RenovatorsPlace

Contractors & Architects

Before you sign a contract, find out how to choose the right contractor or architect, avoid the bad ones, and understand your contract with practical tips from RenovatorsPlace. Click any article below for helpful remodeling tips from RenovatorsPlace.

• Pest Control Basics: Choosing the Right Exterminator

  Pest control is an unsavory fact of life for homeowners. By choosing the best exterminator, you can eradicate a pest problem and take steps to prevent other infestations before they begin.

• How to Choose a Lawn Service Contractor

  Many homeowners dream of having the perfect lawn, but don't have the time to make it happen. If lawn care is simply too much to handle, a lawn service can come in very handy. Lawn services can provide everything from a good fertilizing to care for trees, shrubs, and even flower beds.

• Hiring a Swimming Pool Contractor

  Look for legitimate state licensing on your hunt for a swimming pool contractor.

• Hiring a Swimming Pool Contractor: The Contract

  Finding a quality swimming pool contractor is only half the battle. Prepare to demand a comprehensive contract.

• Avoid Roofing Contractor Rip-offs

  Three simple tips can help you avoid becoming the victim of phony roofing contractors.

• Which Renovation Contractor is Right for You?

  Unsure of which type of home renovation professional you need for your project? Here's a quick review of who handles what when it comes to renovation projects.

• Super Source: Talk to Your Roofing Contractor about Solar Shingles

  Our country's appetite for renewable energy combined with rapid technological advancements make solar shingles worth considering.

• A Renovation Coach Can Help You Find and Communicate with Your Contractor

  Nervous about your home renovation? Need a little more hand-holding and conversation than a remodeling contractor can provide? Get in the game with a Renovation Coach.

• Home Renovation 101: When to Hire a General Contractor

  Consider the size of your project and the amount of control you want to exert when deciding how to contract your home renovation.

• Pros and Cons of Being a General Contractor

  If you're planning a kitchen renovation, you might be tempted to work as your own general contractor. Here are the pros and cons so you can decide if it's right for you.

• Safe from Contractor Scams

  Most contractors are reliable professionals. But for peace of mind, here are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you get the best service at the best price.

• Don't Rush Your Remodel: The Best Contractors Are Worth Waiting For

  It takes time to find the best remodeling contractor, but it's worth every second.

• The Pros and Cons of Hiring a General Contractor

  Should you hire a general contractor to manage your whole remodeling project, or piece it out to subcontractors you can control?

• Hiring a Room Addition Contractor

  Looking for a remodeling contractor to build your kitchen addition? Here's how to find the best company for your project.

• Finding a Sunroom Contractor

  Planning a sunroom addition? Here’s how to find remodelling contractors, check references, and decide who will build your addition.

• Handyman or Remodeling Contractor? Picking the Right Worker for You

  Do you need a handyman or a remodeling contractor? Here’s how to understand the difference.

• A Contractor Resource for Seniors

  A new certification program will train contractors to work with seniors and understand their unique needs regarding adapting their homes to their physical and lifestyle changes. Here are the details!

• What's Your Role During the Project?

  When working with a contractor, don't make the mistake of thinking that he or she carries all the responsibility. Here's what to consider.

• Who Handles Deliveries?

  Contractors typically schedule and sign for deliveries, but they may ask you to assume some of that responsibility. Before you agree, consider your liability.

• Common Remodeling Mistakes -- and How to Avoid Them

  Before you start your project take time to review some common mistakes people make when they remodel.

• Warranty Tips

  Here's what to look for in a contractor's warranty.

• Finding an Architect

  Finding the right architect for your remodeling project is a lot like finding the right contractor. It takes some time and effort, but can pay dividends in the end.

• Do You Need an Architect?

  You're starting to remodel, but are not sure whether to hire an architect. Can the contractor provide the design skills you need? Is the project too small to warrant the extra fee? Here are some tips.

• Deciphering a Few Contract Terms

  Don't let the legalese get you. Here's how to decipher a few common contract terms.

• Detailed Questions to Ask a Contractor

  These questions are designed to help you find out more about the business, management, and ethical background of a contractor. You don’t have to ask all the questions -- just tailor this list to your own situation.

• The Pros and Cons of Being Your Own General Contractor

  After reviewing bids from contractors, you search for ways to reduce the cost of your remodeling project. Can you really save by supervising the work yourself? Here's what to watch out for!

• Contractors Who Vanish in the Night

  Here's what to do if your contractor vanishes in the night. For specific help, send an email with details to info@renovatorsplace.com.

• Warning Signs of a Bad Contractor

  Regardless of economic conditions, it seems that good contractors are difficult to find.

• Signing a Contract

  Just sign here, the contractor says. It spells out everything we’ve just talked about.

• Why a Preconstruction Meeting?

  Remodeling often involves many details. A preconstruction meeting is an important step in itemizing all those details and ensuring the project proceeds smoothly.

• Finding the Right Subcontractors

  What are subcontractors? They’re the skilled tradespeople who handle the various jobs on a remodeling project -- tile layers, painters, plumbers, carpenters, wood floor refinishers, and so on. Finding the right subcontractors can be time-consuming and fraught with aggravation, particularly in today's tight labor market. Some tradespeople prefer to work for general contractors who supply them with steady work throughout the year.

• Don't Forget the Insurance

  Many renovators assume that contractors and subcontractors carry liability insurance. It is wise to find out, however, to avoid taking on insurance liability that doesn’t belong to you.

• Hiring a Contractor

  You've heard the horror stories about friends, family members and neighbors who picked the wrong contractor. How can you avoid making the same mistake?