OK. Deep breath.
You've got a home renovation that is out of the realm of "diy" projects, so where do you go?
My sister always calls me to see if I can swing by the house and look at this water spot on her kitchen ceiling or fix the bathroom floor.
Or, mom will ask if she needs to replace or repair her deck out back. Then, my neighbor will ask me to climb on his roof and see if he has hail damage.
In a perfect world, we can handle all of these chores for mom or sis. But, let's be honest, this world ain't perfect and I am not capable of performing some of these projects. Some big and some small. I am not qualified or experienced to handle some of these remodeling chores.
So, where do you go?
Many of my friends will start looking for reliable sources on google's search engine. It is a habit. They do the same for pizza, hotel deals at the beach and lyrics to a song by OK GO.
Some of my friends go on Facebook and ask one of their 321 friends if they know of a "good" plumber or home remodeler that can help with a kitchen rennovation or build a pergola. Surely, one of our high school classmates or sorority sisters will know someone! Surely, right?
Nope. Not always.
So, where do you go?
Your home is one of the biggest assets you will own in this lifetime, so you need to do a little research.
Well, you ask your neighbors, your co-workers, your buddy from college and sometimes, we'll ask the preacher if he can recommend a general contractor.
I have seen people chase contractors out in the parking lot of the local Lowe's or Home Depot. We know nothing about these men with 12 tools and wheelbarrow in the back of their pickup trucks, but we need someone.
Always check references, always as for photos of similar jobs, visit BBB's website and gather information for local contractors. And, ask someone. Always ask.
Regardless of the scope of work or size of project, you must be reluctant to go with the lowest bid. Never a good decision, even when we are trying to save money initially. It will cost you in the long run.
Quality products and experienced, licensed crews. You choose a contractor for their experience and their skills.
Peace of mind comes with hiring a professional for home renovations to handle the project start to finish.
In this world, you get what you pay for.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
Friday, May 28, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Where will you spend over 200 hours this summer?
Now that we are in the middle of May, life begins to slow down to a summer's pace.
Kids have less than three weeks of school before the break and families look at ways to enjoy this summer both at home and the traditional week at the beach/mountains vacation for many of us here in the Carolinas.
What are your plans? Did you know that the average family will spend nearly 200 hours on their decks, enjoying their outdoor living area this summer?
As my 15-year daugther puts it, "Grilling and Chilling" in the backyard!
Grill masters get ready! Mom dust off the blender! Kids grab your bathing suits!
Homeowners are looking at ideas to enjoy their outdoor living area. We are building decks, patios, outdoor fireplaces and screened-in porches. SouthEnd has ten projects for homeowners creating the ultimate "backyard" for their families.
Folks are coming to us with ideas and looking for suggestions to maximize their backyards. I met with a couple in south Charlotte that had an existing deck that was 18 years old and boards were rotting. The husband wanted to look at replacing the existing deck with a new one with stronger railing and bench seats from end to end.
The wife asked if we could screen-in half of the deck. Or, maybe build a covered area for part of the deck.
"We spend so much time out here with the kids and neighbors in the summer. We will cook three to four meals a week on the grill. We move from the living room to the deck each year at this time. And, we stay out here until the end of September." noted homeowner, Maria M.
After spending an hour with the family, we came up with the perfect solution, a well-constructed deck with a pergola.
Both were happy with the design and concept and we hope to begin the project next week!
This summer families will truly bond and spend the most quality time of the year with love ones on their decks and porches.
And, SouthEnd wants to help you create that outdoor living area.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
Kids have less than three weeks of school before the break and families look at ways to enjoy this summer both at home and the traditional week at the beach/mountains vacation for many of us here in the Carolinas.
What are your plans? Did you know that the average family will spend nearly 200 hours on their decks, enjoying their outdoor living area this summer?
As my 15-year daugther puts it, "Grilling and Chilling" in the backyard!
Grill masters get ready! Mom dust off the blender! Kids grab your bathing suits!
Homeowners are looking at ideas to enjoy their outdoor living area. We are building decks, patios, outdoor fireplaces and screened-in porches. SouthEnd has ten projects for homeowners creating the ultimate "backyard" for their families.
Folks are coming to us with ideas and looking for suggestions to maximize their backyards. I met with a couple in south Charlotte that had an existing deck that was 18 years old and boards were rotting. The husband wanted to look at replacing the existing deck with a new one with stronger railing and bench seats from end to end.
The wife asked if we could screen-in half of the deck. Or, maybe build a covered area for part of the deck.
"We spend so much time out here with the kids and neighbors in the summer. We will cook three to four meals a week on the grill. We move from the living room to the deck each year at this time. And, we stay out here until the end of September." noted homeowner, Maria M.
After spending an hour with the family, we came up with the perfect solution, a well-constructed deck with a pergola.
Both were happy with the design and concept and we hope to begin the project next week!
This summer families will truly bond and spend the most quality time of the year with love ones on their decks and porches.
And, SouthEnd wants to help you create that outdoor living area.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
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