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The 3 Most Important Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Designer or Architect

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Your goal is not to build a house, addition, or remodel. Your goal is to create a home that’s uniquely suited to you and your needs and desires. To do that, you need to find not just any designer, but YOUR designer.

We’re not all the same, although many people think that we are. We are all expected to be wonderfully talented people and to know how to design and document a project. But that alone won’t create your perfect home. What makes us different is how we do what we do and who we are.

Finding your designer is one of the most important aspects of getting the best out of your project and getting the home you ultimately want. So, how do you find YOUR designer or architect?

Here are the 3 most important questions to ask before hiring a designer or architect. Understanding how your designer works and what separates them from the rest will go a long way in building confidence in your project and in helping you decide who is the best fit for you.

working with an interior designer

Create A Home Professional Website

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You started a home services business? Great! Now it is time to showcase your business online and reach a new audience with a home professional website.

wordpress websitesWix

Wix features a drag-and-drop editor with a fair number of templates. It is a good cheap option if you know a bit about design layouts, sales funnels, and search engine optimization. They still require you to put a fair amount of effort, but it can be a great option if you have the time and know-how.

WordPress

WordPress boast thousands of plugins and themes that give you tons of functionality and design. The problem? You definitely need to have some website design experience. The tools are all there, but it’ll take some time and it might be worth hiring a professional developer.

Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Move

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Whether your move is local or across country, you’ll have a smoother move if you plan wisely. On the next few pages you’ll find some tips and tricks I’ve learned during the dozen or so moves I’ve made during my adult life.  

First Gather All Packing Supplies

All Packing Supplies
Click on picture to enlarge.

My suggestions are:

  1. Boxes (From small to protect little breakables to wardrobe for clothing.)
  2. Packing Tape
  3. Lined Paper Labels (printables at end)
  4. Multi-Colored Permanent Markers (I color code each room)
  5. Glue Sticks
  6. Clear Contact Paper (for protecting labels)
  7. Bubble Wrap
  8. Old Newspapers or Packing Peanuts
  9. Multi-Colored Pack of Construction Paper and Painters Tape

For things you know will stay in boxes for awhile after the move, such as out of season clothing, fabric and craft supplies, or seasonal decorations, it’s nice to have plastic lidded tubs. I like to buy these in the color chosen for the room they belong in to make for easily identifying them in the storage room. If you use all cardboard boxes then cut a piece of construction paper in the rooms color and attach to each side of the box. 

Hiring A Contractor To Change Your Pool Lining

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Having an inground pool in your backyard can be relaxing and fun for the entire family, especially when the temperatures sizzle like they have this season. However, pools come with their own maintenance issues. If you’re a new homeowner, be aware that some pool contractors are less than honest, especially when dealing with inexperienced pool owners. The local CBS news station in Philadelphia recently reported a case of a New Jersey man conned an area homeowner out of a $575 deposit she’d given him to have her pool liner changed. Like other types of contractors, not everyone who comes knocking on your door looking for your business is honest and dependable.

Choosing a Pool Contractor

There are several ways to all but assure yourself that a pool contractor—or any contractor—is legitimate.

  1. 1. Did he knock on your door? According to Consumer Reports, homeowners should be wary of the contractor who knocks on your door looking for business. Most successful, well-established contractors get most of their work from referrals. They don’t have to knock on doors.
  1. 2. Does he have a physical address? A contractor with an established business in the community is more likely to be reliable than someone who is only in town for the summer pool season.
  1. 3. Does she ask for a large deposit? Established pool firms generally require only a small deposit (to show that you’re serious), with the balance due when the job is completed. A contractor who says she needs money up front for supplies is someone who doesn’t have established lines of credit with pool suppliers and distributors.
  1. 4. Can he provide local references? A good contractor should be proud of his work and be able to provide you with references. If he can’t, be suspicious. In addition, ask your friends and co-workers who have pools to recommend a contractor. Getting a recommendation from someone you know and trust is the best way to find a reputable contractor.
  1. 5. Is she licensed, bonded, insured? While hiring a licensed contractor doesn’t absolutely ensure that you’ll be happy with the job, it does say that the person you’re hiring cares enough about her profession to go through the steps and training necessary to get a license.

Types of Roofs: Advantage and Cost Comparison

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There are many roofing systems available on the market, and consumers need to carefully choose the one that will best suit their needs. There are several factors to consider when choosing a roof, including its cost and lifespan. Consumers also need to know the benefits and disadvantages of each type of roof before they make their decision.

Asphalt Shingles

Pro and Cons: different types of roofing material

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing system in the country. These shingles are made of a fiberglass base that is then coated in ceramic granules, which make them hard and give them color. Asphalt shingle roofs are very durable, and they can withstand a great deal of severe weather. However, they may come loose in high winds. Asphalt shingle roofs can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, and they cost between $2.50 and $8.00 per square foot.

There are many colors and types of asphalt shingles, and some of them have been manufactured so that they are energy-efficient. Dark-colored asphalt absorbs the sun’s rays, making it very hot. According to National Geographic, it takes 40 percent more energy to cool a home with a black asphalt roof. Fortunately, new, lighter asphalt roofs are now available, and they are ENERGY STAR-qualified. Homeowners with ENERGY STAR-approved roofs may qualify for federal tax credits. In addition, a special reflective coating that’s made from polymers can reduce energy costs even more. According to the Green Building Alliance, this coating for asphalt shingles can reflect 70 to 80 percent of the sun’s heat.

Best Ways To Test Paint Colors

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Painting is one of the cheapest home improvement projects out there, but it still requires a lot of time if you do it yourself. A wrong choice in color could spell disaster. Will the color turn out as seen in your mind’s eye? To make sure you know the paint is going to be right for the room, use these 5 tips.

Paint Chips

paint chip wall 1Better start off the list with the most obvious of techniques: paint chips. These colored pieces of paper are free, easy, and effective. The best part is they are made by the manufacturer so you know the color shown is a great representation. However, there are several other factors to consider. Paint chips don’t reflect the finish of the paint or the texture of the wall. It is a small square so it makes it difficult to compare from a distance.

The best goal with paint chips is to determine your final 2-3 choices and buy a sampler of each. Samplers is only $5 and they will end up saving you money in the long run.