| 10 Steps for Hiring Service Professionals 1. Confirm the sales person works for the company. 2. Ask for a copy of the company's license. 3. Ask for proof of insurance. 4. Finalize the contract before starting on a project. 5. Make payments to the company that was referred. 6. Avoid paying with cash. 7. Withhold final payment until you are satisfied with the project. 8. Don't advance money for materials. 9. Check multiple references. 10. Document all changes to the contract. License Verification: Maryland 500 North Calvert Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202-3651 (410) 230-6309 District of Columbia 941 North Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 442-4400 |
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| Dream Home Professional Contractors LLC |
The Bottom Line on Fixing It Up
Home Renovations'
REMODELING's 2007 Cost vs.
Value Report Online
Source: REMODELING Magazine
Publication date: 2007-11-01
By Sal Alfano
This year marks the 20th anniversary of
REMODELING's Cost vs. Value Report
www.costvsvalue.com It began as a way to
help our readers answer two important
questions on the minds of most
remodeling customers: How much will my
project cost, and will I get most of my
money back if I have to sell?
In the last five years, the Cost vs. Value
Report has evolved largely due to improved
e-mail sampling techniques and the ability
to display results on the Web. Prior to 2002,
we limited data to 10 projects — 5 “core”
projects that appeared every year, and 5
others that rotated from a dozen or so
additional projects we track. That year,
however, we began working closely with
Specpan, which provided the means to
conduct a Web-based survey, and with the
National Association of Realtors, which
gave us access to its membership. The
result: more reliable data about more
projects each year.
WHERE'S THE VALUE?
Not surprisingly, this year's data confirm
what we all know: The housing market is in
a slump.
Across all projects, the share of
construction costs recovered is down
compared with last year, although the rate
of decline has slowed. And some parts of
the country are doing better than others,
notably New England and Mid-Atlantic
cities, but especially the Pacific region
(California, Oregon, and Washington),
where remodeling costs recouped at
resale are 14% higher than the national
average.
On the other hand, some of the hottest
remodeling cities in the southeast and
southwest are performing below the
national average. This could be because
these areas are also the most active in the
country for new housing and, with the
housing glut, new-home prices are
dropping, taking resale values down with
them.
That said, remodeling is still a pretty good
investment. Two-thirds of this year's
projects return between 65% and 80% at
resale. That means homeowners are still
paying just 20 cents to 35 cents on the
dollar for more space, better space,
different space.
Sal Alfano, Editorial Director
salfano@hanleywood.com
Home Renovations'
REMODELING's 2007 Cost vs.
Value Report Online
Source: REMODELING Magazine
Publication date: 2007-11-01
By Sal Alfano
This year marks the 20th anniversary of
REMODELING's Cost vs. Value Report
www.costvsvalue.com It began as a way to
help our readers answer two important
questions on the minds of most
remodeling customers: How much will my
project cost, and will I get most of my
money back if I have to sell?
In the last five years, the Cost vs. Value
Report has evolved largely due to improved
e-mail sampling techniques and the ability
to display results on the Web. Prior to 2002,
we limited data to 10 projects — 5 “core”
projects that appeared every year, and 5
others that rotated from a dozen or so
additional projects we track. That year,
however, we began working closely with
Specpan, which provided the means to
conduct a Web-based survey, and with the
National Association of Realtors, which
gave us access to its membership. The
result: more reliable data about more
projects each year.
WHERE'S THE VALUE?
Not surprisingly, this year's data confirm
what we all know: The housing market is in
a slump.
Across all projects, the share of
construction costs recovered is down
compared with last year, although the rate
of decline has slowed. And some parts of
the country are doing better than others,
notably New England and Mid-Atlantic
cities, but especially the Pacific region
(California, Oregon, and Washington),
where remodeling costs recouped at
resale are 14% higher than the national
average.
On the other hand, some of the hottest
remodeling cities in the southeast and
southwest are performing below the
national average. This could be because
these areas are also the most active in the
country for new housing and, with the
housing glut, new-home prices are
dropping, taking resale values down with
them.
That said, remodeling is still a pretty good
investment. Two-thirds of this year's
projects return between 65% and 80% at
resale. That means homeowners are still
paying just 20 cents to 35 cents on the
dollar for more space, better space,
different space.
Sal Alfano, Editorial Director
salfano@hanleywood.com
| Dream Home Professional Contractors, LLC | 301-740-8222 | Gaithersburg, MD 20879 | All rights reserved 2004-2008 |
May 2008
It's a great time of the year to make
potential profit-turning home
improvements and you don't have
to empty your pockets in the
process. By being more realistic
with your upgrade plans, you can
save yourself time and money.
Here are some key areas to
consider:
Give your home great curb appeal—
Appearance is important. Accent the
driveway, sidewalk and entryway with flowers
or lanterns. Consider hiring a lawn service to
keep things well-groomed. Paint the front
door and upgrade your doorknob with a
modern handle-and-lock set. If your home
doesn't have one, consider adding a deck. It
may cost $5,000-$7,000, but it could add up
to $15,000 to the value of the house.
Keep it clean—Bright, clean homes can
attract potential buyers, so you'll want to get
rid of clutter. Install do-it-yourself closet
systems with materials available from home
improvement stores or online specialty
retailers.
Kitchens rule!—
When it comes to remodeling, that's where
most people like to start. Here are some
simple ideas: change the wall paint, sink
fixtures, backsplashes and cabinet door
handles. Or you could completely replace the
cabinet doors and drawers if you have the
budget for it! Update the lighting fixtures. Add
a rolling island to the center of your kitchen
and install a rack system to hang pots and
pans or wine bottles.
Give it a rest—
The restroom is often anything but restful, but
you can make it a place a prospective buyer
won't mind spending time in. Replace the
floor, tile, lighting, faucets and countertops.
Re-grout the tile or get a prefab tub and
shower.
Update floors and walls—
Putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls is
inexpensive. So is putting a few area rugs on
your floors. (Just remember to keep the
colors neutral!) If your floors are beyond help,
consider wood laminate flooring or new
carpets.
For more on this topic, visit Home&GardenTV.
com, Bankrate.com and MSNBC.com.
It's a great time of the year to make
potential profit-turning home
improvements and you don't have
to empty your pockets in the
process. By being more realistic
with your upgrade plans, you can
save yourself time and money.
Here are some key areas to
consider:
Give your home great curb appeal—
Appearance is important. Accent the
driveway, sidewalk and entryway with flowers
or lanterns. Consider hiring a lawn service to
keep things well-groomed. Paint the front
door and upgrade your doorknob with a
modern handle-and-lock set. If your home
doesn't have one, consider adding a deck. It
may cost $5,000-$7,000, but it could add up
to $15,000 to the value of the house.
Keep it clean—Bright, clean homes can
attract potential buyers, so you'll want to get
rid of clutter. Install do-it-yourself closet
systems with materials available from home
improvement stores or online specialty
retailers.
Kitchens rule!—
When it comes to remodeling, that's where
most people like to start. Here are some
simple ideas: change the wall paint, sink
fixtures, backsplashes and cabinet door
handles. Or you could completely replace the
cabinet doors and drawers if you have the
budget for it! Update the lighting fixtures. Add
a rolling island to the center of your kitchen
and install a rack system to hang pots and
pans or wine bottles.
Give it a rest—
The restroom is often anything but restful, but
you can make it a place a prospective buyer
won't mind spending time in. Replace the
floor, tile, lighting, faucets and countertops.
Re-grout the tile or get a prefab tub and
shower.
Update floors and walls—
Putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls is
inexpensive. So is putting a few area rugs on
your floors. (Just remember to keep the
colors neutral!) If your floors are beyond help,
consider wood laminate flooring or new
carpets.
For more on this topic, visit Home&GardenTV.
com, Bankrate.com and MSNBC.com.