credit Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Caesars Palace. Photo: LABworks360

What could the grandeur of a Roman fountain and an end-of-days bomb shelter possibly have in common? Must be time for the annual NAHB International Builders’ Show, held this year (January 22-24) in Las Vegas, NV. The event, which draws builders, contractors, manufacturers and industry professionals from around the country and the world, is renowned for showcasing the latest in new building products, materials, technology, trends and innovations.

While we were hard-pressed to cover the entire 360,000 square feet of exhibition space, we were able to discover some true show-stoppers. Here are ten of them to whet your appetite.

1. Moxie from Kohler

Photo: Kohler

If you’re looking for another way to bring music to your bath (and actual bathing experience), consider the Moxie showerhead from Kohler. With a shower head that acts as a docking device, the wireless magnetic speaker syncs directly to your Bluetooth-enabled devices.

2. Formica’s 100 Collection

Photo: Formica

Years ago, Formica was known for its striking array of solid-color laminates. Now, 100 years after its founding, the company introduces an Anniversary Collection that brings back some of its vintage color offerings, but updated with sophisticated modern design statements, like Ellipse, Endless, Dotscreen and Halftone.

3. Heat & Glo’s Revo

Photo: Heat & Glo

The new REVO Series from Heat & Glo combines a super-slim profile with sleek contemporary styling. Available in square, linear, and vertical styles, the wall-mounted, direct-vent gas fireplaces require no footprint and feature the company’s patented Razor burner technology.

4. DaVinci’s Bellaforte Shingle

Photo: DaVinci

For those looking for the beauty of natural shake shingles—without the vulnerabilities and maintenance requirements of real wood—DaVinci serves up an amazing lookalike in its Bellaforte Shake Shingle. Made with a proprietary, engineered polymer and designed for quick self-alignment, the roofing is available in five color blends.

5. Eldorado Stone’s Artisan Fire Bowls

Photo: Eldorado Stone

Made from glass-reinforced concrete and hand-sanded through a four-step finishing process, the new line of Artisan Fire Bowls from Eldorado Stone is sure to enhance any outdoor living space. Available in two styles, four colors, and two surface finishes, bowls ship complete with CSA-certified gas components.

6. Armstrong’s American Scrape

Photo: Armstrong Flooring

The American Scrape hardwood flooring from Armstrong is distinctive for its five-inch-wide planks and authentic, hand-scraped surface treatment. Available in domestic hickory (known for its rustic character and superior hardness) or oak, the Kentucky-made flooring comes in both engineered and solid wood applications, in a wide range of finishes.

7. GE Appliances Slate

Photo: GE Appliances

Move over stainless! GE Appliances showcases its new Slate finish—a warm, grey metallic with a low-gloss finish that is sure to complement a variety of wall colors, cabinet finishes, and countertop materials. It also proves a good partner with black, white, and the formidable stainless.

8. Daltile’s Intertwine Series

Daltile Intertwine Reflection. Photo: LABworks360

With its undulating design and basket-weave pattern, the Intertwine Series of glass and stone mosaic tiles from Daltile provides a sophisticated backsplash solution. The collection is available in eight color blends, including Reflection, shown here.

9. CertainTeed WeatherBoard

CertainTeed WeatherBoard Lap Siding. Photo: LABworks360

The TrueTexture wood grain appearance of CertainTeed’s Fiber-Cement WeatherBoard Lap Siding is achieved by using an advanced first-transfer system of real cedar boards. It is available in a choice of five textures, 22 solid colors, and six natural wood stains.

10. Atlas Bomb Shelter

Atlas Survival Shelter. Photo: LABworks360

In follow-up to my early reference to end-of-days, this Survival Shelter from Atlas was on display for visitors to see, tour, and experience. Made of galvanized corrugated pipe, it can be buried up to 42 feet deep and has a lifespan of 200 years. Plenty of time for home/shelter improvements, should the need arise.

For more building products and trends, consider:

Pendant Lighting 101
10 Low-Cost Ways to Improve Your Home Security
Go Ductless with a Mini-Split Heat Pump

10 Show-Stoppers from Las Vegas Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com