5 Tips To DIY Home Remodeling & Is It Advisable

By Steven Briesemeister

1. If your DIY home remodeling project involves paneling, make sure that the structure of your home is in good condition before placing the new panels up. Check for leaks or other problems that may weaken the structure or cause damage to your new paneling.

2. If your floors are weak from flooding or other misfortune, repair the problem before putting new carpet down. This is one of the most important DIY home remodeling tips in existence. Covering up a problem may provide for a temporary fix, but will only worsen with time. Rather than further ruining the structure of your floor and ultimately your new carpet, make sure that any problems causing moisture or weakness in the floor are repaired.

3. One of the most popular DIY home remodeling projects is the installation of kitchen cabinets. When choosing your new cabinet design, always make sure that it coincides with that of your kitchen. In addition, always take a look at the warranty coverage before making any type of remodeling purchase. A quality product will offer a generous manufacturer’s warranty and will cover any defects in material or workmanship.

4. If you are replacing old windows or doors, make sure that you take all of the proper measurements before you shop for replacements. This is very important in confirming that the new items will fit perfectly. With both windows and doors, you will want to make sure that no cracks or other areas are present to allow for hot or cold air to creep inside your home and inflate your energy costs. If cool air comes through in the winter, your heating bill will be higher because it will take more to heat your home. The same is true of those hot summer months when you are using the air conditioner. If warm air gets inside your home, the air conditioner will have to work harder to cool your home. One of the best DIY home remodeling tips is to make sure that your replacements fit perfectly and you can ensure this by measuring precisely before making a purchase.

5. The majority of small DIY home remodeling projects can be completed by the homeowner, but some may require the help of a contractor. An example would be having a wall taken out to increase the size of a room or building a new room addition. These are both situations where a DIY home remodeling project may call for the help of a professional contractor. This does not mean that the contractor has to do all of the work, but can help to make sure complex parts of the job are done correctly or even help to supervise the completion.

Find all types of home improvement contractors who specialize at installing carpet, doors, siding, roofing and much more. If you are a home improvement contractor or an author of home improvement articles, add your site or articles today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Briesemeister

The Different Types of Roof Shingles

by James C

Has it come time to replace that old roof? If it is, you have a choice to make. You can go with a boring old shingle roof or you could upgrade to a more durable or more attractive roof. Lets discuss your options.

One popular choice for roof upgrades is slate. Slate makes for a very attractive roof that also offers excellent fire protection and a long life. There is just nothing like the look of a natural slate roof. It is a hard to install roof however and this does make it considerably more expensive than a standard asphalt shingle roof.

Another option is concrete tile roofs. With concrete tiles, you can get a variety of different looks. Concrete can be made in just about any style and color that you desire (including a slate look). It has much of the same benefits of slate in that it is very durable and provides excellent fire resistance. The drawbacks of a concrete roof are that it can be damaged by hail and requires an extensive roof structure due to the weight of the tile.

A third option is a metal roof. Metal roofs are extremely durable. They resist hail, wind and come in a great variety of styles and colors. Since most of the steel used to make a metal roof is recycled, they are also quite environmentally friendly. The drawback of a metal roof is that it is hard to install which makes it more expensive but it will last a very long time. It can also be loud in the rain. Some people love the sound of rain bouncing off a metal roof but you may not.

As you can see, you have a lot of choices when it comes to roofs. So before you just put up the standard asphalt shingle roof, take a little time to consider the other possibilities. It might just be the best improvement you ever make to your home.

About the Author
James C operates a Roofing Directory. Find information on Albany roofers, Raleigh roofers and roofing contractors in a city near you.

9 Tips To Selecting A Good Contractor

By: Matt Shupe -

When it comes to home repairs or improvements, many people find themselves at a loss because they are either unable to complete the needed repairs or they simply do not have the time. In either situation, the best thing to do is to hire a professional contractor. But, what qualities should one look for in a contractor and how can you be sure that he/she will be the best person for the job? These are common questions and should be answered prior to hiring a professional contractor.

Below are 9 tips that will help guide you through the process of selecting the best man, or woman, for the job.

1) Before hiring a contractor, find out how long they have been in business. It’s best to look for an established company and make sure to check out their reputation with the local Better Business Bureau for any outstanding or unresolved complaints.

2) Always make sure that a contractor is licensed to work in the state in which the work is to be done. The best way to find out about your state’s licensing procedure is to contact your local building department and/or consumer protection agency. If your state requires that a contractor be licensed, always ask to see a contractor’s license prior to hiring him/her for the job.

3) When considering potential contractors, ask for a list of recently completed projects that are similar to the one you are in need of help with. Hiring a contractor that is experienced in projects similar to yours will help to ensure that all goes smoothly and that the job will be done correctly.

4) Be sure to ask your contractor, prior to the commencement of work, whether or not the job will require any type of permit. All permits must be obtained before the actual work begins, when required, or the homeowner may face a fine. It is best to discuss who will be responsible for obtaining permits, either you or the contractor, in the beginning.

5) Always ask for the name of the individual who will be in charge of the project, often called a supervisor, and the names of those who will be working on the construction crew.

6) Once you are familiar with the supervisor, ask him/her about their crew. You will need to know whether or not they are trustworthy and make the decision as to whether you want them working on/in your home. Will they need keys? If so, you need to know that they are honest and can be trusted near your family and/or children.

7) Every professional contractor should carry a certain amount of insurance coverage, including personal liability, property damage and worker’s compensation. You will need to request copies of all insurance certificates and confirm that they are current before work begins. Do not do business with a contractor who cannot provide this documentation as this may result in your being held liable for any injuries and/or damages that occur during the project.

8) Always check with the contractor’s references before deciding to hire him/her for your project. This is important for all of the obvious reasons and will give you an idea as to their work ethics and end results.

9) When you and your contractor come to an agreement on payment terms, get everything in writing and have the agreement signed and notarized. All parties involved should have a copy of the agreement for future reference.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
The author is a regular contributor to Contractor Options where more building, home repair and contractor information is available.

10 DIY Home Improvement Ideas

By Steven Briesemeister

DIY Home Improvement Idea #1

Install handmade shelves. Rather than purchasing typical cookie-cutter shelves, consider visiting a local craft fair or woodworker for customized shelves. Everything from style, color, design and cutouts can be customized with handmade items. Shelves are ideal for storing tools in the garage or knick-knacks in the family room.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #2

Replace vinyl flooring or install new tiles. These days, convenience is everything. It’s easier than ever to replace vinyl flooring or install tiles with simple self-adhesive backing for easy placement. This will literally give you a new floor surface within a few hours.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #3

Install carpet. Before making a purchase, be sure to measure the area that you need to carpet. If you need to cut carpet, it’s not a problem and special cutting tools can be purchased at any home improvement store. Simply roll it out and secure it to the floor for an easy DIY home improvement project.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #4

Install a ceiling fan. Not only will this add beauty to the room, but it will also help to circulate the air. Just be careful during the installation process and when climbing up or down a ladder.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #5

If you are a big fan of wallpaper, then you already know that it can start to peel from time to time. It’s inevitable. At some point, wallpaper will need replacing and it’s arguably one of the easiest home improvement projects that you can do. Wallpaper is sold at any home improvement store and can be cut to fit any room in your home. During installation, be sure to smooth the paper as you go in order to avoid bubbled areas.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #6

If you like the idea of sitting out on the porch or deck and watching fireflies light up in the night, consider adding an outside addition to your home. Plans can be purchased online or at some home improvement stores, along with the materials needed to complete the job.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #7

Painting your home, either inside or out, is a very popular way of improving it’s overall appearance. Always be sure to read the instructions and use paint in a well-ventilated area.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #8

One of the more sensible DIY home improvement projects includes the installation of a dusk to dawn lighting system outside of the home. This type of lighting will automatically turn on if there is any movement outside of your home and is ideal for anyone, whether you live out in the country or in a larger area.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #9

As winter time rolls around, many people begin to consider replacing their windows to ensure that they are protected from the elements. Many people think of windows as simply something to look through but, in fact, they are much more than that. Windows can actually help to keep warm air inside your home and the cold air out during those harsh winter months, which will make it more comfortable for your family and also your wallet where heating costs are concerned.

DIY Home Improvement Idea #10

Install wall paneling. If you don’t like the idea of painting or simply prefer the look of paneling, a visit to your local home improvement store could be the answer to your next DIY home improvement project. Wall paneling is sold in sheets, is pre-cut and ready for installation. All you need to do is place it in the desired location and secure it.

Find all types of home improvement contractors who specialize at installing carpet, doors, siding, roofing and much more. If you are a home improvement contractor or an author of home improvement articles, add your site or articles today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Briesemeister