home repair Archives

5 Tips for Sticking to a Renovation Budget

Posted on March 10, 2023March 6, 2023 Lacey Spear

So you’ve bought the lake home with a stunning view, and now you’re ready to tailor the interior to fit your needs. Renovations are an excellent way to increase your home’s value and incorporate unique features. However, sometimes unexpected problems arise, but fear not—you can easily stick to your renovation budget with some strategic planning.

1. Conduct Extensive Research

Drawing of kitchen remodel — Photo Courtesy of The Family Handyman

Dazzling images of your dream kitchen and master bedroom swirl through your head. And you’ve scrolled through dozens of Pinterest boards to finalize whether you want quartz or marble countertops. However, not all materials are created equally, and it’s crucial to note price points before sketching out renovation plans. Plus, you must factor in the cost of labor.

As Dwell contributor Kate Reggev points out, the more you plan, the fewer changes you make later and the less money you spend. So, it’s important to detail every renovation you want to integrate—even the minuscule ones. As Imran Hamidi, principal at Laing + Simmons East Group, explains, extensive planning forces you to ponder which additions enhance the value of your home. If you research thoroughly, you can avoid needless spending and stick to your renovation budget.

2. Be Intentional During the Bidding Process

Contractor talking to couple in front of renovated house — Photo Courtesy of Freedom Mentor

When you are eager to move into your lake home, it can be tempting to rush the renovations. However, it’s essential to explore your options before coming to a decision, especially during the bidding process. When selecting a contractor, many renovation experts advise reviewing bids from at least three contractors to make an educated decision.

Although selecting the cheapest contractor may seem economical, you could save less than you expect. Quality matters and an inexpensive contractor might end up leaving tasks unfinished. Home Advisor recommends hiring a contractor with a good reputation, noting, “When it comes to home renovations, you have to spend money to save money.” Additionally, Family Handyman contributor Rachel Broughman suggests researching what others have paid for similar renovations. She proposes not selecting the most or least expensive contractor but finding the median between the two.

Additionally, consider hiring a contractor with fixed rates. As NAB (National Australian Bank) explains, “It could be worth the extra you pay to know exactly what you have to pay for upfront—and make it much easier to stick to your budget.” This way, you won’t have to scramble to readjust your budget later if unexpected issues arise.

3. Safeguard Against Potential Problems

Contractor showing plans to couple — Photo Courtesy of GOBankingRates

If you’ve watched HGTV long enough, you know renovation horror stories. Although many homeowners encounter minimal renovation issues, it’s paramount to safeguard against potential problems. Electrical or plumbing issues can lurk behind perfectly painted walls and go undetected until the demolition process. Most experts recommend setting aside 15-20% of the contractor’s renovation cost to confront these unexpected issues. This amount may sound like a hefty sum, but it guarantees these repairs won’t sink your budget. Plus, if you do not encounter any problems, you will have extra funds to invest in renovations you might have initially shelved.

4. DIY When You Can

Repurposed furniture before and after — Photo Courtesy of Amazing Interior Design

Unless you have extensive renovation experience, you should leave the plumbing to the professionals. However, there are some basic renovations anyone can accomplish. Most contractors will charge you for any extra work, so taking care of minor repairs in advance can help you stick to your renovation budget. For example, you can easily fill in holes in the wall or nail down loose floorboards. Furthermore, Chris Dossman, a real estate agent in Indianapolis, says that removing and discarding your old carpet can significantly cut labor costs on the installer’s bill. Then, when the contractor comes in, they can focus on major repairs.

You can take on design-oriented projects like painting rooms or repurposing furniture. With countless DIY videos on the internet, you can spruce up your home and avoid an expensive trip to the furniture store. Lake Homes Lifestyles also has helpful DIY tips to get you started.

5. Know When to Splurge and When to Save

Sleek modern kitchen — Photo Courtesy of Detroit News

Splurging does not equal excess when you’re increasing your home’s value. Reggev pinpoints windows, appliances, and doors as a few key examples of where you can splurge and gain revenue in the long run. To decide when to splurge, Hamidi recommends splitting your budget into needs and wants, with essential items falling under the needs category. The needs—such as adding an extra bedroom or bathroom—will increase your lake home’s value if you decide to sell it. On the other hand, an outdoor waterfall might be a unique feature, but it isn’t guaranteed to enhance your home’s marketability. Therefore, it would be better to cut that expense than the extra bathroom—and having your renovations categorized simplifies this decision.

According to Zillow, you should spend no more on each room than the value of that room as a percentage of your overall house value. For example, a kitchen generally accounts for up to 15 percent of a home’s value. So if your lake house is worth $500,000, you wouldn’t want to spend more than $75,000 on the kitchen. Also, consider undertaking several renovations simultaneously. For instance, if you decide to replace your home’s flooring, it would be better to install the new flooring throughout the entire house. It is easier for laborers to accomplish all of this at once, saving you more money in the future.

There’s nothing like enjoying a breathtaking lake view in a home perfectly tailored to your taste. With these five tips in mind, you have the necessary tools to stick to your renovation budget and turn your lake house into your dream home.

How to Detect and Repair Foundation Problems at Your Lake House

Posted on August 23, 2020August 20, 2020 Camille Smith

Owning a lake home has countless perks — a peaceful family retreat, access to nature, etc. However, being a homeowner also comes with the less glamorous territory, which includes repairing foundation problems. Although this responsibility can be a headache, homeowners can benefit from developing competency in this prevalent issue. According to 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, 25% of all U.S. homes will undergo some structural distress. Further, while winter presents concerns, summer is when foundation settling is most noticeable.

Although foundation issues are similar for both traditional and lake homes, lake homeowners must be extra cautious due to the surrounding body of water. Especially in the case of a house that isn’t properly elevated, the home is at greater risk for foundation damage. To answer lake homeowners’ key questions about this important topic, we connected with Chuck Naish, founder of City Residential Foundation Repair. With his advice, we’re here to help you keep your investment on solid ground.

What Causes Foundation Problems?

Photo courtesy of Foundation Repair of CA.

Upon noticing a crack in the wall, many homeowners blame the original builder. However, most foundation problems are a result of active soil rather than human error. The damage is often due to either an excess or a shortage of water. Either can cause the soil beneath the home to shift over time. This movement disrupts the home’s foundation. Soil movement causes more property damage in the U.S. than natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined. Active soil has several causes. First, a surplus of rain is common at the end of winter and spring, resulting in extra water in the soil and more leaks. This damage increases if your lake house is below a hill, which directs rainwater back towards the home. Chuck Naish adds that certain structural issues can exacerbate these leakages. For example, a cracked or broken gutter system causes improper drainage. Additionally, air pockets called “honeycombs” create cavities where water can easily enter and cause problems. Chuck comments, “These leaks can wreak havoc on the structure of your lake house, which could result in the need for costly repairs.”

How to Identify Foundation Problems

Photo courtesy of Atlas Foundation Co., Inc.

Many homeowners downplay cracks in the wall, dismissing the issue as “not a big deal.” However, they can be cause for concern. Chuck specifies, “If a dime can fit into the crack, it could potentially lead to significant basement leaks.” He adds that it’s most crucial to conduct a thorough inspection before and after the winter and during the high-tide season when homes are most vulnerable to cracks. They can happen anywhere along the home’s foundation and can be of any size. However, horizontal cracks are more severe than vertical because they indicate increased pressure on the house. Besides cracks, other problematic clues include pooling water around the home’s exterior, mold growth, musty odors, and buckling floors. Since mold thrives in moist spaces, its presence points to leaks in the foundation.

Further, if you notice gaps under your window or have difficulty closing doors, it could mean trouble. To check if your foundation is shifting, set a tennis ball on the floor, and see if it rolls. If so, the floor is uneven.

How Do I Repair My Foundation?

If you’ve noticed foundation issues at your lake house, the next step is addressing them. For filling cracks in the wall, Chuck says that it’s integral to use the right material, which varies depending on the crack’s nature. “After that,” he comments, “it’s all about reinforcing the walls’ strength and integrity. That means filling the cracks, smoothening them out, and then sealing the material to further prevent water from entering and damaging the area.” For long term prevention of water damage, install a sump pump. Chuck explains, “Any water that poses a risk to your foundation will be collected in the sump basin and then directed away from your home.” This tool prevents and reduces flood damage. To correct existing damage that’s resulted in uneven surfaces, consider foam jacking. A modern alternative to “mudjacking”, foam jacking involves inserting a high-density expanding foam beneath the damaged surface. Then, the foam expands and lifts the foundation. This intense foam can lift thousands of pounds of concrete without infecting the soil with chemicals. Whether you’re repairing a wall, preventing future damage, or fixing existing damage, there’s a solution for you.

As lake homeowners, we love the water — just not when it’s in our home! If you’ve noticed signs of leakage and other foundation issues, no need to stress. Local foundation repair experts like Chuck are here to help, so reach out to them about potential solutions. Ultimately, the goal is to keep your lake house on solid ground so you can keep enjoying your investment.

The Hidden Costs of Keeping A Lake Home: Tips for First-time Buyers

Posted on May 26, 2017November 26, 2019 Staff

Lake house cabin waterfront lakefront home

Before purchasing your dream house, you may have looked into the hidden costs of buying a lake home.

Now that you’re moved in, you might be wondering what it’s going to cost to keep the place in tip-top shape.

You will run into several smaller, and occasionally larger, costs when maintaining your lake home. These add up, and the bottom line can catch many first-time homebuyers by surprise.

Here are some of the most common hidden costs of keeping a lake home.

Home Repairs

Lake homes are often located on gorgeous plots of land, with stunning views of the water and the natural surroundings.

Because of this, lake homes often absorb far more damage from the elements. The wind and rain, the lake itself, even the trees around your property can contribute to these hidden costs.

On average, lake homes require more frequent repairs and maintenance. Common repairs and their causes:

Damage due to wind and storms
Roof or structural damage due to falling tree limbs
Foundation issues due to fluctuating water tables
Siding replacement due to wind damage
Mildew due to high moisture content in the air
Damage due to wildfires (most common in western states)
Flood damage

The Great Outdoors

*Photo courtesy of* *Walton Architecture & Engineering*.

Remember that you are responsible for the entire property you own, not just the house itself! Lawn upkeep, landscaping, tree trimming, and other costs can be a hefty responsibility.

For homes with forests or large trees nearby, tree trimming is a must.

Limbs overhanging your property or power lines could do serious damage. Spending a few hundred dollars to have a professional remove any overhanging limbs can save you tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

Don’t forget the shoreline.

If you own a waterfront property, you may be responsible for the seawall. This structure protects your property line from erosion. Repair estimates vary, but installation can cost more than $100 per linear foot.

If this is not your primary residence, you will need to hire someone to mow the lawn regularly. Your neighbors won’t appreciate having an overgrown field next door!

Many lake properties are also located on hills or steep inclines, too. Don’t assume that your push mower will always do the job.

Home Improvements

Once you have bought your lake home, chances are you want to customize it. Plans to improve the property are often made before it’s even been selected.

If you have your heart set on any of these improvements in the first few years, be sure to calculate that into your long-term budget.

Many first-time lake home buyers neglect to include these in their budget when shopping for a lake home, even if they fully intend to install them.

Deck
Hot tub
Barbecue grill
Swimming pool
Garden
Guesthouse
Firepit
Energy-efficient windows/lighting

Be sure that any improvements are permitted by local laws and regulations, too. Many lakes require special construction permits. Also, be sure to look into how to find the right contractor for the job, if you won’t be the one completing the projects.

Docks

*Photo courtesy of* *Shiflet Group Architects*.

The average wooden boat dock lasts roughly 20-25 years.

Repairs may only cost a few hundred dollars, but replacement can cost several thousand. Factors such as climate, size, and water depth factor into this cost.

If you plan on owning your lake home long-term and have a dock, chances are it will need to be replaced eventually.

This process will accelerate if your lake freezes over in the winter, too. Freezing and thawing over several years will inevitably deteriorate any material.

Two of Everything

For people who have a lake home as their secondary residence, there is what we like to call the “two of everything” cost. For everything you keep at home, you will need at least one more set for your lake home.

Buyers rarely budget for this, but it adds up incredibly fast. Don’t fall into the trap of assuming that you’ll just ferry everything from your primary residence to the lake home every time, either.

Furniture
Appliances
Cookware and dinnerware
Sheets, linens, and towels
Decorations
Tools
Toiletries
Cleaning supplies
Children’s toys

This is also true for utilities.

Remember, owning a second home means having two power bills, two telephone bills, two water bills, etc. These can often rival a car (or mortgage) payment if you aren’t careful! Be sure to budget for this.

Many experts highly recommend a security system for any secondary residence. Houses that are not lived in full-time are especially vulnerable to break-ins.

Even if you visit every weekend, having a security system in place can give you great peace of mind.

Having a security system can give you real peace of mind, if you go weeks, or even months, without visiting your lake home.

Guests

Guests can be the most noticeable, if not the biggest, cost of owning a lake home! This can include your extended family, your neighbors, friends, coworkers… anyone you invite over to enjoy your beautiful new lake home!

Lake homes can serve as the perfect getaway for you and your loved ones.

The hidden costs of playing host can add up quickly, though. Especially for a large lake house.

For large gatherings, don’t be afraid to ask guests to chip in food, beverages or other supplies. This can help offset what would otherwise be a huge cost.

It is difficult to estimate many of these costs in advance. Still, if you spend a little time on them, they can give you a much better idea of your budget.

You will be much better prepared to not just buy your lake home, but to enjoy it for years to come.

For more advice on purchasing a lake home, read “Hidden Costs of Buying A Lake Home: Tips for First-time Buyers“.

How To Replace a Ceiling Fan

Posted on May 15, 2017December 4, 2017 Staff

As the weather warms up, many of us will be reaching up to turn on your ceiling fan.

These are good for dispersing cool air throughout a house, adding air flow to a room and more, but contrary to common perception, ceiling fans don’t actually make a room cooler.

A thermostat under a fan going full blast will read the same temperature after the fan is turned off.

However, the wind chill effect can make a room feel as much as seven or eight degrees cooler.

Ceiling fans use a fraction of the energy an HVAC system uses, as well.

Ceiling fans can actually help warm rooms in the winter, too. Most ceiling fans have a directional switch on the fan housing.

If you reverse a fan’s rotation and run it at low speed, it will gently draw warm air upwards from floor-based heat registers. Just be sure to flip the switch and reverse direction again once the weather warms up!

Installing a fan can be very easy, but only if you follow the directions included with your new fan kit and keep a few safety tips in mind.

Light or no light?

This is a very important factor to keep in mind when shopping for, and installing, your new ceiling fan. There are four possibilities here.

Please note that these are general guidelines – always follow the installation instructions on your new fan package.

If your old ceiling fan has a light fixture attached, but your new fan does not: during the attachment process, simply cover the light wires and tuck them back in the housing.

On the other hand, if the old ceiling fan has a light fixture, and your new fan does: connect the old light wires to the new light kit, and secure it to the housing with screws.

If your old ceiling fan does not have a light, and your new fan does not: you don’t have anything to worry about!

If it does not have a light, and your new ceiling fan does: check the assembly and housing of your old fan as you remove it. Often, there is already clearly labeled wiring for lighting in the fixture, even if it is not used.

This may be wound together with the fan wiring.

If there is not wiring clearly labeled for a lighting kit, you will need to ask someone with experience for help, or hire an electrician.

Turn the Power Off

This means more than turning off the switch. You will need to cut the power off to the entire appliance.

Turn off the circuit breaker or fuse panel, depending on what your home has. It is only safe to remove the light fixture once you have done this.

You can test to see if the electricity has been cut off by turning the wall switches on and off, or even using a circuit tester on the light fixture.

You can then remove the light fixture and disconnect the fan’s wiring.

Remove the old fan

If the fan has a light, remove the light shade and light bulb(s). Remove the fan blades by removing the screws holding them in place.

If there is a light fixture on your old fan, remove the housing by removing the screws holding it in place.

Disconnect all of the old wires as you remove the housing, and remove the mounting bracket.

Remove the ceiling fan mounting bracket by removing the screws holding it in place.

Add the new fan

Screw in the new mounting bracket according to the directions on the package.

Connect the new wires, making sure the metal wires are in solid contact. Secure them with twist-on wire connectors, also known as “wire nuts.”

These small plastic caps twist electrical wires together, while protecting your fingers from the electricity while handling them.

Attach the central rod or canopy of the fan to the mounting bracket. This is the part of the fan that actually rotates.

Attach the fan blades to the mounting brackets with the screws included with the fan.

If there is a light on your new fan, connect the light kit and secure it with screws. Attach the light fixture as the instructions dictate.

Attach the included pull chains, if applicable.

Turn the circuit breaker or fuse back on, then turn on your new ceiling fan!

Outdoor Renovations? Think Budget and Scope

Posted on February 2, 2017December 4, 2017 Nerdwallet (LHR Content Provider)

wooden trellis-like stairs — Stairs are a common renovation project.

Many homeowners view their outdoor spaces as their own personal oases, places where they can relax, dine and spend time with their friends and loved ones.

In light of this, it makes sense that homeowners consider investing in major features that will transform their outdoor areas into additional living spaces.

Like any home-renovation project, however, outdoor renovations can easily get out of control if you don’t have a good handle on how much things will cost, what your goals are and whether you’re doing the work yourself or need professional help.

Before you dive into an outdoor improvement, take these key considerations into account to help you stay on budget and ensure that your project is successful.

Match plan to budget

One of the key factors in the success of any outdoor project is determining a realistic budget long before you put shovel to topsoil.

Only once you’ve decided what you’re comfortable spending can you define the scope of your project.

The 2016 Houzz Landscaping & Garden Trends Study, conducted among registered users of the residential remodeling website, found that 88 percent of respondents had done or planned to do substantial renovations or complete overhauls, while only 12 percent had done or planned to do minor updates.

Knowing the scope of your plans in the beginning will help you get a basic sense of what the project will cost you.

In the Houzz study, nine out of 10 homeowners working on minor updates spent or planned to spend less than $5,000, but substantial updates called for bigger budgets — more than two in five homeowners working on a complete overhaul spent or planned to spend $20,000 or more.

Having a general understanding of the projects that are most popular among outdoor renovators can also be helpful as you develop your budget and scope.

Across all outdoor projects reported in the study, many homeowners were updating outdoor systems such as irrigation and lighting (82 percent), beds and borders (80 percent) and structural elements such as patios, terraces and gazebos (72 percent).

The costs of these projects vary significantly based on a number of factors, such as project nature, scope and professional involvement.

For example, while most standard outdoor systems such as irrigation or lighting in medium to small yards can be upgraded for less than $2,000, updates to beds and borders can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

Renovation of outdoor structures is typically quite expensive and can easily start at a few thousand dollars and go up based on the type of structure and the extent of upgrades.

Pick your priorities

The next key factor to consider: What are you trying to accomplish with your renovation?

If outdoor living is top of your mind, you might concentrate on adding outdoor furniture, a fire pit or cooking features to enhance comfort.

If a low-maintenance space is a top priority, you might focus on adding plants that require little care and are resistant to cold, drought and wildlife.

When it comes to design, outdoor renovators most valued one that complements the style of their home (46 percent), promotes outdoor living (45 percent) and is stylish and beautiful (43 percent).

In terms of function, a space that’s easy to maintain ranked highest for homeowners (80 percent), followed by an area suitable for group gatherings and entertainment (49 percent).

Beyond creating an outdoor space that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to spend time in, many homeowners tackled specific challenges during their projects. Top issues included drainage troubles, lack of privacy and drought or water shortages.

Identifying your outdoor pet peeves or pressing concerns should make it easier to set project scope and budget. This will help you avoid project-scope creep.

Hiring a professional

More than half of outdoor upgraders in the Houzz study hired a landscape contractor or landscape architect/designer (52 percent) to help them bring their vision to life — and for good reason.

Landscaping professionals can open your eyes to a wide variety of options for your space that you might not be aware of, provide guidance for staying on schedule and budget, and tackle projects for which specialized skills are particularly beneficial.

Certain projects also require the hiring of licensed professionals to comply with local regulations.

Once you determine your budget, scope and top priorities, consider meeting with a professional for an initial consultation to discuss what you have in mind for your project.

Finding the right landscape contractor or landscape architect can make an entire project come alive. You may be surprised at how reasonable the professionals’ fees are compared with their contributions to the project and the quality of the final outcome.

An outdoor makeover can make an enormous difference in how you and your family enjoy your time at home.

In fact, after the completion of their outdoor project, 75 percent of homeowners reported resting and relaxing more often in their yards, 64 percent did more gardening and 55 percent entertained more frequently in their outdoor areas.

Keeping these tips in mind will help ensure that you not only complete your project without damaging your finances but also achieve an ideal outdoor space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

Nino Sitchinava is principal economist at Houzz, a residential remodeling and design platform and community.

This article originally appeared on NerdWallet.

NerdWallet is a Lake Homes Realty / LakeHomes.com content partner providing real estate news and commentary. Its content is produced independently of Lake Homes Realty and LakeHomes.com.

Repairing a Hole in Drywall

Posted on January 6, 2017December 4, 2017 Staff

Holes in drywall can be repaired fairly easily, with a minimal amount of equipment and work. Most homeowners can accomplish this with just a few tools.

Drywall is also referred to as plasterboard, wallboard or sheetrock.

Follow these steps in order to repair and conceal drywall holes of all different sizes.

Repairing a Large Hole: 4 to 6 Inches

You can get ready-made patches for drywall. These are available in different home supply centers and hardware stores.

Most offer a “peel-and-stick” type and most patches also have metal backing for additional strength.

If the hole was caused by door knob or other high-speed object, a patch can certainly hide it. However, it may not be strong enough to hold up if there is another impact. If that is the case, then you will need to get a new piece of drywall.

To install a drywall patch, follow these steps.

First, clean the edges around the hole. Trim away any loose or frayed pieces using a utility knife.
Shape or cut the patch carefully in order to fit your hole. Be sure to leave a border of extra backing around the patch in order to attach it to the wall that surrounds the hole.
Clean and then dry the hole, to allow for maximum adhesion. If there are any greasy areas, you can clean them with some tri-sodium phosphate, found in the paint section of a hardware store. You can also just use soapy, warm water. Get the drywall damp enough to clean, but not soaking wet.
Apply the patch to the wall, and smooth out the taped edges with a putty knife.
Use a wide blade putty tool in order to spread a very thin layer of compound over the area.
After it is dry, gently sand the patch to blend it into the wall and repaint.

Repairing Medium-sized Holes: 2 to 4 inches

If the hole is small, you may not need to use a patch. Instead, you can just use some joint compound, also found at a hardware store.

To apply:

Clean up the area using a utility knife, and then trim away or press back any loose bits that are hanging down.
Wet the repair area using a spray bottle. This will help the compound stick to the wall. This step can be skipped if you are using a non-water-based compound.
Once your wall is clean and just a bit damp, apply a good amount of the compound onto a putty knife. Using a wider putty knife will produce a smoother result. Fill the hole and make sure there aren’t any gaps. It’s fine it it sticks out a little – that’s what the next step is for.
Smooth out the compound using a putty knife. Hold the blade at roughly a 30 degree angle from the drywall, and pull it towards you in just one steady motion.
Sand gently afterward, and repaint the section of wall if necessary.

Repairing Small Holes: Less than 2 inches

Smaller holes are very easy to repair, and can be unnoticeable if done correctly. You can use either non-shrink drywall compound or spackle.

Clean up the area that needs to be repaired. Trim away the edges.
Wet the area very lightly.
Using a liberal quantity of the compound or spackle and a putty knife, cover the small hole and fill it in.
Ensure that you smooth out the edges to blend it to the wall.
Sand it down and paint over as needed.

Home Gutter Maintenance

Posted on July 11, 2016November 29, 2017 Staff

Cleaning rain gutters is not normally at the top of a homeowner’s to do list, but it should be.

Gutters clogged with leaves and other debris can overfill and crack. When damage like this is sustained, rain water spills in undesirable places causing unforeseen damage.

A single leak in the gutters can result in foundation cracking, mold and mildew growth, flooding in basements and crawl spaces, soil erosion under a home’s foundation and more.

Structural damage to homes can be costly to fix; while, mold and mildew can even increase the risk of respiratory illnesses and home deterioration.

Properly maintained gutters and downspouts are an important part of household maintenance that help to prevent costly renovations.

Install Some Downspout Extensions and Schedule Regular Maintenance

The first step in protecting your home from water damage is to schedule regular maintenance on gutters, downspouts and extensions.

At least twice a year, all areas need to be checked for clogs, leaks, holes, rust and any fungal growth. Any of the aforementioned issues in your gutter system need to be fixed as soon as they are discovered.

If your home does not already have them, installing downspout extensions will allow you to redirect rain water away from your home, landscaping and areas prone to erosion.

Water can be redirected up to 50 feet away from your property.

Think About Installing Gutter Guards

One way to cut down on clogs inside your gutters is to install gutter guards. These guards can be mesh, grated metal or thin metal sheets.

Installed over the open tops of the gutters, they keep leaves and other debris from clogging up the drainage system.

If you install gutter guards be sure they are easy to remove for occasional, but necessary, cleaning.

Seal All Leaks Using Gutter Seal

If a portion of the gutter is leaking, it is not necessary to replace the entire system. There are products available to seal such leaks and help to avoid potentially expensive repairs.

Products used for this purpose can be found at most hardware stores.

Take note that it will be necessary to completely clean the gutter system and allow it to dry prior to applying the product. Most include strips of plastic and adhesive to repair torn areas.

Inspect and Re-position the Splash Blocks Frequently

Splash blocks are plastic, ceramic or concrete ramps that are seen in many yards under the downspouts.

Occasionally these are pushed out of position by the water coming down from the gutters. When this happens, rain water could potentially flow under the foundation and into crawl spaces of your home.

Heavier splash guards are more stable. Decorative blocks are also available for homes. Click here to search your favorite on Amazon.

Gutter Cleaning Reminders

Always remember to keep on top of your gutter maintenance to protect your home from damage by setting quarterly reminders.

If you do not have the capability to do the maintenance yourself, there are professionals that you can hire to do the maintenance for you.

Tips for Hiring the Right Contractor

Posted on March 17, 2016December 13, 2017 Staff

So you’ve decided that you are immune to the DIY madness sweeping the nation, and you’re ready to hire a contractor to finish your home improvement project or major renovation.

What ever level of work you require, there are different contractors and professionals you need to consult with before hiring one.

Here are a few ideas on what to look for as you get ready to pay the pro to get your project finished.

Highly Recommended

Do you know a friend, relative or coworker that has had a similar project done?

Ask him or her who they used, if they’d recommend them, and how much the contractor or company cost.

Personal recommendations can always be trusted more so than online reviews.

If it sounds like a good fit, reach out to them. Being referred by a past client can also get you a discount, or a kickback for the person who referred you.

Google It

If you’re starting from scratch, a safe place to start is always Google.

You can search by project type, like “plumbers” or “basement finishing” or “landscaping” in your zip code, and search that way.

You can also use online directories, like Angie’s List or the White Pages to look up local businesses that specialize in what you want to do.

Also, make sure to look up the company on the Better Business Bureau’s website, to ensure no claims have been made against them.

Budget Review

When you find a person you’d think would be a good fit, schedule a time for them to come and give you an estimate or get a feel for your project.

This will be a good time to meet the person and make sure you’re comfortable with them.

Before you meet him or her, have a tough budget in mind.

Don’t be wishy-washy and say, “Well how much do you think it will cost,” or “We were hoping to stay around $x.” Be firm, and know exactly what you’re willing to pay.

Do your research though, and don’t lowball or be cheap. Just come in with a fair offer, and if you can’t come to an agreement, it’s time to talk to a new contractor.

Hire Happy

If you find a contractor you really like and who gave you a reasonable estimate, do not hire them on the spot.

Continue to interview a few other candidates, and get a well-rounded view of the options out there.

It’s perfectly fine to accept the first offer and work with that contractor, but it’s not always a good thing to leap at the first opportunity.

If contractors know there is competition, they will put their best foot (and offer) forward.

Do Your Homework

If you decide to hire a contractor, make sure you understand everything: the time until completion, the exact work provided, the warranties or exemptions, when pay is expected, etc.

Sign a contract, even if it’s just a rough mockup that says, “Work will be completed by X Company by X date for X dollars.”

If the contractor is truly professional, they will already have a contract or agreement in their paperwork.

Hiring someone to do work on your home is a big step, and it can often be intimidating if you’ve heard a lot of horror stories.

In the end, if you do your homework and are willing to pay a true professional, the work will be done with minimal headache.

How to Finish Renovation Projects On Time

Posted on July 18, 2015January 10, 2018 Glenn S. Phillips

Finishing renovation projects can be quite a hassle, especially when the project is going over the scheduled time you have allocated for it.

Remember when you got the bright idea to do the renovation and you were excited? Once the project begins, it turns into a whole other game.

Here are ways to ensure that the project finishes on time:

Schedule Inspections

Before you move ahead with any project, schedule any type of inspection that could reveal future problems. For instance, have your home checked for termites and asbestosis.

If you tear down a wall and run into either of those, you’re going to have much bigger problems on your hands than finishing on time.

Extra Materials

Making sure that you have enough materials for the job is crucial to the completion of the project.

One time-saving tip is to buy more than you need. This is to ensure that if an accident happens where a piece of the material breaks or is rendered useless, you will not waste time making trips to the hardware store.

Keep this extra materials in a secure place where they won’t be damaged. In some cases, you may be able to return anything that goes unused to the hardware store for a refund, just make sure to hold on to your receipt!

Scheduling

This will come as common sense to most, but make sure to schedule workers in a logical order.

For instance, it will be a waste of everyone’s time if the drywall laborers show up before the electrician has had a chance to do his job.

Hire the Right Contractor…

One way to avoid many DIY mistakes is to simply hire a contractor. If you take this route, make sure you do your research, and find an experienced contractor.

You can also ask for a portfolio of previous work and references from prospective hires.

Call these past clients, and ask questions such as: “Was he and his employees professional, on time, and on budget?” “Were you happy with your overall experience and would you use this contractor again?”

…But Don’t Be Afraid to Fire the Contractor

If you find that the contractor is not holding up to their end of the deal, do not be afraid to fire them.

You can find a different contractor to pick up where they left off, but again you will need to perform your due diligence before hiring.

If you find that you have to let the contractor go, then meet with another contractor and explain your situation. They will usually give you a free estimate and consultation on what it will take to complete the project.