Adding a barbecue pit to a home not only increases its resale value but it gives homeowners an excuse to utilize their backyards more frequently during the late spring to early autumn months. While run-of-the-mill home-improvement store grills are the most commonly used by homeowners, a barbecue pit does more than just cook food but it can heat an area within a backyard and can also be used as a decorative piece as well.
Many homeowners, especially those who enjoy grilling food, often consider adding a barbecue pit to their backyard but remain apprehensive about doing so because of the rumored costs associated with such a project. In truth the costs associated with a barbecue pit depend greatly on homeowners personal tastes, needs, and budget. There are many barbecue pits that are designed for homeowners operating on smaller budgets and while many may believe that these particular pits aren't as effective as their more expensive brethren, nothing could be further from the truth. Regardless of the cost associated with a particular barbecue pit, manufactures and the professionals who install them into homes go to great lengths to ensure that regardless of budget homeowners get both a barbecue pit that cooks food effectively and one that they can be proud of.
Any homeowner considering a new barbecue pit for their home however should consult with a professional contractor even before they begin windowshopping ideas or going over the details of the project themselves. The installation of a barbecue pit, even modest ones, requires the attention of experienced hands. The tools used to install barbecue pits into backyards are not the types of tools that should ever be used by an inexperienced homeowner. Furthermore a professional contractor will be able to assist and advise homeowners in the selection of a barbecue pit, alternatives for homeowners whose ideas are far bigger than their budgets, and will ensure that the barbecue pit is installed correctly.
Professional contractors can also help homeowners in determining exactly where their barbecue pit will be installed. While homeowner may have a good idea of where they want their barbecue pit to reside, those ideas don't always work out well when they move from paper or the mind to the physical yard. The position of the barbecue pit in the backyard will be determined by several questions contractors will ask homeowners prior to the purchase or order of any pit. The contractor will attempt to ascertain from homeowners exactly how often the barbecue pit will be used, what proximity the pit should be from a homes rear entrance, and how often and how many people a homeowner plans on entertaining in and around the area of their new barbecue pit. When it comes to barbecue pits the immediate area surrounding the pit is just as important as the cooking area as it will likely double as a gathering/dining area.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County Contractors and Orange County general contractors.
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Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Modern Employees: A New Modus Operandi
The ways in which individuals and even companies do business has always remained in a constant state of change. As technology becomes more accessible, affordable and easier to use, the ways in which we do business are changing faster than ever before. These rapid changes have made it difficult for some in the workforce to remain relevant in their positions and even find new employment. In order to remain relevant workers must change their mentality with regards to work just as quickly as the technology fosters in new changes.
Unfortunately the majority of the workforce doesn't adapt fast enough to changes in the workplace. Prior to computers and the Internet becoming mainstays in business, an individual would go out, find a job, get hired, perform that job for 30 or 40 years and then retire. These days however things are quite different as jobs and even retirements are no longer guaranteed like they once were. Though businesses have been rapidly changing with technology for the better part of 15 years, most people are raised on the idea that if they simply show up, do an average job and pay their taxes that there will be a safety net waiting for them when they retire. This just simply isn't true and individuals in the modern workforce need to keep this cold fact in mind.
Whereas in years past employee could get by doing average work for years at a time without fear of being replaced this is no longer the case. There's a good chance in the modern business world that if you're an average employee doing an average job the company you work for can find somebody that produces the same quality of work you do albeit at a cheaper rate. With the industrial economy having ended employees need to move beyond doing things just because they're assigned to or doing just enough to get by. Employees with the "never mind that rat race to the top" will quickly find themselves racing straight to the bottom.
In order to be relevant in today's workforce individuals not only need to work harder than ever before but need to make themselves unique and indispensable. Individuals successful in doing so will find that people will pay them more to do both average jobs and even those jobs which would be out of reach to employees that don't make themselves unique. Individuals would also do well to remember that instead of waiting around for someone to tell them that they matter or that they're doing a good job they should take their career into their own hands and create their own path to the top. Playing the waiting game and hoping for praise or promotion, more often than not in today's business world, cost employees these things. In the fast-paced business world of today employers look for individuals who not only work hard and are dependable but take initiative and are proactive in both their work and their ideas. It's no longer about waiting for a big corporation or your boss to choose you for employment or advancement but rather about being quick, efficient, and aggressively working to get ahead.
OCHomeNet specializes in Orange County Home Improvement, Orange County Contractor,
Orange County Home Remodeling
Unfortunately the majority of the workforce doesn't adapt fast enough to changes in the workplace. Prior to computers and the Internet becoming mainstays in business, an individual would go out, find a job, get hired, perform that job for 30 or 40 years and then retire. These days however things are quite different as jobs and even retirements are no longer guaranteed like they once were. Though businesses have been rapidly changing with technology for the better part of 15 years, most people are raised on the idea that if they simply show up, do an average job and pay their taxes that there will be a safety net waiting for them when they retire. This just simply isn't true and individuals in the modern workforce need to keep this cold fact in mind.
Whereas in years past employee could get by doing average work for years at a time without fear of being replaced this is no longer the case. There's a good chance in the modern business world that if you're an average employee doing an average job the company you work for can find somebody that produces the same quality of work you do albeit at a cheaper rate. With the industrial economy having ended employees need to move beyond doing things just because they're assigned to or doing just enough to get by. Employees with the "never mind that rat race to the top" will quickly find themselves racing straight to the bottom.
In order to be relevant in today's workforce individuals not only need to work harder than ever before but need to make themselves unique and indispensable. Individuals successful in doing so will find that people will pay them more to do both average jobs and even those jobs which would be out of reach to employees that don't make themselves unique. Individuals would also do well to remember that instead of waiting around for someone to tell them that they matter or that they're doing a good job they should take their career into their own hands and create their own path to the top. Playing the waiting game and hoping for praise or promotion, more often than not in today's business world, cost employees these things. In the fast-paced business world of today employers look for individuals who not only work hard and are dependable but take initiative and are proactive in both their work and their ideas. It's no longer about waiting for a big corporation or your boss to choose you for employment or advancement but rather about being quick, efficient, and aggressively working to get ahead.
OCHomeNet specializes in Orange County Home Improvement, Orange County Contractor,
Orange County Home Remodeling
Orange County Home Improvement: Remodeling A Kitchen: Don't Spend To Little
Kitchen remodels are one of the most popular home improvement projects and they have remained so for a long time for good reason. The kitchen is often the most heavily used area within a home which naturally makes it an excellent room/area for remodeling. This is especially true of homes who have a smaller kitchen area or one that is outdated and full of appliances and decor that aren't up to today's standards. Being such a heavily used area also makes kitchens one of the first areas in a home that needs to be remodeled. Furthermore homeowners who plan on selling their homes often consider a kitchen remodel simply because prospective home buyers scrutinize kitchens more than any other room in a home.
What homeowners must be careful of however when considering a kitchen remodel is cost and budget. Homeowners should do plenty of research prior to executing any project or even hiring any contractors for such a remodel as investing too little into such a project will result in a kitchen that homeowners and their prospective buyers will find unimpressive. Remodeling a kitchen isn't the type of project any homeowner on a very small our tight budget should never consider or begin.
As the cost-of-living varies dramatically from neighborhood to neighborhood it is incredibly difficult to create a single figure that would serve as the bare minimum for kitchen remodeling. While difficult, experts estimate the national average cost for a full kitchen remodel to be somewhere in the $50,000 range though in some places within the United States this amount buys a lot more than just a kitchen. This is why so many professional contractors advise not only working with a professional to help sort this out but to also help homeowners think of remodeling a kitchen in terms of magnitude rather than simple cost.
What's important for homeowners to remember is that renovations of a smaller nature are generally the most successful. This is because smaller scale renovations not only cost less and take far less time to complete but they're also much more likely to return a higher percentage of their construction costs once a home is sold. Homeowners wanting a large-scale renovation in the kitchen should also keep in mind that even small changes to a kitchen can result in large improvements. Moreover homeowners concerned with ballooning costs during a kitchen remodel can rest easy knowing that smaller renovations usually cost far less than their larger cousins and fall well below the $20,000 range.
Whether a homeowner wants a large and complete kitchen overhaul or a few small, simple yet effective changes in their kitchen, being financially prepared before beginning a project and remembering that skimping on kitchen renovations always results in a finished product that homeowners will be unsatisfied with will help individuals stay realistic and meet their goals. Again, this is why it's extremely important for homeowners to begin their projects with a little research and consultation with a professional remodeling contractor. Additionally no homeowner should attempt to remodel the kitchen themselves especially if the goal is to add financial value to their homes.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors and more!
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What homeowners must be careful of however when considering a kitchen remodel is cost and budget. Homeowners should do plenty of research prior to executing any project or even hiring any contractors for such a remodel as investing too little into such a project will result in a kitchen that homeowners and their prospective buyers will find unimpressive. Remodeling a kitchen isn't the type of project any homeowner on a very small our tight budget should never consider or begin.
As the cost-of-living varies dramatically from neighborhood to neighborhood it is incredibly difficult to create a single figure that would serve as the bare minimum for kitchen remodeling. While difficult, experts estimate the national average cost for a full kitchen remodel to be somewhere in the $50,000 range though in some places within the United States this amount buys a lot more than just a kitchen. This is why so many professional contractors advise not only working with a professional to help sort this out but to also help homeowners think of remodeling a kitchen in terms of magnitude rather than simple cost.
What's important for homeowners to remember is that renovations of a smaller nature are generally the most successful. This is because smaller scale renovations not only cost less and take far less time to complete but they're also much more likely to return a higher percentage of their construction costs once a home is sold. Homeowners wanting a large-scale renovation in the kitchen should also keep in mind that even small changes to a kitchen can result in large improvements. Moreover homeowners concerned with ballooning costs during a kitchen remodel can rest easy knowing that smaller renovations usually cost far less than their larger cousins and fall well below the $20,000 range.
Whether a homeowner wants a large and complete kitchen overhaul or a few small, simple yet effective changes in their kitchen, being financially prepared before beginning a project and remembering that skimping on kitchen renovations always results in a finished product that homeowners will be unsatisfied with will help individuals stay realistic and meet their goals. Again, this is why it's extremely important for homeowners to begin their projects with a little research and consultation with a professional remodeling contractor. Additionally no homeowner should attempt to remodel the kitchen themselves especially if the goal is to add financial value to their homes.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors and more!
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Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Orange County Home Improvement: Remodeling For Financial Gain
While home improvement projects are generally seen as a way to spruce up one's living environment, there are many homeowners who opt to remodel not for luxury or comfort but financial gain. In remodeling the right rooms in a home, a homeowner adds tremendous value to their home and makes the home all the more attractive to potential buyers. Homeowners who are looking to remodel for financial gain however should first consult with a professional contractor to ensure that their remodeling the right rooms in their home and not rooms that homeowners might not care about.
Almost any professional contractor worth their salt will advise such a homeowner to remodel a home's bathroom. This is because bathrooms are used almost as frequently as bedrooms by homeowners. While a homeowner will spend lengthier periods of time in their bedrooms, they will spend almost as much time in their bathroom albeit in smaller increments and sporadically over time. As homeowners spend so much time in their bathrooms most naturally want to create an environment that is warm and relaxing as opposed to some of the cold and unwelcoming bathrooms we've all spent time in. A bathroom remodel may include updated lighting fixtures, new mirrors, a new shower or bathtub, and of course a larger storage area.
Kitchens like bathrooms see homeowners spend considerable time in them. Prospective buyers however will pay much more attention to a home's kitchen than they will its bathrooms as this will be the area in which they will cook and serve their meals. Additionally prospective buyers will want to their kitchen to double as a social area or gathering place. Remodeling a kitchen may include adding new appliances, a complete flooring overhaul, new cabinets, or rearranging the area so that cooking, cleaning, and entertaining are made easier and more comfortable.
The one thing that many prospective homeowners look for when they view a home is living space. How open are the rooms in a home and how many rooms does a home have to offer everyone in the family space to play, work, eat, and sleep? While they would be required to throw a ton of money into remodeling their bedrooms, homeowners should consider remodeling their basements and garages instead. Both of these areas can be turned into a guestroom, a playroom for children, a home office, or a general recreation/game room. In basements and garages homeowners can let their imaginations run wild and create an additional space or room that will look extremely attractive to prospective buyers.
One of the most often overlooked aspects of home remodeling are a home's windows. Upgrading windows provides homeowners with a great opportunity to push resale value up and get really creative with modern designs and decor. Older homes will really benefit from window upgrades as new window technology has resulted in windows that help trap in more heat during the winter and keep it out during the summer.
Many homeowners might be surprised to learn that new siding on a home can dramatically change a home's exterior appearance. In years and decades past siding options were few and far between but these days siding can be custom-made and is available in a wide variety of different designs, colors, materials and styles.
One of the more expensive remodeling projects that a homeowner can undertake is re-roofing their home. While usually more expensive than any of the aforementioned projects, re-roofing a home adds tremendous resale value to a home. A new roof will give prospective buyers and new homeowners peace of mind knowing that they have a solid roof over their head and one that's free from leaks, debris, rot, etc.
What all homeowners interested in remodeling need to remember is that every home is different as is the neighborhood it resides in. This is why it's always advisable to contact and even work with a professional contractor before beginning or moving forward with any remodeling project, especially those that are seen as investments by the homeowner. Not only will a professional make sure that the proper rooms are remodeled but they'll also make sure that the job is done correctly and in a timely fashion.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, and more!
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Almost any professional contractor worth their salt will advise such a homeowner to remodel a home's bathroom. This is because bathrooms are used almost as frequently as bedrooms by homeowners. While a homeowner will spend lengthier periods of time in their bedrooms, they will spend almost as much time in their bathroom albeit in smaller increments and sporadically over time. As homeowners spend so much time in their bathrooms most naturally want to create an environment that is warm and relaxing as opposed to some of the cold and unwelcoming bathrooms we've all spent time in. A bathroom remodel may include updated lighting fixtures, new mirrors, a new shower or bathtub, and of course a larger storage area.
Kitchens like bathrooms see homeowners spend considerable time in them. Prospective buyers however will pay much more attention to a home's kitchen than they will its bathrooms as this will be the area in which they will cook and serve their meals. Additionally prospective buyers will want to their kitchen to double as a social area or gathering place. Remodeling a kitchen may include adding new appliances, a complete flooring overhaul, new cabinets, or rearranging the area so that cooking, cleaning, and entertaining are made easier and more comfortable.
The one thing that many prospective homeowners look for when they view a home is living space. How open are the rooms in a home and how many rooms does a home have to offer everyone in the family space to play, work, eat, and sleep? While they would be required to throw a ton of money into remodeling their bedrooms, homeowners should consider remodeling their basements and garages instead. Both of these areas can be turned into a guestroom, a playroom for children, a home office, or a general recreation/game room. In basements and garages homeowners can let their imaginations run wild and create an additional space or room that will look extremely attractive to prospective buyers.
One of the most often overlooked aspects of home remodeling are a home's windows. Upgrading windows provides homeowners with a great opportunity to push resale value up and get really creative with modern designs and decor. Older homes will really benefit from window upgrades as new window technology has resulted in windows that help trap in more heat during the winter and keep it out during the summer.
Many homeowners might be surprised to learn that new siding on a home can dramatically change a home's exterior appearance. In years and decades past siding options were few and far between but these days siding can be custom-made and is available in a wide variety of different designs, colors, materials and styles.
One of the more expensive remodeling projects that a homeowner can undertake is re-roofing their home. While usually more expensive than any of the aforementioned projects, re-roofing a home adds tremendous resale value to a home. A new roof will give prospective buyers and new homeowners peace of mind knowing that they have a solid roof over their head and one that's free from leaks, debris, rot, etc.
What all homeowners interested in remodeling need to remember is that every home is different as is the neighborhood it resides in. This is why it's always advisable to contact and even work with a professional contractor before beginning or moving forward with any remodeling project, especially those that are seen as investments by the homeowner. Not only will a professional make sure that the proper rooms are remodeled but they'll also make sure that the job is done correctly and in a timely fashion.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, and more!
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Monday, January 23, 2012
Orange County Home Improvement: Choosing The Right Contractor Isn't Always Easy
For many homeowners a remodeling project or an addition to their home is an exciting project. This is of course until they gets to the point in the planning process where they realize that they need a reputable and reliable contractor to assist them with whatever project they have in mind. While the Internet can certainly help homeowners find contractors, finding a good one isn't always easy.
It can be difficult to find a contractor who is both highly recommended and affordable simply because anybody calling themselves the contractor can set up a website or place their information online. The same goes for traditional or old-fashioned methods of looking for a contractor. The Yellow Pages will probably have a contractor listed that homeowners are looking for but the results are usually confined to a homeowner's local area and the contractor or contractors in such a book may be limited in number and quality of work. Homeowners can also look for help at material supply stores as well as hardware stores in their local area though speaking with just one or two people about a contractor may not yield enough information to determine whether or not they're worth hiring.
Regardless of which manner a homeowner chooses to use in searching for a contractor they should always remember to apply a number of things to the process, things that will help them weed out those contractors that aren't right for them and those contractors who don't appear to be on the up and up. In such a search things like instinct, common sense and education are the most powerful and useful tools an individual can use. Individuals looking for a contractor should of course speak with as many people as possible about a contractor they are interested in. These people can be friends, family members, business associates, and he even past clients of the contractor. The information gathered from all these sources juxtaposed with information found online can go a long way in determining whether a contractor is worth hiring or not.
Of course after information has been gathered and an individual has spoken to as many people as they possibly can about a contractor, they'll want to contact the contractor themselves and not only ask questions but give the contractor and overall idea of the project they have in mind. Doing so will allow a contractor to give an honest estimate of cost and time frame which in turn gives a homeowner a good idea of whether or not that contractor is going to be the one they ultimately higher.
The one other thing that homeowners looking for a building contractor can do is to gather information on that contractor's past projects and actually visit those locations to get an idea of style and quality of work. While this might not work well for homeowners interested in interior remodeling, it can work very well for homeowners interested in things like landscaping and exterior design. Whatever methods an individual chooses to use when looking for a good contractor they should stay sharp and be patient.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
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It can be difficult to find a contractor who is both highly recommended and affordable simply because anybody calling themselves the contractor can set up a website or place their information online. The same goes for traditional or old-fashioned methods of looking for a contractor. The Yellow Pages will probably have a contractor listed that homeowners are looking for but the results are usually confined to a homeowner's local area and the contractor or contractors in such a book may be limited in number and quality of work. Homeowners can also look for help at material supply stores as well as hardware stores in their local area though speaking with just one or two people about a contractor may not yield enough information to determine whether or not they're worth hiring.
Regardless of which manner a homeowner chooses to use in searching for a contractor they should always remember to apply a number of things to the process, things that will help them weed out those contractors that aren't right for them and those contractors who don't appear to be on the up and up. In such a search things like instinct, common sense and education are the most powerful and useful tools an individual can use. Individuals looking for a contractor should of course speak with as many people as possible about a contractor they are interested in. These people can be friends, family members, business associates, and he even past clients of the contractor. The information gathered from all these sources juxtaposed with information found online can go a long way in determining whether a contractor is worth hiring or not.
Of course after information has been gathered and an individual has spoken to as many people as they possibly can about a contractor, they'll want to contact the contractor themselves and not only ask questions but give the contractor and overall idea of the project they have in mind. Doing so will allow a contractor to give an honest estimate of cost and time frame which in turn gives a homeowner a good idea of whether or not that contractor is going to be the one they ultimately higher.
The one other thing that homeowners looking for a building contractor can do is to gather information on that contractor's past projects and actually visit those locations to get an idea of style and quality of work. While this might not work well for homeowners interested in interior remodeling, it can work very well for homeowners interested in things like landscaping and exterior design. Whatever methods an individual chooses to use when looking for a good contractor they should stay sharp and be patient.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
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Friday, January 20, 2012
Orange County Window Treatments: Window Treatment Stylish Décor or Economical
If you’re happy with store bought window treatments, you may find the most economical products that have standardized sizes and colors. However if you’re looking for style and décor it is doubtful that you’ll find those in your local department store. That doesn’t mean that to be stylish with décor you will have to hire an expensive professional.
The very first thing you will want to do is check out all of the products. See what you like and compare price then contrast all that you’ve learned with a professional who will be happy to give you a free estimate. Don’t compare apples with oranges. Check for quality, price and installation and compare the professional with the department store.
What do you want for your windows? Do want them covered at all times, or would you prefer to keep them plain without coverings of any kind? The first item you want should be the one closest to the window. Do you want sheer curtains or draperies or both?
Are you in an area where the sun shines most of the time? The sun shining in through your windows can fade furnishings and carpets. That should be your first challenge as you try to decide what’s best for your home. What do you want your windows to achieve? Do you have double pane windows? Newer homes often have those. Do your windows keep out noise and the sun? Most don’t and the treatment you put on your windows may help achieve those goals.
If you live in a seasonal area you may want your windows to reflect that. By layering them you can keep the windows entirely covered in inclement weather. Then when the weather turns nicer and you want to see outside, the heavier outside treatment can be pulled aside to show the window through sheer curtains.
That still doesn’t answer the question of stylish décor as opposed to economy. If you can only afford one layer on your windows that doesn’t mean that you can’t add other layers when the opportunity presents itself.
The professional who can help you decide will pay for himself in the long run and you won’t have to change the entire scheme of things. Be honest with interior designers who want you as a customer and they will be happy to return to help you complete the ensemble.
Nothing says more to a professional than to have repeat customers.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County window treatments, Los Angeles window treatments, and San Diego window treatments.
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The very first thing you will want to do is check out all of the products. See what you like and compare price then contrast all that you’ve learned with a professional who will be happy to give you a free estimate. Don’t compare apples with oranges. Check for quality, price and installation and compare the professional with the department store.
What do you want for your windows? Do want them covered at all times, or would you prefer to keep them plain without coverings of any kind? The first item you want should be the one closest to the window. Do you want sheer curtains or draperies or both?
Are you in an area where the sun shines most of the time? The sun shining in through your windows can fade furnishings and carpets. That should be your first challenge as you try to decide what’s best for your home. What do you want your windows to achieve? Do you have double pane windows? Newer homes often have those. Do your windows keep out noise and the sun? Most don’t and the treatment you put on your windows may help achieve those goals.
If you live in a seasonal area you may want your windows to reflect that. By layering them you can keep the windows entirely covered in inclement weather. Then when the weather turns nicer and you want to see outside, the heavier outside treatment can be pulled aside to show the window through sheer curtains.
That still doesn’t answer the question of stylish décor as opposed to economy. If you can only afford one layer on your windows that doesn’t mean that you can’t add other layers when the opportunity presents itself.
The professional who can help you decide will pay for himself in the long run and you won’t have to change the entire scheme of things. Be honest with interior designers who want you as a customer and they will be happy to return to help you complete the ensemble.
Nothing says more to a professional than to have repeat customers.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County window treatments, Los Angeles window treatments, and San Diego window treatments.
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Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Orange County Home Improvements Get it in Writing
Anytime you hire a contractor to do work around your home, from the smallest home improvement to the largest remodeling project; remember one thing, Get It In Writing. At one time word of mouth meant something, but no longer will that even hold up in court. A contract is the only way to go, and if your contractor refuses to do that, go elsewhere.
No matter how many times you’ve hired someone to do work for you, or if it is even the very first time, it is never easy to have a stranger in your midst. Many times you’re simply nervous and afraid they won’t do as they promised, and it’s so inconvenient to supervise your own job.
When you’re looking to find a contractor for a home improvement project, one of the best ways is to ask friends and family. Another way is to go online to find someone local who is knowledgeable and has the ability to get the job done. Regardless the methods you use, you’ll want to know that the contractor has satisfied customers. You may even want to see some of his jobs of those same customers.
Everything that is to be done needs to be part of a contract. Today the contract they use should be in triplicate so you will be able to have an exact copy. The first copy should be the contractor’s, the second should be the person doing the work, and third copy should be the customers.
On the first page of the contract should be the printed name of the business, address, and phone number along with the license number and workers compensation number. The customers names, address and phone number should also be filled out on that first page.
Additional items necessary within the contract should be the amount charged and the payment schedule, and the approximate time when they will start the job. If problems arise, and they do, ask them to notify you of any delay.
The next pages should also be the customer’s name, and a description of the work to be done. If at any time when additional work will need to be done, a change order should be filled out. The person writing the contract and the customer should sign and date every page.
In California contractors are limited to receive from the customer $1000 or less as a deposit. Never pay the entire amount until the job is completed; and never pay with cash.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
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No matter how many times you’ve hired someone to do work for you, or if it is even the very first time, it is never easy to have a stranger in your midst. Many times you’re simply nervous and afraid they won’t do as they promised, and it’s so inconvenient to supervise your own job.
When you’re looking to find a contractor for a home improvement project, one of the best ways is to ask friends and family. Another way is to go online to find someone local who is knowledgeable and has the ability to get the job done. Regardless the methods you use, you’ll want to know that the contractor has satisfied customers. You may even want to see some of his jobs of those same customers.
Everything that is to be done needs to be part of a contract. Today the contract they use should be in triplicate so you will be able to have an exact copy. The first copy should be the contractor’s, the second should be the person doing the work, and third copy should be the customers.
On the first page of the contract should be the printed name of the business, address, and phone number along with the license number and workers compensation number. The customers names, address and phone number should also be filled out on that first page.
Additional items necessary within the contract should be the amount charged and the payment schedule, and the approximate time when they will start the job. If problems arise, and they do, ask them to notify you of any delay.
The next pages should also be the customer’s name, and a description of the work to be done. If at any time when additional work will need to be done, a change order should be filled out. The person writing the contract and the customer should sign and date every page.
In California contractors are limited to receive from the customer $1000 or less as a deposit. Never pay the entire amount until the job is completed; and never pay with cash.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
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Thursday, January 12, 2012
Orange County Shutters: Interior Plantation Shutters Traditional or Functional
As you compare interior plantation shutters, you will find that you don’t have to choose between traditional and functional. The interior plantation shutters are both and when you consider the options of color and style you can’t go wrong as you strive to update your windows to popular trends.
First let us explain exactly what the plantation shutter is. The shutters provide the ability to control the sun like no other window coverings. The horizontal wooden slats with the center vertical bar, controls the slats that can be widely opened or tightly closed. That in itself is worth the cost of the plantation shutters. You, the homeowner, can also choose the color and paint the shutters to match your own color scheme, and they will bring uniqueness to your home.
Then when you consider that the interior plantation shutters offer another layer of insulation to your home to either keep the cold out and heat in or the reverse is true as well. That’s one more positive thing for the shutters.
You will also be able to control the position of the shutters from open or closed to anywhere in between. You’ll learn by twisting that center bar you can allow light to seep in and still maintain your privacy.
Compare the plantation shutters with shades, blinds or even draperies that simply don’t have the versatility of the shutters. Once those are open or closed, there is no in between. The window when open, even a little bit, offers no privacy; and when closed you can’t see out unless you move them aside.
When you love the looks of heavy draperies you can add them as a valance, or side drapery. Sheer curtains can be placed in the same way to soften the harsh reminder of the bare window. They can be pulled closed if that is your preference.
The next decision that you will have to make is where to buy them. You will find various types of wood, and in some instances the vinyl shutters are popular however they come with few color choices.
Since the interior plantation shutters will be on your windows indefinitely choose quality over price. A few more dollars will be worth it in the long run. There are also contractors who will help you choose the styles and colors you want, and they will even install them for you.
When you hire professionals just make sure they have references and don’t be afraid to check them out.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County Plantation Shutters, Los Angeles Plantation Shutters and San Diego Plantation Shutters.
orange county shutters, los angeles shutters, san diego shutters, orange county window treatments, plantation shutters los angeles
First let us explain exactly what the plantation shutter is. The shutters provide the ability to control the sun like no other window coverings. The horizontal wooden slats with the center vertical bar, controls the slats that can be widely opened or tightly closed. That in itself is worth the cost of the plantation shutters. You, the homeowner, can also choose the color and paint the shutters to match your own color scheme, and they will bring uniqueness to your home.
Then when you consider that the interior plantation shutters offer another layer of insulation to your home to either keep the cold out and heat in or the reverse is true as well. That’s one more positive thing for the shutters.
You will also be able to control the position of the shutters from open or closed to anywhere in between. You’ll learn by twisting that center bar you can allow light to seep in and still maintain your privacy.
Compare the plantation shutters with shades, blinds or even draperies that simply don’t have the versatility of the shutters. Once those are open or closed, there is no in between. The window when open, even a little bit, offers no privacy; and when closed you can’t see out unless you move them aside.
When you love the looks of heavy draperies you can add them as a valance, or side drapery. Sheer curtains can be placed in the same way to soften the harsh reminder of the bare window. They can be pulled closed if that is your preference.
The next decision that you will have to make is where to buy them. You will find various types of wood, and in some instances the vinyl shutters are popular however they come with few color choices.
Since the interior plantation shutters will be on your windows indefinitely choose quality over price. A few more dollars will be worth it in the long run. There are also contractors who will help you choose the styles and colors you want, and they will even install them for you.
When you hire professionals just make sure they have references and don’t be afraid to check them out.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County Plantation Shutters, Los Angeles Plantation Shutters and San Diego Plantation Shutters.
orange county shutters, los angeles shutters, san diego shutters, orange county window treatments, plantation shutters los angeles
Orange County Home Improvement: Choosing The Right Contractor Isn't Always Easy
For many homeowners a remodeling project or an addition to their home is an exciting project. This is of course until they gets to the point in the planning process where they realize that they need a reputable and reliable contractor to assist them with whatever project they have in mind. While the Internet can certainly help homeowners find contractors, finding a good one isn't always easy.
It can be difficult to find a contractor who is both highly recommended and affordable simply because anybody calling themselves the contractor can set up a website or place their information online. The same goes for traditional or old-fashioned methods of looking for a contractor. The Yellow Pages will probably have a contractor listed that homeowners are looking for but the results are usually confined to a homeowner's local area and the contractor or contractors in such a book may be limited in number and quality of work. Homeowners can also look for help at material supply stores as well as hardware stores in their local area though speaking with just one or two people about a contractor may not yield enough information to determine whether or not they're worth hiring.
Regardless of which manner a homeowner chooses to use in searching for a contractor they should always remember to apply a number of things to the process, things that will help them weed out those contractors that aren't right for them and those contractors who don't appear to be on the up and up. In such a search things like instinct, common sense and education are the most powerful and useful tools an individual can use. Individuals looking for a contractor should of course speak with as many people as possible about a contractor they are interested in. These people can be friends, family members, business associates, and he even past clients of the contractor. The information gathered from all these sources juxtaposed with information found online can go a long way in determining whether a contractor is worth hiring or not.
Of course after information has been gathered and an individual has spoken to as many people as they possibly can about a contractor, they'll want to contact the contractor themselves and not only ask questions but give the contractor and overall idea of the project they have in mind. Doing so will allow a contractor to give an honest estimate of cost and time frame which in turn gives a homeowner a good idea of whether or not that contractor is going to be the one they ultimately higher.
The one other thing that homeowners looking for a building contractor can do is to gather information on that contractor's past projects and actually visit those locations to get an idea of style and quality of work. While this might not work well for homeowners interested in interior remodeling, it can work very well for homeowners interested in things like landscaping and exterior design. Whatever methods an individual chooses to use when looking for a good contractor they should stay sharp and be patient.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
It can be difficult to find a contractor who is both highly recommended and affordable simply because anybody calling themselves the contractor can set up a website or place their information online. The same goes for traditional or old-fashioned methods of looking for a contractor. The Yellow Pages will probably have a contractor listed that homeowners are looking for but the results are usually confined to a homeowner's local area and the contractor or contractors in such a book may be limited in number and quality of work. Homeowners can also look for help at material supply stores as well as hardware stores in their local area though speaking with just one or two people about a contractor may not yield enough information to determine whether or not they're worth hiring.
Regardless of which manner a homeowner chooses to use in searching for a contractor they should always remember to apply a number of things to the process, things that will help them weed out those contractors that aren't right for them and those contractors who don't appear to be on the up and up. In such a search things like instinct, common sense and education are the most powerful and useful tools an individual can use. Individuals looking for a contractor should of course speak with as many people as possible about a contractor they are interested in. These people can be friends, family members, business associates, and he even past clients of the contractor. The information gathered from all these sources juxtaposed with information found online can go a long way in determining whether a contractor is worth hiring or not.
Of course after information has been gathered and an individual has spoken to as many people as they possibly can about a contractor, they'll want to contact the contractor themselves and not only ask questions but give the contractor and overall idea of the project they have in mind. Doing so will allow a contractor to give an honest estimate of cost and time frame which in turn gives a homeowner a good idea of whether or not that contractor is going to be the one they ultimately higher.
The one other thing that homeowners looking for a building contractor can do is to gather information on that contractor's past projects and actually visit those locations to get an idea of style and quality of work. While this might not work well for homeowners interested in interior remodeling, it can work very well for homeowners interested in things like landscaping and exterior design. Whatever methods an individual chooses to use when looking for a good contractor they should stay sharp and be patient.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Stone Tile: What is Available
The types of stone tile are numerous and you may not have even heard of some of them. One problem with stone tile is that they are porous and regardless where you plan on using them, they will need to be sealed against staining.
Granite is one of the more popular ones. Granite is hard to beat as a countertop or desk top. It is shiny, pretty, but it may still stain and one needs to be careful with it. It is not suitable as a floor because the mirror finish causes it to be slippery.
Limestone is softer than granite and is more porous and it is a good option of stone tile. Many prefer to work with limestone because it is simply easier to handle.
You will find the stone tile Travertine that is used in wall and floor applications. Like the other stone tiles, you want top quality and stay away from the imports that don’t compare in quality. Travertine is brittle and it breaks easily so if you plan on using it, you should buy extra material. That will drive the cost up as well.
There are some problems with stone tile that you should consider before using it. The delicate colors can definitely be altered if you use improper cleaning chemicals. Sunlight can also affect the natural color and cause it to fade. Not every cleaner is right for every type stone tile, and before you install it find out the problems. Check with the manufacturer where you purchase the stone tile.
You must remember that stone tile is a natural material and it is absorbent and is normally very hard. You won’t be able to change the color or choose different patterns like man-made products. Like we said, harsh chemicals and even trying to clean it with a dirty solution, especially in bright sunlight can affect it. You may have to choose the exact stone tile and none of them are exactly alike. When you find one color make sure you can match it with another stone.
You may want to contact a professional to help in choosing just the stone tile you want. And remember they’ve taken the stone tile out of the ground and it will be different depending on the area that it came from. A professional will be able to instruct you in the care and maintenance of the product. You will want someone who knows the difference in the products, and we’ve listed only a few.
My Home Improvement Club specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County tile experts, San Diego tile experts, Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
Granite is one of the more popular ones. Granite is hard to beat as a countertop or desk top. It is shiny, pretty, but it may still stain and one needs to be careful with it. It is not suitable as a floor because the mirror finish causes it to be slippery.
Limestone is softer than granite and is more porous and it is a good option of stone tile. Many prefer to work with limestone because it is simply easier to handle.
You will find the stone tile Travertine that is used in wall and floor applications. Like the other stone tiles, you want top quality and stay away from the imports that don’t compare in quality. Travertine is brittle and it breaks easily so if you plan on using it, you should buy extra material. That will drive the cost up as well.
There are some problems with stone tile that you should consider before using it. The delicate colors can definitely be altered if you use improper cleaning chemicals. Sunlight can also affect the natural color and cause it to fade. Not every cleaner is right for every type stone tile, and before you install it find out the problems. Check with the manufacturer where you purchase the stone tile.
You must remember that stone tile is a natural material and it is absorbent and is normally very hard. You won’t be able to change the color or choose different patterns like man-made products. Like we said, harsh chemicals and even trying to clean it with a dirty solution, especially in bright sunlight can affect it. You may have to choose the exact stone tile and none of them are exactly alike. When you find one color make sure you can match it with another stone.
You may want to contact a professional to help in choosing just the stone tile you want. And remember they’ve taken the stone tile out of the ground and it will be different depending on the area that it came from. A professional will be able to instruct you in the care and maintenance of the product. You will want someone who knows the difference in the products, and we’ve listed only a few.
My Home Improvement Club specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County tile experts, San Diego tile experts, Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
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