Hire Power

Finding a qualified contractor for a home improvement project can seem overwhelming unless you know what qualifications to look for. Start your contractor search by following these guidelines from Angie’s List.

Begin by clearly defining your project. Read remodeling magazines and search websites for designs and materials. Even just jotting down ideas on paper can help potential contractors understand what you want to accomplish.

To find contractors, ask family and friends for references, or check out sites like Angie’s List and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for recommendations. Also check the Better Business Bureau for any reported complaints.

Ask the contractor for names of previous clients and talk to them about their experience. Find out if they were pleased with the workmanship and whether they would hire the contractor again. If the contractor is reluctant to give names of past clients, find another one.

Make sure the contractor has an established street address and phone number where they can be reached in case of an emergency. Be wary of contractors who use a box office address or an answering service.

Obtain at least three written estimates, and ask if the contractors are licensed, bonded and insured. A reputable contractor will usually come prepared with proof of these items. Review the contract thoroughly to ensure that you understand all of the details and how change orders will be handled.

Most contractors require a 10 percent to 15 percent deposit before beginning a project. Use a credit card for payments so you have some recourse in case something goes wrong. Before signing off on the project and making the final payment, check that the work is completed to your satisfaction.

Hiring qualified contractors can provide some peace of mind throughout the project.

No Bugs Allowed

The excessive heat and drought conditions that have gripped much of the country may have curtailed normal outdoor activities for some, but the weather has also created an ideal breeding environment for pests, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). The growing pest population has wreaked havoc on homes and everyday living.


“Hot and dry conditions send many pests indoors to seek moisture and cooler temperatures, so homeowners will likely encounter more pests in their homes than usual,” says Missy Henriksen of NPMA. “Even areas of the country that are receiving rain aren’t in the clear, as standing rain water breeds mosquitoes, which can spread West Nile virus,” she adds.



The NPMA suggests the following tips to prevent pests from entering the home.



• Keep all tree branches, shrubs and plants trimmed to create a barrier between the shrubbery and the house. Seal off any holes outside the home to eliminate entry points for small pests.

• In the kitchen, clean out areas where food is stored, and keep cereal, crackers and cookies in sealed containers. Dust and vacuum regularly to prevent cobwebs and spiders.

• Eliminate all sources of standing water around the home, which can attract mosquitoes, and check gutters, windows and porch lights for wasp and hornet nests.

• After spending time in grassy or wooded areas, check yourself and your pets for ticks before coming indoors. If a tick has latched on, use a hot matchstick or vegetable oil to remove it.

• If a pest problem persists, contact a local pest professional.

While you can’t change the weather, you can take steps to prevent bugs from spoiling your summer.

RENTAL STRATEGIES

For some homeowners, renting may be a viable option to selling. Whether you are an experienced landlord or a first-timer, the following tips from Frontdoor.com and USAA Insurance can help you evaluate prospective renters for your home.
     First, know federal and state landlord/tenant laws, especially the Fair Housing Act, which outlines illegal discriminatory actions. The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website is a good place to start to gather information.
     When advertising, focus on the details about the home, such as amenities, features, number of bedrooms and baths, and rent. Providing photos can also help “sell” your place to prospective renters. Show your house at its best by keeping it clean and in good repair. Remember to remove any personal items.
     Use a standard rental application that conforms to state laws, and give renters a list of policies about pets, co-signers, credit scores and late payments. Review all applications in the order you receive them, conduct a background check and call references. A good rule of thumb is to accept only applicants whose gross monthly income is three times the rent or more.
     Keep marketing the house and accepting applications until a lease is signed and the deposit check has cleared. Ask potential tenants to show proof of renters insurance, which covers the cost of the tenants’ belongings and any damage that might occur to the property during their stay.
     By following these tips, you can find tenants who appreciate your home as much as you do.

HOME SWEET SECOND HOME

Sometimes a vacation can be so good that it makes you want to move to your vacation destination permanently — or at least visit more often. If your recent getaway has you thinking about buying a second home, consider these pointers from Frontdoor.com and CNN Money before taking the plunge.
      Ultimately, your lifestyle will determine the kind of second home you buy. How much time will you spend in your second home? A few weeks a year? Are you looking for a weekend getaway? Be realistic: Consider how long it takes to travel there and how often you’ll really be using it.
      Will you rent it out when you’re not there? Homeowners who rent out their home for fewer than 15 days a year don’t have to pay taxes on rental income — rental expenses, however, aren’t deductible (and vice versa). Whether or not you choose to rent it out, it’s important to add in extra costs, such as maintenance and insurance — which will be higher in risky weather areas, such as beach properties — and then decide whether the upkeep and costs still fit within your budget.
      Know the rules of renting. Some towns don’t allow short-term rentals, so make sure your chosen locale does, and read up on

landlord laws for tenants. If your home will be primarily for rental income, opt for a family-friendly home in a popular location with easy access to airports or other modes of transportation for a more desirable rental option.
      Last, consider long-term goals when choosing a second home. If you’re thinking of the home as a good place to retire, it’s important to check out local hospitals and other resources, and factor in costs associated with making a home compatible with senior living.

Noise Control

For many homeowners, the days of hearing the neighbor’s radio through paper-thin walls are gone. But noise can still be a problem, even under your own roof. Lower the decibel level in your abode with some ideas from TLC.
     First, find out how sound travels in your home with one simple step. Turn off the lights in one room while leaving the rest of the lights on in surrounding rooms and look for any light that’s peeking through the walls. If light can travel through, so can sound. Use acoustical caulk, available from most hardware stores, to seal off these hidden cracks between walls, ceilings and floors. Put carpet or rugs on higher-level rooms to reduce the noise traveling to lower floors.
     To help reduce noise in other rooms, in-wall insulation can help, but it requires cutting holes in the walls. For an easier fix, buy wall coverings that have soundproofing capabilities and repaint them to match your décor, or hang noise-control curtains in the room. The most time- and cost-intensive fix — but also one of the most effective — is to replace standard windows with double-paned ones, which greatly reduce noise.
     Don’t forget the outdoors. Block off sounds from the street by placing heavy shrubbery and evergreens with large leaves near doors and windows. And consider ornamental fountains for a more welcoming sound.

PLAY ZONE

School’s out, and it’s no surprise your kids are clamoring to stay outdoors. Keep them safe and close to home by building an outdoor play area.
     Start by asking your kids what they envision. Do they want a nature area with a garden or bug observation station, or perhaps a building area with toy blocks and a table? Swing sets, slides, play towers and the like are the most popular choices for play areas, and you don’t have to have a huge yard to accommodate them. If you want to include this kind of play equipment, be sure to consider size, materials, components, price and safety features before buying.
     Once you’ve decided what you want to include in the play area, assess your yard for the ideal location. Choose a large, level area in your backyard, and remove any rocks or roots so there’s little chance of tripping on uneven ground. Consider placing the play area underneath big trees for extra protection from the sun. Then, prep the play area: Dig up the dirt or grass and refill the play zone with a protective surface such as mulch, sand or shredded rubber at least three inches deep to minimize injury if a child falls.
     Install bender board (landscaping border material) on the outskirts of the play area to ensure the filling stays put. Depending on how old your kids are, consider adding a fence around the border of the play area for added safety, and keep it free of obstacles (like rocks or lawn chairs) at least six feet around each edge.

Keep in mind that not all play areas need to look and feel like a playground. Kids can have just as much fun weatherproof chalkboards, a basin of water with toy boats to race, or even cardboard boxes in different sizes.

NOISE CONTROL

For many homeowners, the days of hearing the neighbor’s radio through paper-thin walls are gone. But noise can still be a problem, even under your own roof. Lower the decibel level in your abode with some ideas from TLC.
     First, find out how sound travels in your home with one simple step. Turn off the lights in one room while leaving the rest of the lights on in surrounding rooms and look for any light that’s peeking through the walls. If light can travel through, so can sound. Use acoustical caulk, available from most hardware stores, to seal off these hidden cracks between walls, ceilings and floors. Put carpet or rugs on higher-level rooms to reduce the noise traveling to lower floors.
     To help reduce noise in other rooms, in-wall insulation can help, but it requires cutting holes in the walls. For an easier fix, buy wall coverings that have soundproofing capabilities and repaint them to match your décor, or hang noise-control curtains in the room. The most time- and cost-intensive fix — but also one of the most effective — is to replace standard windows with double-paned ones, which greatly reduce noise.
     Don’t forget the outdoors. Block off sounds from the street by placing heavy shrubbery and evergreens with large leaves near doors and windows. And consider ornamental fountains for a more welcoming sound.

Home Sweet Second Home

Sometimes a vacation can be so good that it makes you want to move to your vacation destination permanently — or at least visit more often. If your recent getaway has you thinking about buying a second home, consider these pointers from Frontdoor.com and CNN Money before taking the plunge.
      Ultimately, your lifestyle will determine the kind of second home you buy. How much time will you spend in your second home? A few weeks a year? Are you looking for a weekend getaway? Be realistic: Consider how long it takes to travel there and how often you’ll really be using it.
      Will you rent it out when you’re not there? Homeowners who rent out their home for fewer than 15 days a year don’t have to pay taxes on rental income — rental expenses, however, aren’t deductible (and vice versa). Whether or not you choose to rent it out, it’s important to add in extra costs, such as maintenance and insurance — which will be higher in risky weather areas, such as beach properties — and then decide whether the upkeep and costs still fit within your budget.
      Know the rules of renting. Some towns don’t allow short-term rentals, so make sure your chosen locale does, and read up on

landlord laws for tenants. If your home will be primarily for rental income, opt for a family-friendly home in a popular location with easy access to airports or other modes of transportation for a more desirable rental option.
      Last, consider long-term goals when choosing a second home. If you’re thinking of the home as a good place to retire, it’s important to check out local hospitals and other resources, and factor in costs associated with making a home compatible with senior living.

VOTING FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP

American voters feel strongly about homeownership and would oppose most policies that would make it more difficult to own a home, according to a recent survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders by Republican and Democratic polling firms of Public Opinion Strategies in Alexandria, Va., and Lake Research Partners in Washington, D.C.

Three-fourths of voters, both owners and renters, believe it is reasonable and appropriate for the federal government to provide tax incentives to promote homeownership. That sentiment cuts across party lines, with 84 percent of Democrats, 71 percent of Republications and 71 percent of Independents agreeing with this statement. Two-thirds of respondents believe the federal government should assist homebuyers so they can afford a long-term or 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

Further, 73 percent of voters oppose eliminating the mortgage interest deduction, a sentiment shared across party lines — 77 percent Republicans, 71 percent Democrats and 71 percent Independents. More than two-thirds of voters (68 percent) say they would be less likely to vote for a congressional candidate who favored abolishing the deduction.

The survey also finds that a majority of voters oppose several other proposals affecting homeownership including: reducing the mortgage interest deduction; eliminating the deduction for interest paid for a second home; limiting the deduction for those earning more than $250,000 per year; reducing the deduction for homeowners with mortgages higher than $500,000; and eliminating the deduction for interest paid on home-equity loans.

BRIGHT IDEA

Looking for a cost-effective way to increase security in your home and save energy at the same time? You could put some of the lamps in your house on a timer — or you could consider wireless lighting.

According to Frontdoor.com, wireless lighting enables you to replace switches in your home with receivers that respond to radio frequency signals from remote controls. It might sound complicated, but it’s fairly simple: Disconnect the manual switches and replace them with dimmers. Freestanding lamps that must be plugged into an outlet can be plugged into wireless receptors connected to the outlet. You can even program one remote to operate multiple lights throughout your house, no matter the size.

Aside from the ability to turn off a light downstairs when you’re already upstairs or turn on a light from anywhere in your home if you hear a suspicious noise, the main benefit of installing a wireless lighting system is reducing electricity and energy consumption. You can connect the system to a timer to set lights to turn on and off at specific times.

Wireless systems can range in price, from as little as $30 for a starter kit to hundreds of dollars to equip your entire home. Before installation, talk to a certified electrician to ensure the kit you purchase is the best for your home.

ROI MATTERS

If you’re looking to make some upgrades to your home this year, be sure to think about what makes sense for your lifestyle as well as what will offer the best return on investment. Start by checking out the results of Remodeling magazine’s latest Cost vs. Value report.

If you have an attic, you could be using it for much more than just storing holiday decorations and boxes of mementos. According to the report, converting part of the attic into an extra bedroom — which, on average, costs just over $50,000 — can recoup 72 percent of the cost when the home is sold. On the other hand, the addition of a deluxe master suite (an average cost of $230,000) will only recoup just over half of the investment.

If you’ve been thinking about sprucing up your outdoor space, now might be the time to invest in a new backyard deck; at an average cost of just over $10,000, this investment will recoup nearly 70 percent, the report says. When considering deck materials, choose wood over composite — it will recoup nearly 10 percent more on your investment.

Making over your garage can also be a good idea — replacing a garage door, which costs less than $2,000, recoups just over 70 percent of the total cost. But if your home is up for sale without a garage, it’s best to leave it alone. The addition of a garage costs about $58,000 and only recoups about 57 percent during resale.

Some other minor projects that might be worth the investment include replacing windows with insulated vinyl or wood models (the cost, between $7,600 and just over $8,000, is recouped by almost 70 percent), and remodeling the bathroom (cost is about $16,000 and the cost recouped is about 62 percent).

The bottom line? When making renovations, think small for an optimal return on investment

Healthy Start

Most New Year’s resolutions have
some kind of health angle —
work out more, eat right and
so on — so why not give your home the
same kind of revamp? Resolve to keep
your home healthier this year with this
seasonal checklist.

Spring

Clean your gutters. Backed-up gutters
can wreak havoc on siding and causeflooding. Scoop out leaves and debris with
a trowel or hire professionals to do it.

Check your roof. Wintry weather may
have damaged the surface, and the first big
rainstorm, left unchecked, could cause significant
problems. Replace shingles as needed.

If your fireplace got a workout during
the winter months, give it a clean sweep.
Call in the experts to inspect and clean
creosote buildup.

Summer

Walk around your house to check for
unsealed spots where squirrels or mice
could sneak in. Look carefully for termites
or ants, too. Inside, check your attic
and make sure egress points are sealed
tightly.

Get ready for the warm season by
giving any outdoor equipment (pools,
swing sets, etc.) a thorough, top-to-bottom
cleaning.

Fall

Ensure your furnace is in prime shape
for the cold months ahead, and change all
the air filters in your home.

Make sure your house is adequately
sealed. Apply weather stripping (such as
tape, felt, foam or vinyl tubing) around
doors or windows.

Trim branches near your home or roof
to prevent damage when wintry weather
hits.

Winter

Drain and insulate outdoor pipes to
prevent freezing.

Check for damaged sidewalk, driveway
or stairs, and repair them before the first
snow to avoid dangerous mishaps.