A survey conducted by Equipment World found that overall, 66% of respondents said they had a smartphone that connects to the internet. This is 14% more than in 2011, but still slightly behind the 70% of the general population. The two areas of greatest growth were the use of smartphone apps, up 50%, and watching […]

According to a survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America, 83 percent of the responding firms reported that they had trouble filling craft worker positions. This category includes carpenters, equipment operators, and laborers. When it came to hiring professionals, such as supervisors and engineers, 61 percent reported labor shortages. Ken Simonson, chief economist […]

In today’s world, there is a system of building codes, permits, and inspections to help ensure that new homes and any major renovations are done to current standards. Building codes are the benchmarks that your project has to meet. The building department checks your plans for compliance and issues a permit, giving you the go-ahead […]

Before you include a bidet or jetted tub in your bathroom remodel, check the current building trends. Both have fallen sharply out of favor, and could hurt the value of your home. According to the recent Home Innovation Research Labs survey, conducted among 1400 builders, your money is better invested in the following building trends: […]

Are you trying to decide whether to love or list your current home? Consider the following reasons to stay put: 1. Your neighborhood. Don’t regret leaving, and end up visiting your old haunts most of the time anyway. 2. Good neighborhoods are taken. Everyone wants to relocate in the same areas, and homeowners are holding […]

Is it time to update your hard-working kitchen? Increase beauty, function, and value with current kitchen trends. Consider the following upgrades: 2014 Sinks: The space and convenience of single basin sinks are in. Many homeowners like apron-front, integrated, copper, and brass varieties. Prep sinks are also must-haves. 2014 Countertops: Creative, heavy stone like soapstone and […]

Avoid becoming the unfortunate victim of an inept, or unscrupulous, contractor during your next home remodel. Protect yourself with the following helpful advice: After choosing a contractor, confirm licensing, bonding and reputation. View the contract type, and carefully review the contractor’s description of the agreement. Obtain a copy of the contract before starting work. Any […]

Keep remodeling costs under control with careful planning. Do your best to avoid the following common remodeling mistakes: ·      Not having a budget. Don’t get caught up in good intentions. Don’t guess. Make a budget. Diligently stick to it. ·      Choosing the wrong project. Redos are very expensive. ·      Right project, wrong time. Timing is […]

The point of any home renovation is to obtain a nicer home with added value. Remodeling Magazine’s recent survey helps homeowners determine the most financially sound home upgrades. First, replace wood siding with “cement board” siding. Sellers recover 78 percent of the cost of cement board, and remove the need for expensive house painting. Next, […]

Remodeling can be a tricky investment. Projects high on return are usually replacement projects. The following remodels will add value and curb appeal: A steel entry door. This project returns over 90 percent of your cost. A wooden deck. A deck adds living space, and returns more than 87.4 percent of your cost, according to Remodeling magazine. Garage […]