It can be tempting to tackle home remodeling projects yourself to save money, whether by doing the work subcontractors would otherwise do or by being your own general contractor and hiring subs. The question may not be, can you be your own GC, but should you? Here’s what you need to know. Benefits of do-It-yourself… Read more »
A gorgeous deck in the backyard is a place to relax with family and friends. Occasionally, though, you’ve heard news stories about elevated decks collapsing and injuring people. How can you ensure that your deck stays safe, or build a new one that is trustworthy? Here’s our guide to safe construction and deck maintenance. Anatomy… Read more »
How do you find a good custom homebuilder to construct the house of your dreams on your property? As with any consumer purchase, the key is doing diligent research before you hire. Here’s how to find a great custom builder. Community reputation Look for an established homebuilder already well-known in the community, with a solid… Read more »
Building a new home is far different from purchasing an existing house. While you may be familiar with typical purchase contracts and mortgages, here are the basics when dealing with a builder and financing new home construction. The sales contract All purchase contracts spell out the purchase price, amount of earnest money, projected closing dates… Read more »
Many structural components make up a house, but three are arguably the most important: the foundation, the walls and the roof. Everything else depends on those three. Walls stand on the foundation and support the roof. Here’s what you need to know to be an informed homeowner. Materials. Wall frames are constructed out of lumber,… Read more »
They make it look so easy, those house-flipping shows where they take a wreck of a home, turn it into a dream house, then sell it for a big profit. Have you ever wondered if you were missing out on an opportunity? Let’s pull back the show business curtain and take a look. Overstated drama…. Read more »
When it comes to home construction projects — large or small — homeowners are likely to encounter what may seem like a labyrinth of permits and inspections. Don’t be intimidated. Follow these guidelines to demystify the permitting process so you can enjoy your new project rather than fret about the red tape. The basics. Building… Read more »
