In Chicago Tribune's latest home remodeling article, "Nine home renovation projects that make sense for 2009", a recent survey of Chicago remodeling professionals reveals some of the home improvement trends to look for in 2009. The largest trend of the year: Small projects will dominate the remodeling scene, while big additions will scale back.
1) Siding replacement and window replacement
2) Energy efficiency and all things green
3) Deck additions
4) Cosmetics
5) The pizazz factor
6) Kitchen remodel
7) Bathroom remodel
8) Teaching old rooms new tricks
9) Electric radiant heat
Showing posts with label green home remodeling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label green home remodeling. Show all posts
Monday, December 29, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Give us your Dusty Dirty Home Remodeling Pictures - and get a FREE $10 Amazon Gift Card!
Many of us have been through remodeling projects - a bathroom, kitchen, or an entire floor or home. HomeSavvi wants your story - and your pictures! We want your dusty, dirty demolition and remodeling photos - and we'll give you $10 for them. An early holiday gift from HomeSavvi!
Don't forget to share this opportunity with a friend!
Don't forget to share this opportunity with a friend!
Friday, December 5, 2008
How to Work with a Contractor
Top 13 Recommended Tips on Working with a Contractor
1) Be sure to carefully review drawings with your contractor and make decisions on materials together and put them in writing.
2) Once you choose your contractor, you and the contractor should make a written contract that consists of both of your names, addresses and details of all the work to be performed along with the materials used and agreed payments and dates.
3) If you have doubts after you've signed the contract with your contractor, remember that contracts signed in your home with your contractor or his agent can likely be canceled by you within three working days. Discuss this with your contractor.
4) Make sure that all materials are specified by brand, model, color, quantity, size, etc.
5) Start dates and completion dates should be noted. Allowances should be specified for uncontrollable delays.
6) No work should occur until you have approved the plans.
7) Check for a procedure on handling changes once a project has begun.
8) Ask your contractor for a timeline of what happens when, the order of steps, and the length of each step. This will help you and your contractor set expectations.
9) Be sure to clearly articulate your vision for the project to the contractor, along with your budget.
10) Don't be afraid to ask your contractor questions and show your interest in the project, but try to avoid micro-managing.
11) Some states require contractor workmanship warranties. They must be noted as either FULL or LIMITED. Be sure you discuss and understand all workmanship warranty details before accepting a contract.
12) The contractor is responsible for calling inspections - but it's up to you to make sure they actually happen.
13) Ask your contractor what you can expect in terms of disruption of your daily life and how long it would be.
For additional advice on how to work with a contractor, read Tips for Remodeling Your Home.
1) Be sure to carefully review drawings with your contractor and make decisions on materials together and put them in writing.
2) Once you choose your contractor, you and the contractor should make a written contract that consists of both of your names, addresses and details of all the work to be performed along with the materials used and agreed payments and dates.
3) If you have doubts after you've signed the contract with your contractor, remember that contracts signed in your home with your contractor or his agent can likely be canceled by you within three working days. Discuss this with your contractor.
4) Make sure that all materials are specified by brand, model, color, quantity, size, etc.
5) Start dates and completion dates should be noted. Allowances should be specified for uncontrollable delays.
6) No work should occur until you have approved the plans.
7) Check for a procedure on handling changes once a project has begun.
8) Ask your contractor for a timeline of what happens when, the order of steps, and the length of each step. This will help you and your contractor set expectations.
9) Be sure to clearly articulate your vision for the project to the contractor, along with your budget.
10) Don't be afraid to ask your contractor questions and show your interest in the project, but try to avoid micro-managing.
11) Some states require contractor workmanship warranties. They must be noted as either FULL or LIMITED. Be sure you discuss and understand all workmanship warranty details before accepting a contract.
12) The contractor is responsible for calling inspections - but it's up to you to make sure they actually happen.
13) Ask your contractor what you can expect in terms of disruption of your daily life and how long it would be.
For additional advice on how to work with a contractor, read Tips for Remodeling Your Home.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Home Remodeling Etiquette Tips
So you’ve decided to remodel? Exciting for you, but how do your neighbors feel about it? Homeowners need to remember that neighbors may not feel quite as thrilled with the project as they are. Find out how you can make peace with your neighbors during your remodel.
Remember: While remodeling, be a good neighbor
1) Take a moment to inform the neighborhood of their plans, length of construction time and who will be doing the remodeling job.
2) Let neighbors know well in advance about your remodeling plans and keep them apprised of progress, detail by detail.
3) Tell neighbors when work will begin, the approximate completion date, what work will be done and whether workers might have to come onto their property.
4) Make sure noisy power tools are only used during standard business hours. Reasonable hours are weekdays from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
5) Inform your neighbors of any large trucks entering the neighborhood and ask subcontractors to park on one side of the street only.
6) Try your best to have materials dropped off in your driveway or yard rather than the street, and keep your yard as tidy as possible.
7) Watch for debris that might find its way onto your neighbors' yards, especially if a roofing project is involved.
7) Remove dumpsters as quickly as possible. If you have room left in your last dumpster, invite neighbors to dump anything they might have lurking in their garage that needs tossing.
Read more about Remodeling Etiquette.
Remember: While remodeling, be a good neighbor
1) Take a moment to inform the neighborhood of their plans, length of construction time and who will be doing the remodeling job.
2) Let neighbors know well in advance about your remodeling plans and keep them apprised of progress, detail by detail.
3) Tell neighbors when work will begin, the approximate completion date, what work will be done and whether workers might have to come onto their property.
4) Make sure noisy power tools are only used during standard business hours. Reasonable hours are weekdays from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
5) Inform your neighbors of any large trucks entering the neighborhood and ask subcontractors to park on one side of the street only.
6) Try your best to have materials dropped off in your driveway or yard rather than the street, and keep your yard as tidy as possible.
7) Watch for debris that might find its way onto your neighbors' yards, especially if a roofing project is involved.
7) Remove dumpsters as quickly as possible. If you have room left in your last dumpster, invite neighbors to dump anything they might have lurking in their garage that needs tossing.
Read more about Remodeling Etiquette.
Monday, November 17, 2008
It's Easy Being Green - Green Remodeling Tips
So you’re sold on building or remodeling “green,” but you don’t know where to start? If you’re thinking of just upgrading a few appliances or swapping out your old light bulbs for more energy-efficient brands, simply shop for models with high Energy Star ratings. Your local appliance stores should be able to steer you toward energy-efficient products, but for a guide to stores that carry Energy Star appliances, look to www.energystar.gov/ for the latest listings.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, however, and a complete green overhaul on a room or rooms is in your future, look no further than Built Green. Built Green, the environmentally-friendly, nonprofit, residential building program of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, can help pave the way with easy-to-understand rating systems, which quantify environmentally-friendly building and remodeling practices. Built Green can help you find a contractor or remodeler who will utilize green practices throughout your home for a healthier, more energy-efficient living environment.
Typically comprising 10 to 25 percent of the exterior wall area of new homes, research shows that heat gain and loss through windows accounts for up to 50 percent of a home's heating and cooling needs. High-performance windows reduce utility bills by keeping heat loss to a minimum, reduce fading of curtains, furniture, and flooring by blocking harmful UV rays, and can even make your house quieter by insulating your home from outside noise.
Energy-efficient appliances such as clothes and dishwashers use between 10 and 50 percent less energy than their standard counterparts, and can be a great investment that leads to lower electricity and water bills.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, however, and a complete green overhaul on a room or rooms is in your future, look no further than Built Green. Built Green, the environmentally-friendly, nonprofit, residential building program of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, can help pave the way with easy-to-understand rating systems, which quantify environmentally-friendly building and remodeling practices. Built Green can help you find a contractor or remodeler who will utilize green practices throughout your home for a healthier, more energy-efficient living environment.
Typically comprising 10 to 25 percent of the exterior wall area of new homes, research shows that heat gain and loss through windows accounts for up to 50 percent of a home's heating and cooling needs. High-performance windows reduce utility bills by keeping heat loss to a minimum, reduce fading of curtains, furniture, and flooring by blocking harmful UV rays, and can even make your house quieter by insulating your home from outside noise.
Energy-efficient appliances such as clothes and dishwashers use between 10 and 50 percent less energy than their standard counterparts, and can be a great investment that leads to lower electricity and water bills.
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