They say life is one big gamble, and that outlook is especially relevant when you decide to undergo a home remodeling project. The key to minimizing the risk that is inherent in a home remodeling project involves hiring the right team of home remodeling contractors.
Hiring the right team of home remodeling contractors requires you to consider several factors. You want to hire a team of home remodeling contractors that demonstrate the appropriate level of proven experience in successfully managing the type of project that you want done to your home. Homeowner reviews on sites such as Yelp and Google help, as does the feedback accumulated by the Better Business Bureau. One of the most important factors to consider is to confirm every general contractor on your shortlist carries the right amount of liability insurance coverage. Let’s review the four reasons why home remodeling contractors need to carry liability insurance. Minimize Your Damage Exposure The most important reason why a team of home remodeling contractors must carry liability insurance is to reduce the financial risk you face that is caused by property damage. From a new roof that collapses to a foundation that sinks into the ground, you face many possible types of property damage that result from the work done by home remodeling contractors. Damage coverage also covers the costs associated with an onsite accident, which even the most accomplished home remodeling contractors can experience. Establish Trust Building trust between you and a team of home remodeling contractors represents the first building block of developing a healthy professional relationship. To build trust, the general contractor overseeing your project must demonstrate credibility, which can be established right at the start of your project by verifying liability insurance coverage. This type of insurance coverage shows the general contractor managing your project has confidence in the abilities of the crew. Liability insurance also demonstrates the team of general contractors working on your home remodeling project places an emphasis on delivering high-quality services. Protection for Your Property If you do not vet a team of home remodeling contractors for possessing enough liability coverage, you might find yourself on the financial hook for any type of property damage because your insurance company has the legal right to refuse paying out a claim. This means you must pay for any property damages out of your pocket. Damaged property also negatively impacts the property’s value. Repair and Maintenance Savings Hiring an uninsured or underinsured team of home remodeling contractors can be expensive in many ways. One way a team of home remodeling contractors without liability insurance or with not enough liability insurance can cost you money concerns the costs of repairing damages and then maintaining the new and improved property. Uninsured and insufficiently insured home remodeling contractors tend to make more mistakes that result in property damages that require repairs and maintenance. Perhaps the greatest benefit of hiring a fully insured general contractor is it gives you peace of mind. At Mares & Dow, we give our clients immediate peace of mind by presenting our liability insurance coverage early on during the discussions concerning remodeling their properties.
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Homeowners have to make many important decisions before a home remodeling project gets off the ground. One of the most important decisions concerns choosing the right team of home remodeling contractors. Choosing the right team of home remodeling contractors helps you answer other important questions, such as what types of materials to use and developing a project schedule that meets your criteria. One question does not get asked enough by homeowners, but it should.
Can I stay in my home during a home remodeling project? The answer is it depends on the extent of a home remodeling project. At Mares & Dow, we complete a wide variety of home remodeling projects. Most of the home remodeling projects that we tackle allow the homeowner to remain onsite during the entire length of a project. For example, a homeowner does not have to leave the property for us to replace siding or build a retaining wall. However, a few home modeling projects present enough risk to force residents to find temporary shelter, whether the shelter acts as a temporary home for one day or a couple of weeks. Roofing replacement projects typically require homeowners to vacate the property throughout the entire project. If you want to stay at home during a home remodeling project, let’s take a look at a few factors that should help you gain peace of mind. Build Trust with the General Contractor You have to trust the general contractor to do much more than complete the project on time and under budget. Because of the inherent dangers associated with construction work, you also have to trust the general contractor to protect you and your family against getting hurt. One effective way to verify the trust factor with a team of home remodeling contractors involves asking for and checking out professional references. Did the team of general contractors under consideration take the steps required to protect the safety of all residents? Establish a Work Schedule Although your home remodeling project might not be extensive enough to warrant you and your family vacating the premises for an extensive period, the project might require one or two days when it is much safer for residents to spend time elsewhere. Agreeing to a work schedule with the team of home remodeling contractors allows you to plan to account for the day or two when the project includes one or more dangerous procedures. Minimize the Spread of Dust Your home remodeling project might not include any phases that put you and your family immediately in harm’s way. However, there is a good chance that you and your family might become exposed to dust particles. You and the team of home remodeling contractors should devise a plan to minimize the negative health consequences of dust exposure, which should allow everyone to stay onsite throughout the entire project. A mobile dust control system is capable of removing dust particles during both small and large home remodeling projects. Just one home improvement project can cause a considerable amount of stress and anxiety. From searching for the right team of home remodeling contractors to dealing with project delays that develop because of bad weather, you might find yourself tossing and turning at night with less-than-pleasant dreams. If one home improvement project presents enough issues to keep you wide awake at night, imagine what it is like managing two or more projects.
At Mares & Dow, we help property owners manage multiple home remodeling projects by offering the most organized and efficient way to get the work done on time and under budget. 4 Projects Completed By a Team of Experienced Home Remodeling Contractors The best home remodeling contractors easily handle any type of project, but four projects stand out as the ones best handled by the team of professional general contractors from Mares & Dow. Skylights Installing skylights delivers several benefits for property owners, starting with opening up one or more living spaces to sunlight. Additional sunlight improves the ambiance of a living space, as well as helps keep rooms comfortably warm during the coldest months of the year. Property owners that install residential skylights also report lower monthly energy bills and an increase in air circulation. Retaining Walls Adding one or more retaining walls to the front and/or back yard generates an aesthetically appealing look that should boost your home’s curb appeal. Heightened curb appeal usually translates into a substantial increase in property value. Retaining walls also deliver an important functional benefit by trapping loose soil that forms because of issues such as landscape sloping and exposure to too much rainwater. A team of experienced home remodeling contractors such as the ones from Mares & Dow can make a seemingly difficult project turn into a project that finishes on time and under budget. Siding Hiring a team of properly credentialed home remodeling contractors is the right choice to work on a complex project such as installing siding. You receive expert advice on the type of siding to install, which matters because of the style of your home and the type of harsh weather your property is exposed to throughout the year. If you do not have the right type of siding installed, your home might succumb to the damage caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. Outdoor Living Space One of the most effective ways to increase the value of your home is to increase the space inside of it. However, you should also look outdoors to increase the number of square feet listed on your property description. Building an outdoor living space such as a kitchen, gazebo, or pergola should immediately increase the value of your property. An outdoor living space also creates a visually appealing addition to your home. A team of experienced home remodeling contractors offers advice on which type of outdoor living space to select, as well as completes the installation project. Hire Our Team of Experienced Home Remodeling Contractors When the time comes to choose a team of home remodeling contractors, you should ensure they cross off every box on a criteria list. They should have earned a positive reputation like receiving the highest rating handed out by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Your home remodeling contractors also should possess every professional credential, as well as provide personable and knowledgeable customer service. They say that if you want to do a job right, you have to do it yourself. However, the timeless expression does not apply to several home improvement projects. Instead of doing it yourself, hiring a team of general contractors is the way to go for many reasons. From the planning stage to putting the finishing touches on a construction project, hiring a team of general contractors helps you finish your construction project on time, as well as enjoy the results of professionally done work. You also do not have to worry about the middle parts of a construction project, such as applying for permits and addressing project delays.
Why Should You Hire a General Contractor? A home construction project should increase the value of your property. However, if done improperly, a home construction project can do more damage than good. Hiring a team of general contractors from Mares & Dow benefits you in three important ways. First, you benefit from hiring a team of general contractors that possess considerable experience. Nothing beats the experience brought to the table by licensed and bonded general contractors. Second, you reap the benefits of hiring a knowledgeable team of professionals who understand how to complete every type of construction on time and under budget. Third, experienced and knowledgeable general contractors complete your construction project much faster than if you choose to do it yourself. 4 Home Improvement Projects Best Completed By a General Contractor General contractors handle any type of construction project, but four projects are especially performed best by a team of home improvement professionals. Siding It is not just the work itself that makes general contractors the right choice to complete a siding installation project. You also need to select the right material for the siding installed on your home. Installing stylish and highly functional siding enhances curb appeal, as well as prevents moisture from degrading the structural integrity of your house. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the development of unhealthy mold and mildew. Skylights Installing residential skylights by hiring general contractors dramatically increases the amount of sunlight that enters a living space. Numerous studies demonstrate exposure to light sources enhances the ambiance of a living space, as well as boosts the mood of everyone who enters a room. Skylights also reduce energy costs and when left open, enhance air circulation to remove harmful particulates. Windows Because windows are typically fragile, installing a set of windows is best left to a team of experienced and highly knowledgeable general contractors. The most significant benefit of installing a new set of windows is the money saved in energy costs. In addition to providing energy-saving benefits, new windows also enhance the decor of the entire interior of your house. New windows require much less maintenance, as well as help reduce the noise that comes from adjoining living spaces. Outdoor Living Space If you have run out of ideas to increase the amount of space inside of your home, look no further than your backyard for additional space. An outdoor living space such as a kitchen, gazebo, or pergola increases the amount of room you have to cook and entertain friends. Building a patio also is an effective way to optimize the open space you have in the backyard. A team of general contractors can help you choose the right type of living space, as well as build it in a timely and cost-efficient manner. When it comes to constructing a retaining wall, hiring the right professional contractor is essential. Retaining walls play a crucial role in providing stability, preventing erosion, and enhancing the aesthetics of your property. To ensure a successful and well-executed project, it's important to choose reputable retaining wall contractors who possess the necessary skills and expertise.
1. Experience and Expertise One of the most important traits to look for in an experienced retaining wall contractor is their experience and expertise in the field. A reputable contractor should have a proven track record of successfully completing retaining wall projects. Qualified contractors are knowledgeable about construction techniques, materials, and local building codes. Assess their experience by reviewing their portfolio, asking for references, and inquiring about the number of years they have been in the industry. 2. Proper Licensing and Insurance Ensure that the retaining wall contractor you choose holds the appropriate licenses and insurance coverage. Valid licenses demonstrate that they met the required standards and received specific training. Insurance coverage, such as liability and workers' compensation insurance, protects both you and the contractor in the event of accidents or damages during the project. Request copies of their licenses and insurance certificates and verify their validity. 3. Strong Reputation and References A professional retaining wall contractor should have a strong reputation in the industry. Look for contractors with positive reviews, testimonials, and references from past clients. These testimonials can provide valuable insights into their work quality, professionalism, and ability to meet deadlines. Don't hesitate to contact references and ask specific questions about their experience working with the contractor. 4. Attention to Detail and Quality Workmanship The quality of workmanship is crucial when it comes to retaining walls. A skilled contractor should demonstrate a high level of attention to detail and precision in their work. This includes properly assessing the site, ensuring proper drainage, selecting suitable materials, and using proper construction techniques. Request examples of their previous work or visit completed projects. 5. Clear Communication and Professionalism Effective communication is vital throughout the entire construction process. A professional retaining wall contractor should have excellent communication skills and be responsive to your inquiries and concerns. They should provide clear and detailed project proposals, including timelines, cost estimates, and any necessary permits. Professionalism, punctuality, and transparency are important indicators of a reliable contractor. Hiring a knowledgeable retaining wall contractor with the right traits is crucial for the success of your project. By considering these traits, you can make a more informed decision. Take the time to research and evaluate potential contractors, review their past work, and communicate your project requirements. Planning a renovation project for your home is an exciting but complex endeavor. When it comes to exterior renovations, such as installing or replacing siding, hiring reliable and knowledgeable siding contractors is crucial. Siding not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also provides protection against the elements. To ensure a successful renovation, it's essential to ask the right questions when engaging with siding contractors.
1. What Types of Siding Materials Do You Offer? Understanding the different siding materials available is essential for making an informed decision. Ask the contractor about the range of siding options they offer, such as vinyl, fiber cement, wood, or metal. Inquire about the pros and cons of each material, including its durability, maintenance requirements, energy efficiency, and overall cost. 2. Can You Provide Examples of Past Projects? Reviewing the contractor's past projects is an excellent way to gauge their expertise and craftsmanship. Ask for examples of completed siding renovations they have undertaken. Request to see photographs or, ideally, visit a site where they have installed siding. This will give you a visual representation of their workmanship, attention to detail, and overall quality. Additionally, ask for references from previous clients. 3. Are You Licensed and Insured? Working with a licensed and insured siding contractor is crucial for your protection. A valid license ensures that the contractor meets the necessary legal requirements and possesses the required expertise to perform the work. Insurance coverage protects you from liability in case of accidents or property damage during the renovation process. It's essential to verify these credentials before proceeding with any agreement. 4. What Steps Will You Take to Prepare the Site and Protect My Property? Siding installation involves various activities that can potentially impact your property. Inquire about the contractor's approach to site preparation and property protection. Will they remove the existing siding, prepare the surface, and dispose of debris? How will they safeguard your landscaping, windows, and doors, during the renovation process? 5. Can You Provide a Detailed Timeline and Cost Estimate? Understanding the timeline and cost associated with your siding renovation is crucial for effective project management. Ask the contractor to provide a detailed timeline, including the start and completion dates, key milestones, and factors that may affect the schedule. Request a comprehensive cost estimate that outlines all materials, labor, permits, and any additional charges. 6. What Warranty or Guarantees Do You Offer? A reputable siding contractor stands behind their work and should offer warranties or guarantees on both materials and labor. Inquire about the specific warranties provided for the siding materials, such as color fading, cracking, or warping. By inquiring about siding materials, reviewing past projects, verifying credentials, discussing site preparation and property protection, understanding the timeline and cost, and exploring warranties and guarantees, you can confidently select a siding contractor who will deliver quality workmanship and meet your specific renovation needs. Even homeowners who are comfortable with taking on small remodeling tasks benefit from hiring a team of qualified home remodeling contractors for larger projects. They bring experience, manpower, and the right equipment to complete your projects with as little inconvenience as possible.
1. Room Additions When your family grows, the best solution may be to add a room or convert your garage to a living area. Home remodeling contractors will assess your home and renovation plans and help you make your home more comfortable as the family grows. 2. Aging Floors From peeling linoleum to sagging floors, home remodelers can do everything you need to fix your floors. This includes replacing decayed floor joists, replacing the underlayment, and installing new carpet, tile, or other floor coverings. 3. Stained or Sagging Ceilings If you notice water spots on your ceilings, or you have places where the ceiling looks to be sagging, it is time to call a remodeling company. It should also be noted that water stains on your ceiling may indicate a leak above the house, so have your roof inspected during the repair process. 4. Interior Renovations Household remodeling allows you to give the interior of your home a new look. From rearranging the kitchen layout or installing a new tub and bathroom sink, to simply converting an unused closet to additional living room space, remodelers transform what you have into what you'd like to see. 5. Energy Reduction Home renovations are an excellent approach to rising energy costs in the home. Aging windows and doors, a roof in need of repairs, and siding that is beyond its prime are common causes of higher heating and cooling costs that can be eliminated with remodeling. Hiring Home Remodeling ContractorsHiring contractors for room additions can be a significant undertaking. There are some important things to look for to make sure you are getting your money's worth:
Coastal siding contractors recommend Hardie Board siding for many reasons. It is relatively inexpensive to install and offers a list of advantages that are not found in any other siding material. Because it is easy to work with, contractors can complete siding projects faster, and that means your family can get on with their quiet life sooner, and the workers can move on to the next job site.
Aesthetic Appeal Hardie Board siding is available in a wide assortment of colors and styles that look great on a coastal home. Siding installers like Hardie Board because it is versatile and easy to work with. Homeowners like that there are many options and Hardie Board allows them to customize their home exterior in ways that other types of siding cannot match. Durability Hardie Board does not rot, fade, or become brittle the way that other types of siding are prone to do. It is weather-resistant, fire-resistant, And more durable than wood siding. In coastal settings, Hardie Board is able to stand up to high winds and minor seismic activity. Since it doesn't fade in harsh sunlight, this type of siding is ideal for locations that are in full sun. Functionality Hardie Board is an excellent barrier between outside temperatures and interior comfort. It is also noise-dampening, so crashing waves and blowing wind won't be an inconvenience. Whether your home is on an oceanside cliff, in the desert, or anywhere in between, Hardie Board provides an ecologically friendly siding option that is both affordable and appealing. Low Maintenance Hardie Board does not have to be painted every few years, won't be destroyed by pests or insects, and rarely cracks or breaks. Cleaning your home siding is as easy as spraying with a pressure washer. And if you do decide you'd like to change the color of your home one day, Hardie Board can be painted with any quality exterior paint. By comparison, wood is vulnerable to rodents and termites, needs to be painted regularly to prevent decay, and may warp or crack under moderate temperature fluctuations. Installing Hardie Board siding will give your home a bright new look. If you are considering selling the home-- now or in the future-- this is probably the best type of material to invest in. Its durability and wide range of colors and styles translate directly into a more appealing, higher-valued property when it goes on the market. From coastal homes to redwood forests, Hardie Board is a great choice for homeowners everywhere. Installing commercial skylights will make a huge difference in your company's bottom line. From reducing absenteeism to cutting back on energy costs, skylights have a lot to offer at an affordable price. But modern skylights are more than a window on the roof, too. To better illustrate that, let's take a quick look at the most common skylight options used by commercial businesses.
Sun Tunnels Sun Tunnels are a patented type of skylight created by Velux that redirect natural light into areas with reduced access-- or no external access at all. Sun Tunnels use reflecting surfaces to bounce light from the rooftop to any level of the building, even allowing natural sunlight to penetrate rooms without windows. If you would like to provide natural lighting for your office staff, Sun Tunnels may be the most appropriate solution. Fixed Skylights Fixed skylights are traditional commercial skylights. They are equivalent to windows mounted on the building's roof and do not directly block or redirect natural light. However, fixed skylights can be fitted with remote control shades and blinds that can be adjusted without climbing and alter the flow of light in a variety of ways. Modular Skylights Modular skylights are a more robust form of skylight installation. Modular systems may use combinations of skylight types and sizes, including fixed units, Sunt Tunnels, and more. Designed to be incorporated into buildings during the design phase, modular skylights are suitable for an impressive range of building types and applications. Fall Protection Skylights Designed to provide an extra layer of safety, commercial fall protection skylights are fixed skylights with an additional shock-resistant panel. This helps guard against damages from tree limbs or wind-blown debris and keeps the workplace safer by preventing maintenance crews or other employees from accidentally falling against the skylight and falling through. Roof Monitors A roof monitor, as the name implies, tracks the amount and direction of sunlight. A roof monitor can be used to adjust the intensity of incoming light, Roof monitors also eliminate annoying glare conditions, a feature that can be essential to design work, working with computers, and detail-oriented workshops that rely on controlled lighting conditions. Skylights give any space a more open and inviting appearance. In commercial applications, skylights have been shown to boost employee morale, improve productivity, and reduce visual errors. By using a variety of commercial skylights, even the darkest rooms in your building can be illuminated by bright, clear natural light. Every business owner is looking for ways to reduce costs and maximize production, but many overlook the option of installing commercial skylights. What they don't understand is that skylights will reduce energy consumption, improve employee health and morale, and help protect the corporate environment against harmful UV radiation. This might seem like a lot to expect from lights mounted in the roof of your building, but let's take a quick look at some important benefits of skylights that are frequently overlooked.
1. Reduced Energy Consumption Skylights reduce your dependence on internal light sources, which means that less electricity is required to provide adequate lighting. With a combination of skylights and light tunnels, the average business can reduce power consumption by 10 percent or more. There are even more savings when you install solar-powered fresh-air skylights from Velux 2. Employee Productivity Natural light has been shown to be a great motivator. People need natural light in order to function at their best, but they also need it to stay healthy and alert. When installed by licensed home contractors, skylights allow natural light to enter the room directly or indirectly when light tunnels are included. And because skylights do not provide a direct view of outside distractions your staff will be able to concentrate on the work at hand instead of being sidelined by butterflies and passersby. 3. Fresh Air Motorized solar-powered skylights are opened and closed without physically accessing the skylight, allowing fresh air to enter the room without the distractions associated with ordinary windows. With a built-in rain sensor, the skylight will automatically close to protect your business interior from falling rain. 4. UV Light Protection UV light causes carpeting and upholstery to fade, crack, and literally come apart at the seams. With skylights, you will get automatic UV protection by reducing the amount of UV light entering the working space of the business. You can even control the amount of light coming through your skylight with the addition of easily installed blinds. Reducing UV light penetration is even more important if your business includes staff that are sensitive to it or have medical conditions such as lupus. Hiring a qualified contractor is essential in getting the most out of skylights. Without the guarantee of quality installation, your skylights may leak and skylights with mechanical systems may not work properly. Before hiring a contractor, take a few minutes to assure yourself that you are hiring an authorized Velux installer who will stand behind their work and provide you with the all-important Velux skylight warranty. |
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