Service Professionals: Tips and Articles

Tips by Shopping 101

Tips and articles about dealing with service professionals, of interest to home owners.

Hiring Roofers: Points to Consider

Roofing is a factor of home maintenance that is often overlooked. The roof is the first line of defense our homes have against the elements but it is often neglected when we consider the repairs on our houses. When it comes to repairing or replacing roofs you should never try to do it yourself unless you really know what you are doing. Most of us will need to get in contact with roofers who know the job inside out and can complete the work professionally. Hiring a contractor for any type of work can be difficult, and if there are many roofers in one area that it can seem even more difficult.

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How to Hire a Landscaper

During booming markets and busy seasons, it can be hard to get landscape contractors to return your calls. Owning a professionally designed landscape plan can move you to the top of their lists.

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Hiring a Gardener

In these economically uncertain times, everyone is always looking for that really great deal. The ongoing hunt for the ideal gardener for landscape maintenance is no exception. The services offered by different gardeners vary greatly and the lowest price doesn't always mean the best deal. Value and peace of mind, as well as price, are important factors to consider when selecting a gardener.

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Soil Engineer

Amazingly, few people who buy property consider the long term effects of the soil on which their property sits. What can happen as a result of poor soil/site conditions can be devastating. Soil engineers are the ideal people to hire to prevent damage before it starts.

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Finding a Heating and Air Conditioning Expert

Q: My home has central air and heat. The A/C unit is outside behind the house and the heater is in the attic. The system shut off a few days ago. I checked the breakers - fine. I checked to make sure the unit had power - OK. I put a new thermostat on-no go. What am I overlooking? I can do the work myself if I only knew what to look for and replace. It is getting very cold here and the baby isn't too happy at night. The home is four years old. Any suggestions?

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How to Hire a Plumber

Sooner or later we all need to call a plumber. A plumber is expensive and there's no way around that. But there are a variety of ways to get the most value for your money. This guide will highlight the most effective ways to save money on plumbing.

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Architects and Design Styles

This information can clarify and help answer some questions about architects and design styles.

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Architects and Designers

If your construction or remodeling project is fairly complex you should consider hiring an architect or designer. These professionals have the skills to help you create the look you want. They also have the knowledge to help steer your project in the appropriate direction, which can help minimize problems during the project.

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Avoiding Fraudulent Contractors

When selecting a home professional, using a few guidelines can help protect you from fraudulent contractors. These warning signs indicate a contractor who may be running a scam:

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What to Do Before You Sign a Contract

Q: What questions should I ask a general contractor before signing a contract? Details of the contract were copied, as written, from the contractor's worksheet.

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How to Make My Builder Fix My Cellar Floor?

Q: I have a new house and my cellar floor has a dusting and grit problem. How can I make the builder solve this problem?

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Contractor Fraud: Buyer Beware

Unfortunately, contractor fraud exists, but you can protect yourself. These warning signs indicate that a contractor may be running a scam.

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Check References for Contractors

Q: I was told to always check references when looking at contractors to do home improvements. But I wonder if it's worth the trouble when I know the contractor is going to hand pick the references. Is reference checking effective?

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Choosing a General Contractor

Choosing the right general contractor is an important process and these steps can help you make the right choice. You can also rely on an online referral service such as Home Advisor to sift through local professionals and connect you with the best, qualified, prescreened specialists for your project.

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Choosing a Maid Service

All of us know how hard it is to keep our homes clean and tidy. It is a never-ending chore that consumes much of our free time. If your life seems to be revolving around mopping floors, vacuuming, dusting and changing bed linens, hiring a cleaning service may be the solution.

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Find a Construction Manager

Because custom built is often synonymous with dream home, property owners may want to make more choices about how and where their money is spent than is usually possible when working with a traditional builder. Whether they want to choose special features, hire certain subcontractors or even do some of the work themselves, owners may prefer to hire a construction manager to control final construction decisions.

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Contractor Payment Problems

Problem: Misunderstanding of payment terms between general contractor and customer. Homeowner could potentially end up with unfinished work or messy clean up.

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Designing a Building With a Structural Engineer

Structural engineers specialize in the design of buildings, including housing. Whenever there are modifications or repairs done to existing construction, or framing for additional space, a structural engineer will be part of the picture. Their services also are needed for altering roof structures, such as adding trusses.

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Do It Yourself (DIY) Compared to Hiring a Pro

Q: Can you tell me how to do a home improvement project myself?

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Drafting Specialties

Drafters make drawings and plans to specify dimensions, materials, and processes used in the making of a final product. These drawings are guidelines for the workers who will actually do the building. A draftsperson can also make drawings from blueprints, engineering sketches, photos, and other sources, which show how parts and other objects work, their relation to one another, and how they will be put together.

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Hire an Engineer for Your Remodeling Project

If your remodeling project includes any structural changes, it will be necessary to consult a structural engineer who will provide you with the required stamped drawings that must be submitted, along with the architectural drawings, to the building department for approval.

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Why Financial Background Checks Are Important

Good credit is one sign of a company's financial health and stability. You can talk with subcontractors and suppliers regularly used by the contractor. Ask if the contractor paid them on time. Ask if they've had any problems dealing with the contractor or if they feel the contractor's credit is good. If a subcontractor or supplier reports any problems with the contractor, you may want to think twice before hiring the contractor.

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Find a Surveyor

Hiring a surveyor is not a common experience. In fact, most people may only need professional surveying services once or twice in a lifetime. Nevertheless, the information gathered from a land survey is very important. A surveyor can find and define existing or new property lines. He can examine your deed for problems and locate the proper placing for wells, buildings, and fences.

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Finding a Builder in England

Q: I live in a two-storey house. I want to remove a wall separating my lounge and dining room, and replace it with an archway. Is this an expensive job to do, as I would have to pay a builder to do the whole job? Also do you only advise people who live in the States, or do you advise on a world-wide basis, as I live in England?

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Finding a Contract for a General Contractor

Q: Is there any way I can receive a blank general contractor contract?

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Find an Interior Decorator or Designer

This information can clarify and help answer some questions about finding an interior decorator or designer.

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Finding a Good Draftsperson

At some point many homeowners want a home designed just the way they want it, not some house from a cookie cutter builder. They may find a house plan in a newspaper, order plans from a magazine, or just have an idea of what they would like based on houses they have been in. But they need to get those ideas on paper, and have blueprints drawn to give to contractors. Since most municipalities do not require that construction plans for single-family dwellings be done by a registered architect or engineer, it can be much cheaper to hire a draftsperson to put those ideas on paper.

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Find Someone to Repair Your Furnace

Q: I have a furnace that is 30 years old. I called a company to have the ducts and furnace cleaned. The service person did not turn the pilot light on and 2 days later I smelled gas. I called the company and they said they would come out but no one showed. So I called Puget power and light. A service man came and said I had a leak and red tagged it. I did not sign the tag. The second day I got a letter from the gas company stating that a gas leak was not found. It was very confusing to me so I called the gas company and the same thing happened. This time I signed it. The service man said it needed a new gas valve. I have not given up thinking that the reason I smelled gas was because the pilot light was off. And it does not need repair. Who can I talk to for an honest answer? And is there a reputable company that will make the repair? I am willing to pay a reasonable price and I do not want a new furnace. I am a senior. Should I call a consumer protection agency?

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Find a Home Inspector

This information can clarify and help answer some questions about finding a home inspector.

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Finding a Welder

Welding is the process used to join, repair or fabricate metal pieces and products. Many welding projects are commercial in nature, and certification and inspection is required for anything structural. Education and certification is available through the American Welding Society.

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When to Expect a Free Bid

Prudent consumers usually shop around for comparison prices when contemplating a major purchase, and large home repairs and improvements should be no exception. Homeowners are encouraged to get two or three estimates when hiring contractors for major home improvements and to carefully compare the bids before choosing the one to do the work.

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Find and Hire an Architect

Bring Good Design to Your Remodeling Project

Good design help is essential when making home improvements. Most people need help making decisions about options, and in determining what is feasible in terms of the existing structure and the overall budget. A design professional can help make sure that the end product is attractive and meets all the objectives. As a general rule, the larger the project, the more important it is to have design help.

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Hire a General Contractor to Coordinate Small Projects

General contractors licenses are required for home improvement and construction projects that include work in three or more trades, including plumbing, electrical, concrete, insulation, drywall, carpentry, painting, tile, flooring, etc.

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Hire a Home Organizer

Here's an overview of what you can expect from a professional organizer.

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Who Can Help Me? Hiring a Contractor

Q: I am in need of someone to do sheetrock repair, new countertops, and painting inside my home, but do not know where to start. Is there a particular place to start and should I contact a contractor or a handyman?

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Home Inspection

The purchase of a home may be the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards. Most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about a house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate picture, it is best to obtain an impartial third party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.

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Home Inspectors: Where Can I Find One?

Q: I need to find a home inspector. Where can I find one?

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Avoiding Home Repair Ripoffs

Mention home repair rip-offs, and everyone has a story. Many people have had unhappy experiences and are more than willing to share tales of woe. The problem has been around a long time, but there are things that you as an individual can do to protect yourself.

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Land Surveyors

Traditional land surveyors establish official land, air space, and water boundaries. They write descriptions of land for deeds, leases, and other legal documents; define air space for airports; and measure construction and mineral sites.

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When You Need a General Contractor

Making major home improvements can be a daunting commitment, and unless you are highly skilled in wiring, plumbing and construction, you should turn to professionals to get the job done right. But finding the appropriate professionals to help you complete the job can be a major job in itself.

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Checklist: Preventing Builder Fraud

When selecting a home professional, using a few guidelines can help protect you from fraudulent contractors. These warning signs indicate a contractor who may be running a scam:

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Checklist: Questions for Your Architect

An architect is trained to create designs that are structurally sound, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. An architect will know construction materials, can negotiate bids from contractors, and can supervise the actual work. In many communities you are required to have an architect or engineer sign the working drawings for a structure. For most decorating endeavors, you will not need an architect but if you are planning a renovation or addition, a state-licensed professional with a degree in architecture may be essential.

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Checklist: Questions to Ask Your Contractor

A service professional's answers to some basic questions will give you a sense of whether or not you could comfortably work with that individual. Some important questions are:

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Residential Designer

Many homeowners planning to remodel are often surprised when asked if they have plans for their project. While a contractor may be able to draw a set of building plans, residential designers are specialists who are trained to use space most efficiently and educated in all the newest trends and products available.

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Selecting the Best Service Professional

Finding reliable service professionals who are matched to your needs and interested in your job is only the first step in getting your home projects completed to your satisfaction. Selecting the right professional to do the work is an equally important second step. Depending on the nature of the project and your personal preference, you should aim to get bids from up to three service professionals. How do you choose the best? The key is to organize the decision making process so that you make the right choice.

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Structural Engineer

What structural engineers do: Each task requires different research and methods by a structural engineer. Each has unique factors that entail different problems to be solved. Factors such as wind speed, snow loads and occupancy loads must be considered along with the plans detailed in the architectural drawings.

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Surveying

This information can clarify and help answer some questions about surveying.

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Who to Hire When Building a New Home

Q: I recently bought some property, and have found a house plan that I would like to build. I need advice in deciding whether I need an architect, an engineer, or just a general contractor.

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