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Living Through Your Construction Job
It's all well and good to talk about buying a fixer-upper and doing the renovations necessary to bring the home up to the
neighborhood standard - it's another thing to actually do it.
Construction is tough on you, and your family. And, it sucks up cash like there's no tomorrow.
One way to make the job easier is to plan for the worst, and that means facing your fears about renovation straight on. Are you
most afraid that your contractor will walk away half way through the job? Or, are you afraid that every time you open up a wall
you'll have to replace everything inside.
Once you've voiced your fears, you can set up contingency plans to help you get through whatever situation emerges.
Remember, it's your renovation. Plan for it.
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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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.
 Finding a Competent Contractor, Architect and Designer
Getting Your Warranties
The Truth About Estimates
Your Rights as a Contractee
How to Find a Contractor
Managing the Renovation
Writing and Negotiating the Contractor's Contract
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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