Home Construction or Remodeling Contractor

Choosing the right Contractor is the most important aspect of any home construction project. You must take your time and do your research to find a good qualified contractor if you want excellent quality at a fair price. When we built our new home we spent many hours finding the best contractors for each aspect of building our new home. We developed a method that served us well and it is as follows:

Determine exactly what you want done and write it down. This may sound a little basic at first blush, but it is so important. Remember what is not well defined is easily manipulated. If it is not in writing, it can be disputed. You do two things when you define your project in detail, and in writing. You find any missing aspects that you may have overlooked and you have good definition and expectations for your contractor.

Get three (3) bids for each trade that you will hire. Never rely on one bid, and always meet the contractor face to face at the site where the work is to be done. If you are uncomfortable with the contractor when they are bidding the job how is it going to be when the two of you have to work out the details of your project. Remember cheaper is not always better!

Ask each contractor for references and make sure they are bonded and insured. Check their references and call the BBB (Better Business Bureau) in your area to see if they have any outstanding complaints.

Make sure they dont sub the work out to a contractor that is not insured or bonded. It is very common for a contract company to sub out work to contractors that are not insured and bonded. Another danger of the contractor subbing work out is if they dont pay their sub, the sub can put a mechanics lien on your house and you will have to pay even if you have already paid the contractor.

Set a definite timeframe for the work to begin and for completion and get it in writing. Nothing is worse than to have a project drag on not knowing when they are going to show up and finish.

Never, ever pay for the entire project in advance. If you do the contractor has no incentive to finish or even start. When you no longer have the money you are no longer in control! It is customary with most contractors that you pay a portion up front. On a large project hold back as much money as you can until the end. The incentive to finish must be motivated by the cash at the end of the project.

For more information on finding and qualifying contractors visit www.Build-YourOwn-Home.com

George Stevens is the popular author of the Website http://www.Build-YourOwn-Home.com teaching you how to build your own home. and Build-Your-Own-Home.com All Rights Reserved

Wireless Home Security

Traditional home alarm security systems rely on sensors that, as long as someone has remembered to turn them on, can detect windows or doors opening. It is a simple cause and effect relationship: a trigger sets off an alarm to alert neighbours or passersby, or an alarm goes off at the police station or the local security company.

The paid, and often expensive, local security company maybe phones to hear if everything is OK, or maybe even drives by. The police might show up if they're not too busy, but the system is prone to many loopholes. The proclivity of false alarms and the dull routine of the job means that security forces are often slow to respond, and the Police are often too busy. However, that was then, this is now. Wireless home security has changed the way we protect our homes. Let's take a look at some of the benefits a modern domestic security system has to offer.

Wireless: Just One Feature of Many
A wireless home security system is more than simply a traditional alarm system minus the cables. There are two keys to the system:
1. The whole system is digital, so you can program it to function in the way you want.
2. The system is part of your home networks.

What does this mean for your home security? If your house is broken into, the system could ring your mobile phone, or send a text message. You could set it to send messages to more than one cell phone. It could be connected to webcams positioned around the house, all accessed from your cellphone or Blackberry. In short, if it can be programmed, it is possible.

The Central Nervous System to Calm Your Nerves
Once you have a wireless home network with a powerful CPU at its heart, you can pretty well add any kind of detector. Why not cover every eventuality and hook up smoke, carbon monoxide, temperature or motion detectors? If anything abnormal takes place in and around your home, you can get a message via your mobile phone. If your mobile phone can access the Internet, the possibilities are even greater. You could call up your browser and get some live footage from your array of webcams, switch to infra-red if it's dark and maybe listen in too. The security possibilities are obvious, but it also sounds like something that would be great fun to play with... so with motivation that high, your home would be safer than ever.

Suddenly you can monitor all kinds of things going on at home without having to be there. Motion detectors and webcams can let you know whether the dog has curled up on your favourite armchair again. You can monitor the temperature of your greenhouse in winter and your wine cellar in summer. And you can even send a message via the network to regulate the temperature before anything gets spoiled. I'm not sure what you'd do about the dog though. 'Train' it when you get back, I suppose.

The Home of the Panic Button
An often overlooked, but extremely useful feature of a wireless home security package is the addition of a panic button. If you have an elderly or infirm family member, a panic button is a must. If someone sounds the alarm, you can pick up your cellphone and find out what is going on by taking a look, listening in or answering the distress call. Perhaps the sound of your voice coming from the loudspeakers would be enough to sooth your confused aunt with Alzheimer's or your sick child off from school. Perhaps you could even shout at the dog to get out of your lazy-boy.

Finally, the big advantage of building up a wireless home security system is its inherent flexibility. You can add, reposition and take away different components such as motion sensors or webcams without having to rip out lengths of wiring. As the hardware becomes more readily available and commonplace, it is falling in price. Upgrading your entire home would have meant employing a team of professionals just five years ago. Now you can do it all yourself after a brief and relatively inexpensive trip to the mall. Nervous about your home security? Give your own central nervous system a break; give your home its own central nervous system.

Chris Lee Ramsden is a freelance writer and editor. He writes both short fiction and non-fiction for both online and print publications. Although he stems from the UK, he currently lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Find out more about Wireless Home Security and home improvement at Where We Live.

Make Custom Home-Building Process a Dream with Seven Steps

You probably know someone who has built a custom home. Chances are you heard their stories of construction delays and going over budget. These situations often result from a homeowner not being fully prepared prior to beginning the process. While the thought of the ultimate home with all of your desired features is intriguing, you dont have to let the actual process of building your dream home be overwhelming.

So, go ahead and come out from hiding and remember this wisdom from Anatole France who once said, To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.

It is true with a dream home isnt it? It would not be called a dream home unless it was first a dream. But with all dreams, there is reality. And in the case of building a dream home, the reality is having a sound plan in place. Otherwise, you could be faced with a nightmare situation of delays and budget problems.

Follow these seven rules to get past the hurdles and start on the path to successfully build a custom, dream home:

1. Look at Needs vs. Wants: You typically will not get everything that you want in your dream home. Determine your needs first, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, an office, garage, kitchen, and family room. Then evaluate other features that you want in your home but are willing to forego if they cannot work into the overall plan.

2. Evaluate Costs: Look at the costs for the features you want, such as a pool, media room or a wine cellar. Then prioritize the rankings of your wants. Be prepared to nix some from the list.

3. Determine the Style: Deciding on the style of home you want is very crucial in determining the home you want to build, but keep in mind that the style can affect your budget as well as building and supply costs. Round turrets, multiple elevations and complex roof lines can be costly.

4. Look at C.C. & R.s: Make sure your homes style, elevations, exterior finishes, colors and square footage comply with the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC & Rs) for your neighborhood before you finalize your house plans and break ground on your project. Also, be sure to obtain architectural approval if required.

5. Set a Realistic Budget: Accurate budget planning is important to prevent any surprises when it comes time to start building your dream home. Obtain actual quotes with itemized costs and supplies from subcontractors to prepare a detailed budget.

6. Feel Comfortable in Decision-Making Process: Be prepared to make decisions. When building a custom home, you will be picking everything from lighting and plumbing fixtures to appliances and exterior veneer materials, so it is important to feel comfortable in the decision-making process. Do not labor or fret over your decisions. If you like it, go for it and do not second guess yourself after the fact.

7. Get Detailed House Plans: Obtain a set of stock plans or custom design them with a home designer or architect. Make sure the plans provide specific details about the size, specs and dimensions so that you are getting the exact house that you want. Also, be sure to have your plans engineered by a licensed structural engineer.

Rhyne Cannon is owner and President of UBuildIt Matthews, which removes the mystery of managing your own building project with expert construction guidance and a proven system that has worked for thousands of families to realize their dream home. For more information, call 704-849-0025 or visit http://www.ubuildit.com

Things To Consider When You Modernize Your Bathroom

In a recent survey of home owners 75 per cent of those who 18 months ago were thinking about moving house are now going to stay put and look at modernising their current home. And with the current state of the housing market on both sides of the Atlantic who can blame people. So of these people which parts of the home are most likely to have money spent on them to modernise them and bring them up to date?

An obvious candidate for modernisation is the bathroom, for so long a neglected room in the house, the modern bathroom is now becoming a real status symbol.

This is in the main down to the fact that it is now possible to actually make a feature out of the smallest room, on top of this fact most homes now have at least one en-suite bathroom. The beauty of modernising a bathroom is that you can really spoil yourself with how you bring it up to date. Unlike most rooms in the house the bathroom is a very personal room so the additions and changes that you make to it are really only there for your convenience. When modernising a living room everyone gets to benefit from a new television set or couch just as with the kitchen, everyone gets to benefit from a new oven, fridge or kitchen units, but a bathroom is yours.

The bathroom really has moved into the modern age, just visit any plumbers merchant or bathroom store and look around at the gadgets and gizmo's that are now available to adorn your bathroom.

You may even decide to stick with a plain old white sink but bring it up to date with your choice of taps, these can make a huge difference to what may be a standard white wash basin. A set of antique look taps on a standard sink, along with a wise choice in bathroom tiles can give the bathroom the look of an old country cottage, whereas a sharp clinical pair of modern design taps on a plain white sink, coupled with the use of some bold glass tiles and a striking bathroom mirror can give a very futuristic look to your bathroom.

Self closing toilet seats which instead of closing with an almighty crash when you let go of them, slowly close to a stop, a bit like watching treacle running off a spoon. Under floor heating which warms through your bathroom tiles so when you wake up and go to the bathroom you don't have to tip toe across a freezing cold tiled bathroom floor.

Sinks also now come in all shapes and sizes, in the old days you were restricted to two types of sink, both the same design but one was white and the other was a horrible avocado colour, not exactly spoilt for choice. Today you can pick from many differing designs and colours, white still being the most popular choice but available in so many more different styles.

It is possible to add quite a bit of monetary value and chic to a bathroom without spending vast sums of money. Likewise it is possible to get the same effect as above but by spending a small fortune on the bathroom.

For instance, you can now get a shower enclosure that comes complete with a steam and sauna facility as well as built in seat and radio for your comfort and if you'd like a massage then just get to your feet and the high pressure water jets from the side of the enclosure will blast away your aches and pains. All this is a bit different from when I was a child, all we had back then was two rubber cups that fitted over the taps to channel the water through a shower head, the height of high - tech!

If the thought of an all singing, all dancing shower doesn't appeal to you what about a remote controlled shower that up to five different people can pre-set their favourite temperature, no more messing around trying to find the ideal setting. These showers can be turned on and off at the press of a button from up to 10 metres away and will even tell you when the shower is up to temperature.

So if you're fed up with your current house and would like to move but daren't take the risk in the current climate why not treat yourself and splash some money out on modernising your bathroom, a little bit of money spent here can go a long long way.

I try to pass on my musings on life and experiences in a way that people may find interesting to read.

Bathroom Floor Tiles

You may not always agree with my writings but I hope to inform.

Harwood E Woodpecker

Benefits of a Sunroom

The sunroom is a beautiful addition to your house. Building a sunroom in your house can give you a natural atmosphere within your territory. While having considering which plan to actually install, there are certain things that need to be considered beforehand.

The largest benefit of having a sunroom plan installed is that it provides you with the warmth of sun all around the year. Not only that but it ensures the production of vitamin D in your body, which is only produced in the presence of sunlight. Vitamin D being an essential part in the growth of your bones also prevents one from different diseases. However, there are certain things that ought to be considered and carefully evaluated before having a plan installed at your homes.

As it has been already discussed that either you can get one of those do-it-yourself kit and install the sunroom plan or else hire a contractor to do it for you. Most of the contractors have an assortment of plans already developed and ready fo5B4r installing. Having discussed it with one such person gives you a fair idea of how things will work along with the total cost estimation. The only possible hurdle can arise if you have your mind set upon having something unique for you. This the pre-developed selections of the contractors do not offer and you will have to consider an architect then to work on your plans.

With the advent of technology now there are a number of websites that provide you a platform to generate your dream sunroom by using different online available options and acquiring those at the very instant too. However, this one can have a major disadvantage. In case of online building you are asked to make measurements yourself and if by an chance your measurement waver even by an inch that can ruin the whole constriction process altogether and the planning of your sunroom plan can take ages before it is completed.

The sunroom provides you with the natural joy which you can't experience in an ordinary living room. That is why when making a plan it is important to choose the best plan so that the sunroom not only adds beauty to your house but also give you the level of comfort you deserve.

There are quite a lot of things that you need to consider while drawing plans for your sunroom, from the selection of materials to the process of construction. And each of this detail must be monitored closely as it is your home that matters after all. It is vita40Dl to think about every step of the process while working on your plans and having it installed.

Adam Peters loves writing for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com - A focused website that offers the best articles on outdoor staircase and patio rooms.

Home Remodels - Get The Most For Your Money

Every homeowner has a laundry list of improvements they'd like to make on their home. The problem most homeowners run into is that they aren't thinking ahead to the improvements that will provide the best return on their investment. Whether you plan to stay in your home a few short years or you're in it for the long haul, it's still a good idea to recognize the issues - positive or negative - that affect your home's resale value. A recent "Cost vs. Value Report" completed by Remodeling Online divides homes into two major categories (mid-range and upscale) to help homeowners determine where best to spend their money. This article focuses on those mid-range improvements that will bring you the best return on investment (ROI) in the Rolla/St. James, Missouri area.

Replace your Siding

With an 80.9% average rate of return, a phenomenal return for the Midwest, siding replacement was the overall winner for this region. This should be your first indication that buyers really do focus on curb appeal. As with any business, first impressions in real estate are important. You'd be surprised how many people rule out a home just by driving by. I have been on my way to show countless homes, only to find that once the buyer sees the outside of the home, they don't even bother looking inside. They may never see the remodeled bathrooms or new carpet you just invested all your time and energy in, so be sure that your first impression is positive and sticks with them.

Add a Deck

Wooden deck additions came inB50 a close second with a 78.4% ROI. The great rate of return on decks stems in part from the fact that a wooden deck addition is extremely cost-effective. If your home is lacking a deck or similar outdoor space, consider adding a simple wooden deck to spice up the entertaining aspect of your back yard.

Replace Outdate or Inefficient Windows

Exhibiting a 73.7% ROI, vinyl window replacement came in strong as well, with wooden windows not far behind at 70.2%ROI. Window replacement continues to support the importance of curb appeal, and it also shows that buyers are interested in lower energy bills. So, not only do windows increase a home's external appearance, they also help cut down on rising energy costs.

Spruce up the Kitchen & Bath

Any Realtor will tell you that new updates in the kitchen and bath sell a home extremely quickly. Kitchen remodels were categorized as major or minor, with minor remodels edging out major remodels 71.5% to 70.9%. Close behind were bathroom remodels with 68.8%, and bathroom additions came in at 61.8% ROI. Overall, these numbers are fairly strong, which proves that there is truth to the idea that buyers will walk away from a potential home that is lacking a quality kitchen and/or baths.

The Bottom of the Barrel

Roof replacement and office remodels finished at the bottom of the pack. Roof replacements are something that people address when they need to, but not usually because they want to, which brought this remodel in with 59.3% ROI. Few buyers are likely to replace a functional roof for aesthetic reasons, which factors in to its low ROI. However, the office remodel finished even lower, with 53% ROI, probably because most people don't view a home office space as necessary. Buyers are more likely to value rooms important in their everyday living, like kitchens, bathrooms, and family rooms, and see an office space as more of a bonus than a necessity.

This list is by no means a cut-and-dry order of areas you should remodel, but it does give you a general guideline of the remodels that might have greater benefit when it comes time to sell your home. Remember, though, that the location of your home, construction costs, and time frame are constantly changing and uncontrollable variables that can greatly affect these percentages.

Special thanks to: 2007 Hanley Wood, LLC for most of the statistics. Reproduced by permission. Complete city data from Remodeling Online 2007. Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded for free at www.costvsvalue.com.

Justin Renaud is a REALTOR working in the Rolla Missouri Real Estate market. He has been working with buyers and sellers full-time for the last three years. His website 16E7http://www.justinrenaud.com is a resource for buyers, sellers, and homeowners to find helpful advice as well as resources discussing the areas of Rolla, MO and St. James, MO.

The information for this article uses statistics for the St. Louis, MO region according to http://www.costvsvalue.com

Have Fun With DIY Bathroom Plumbing

DIY bathroom plumbing should not be as scary as many would lead you to think. In many cases it is a matter of patience as well as determination that will allow you to do the work that you need to be successful in your endeavor. Many of the DIY plumbing projects that you will take on will appear to be a much bigger hassle than they really are. It is a matter of having the ability to see what needs to be done and determining a way to make that happen. In many cases you will discover that what appears to be a large project is not really nearly the task that you think it is.

Getting Started

When you do take on a project of do it yourself plumbing, you will want to make sure that you have all of the appropriate tools and supplies in order to make the project go as smoothly as possible. Do your research, know what you are getting into when it comes to what you will be doing. There are a variety of options for you to consider when it comes to installing plumbing into your home. Along with deciding what it is that you want to do, you will also need to look at the building codes for your area and decide what you can or cannot do in your home. Make sure you have a plan laid out as well as a determination of what you want to accomplish from this task.

Sources

There are many sources that you can go to when you are looking to upgrade your bathroom plumbing. In many cases you will be able to find all of the information that you need by looking online or even by going and purchasing a book to help you. If you look and see all of the different types of materials and sources that are available to you. In many cases you can go to the library to find the information that you will need in order to do the project successfully. Try to look into what is out there and do not be afraid to consult with a professional to give you guidance as far as what it is that you should or should not do. Think of what you want to do and make sure that it is something that you will actually be able to do while you are in the home and something that you can do on your own.

Adam Peters is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com - You can find more information and resources on bathroom accessories at his website.