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Homes Need Constant Care
One of the hardest things for homebuyers and homeowners to come to terms with is that no house is perfect. As one home inspector liked to say, "An old house has older problems, but new houses have problems, too."
Moving into a brand new space is magical. And many homeowners want to keep it that way. But inevitably, the shiny new stainless steel sink gets scratched, as do the chrome bath fixtures. The grout in the floors gets stained and windows get dirty. Your kids leave handprints on the walls and here or there you might find the wood molding has cracked or the paint is peeling.
How can you keep your home in spit-spot condition? If you keep up with the maintenance work, and tackle small jobs on a regular basis, you'll end up spending less time and money on repairs, and will feel good about your home year-round.
Ilyce Glink is the bestselling author of 100 Questions Every First Time Home Buyer Should Ask, and is the Managing Editor of Right at Home Daily.
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Pre-Renovation: Design Plans, Blueprints, and Estimates
Once you've decided on your renovation project, you're ready to draw up preliminary plans, turn them into finished blueprints, and get estimates for the work. Lisa Skolnik walks you through the process of developing accurate and comprehensive design plans, blueprints, and estimates.
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After closing on your new home, don't be surprised if your
first impulse is to pick up a paintbrush. Even if your new
condo, townhouse or single family house is in perfect
condition, our natural instinct is to make a house our
own. Barbara Buchholz, former editor of House & Garden
Guides Magazine and co-author of Porch Style and the
New Homeowner's Handbook presents some issues to
consider before you start.
 The Truth About Estimates
Your Rights as a Contractee
How to Find a Contractor
Managing the Renovation
Writing and Negotiating the Contractor's Contract
Finding a Competent Contractor, Architect and Designer
Getting Your Warranties
Unless you're going to do the work yourself, you'll need
to pull together a team of folks to help you. For small
jobs, you may only need, say, a painter. But for major
jobs, expect to hire a contractor, architect and perhaps
even a designer and landscape designer upfront. Lisa
Skolnik, city editor for Metropolitan Home magazine and
co-author of Porch Style, tells you what to look for.
The True Costs of Home Improvements
Landscaping & Hardscaping
Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?
Should You Renovate or Tear Down and Start From Scratch?
Assessing Your Needs vs. Your Wants
New curtains, new paint job, new appliances, new light
fixtures, and new carpet. The list of things you can do to
improve a home is endless. But ask yourself, "What's the
budget?" Lisa Skolnik, city editor for Metropolitan Home
magazine and co-author of Porch Style and Jim Sulski,
real estate development and home improvement
contributor for numerous publications including the
Chicago Tribune, Crain's Chicago Business and
Consumer's Digest offer some things to think about when
planning and budgeting for your renovation project.
Pre-Renovation: Design Plans, Blueprints, and Estimates
Ways to Reduce Remodeling Costs
How Much Can You Afford to Spend?
Financing Your Renovation: Home Equity Vs. Construction Loans
Building Your Renovation Team
Change Orders: How They Affect Your Budget
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