Author: David Brown

Home repair involves diagnosing and resolving issues that occur in the structure and function of a house, such as leaky faucets, flickering lights or scuffed floor boards. Some home repairs may be able to be done by the homeowner, while others are more complex, time-consuming or risky and require the expertise of a professional handyperson, property manager, general contractor or building/construction company. Periodic maintenance also falls under the category of home repair and involves inspections, adjustments, cleaning or replacements that should be made at regular intervals to ensure proper functioning or to prevent costly emergencies.

The best way to find a qualified, trustworthy home improvement contractor is to ask for recommendations from friends and neighbors who have used their services in the past. A quality contractor should have sufficient experience in the field, a proven track record and all the necessary permits and licenses to do the work. Inquire about the contract specifications and ask for references from previous clients.

It is a good idea to get estimates from several contractors before making a final decision. Ask the contractor to provide you with an itemized list of all costs involved in the project, including labor and materials. A reputable contractor will be honest about the potential cost and explain ways that you can save money by doing some of the work yourself or by using less expensive materials.

Most states have laws regulating the home repair business. Some require contractors to carry liability insurance, while others have specific requirements for licensing and requiring consumers to sign written contracts. In addition to state regulations, local communities may have ordinances regulating home repair contractors and businesses.

In New York City, for example, the law states that “home improvement contractors” include anyone who owns, operates or conducts a home improvement business and who makes offers to perform work on homes or apartments for a fee, whether in exchange for payment in advance of performance or a percentage of the total cost of the project.

Be wary of anyone who solicits your business by going door to door. While some legitimate contractors do this, scammers often use it as a ruse to con you out of your money. If a contractor requests a deposit, check with your local consumer protection agency to see if they are required to put the funds in an escrow account or post a bond or trust fund that gives restitution to homeowners who have been defrauded.

It is also a good idea to check with your local government’s consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau for complaints about contractors. Never hire contractors who have not obtained a license to do the work and whose license number you can’t verify online or through the BBB website. Some states require that licensed contractors pass a background and criminal history check, meet education and training requirements and pay a licensing fee to be allowed to do home improvement or repair work.

Home additions are fantastic ways to increase indoor space for your family, and if done well, they’re a cost-effective investment that will drastically boost the value of your home. However, despite their benefits, home extensions are not something that you should attempt to tackle on your own; unless you have the proper expertise, building a house extension is too complex and dangerous a project to take on without a professional.

While there are many factors that affect the price of a home addition, some are more obvious than others. Building materials, the current layout of your property and zoning requirements all play a role in home addition prices. But, it’s important to remember that labor costs also play a major part. This is because the majority of a home addition budget is made up of contractor fees.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get a sense of how much your home addition will cost, there are many online calculators that can provide a rough estimate. Nevertheless, these calculators should be used as just a guideline because they don’t account for all the different expenses involved in the project.

In order to receive a more accurate home addition price estimate, you’ll need to speak with a professional builder. These overarching professionals will be able to paint the bigger picture and create a realistic budget with your specific design in mind. Additionally, they’ll be able to tell you if your design requires specialized fixtures or finishes that could push the price tag up.

Some home additions are more costly than others, but there are always things you can do to reduce the overall cost. For instance, building up rather than out is a lot cheaper, as you won’t need to lay a foundation. Additionally, you can save money by using less-expensive construction materials and by incorporating energy-efficient appliances into your home addition.

One of the best ways to save money on your home addition is by converting an existing room into a new space. For example, adding a dormer on the roof or building out into the back porch are common examples of this strategy.

Home additions are a great way to make the most of your existing space, and there are endless possibilities for how they can be used. But, if you’re looking for a higher ROI value, it’s best to avoid big-ticket reconstruction projects like kitchen and bathroom renovations.

When you’re ready to start your home remodel, it’s important to find a contractor who is qualified to do the job. However, it’s equally important to find someone who meshes well with you. That’s why it’s worth spending time searching for a contractor with a process and personality that fit you. After all, you’ll be working with them for an extended period of time and will need to communicate frequently throughout the project.

When choosing a contractor, ask for examples of previous work they have done and look at photos of those projects. You should also ask what types of remodeling projects they specialize in and any relevant information, such as whether they’ve worked on kitchens or finished basements. This will give you an idea of the contractor’s experience in this particular type of project and how they approach it.

In addition to asking for references, you should also check a contractor’s licensing page online and review their certifications. Then, cross any contractors off your list that don’t have the correct credentials. It’s important to select a licensed contractor with the proper credentials for your project, including insurance, so you can be confident that they will complete the work safely and correctly.

Another factor to consider when choosing a contractor is how they’ll handle unexpected challenges during your project. You’ll want a contractor who is flexible and willing to find creative solutions when challenges arise. This can help keep your project on track and avoid budgetary overruns.

You’ll also want to choose a contractor who can answer any questions or concerns you have throughout the project. They should be able to explain their remodeling process clearly and respond to any questions promptly. They should also provide a clear contract that includes the project scope, timeline, payment schedule, and warranties.

Lastly, you should choose a contractor who will request and collect lien waivers for all tradespeople on the project. A lien waiver protects you as the homeowner by ensuring that all subcontractors and material suppliers who worked on your project have been paid. If a contractor fails to obtain lien waivers, it can leave you vulnerable to claims from unpaid contractors and other vendors.

In order to make the best decision, you’ll need to have a thorough consultation with each contractor on your list. You should be able to tell from the first few meetings if they are a good fit for your project.

During the consultation, you should ask each contractor to submit a bid for your project. Compare the bids to find the best value for your money. However, remember that the lowest bid doesn’t always mean you’ll end up with the best results. Be sure to weigh other factors, such as reliability, flexibility and their portfolio.

When you hire a contractor to remodel your house, you want to be sure they’re skilled and experienced. A remodeling contractor with extensive experience can save you money in the long run because they’ll have a clear understanding of what your project entails and how much materials will cost. The best way to find a house remodeling contractor is to ask for references and visit their jobs in person before making a decision. When you talk with each reference, make notes and listen carefully to what they say.

A good contractor will be open and forthcoming with their clients. They’ll be glad to answer your questions and provide you with a list of their projects. Then you can narrow down your choice by eliminating contractors who don’t have enough work history. Ask each contractor to give you a timeline of when the job will start and be completed. You’ll also need to figure out where they’re going to park their trucks and if they have any suggestions for protecting your belongings during the renovation process. For example, your house remodeling contractor may recommend putting all your personal items in storage so they’re safe from dust and hammering.

Depending on the scope of your project, you might need to meet with more than one contractor to get a realistic idea of what the final cost will be. You should also ask about their payment terms and whether or not you need to pay a deposit upfront before they start working on your project.

If a potential contractor seems nervous or brushes off your questions, it’s a red flag. A trustworthy remodeling contractor will be confident and open about the work they can do for you. They’ll know how important your home is to you and will want you to be comfortable with their services.

Some people assume that general contractors are more skilled than remodelers, but that’s not necessarily true. Think of it like a general practitioner versus a neurosurgeon; the latter has a very specialized set of skills.

In fact, some remodeling companies specialize in a specific type of construction, so they can offer you a more tailored service and better quality of work than a general contractor who handles all types of remodeling. When you’re deciding between multiple remodeling companies, ask them for an estimate of how long your project will take and what their rates are. Then you can decide which company is the right fit for your needs and budget. Remember, the contractor will be responsible for scheduling and coordinating all aspects of your project, so it’s important to choose someone who can handle the workload and stay on schedule. They can also help you save money by offering suggestions about materials and labor costs. And, of course, they’ll be there to ensure the job is done correctly.

HGTV’s Pamela Anderson returns with her second season of the series, which follows her renovation work on her grandmother’s legacy property in Ladysmith. The show, now streaming on Hulu, reflects the more laid-back, natural side of the former Playboy playmate and Baywatch actress. Her goofy demeanour shines through as she makes wisecracks with her crew and takes walks around the home in loose, flowing outfits.

The episode that premiered this week showcases a major project that Anderson is working on: revamping her grandmother’s six-bedroom waterfront property. The series follows her renovating the Roadhouse, Boathouse and Cabin on the site in a short time frame. It’s a far cry from the raunchy Playboy playmate persona and more aligned with her love of nature.

She also reveals to the camera her intimate relationship with the house’s previous owner and how she first fell in love with the property. The episode also showcases the garden and pool that are at the heart of the property, which sits on a beautiful stretch of ocean.

Anderson’s esthetic is light and white, and her design team has to tweak that beachy, California-inspired style for a northern climate. For example, it was important to get the right paint color for a deck and ensure that white furniture wasn’t being exposed to rain.

Aside from her work on the show, Anderson is busy with her upcoming memoir, Love, Pamela, which comes out January 31 and Netflix’s documentary, Pamela: Love Story. The latter will focus on her alleged experience with Tim Allen in 1991, when she was 23 and Allen was 37. The actress alleges in her book that on the first day of filming, Allen removed his robe and flashed her. Allen has denied the incident in a statement, noting that he “has never done anything like that.”

Aside from the alleged sex scandal, the show’s premiere date coincides with a significant milestone for Anderson: The 30th anniversary of her debut as Playboy Playmate of the Month. She has appeared on more than 20 Playboy covers and holds the record for the most covers of any other Playboy playmate. She went on to star in the hit 1990s ABC sitcom, Home Improvement, playing the character of Lisa, Allen’s co-host on the show-within-a-show, Tool Time. The pair would later appear on the syndicated drama Baywatch, where Anderson became internationally known for her starring role as C.J. Parker. The show lasted for two seasons and cemented Anderson as a sex symbol. It would also give rise to the popular Pamela Anderson’s Body Spray line of fragrances.

Home improvement projects add value to your property, enhance comfort, promote sustainability and reduce maintenance costs. However, not all upgrades are created equal. Quality home improvements are those that are well-planned, expertly executed and use high-quality materials to ensure a lasting, attractive result.

To make the most of your home improvement investment, focus on projects that will have a direct impact on your lifestyle and the overall functionality of your home. Some common improvements include kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations and energy-efficient upgrades. Other upgrades such as a deck, patio or pergola can extend your living space and provide a great setting for entertaining guests and relaxing with family.

A well-planned home improvement project begins with an assessment of your living space and a vision of the desired outcome. This step helps to establish the scope of work, timeline and budget. It also allows you to make informed choices about the best products and materials to use.

Using qualified contractors, designers and tradespeople is another critical element in ensuring quality home improvement. When hiring these professionals, look for references and reviews, as well as a strong portfolio of previous projects. You should also consider whether they have the necessary licenses and insurance to perform the work.

Home improvement projects can be expensive, so it’s important to choose wisely and stick with a budget. A quality contractor will be honest about what can or cannot be achieved within your budget, and they will help you to create a realistic plan for your home improvement project. This will minimize the risk of over-spending and ensure that all of your objectives are met.

One of the best ways to identify a quality home improvement contractor is to go local. Choosing a local contractor can help to prevent communication problems, which can lead to frustration and misunderstandings. If a contractor is not receptive to your questions or does not return your calls, this could be a sign that they are not committed to their clients.

Aside from kitchens and bathrooms, the most popular home improvement projects tend to be those that increase a home’s curb appeal. These projects often include new siding, roof or windows, as well as landscape improvements such as tree planting and shrub trimming. While they may not add as much value to a home as a major kitchen or bathroom renovation, they can still contribute to a higher resale price.

Many homeowners assume that only large home improvement projects can add value to their property, but this is not necessarily the case. Even small projects such as painting or re-grouting tile can have a big impact on how your house looks. In addition, if you do the work yourself rather than hiring a professional, you can save money.

Home improvment refers to a variety of different projects that homeowners take on in order to improve their house or yard. These improvements may be functional in nature or they might be purely aesthetic. Regardless of the type of project, there are certain things that every homeowner should keep in mind. First and foremost, they should always be cognizant of their budget and stick to it. Additionally, they should not be afraid to seek help from others if needed. Lastly, they should make sure that they use high-quality materials for all of their home improvment projects.

Most people think of a home improvement project as being something that will improve the aesthetics of their property. This can include everything from painting the interior of a house to installing new countertops or cabinets. While this is often true, it is important to remember that home improvment also can be functional in nature. For example, if an older bathroom is outdated and doesn’t have enough storage space for all of your belongings, you could add new cabinetry or install a walk-in shower to make the room more functional.

While it is often the case that many home improvment projects can increase the value of a home, that doesn’t mean that all projects will provide a good return on investment. In fact, some renovations can actually decrease the value of a property.

This is especially the case if the improvements are overly personalized or go beyond what buyers are looking for in a home. For example, adding a water feature and koi pond in your backyard is likely to only appeal to you and not potential buyers. Similarly, adding a home theater system or even a Chip and Joanna Gaines-inspired shiplap wall to an accent room will probably only appeal to a small segment of the market.

If you’re considering any major home improvment projects, be sure to consult an expert before committing to them. A RamseyTrusted real estate agent can evaluate the potential impact of your project on your resale value and advise you on what improvements will be worth the money.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the best home improvement projects for your property, please contact us today. We are proud to be a trusted resource for homeowners in the area! Our team is ready to help you with any of your home remodeling needs. Let us help you create the home of your dreams!

Home Improvement is one of the most beloved ’90s sitcoms. The wholesome, family-friendly show ran for eight seasons on ABC and is still enjoyed today in syndication. It garnered plenty of praise for its talented cast, tight writing and earthy freshness. The show also featured some very funny moments, as it tackled a wide range of real-life issues with aplomb.

It also starred the comedy genius of Tim Allen as his goofball character, Tim Taylor. The show follows the trials and tribulations of Tim and his wife, Jill, and their three sons, Brad (Zachery Ty Bryan), Randy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) and Mark (Taran Noah Smith). The series was an instant success, winning the hearts of a legion of fans with its humorous takes on a myriad of subjects.

After the series ended, Allen went on to do several other projects, including a few more TV shows and even a couple of movies. He eventually resurfaced on Last Man Standing, which ran from 2011 until 2021. Allen has since moved on to Disney+, where his new sitcom, The Santa Clauses, premiered in Nov. 2018.

But there have been rumors of a reboot for years now, and the latest news is that Allen hasn’t ruled out the possibility of bringing back Home Improvement at some point in the future. However, he’s made it clear that it would be a different type of revival than the first.

Rather than the show’s original format, which featured a mix of sitcom-style episodes and reality-style installments, a potential reboot might focus solely on the reality-style segments of the series. That could allow it to be more modern and appeal to a younger audience without losing the integrity of its legacy.

The main reason that a reboot wouldn’t work is that Pat Richardson, who played Jill for eight seasons, has no interest in reprising her role. Richardson previously sat down with a podcast host to make it clear that she is not interested in returning to the show for any future season.

In the interview, Richardson explained that she has no desire to re-shoot scenes and that she doesn’t want to see her character swayed by outside pressures to come back to the sitcom.

In the past, Richardson has hinted that she might be interested in a reunion, and she did appear in a short special called Tim Allen Presents: A User’s Guide to Home Improvement in 2003. The special featured clips from the show, tips for DIYers and personal reflections by the stars of the series. It was also the only time that Allen, Richardson and the late Earl Hindman appeared together in a television special. The special was a hit, and it helped to revive interest in the show. It was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award, but it lost out to Seinfeld.

A home improvement business offers an opportunity to be your own boss while making a living doing something you enjoy. Whether you choose to focus on kitchen and bathroom remodeling, energy-efficient upgrades, landscaping and outdoor living spaces, or essential repair services, the potential for profits is significant. However, starting any type of business requires careful planning, solid risk management strategies, and a firm grasp on your target market. Business insurance can help protect your bottom line, employees, and clients in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Before you start a home improvement company, conduct rough preliminary research into your area and market to get a clear picture of what consumers need, what they’re getting from competitors, and where the gap is that you can fill. This will give you a good idea of the size of the opportunity and the competition, which will help you determine how to best set up your business model and unique selling points.

Home renovations are an increasingly popular way to add value and function to your property, so your business is likely to be in high demand. Among the most lucrative opportunities are expanding living spaces with room additions and improvements, maximizing the return on investment from kitchen and bathroom remodeling, installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and landscaping and creating functional outdoor living spaces.

The most successful home renovation businesses build strong relationships with their customers and earn customer trust through quality assurances, quality guarantees, and value-added advantages. Branding can also play a role, as customers are more likely to engage with companies they trust and that convey their qualities, strengths, values, and personality.

Many home improvement services can be run as a sole proprietorship, but it’s generally recommended that you register your business as an LLC, which separates your personal identity from the business and protects you against liability for debts and lawsuits. Depending on your specialization and location, you may also need various business permits.

Obtain the necessary paperwork, including an Employer Identification Number and business bank account, a contractor’s license, and health and safety permits, as required by your state or municipality. In addition, you’ll need to register with your local tax office and apply for business insurance, as needed.

While you’re setting up your home improvement company, it’s important to secure the proper insurance coverage that meets the requirements of your industry and location. In addition to general liability, you’ll need workers’ compensation and disability insurance to cover the costs of accidents that occur on the job.

As your home improvement business grows, consider acquiring additional contractors and subcontractors. This will allow you to expand your services and increase your revenue, while reducing your overall workload. It will also ensure that you’re always providing the highest level of service to your clients. You can also consider bundling your services and acting as an aggregator, matching up home improvement professionals with homeowners in need.

After starring as Greg’s son Kevin on the short-lived Brady Bunch revival The Bradys, Jonathan Taylor Thomas made his debut as middle son Randy Taylor on Home Improvement in the ’90s and became one of the most beloved child stars ever. A teen idol known as JTT, he left the hit show in 1998 to focus on his education. While some fans complained the show suffered without him, it’s clear that JTT had no regrets about stepping away to pursue his goals and ended up graduating from Columbia University with a degree in general studies.

His decision to put academics before acting paid off, and it appears he’s been working on his craft ever since. Despite not being seen in public for quite some time, the 42-year-old was spotted out and about this week, with paparazzi snaps showing him at a convenience store in Southern California. JTT was rocking a scruffy beard, longer hair and a light brown sweater with a pair of jeans and a black beanie as he walked into the store to refill his metal coffee mug.

The former teen heartthrob also looked at ease as he grabbed his food and walked out of the store with his two dogs nearby. While JTT is still acting — he’s popped up on shows like Veronica Mars and Smallville and guest starred alongside his Home Improvement dad Tim Allen in Last Man Standing — he seems to be content with his career path, which includes directing. Hopefully we’ll see him more often in the future.