The Dean of Home Renovation & Repair Advice

MANAGING CONSTRUCTION: CONTRACTORS

Browse By Tag

  • Construction (8)
  • Remodeling (7)
  • Legal (6)
  • Architecture (4)
  • House Styles (3)
  • Additions (3)
  • Budget (3)
  • Federal (2)
  • Bob Vila Radio (2)
  • Preservation (2)
  • Ceilings (1)
  • Drywall (1)
  • Walls (1)
  • Plaster (1)
  • Design (1)
Tag_icon_article
In Quest of the Best Roofing Contractor
Re-roofing our 1908 American Foursquare-style house reminded me of a Frank Capra movie. For once, things actually wen...
Tag_icon_article
Reading Between the Lines on Customer Review Sites
Unhappy with the job your contractor did? Peeved at your local hardware store's churlish service? Annoyed with the ru...
Tag_icon_article
2 Professionals Who Can Save You Thousands
"Satisfaction goes up when you have concrete expectations," says CA-based contractor Dan Fritschen.  The unglamorous ...
Tag_icon_article
Cost and Competition: Remodeling Heats Up
If you are thinking that this is the year to tackle a bigger renovation project that you’ve been postponing, you’re n...
Tag_icon_article
What Your Contractor Won't Tell You
Licenses, bonding, and insurance: Every contractor is required by law to have these essential documents in order, but...
Tag_icon_article
Reviewing Redbeacon: The Contractor-Finder Market's Newest Competitor
[Ed: This post was updated with additional information from Redbeacon on 1/28/2013. ]Three-year-old startup Redbeacon...
Tag_icon_article
How To: Hire a General Contractor
Take the time to get estimates and check references before you hire a general contractor.
Tag_icon_article
Bob Vila Radio: Surviving a Remodel
While they’re always inconvenient, major remodeling projects can also become a real strain on your relationship if yo...
Tag_icon_article
Home Building Projects Estimating Checklist
Avoid cost overruns by anticipating them, before they happen.
Tag_icon_article
Who Should You Hire to Manage Your Construction?
Hiring a construction manager can save you money, but cause issues if it's not done right.
Tag_icon_article
Construction Contract Checklist
Get the work you need done by ensuring that your contract is solid.
Tag_icon_article
Quick Tip: Hiring a General Contractor
Identify important clues to help you assess which contractor you want on your job.
Tag_icon_article
Supervising the Construction
Follow our guide for establishing a positive working environment while your house begins to take shape.
Tag_icon_article
Your Home's Construction Schedule
Here are time estimates for the 10 major stages of home building.
Tag_icon_article
Settling Disputes
Here's what to do when a dispute arises with your contractor.
Tag_icon_article
Bob Vila Radio: Hire a Pro
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing)...
Tag_icon_article
Cookies & Other Tips for Coping with Remodeling
What was I thinking when I promised myself—and more importantly my husband, Phil—that we would be ready to move into ...
Tag_icon_article
Estimating Checklist
Estimating factors that concern building and price.
Tag_icon_article
Working with Your Architect
If you're embarking on a major project, choosing the right architect can save you time, money, and trouble.
Tag_icon_article
The Decorators and the Landscapers
Consider these reasons to hire interior design experts or landscape architects.
Tag_icon_article
To Hire or Not to Hire an Architect or Designer
Strange as it may seem, having an architect or designer is usu­ally more important on a renovation job than for new construction.
Tag_icon_article
Resolving Job Site Conflicts Between Homeowners and Contractors
Use these suggestions to prevent arguments in the first place — and settle them once they arise.
Tag_icon_article
Contractors, Contracts, and Costs
Finding and hiring the right people to help do the job is crucially important when it comes to remodeling work.
Tag_icon_article
The General Contractor
On a building or remodeling job site, scheduling, budgeting, and more are the responsibilities of the general contractor.
Tag_icon_article
Being Your Own General Contractor
You may have some sleepless nights, but being your own general contractor can help ensure you get exactly what you want.
Tag_icon_article
The Three P's in Supervision
Keep these considerations in mind as you supervise workmen on the job.
Tag_icon_article
Some Notes on Closing Up
Don't forget to pay close attention during, and at the end of, construction in your home.
Tag_icon_article
The Insurance Certificate
Don't risk a liability claim in the event of any personal injury or property damage. When you hire a GC, subs, and other on-site workers, ask whether they have in...
Tag_icon_article
A Recipe For Renovation Contracts
Well-written renovation contracts normally take into account many of the following details.
Tag_icon_article
Contracting the Contractors
Follow this advice to learn what's integral when producing a conclusive contract.
Tag_icon_article
Estimating Hints
Get multiple estimates and plan the job for the best time of year.
Tag_icon_article
Hiring a Construction Manager
Here's how to decide if hiring a Construction Manager is necessary.
Tag_icon_article
Supervise the Work on Your Home
Follow these simple guidelines to ensure that your construction is completed as planned.
Tag_icon_article
Protect Your Home from Job Site Theft
A remodeling project can leave you uniquely vulnerable, so follow these guidelines to help protect your home from job site theft.
Tag_icon_article
The Low-Stress Home Renovation
Complete your home improvement and keep your sanity
Tag_icon_article
Growing Home: An Approach to Adding Space
If you're planning a home addition, let the following considerations guide your decision-making.
Tag_icon_article
Questions to Ask a Contractor
Though it may be tempting to rush into hiring a contractor, take the time to ask a considered set of questions.
Tag_icon_video
Architects Tour the Newton, MA Project
Bob meets with the architects, Mark and Geoffrey, who visit the project site every two weeks in order to check on progress, and to make sure their plans are being...
Tag_icon_video
Discussing the Budget
Bob and carpenter Paul Morse go over the details of the budget and discuss whether or not they'll be able to finish the project under the estimated cost.
Tag_icon_video
Initial Tour
Restoration contractor Richard Marks shows Bob around the elegant, though quite run-down, Federal-style project house.
Tag_icon_video
Federal-Style Home Layout
Bob visits a Federal-style home undergoing reconstruction, and having an addition put on, in Charleston, SC. Restoration contractor Richard Marks guides Bob throu...
Tag_icon_video
What to Look for in a General Contractor
Bob and developer Joe Fitzgerald discuss what to look for in a general contractor.
Tag_icon_video
Costs for Building the Victorian
Bob and contractor Bob Ryley review costs for the Victorian-style remodel-and-build project in Martha's Vineyard, MA.
Tag_icon_video
Meeting the Wayland Homeowner
Bob meets with homeowner Paul Paresky and tours the project. Expanding the lakefront home with a second floor addition will be a major undertaking. General contra...
 
webapp2