Maybe you’ve had it, and you can no longer stand putting off that remodel. Maybe you have an unexpected week free of work to focus on your home improvements. Or perhaps you have an in-law coming unexpectedly in the near future and you can’t stand the thought of them seeing things as they are.

Whatever the situation, you’ve found yourself in a hurry. Not to worry—we have the tips on how to get a contractor this very week, if needed.

Here are our suggestions for how to secure that contractor in place this very week, without being sorry in the long run.

Let us help you start the project. Quickly.

Search contractor listings

Databases, where trusted professionals have vetted information for you, offer a list of contractors in your area who not only qualify as high quality, but are certified and have proven themselves worthy to be on such a list. You can find such a contractor database here on CalFinder, where we have accumulated a database of literally thousands of amazing contractors.

For contractor pricing on your remodel, click here.

No matter where in the country you live, you can find a contractor in your area who will make you happy.

Ask around at pro stores

There’s no better place to look around physically for contractors than by going to the places where they are known professionally. Ask around at your local paint store or home depot, talk to the manager and get some guidance. You may also find that you come across subcontractors that you can work with directly, allowing you to skip over the task of talking to a contractor, who then has to subcontract out certain jobs.

Who have your neighbors worked with?

With so many people staying in their homes these days rather than selling, most homeowners have at some point worked with a contractor or at least been exposed to their work. Start your process quickly by making a few phone calls (lasting no longer than that cup of strong coffee you’ll have on hand). Talk to neighbors and friends and see if any of them rave about their contractor.

Get ready to negotiate

Once you’ve got a list of contractors, you’re ready to interview and negotiate. Don’t sign the first contractor you meet. Allow room for negotiating price and getting a feel by comparing professionals. Make this most effective and efficient by coming to the meetings knowing exactly what you’re willing to spend, what you need in a contractor, and what priorities are at the top of your list.

Window replacement is a big task, especially if you’re looking to update the look of your home and replace majorly outdated windows. The replacement part—hiring a professional to accomplish the task for you like magic—is relatively simple compared to the task of deciding what you want and choosing the right replacement windows.

As you embark on this large and much-needed process, take a look at these 6 things of what NOT to do as you shop for your new windows. We’d love to, pardon the pun, shed a little light on the matter for you.

If you need to get pricing on new windows, click here.

When shopping for new replacement windows, DO NOT do the following:

1. Fail to Plan

As with any project in life, you want to make sure that you start your window replacement project with a plan. Get window replacement ideas, make detailed notes of what windows you need to replace and why, what you’re willing to pay, and what timeline you’re working with. Remember to ask your contractor about window tax credits as well.

2. Purchase the biggest brand name

Once you’ve decided on the window types you need (e.g. casement verses double hung), don’t assume that the first company that looks decent is necessarily the best. In this day and age—especially of nationwide corporations—you can get exactly what you want, at a competitive price.

Take a look at how long the window brand has been around, get reviews on their customer service and warranties, as well as their product itself.

3. Hire the first contractor you meet

With such a large and technical task, you will definitely need a professional window contractor for the actual job. Start early to look for a contractor that’s right for you. Ask neighbors. Take a look at CalFinder’s enormous database of qualified and certified professionals here, and find one in your area that will suit you perfectly.

4. Think you have to stick with the same style

This is a great opportunity to not only improve the energy efficiency flow in your house, but also update the look of your home. Replacing windows gives the exterior—and interior—of your place an instant face-lift. Not to mention that you can save up to 30% of energy that you might have been losing due to outdated and leaky windows.

Consider going greener, or put in that bay window that you always dreamed of in your breakfast nook.

5. Replace all the windows at once and go over budget

Perhaps you need to replace the windows in your living room—and now—but can wait on the rest of the house. Maybe your budget determines how many you replace at once. While getting all of your windows replaced in one go can save time and hassle, you’re actually not spending anymore money in negotiating with your contractor a drawn-out, long-term plan of window replacement.

6. Neglect to consider your region’s climate

Keep in mind that the wrong windows for your climate can do you a great disservice. If you live in a temperate climate, consider windows that crank open easily to let in fresh air, or open up in a rainstorm without letting in the rain. On the other hand, if you’re replacing windows in a tough climate where you’ll never really open them but want to let in fresh light, double pane may be the way to go for you.

Kitchen islands are an exciting addition to any kitchen. Compared to some remodeling projects that are less sexy (like a toilet replacement), or those that take months of upheaval (like a bedroom wing added to a house), an island can give your kitchen an instant makeover.

But there are things that determine the effectiveness of your kitchen island. From materials to how many people use your kitchen to how often you entertain can all be factors in your decision. Here are 5 laws for choosing the perfect kitchen island.

For pricing on a kitchen remodel, click here.

1. Know what you want in a kitchen island

The proper kitchen island can double the functionality in your kitchen. More than simply another work surface, an island can work overtime for you as the chef. Evaluate how much you cook, what you like to cook, and where you feel the kitchen needs improvement for you to do these things better. For instance, if you’re more the baker than cook, consider getting marble countertop to help with your doughs. If you’re limited in sink space, consider an island that offers a large farmhouse sink and great faucet.

2. Pick a long-lasting, durable surface material

You have the amazing opportunity to add another kind of work surface to your kitchen. If you’re currently working with granite countertops, consider making the surface of your island something complementary but entirely different, such as concrete or even rustic wood. Make sure that it fits into the overall aesthetic of the kitchen.

3. Make your island do many things

Whether you’re kitchen remodeling or not, your island can be many things:

• a separate breakfast space
• brunch service
• second stove
• additional sink
• storage for cookbooks and extra less-used dishes
• drawer space for china and silverware
• station for pet food and feeding
• children’s cooking area
• extra cooking surface
• storage for pots (hanging overhead)
• homework space while the table is being set
• dessert and coffee bar for company
• company cooking space

4. Look for great storage

An island offers added functionality in the form of storage as well as extra cooking space. While the top of an island might serve as a cooking and eating space (as in a kitchen island bar), the four sides of the island can do even more work.

Add varying sizes of drawers and cabinets to your island to allow you to store things, from small pickle forks to that once-every-few-years fondu pot you don’t want to get rid of. Even if you want one side of the island to serve as a bar, guests can pull up directly to an island covered with drawers—no need for the overleaf for them to pull up to.

5. Make an island support your specializations

This is a great chance not only to add functionality, but aesthetic to your kitchen. One of our favorite island additions for a kitchen involved an embedded wine cellar of sorts. Yes, one side of the island design showcased an entire wall of shelved bottles behind a shielded glass to keep the temperature and lighting right, while showing off an impressive collection.

Take a look at these five bathroom vanities and why we claim to love them for their functionality as well as style.

For pricing on a bathroom remodel, click here.

1. Simple and Sweet

IKEA’s elegantly modern Flaren / Hollviken Sink Cabinet costs only $254.15 (plus an additional 15% off from now until March 11). Perfect for the minimalist who would rather hide bathroom stuff when not in use.

2. Industrial Chic

If you’re going guilded in your new bathroom, consider a smaller dresser (like the one above from Anthropologie) that adds to the sheen and industrial chic of your bathroom. Look through estate sales for a fabulously unique mirror to match.

3.Floating Bathroom Vanity

Consider a floating bathroom vanity, like this fabulous minimalist option. Complete with a sink, countertop space, storage, and room below—this option is definitely unique.

4. Dual-Sink Vanity

This streamlined bathroom vanity is perfect for two in a small space. It’s uncomplicated and functional, offering separate sinks and even the possibility for separate medicine cabinets.

5. Modern Dresser Vanity

Think outside the box and consider a sleek, modern dresser for your vanity. In a small bathroom built for two and long enough for this Linear dresser, you’ll have the counter space plus tons of room for linen and toiletries. Line this along one entire wall and eliminate the need for anything else in your bathroom remodel except for the commode and bathtub.

In the building world, there are standards for minimum R values when erecting structures. Simply said, the R value of a product is its ability – or lack thereof – to transfer hot or cold through a product. It could also be that R Values are thermal resistances of materials.

In Ontario, for example, there are minimum R Values for new home construction. With the recent new changes to the Ontario Building Code, there are different standards for different sections depending on multiple other building systems that have gone into the design of your home. One prescription may include an R-24 overall rating for exterior walls, and an R-50 Blown in attic insulation.

For any home do-it-yourselfers, here’s a list of a few R Values for building materials that could be added to your home, or are already a part of your building system to create its current R-Value:

Batt insulation is a very common form of insulation used in new home construction. It can range from as low as R-12 to over R-40.

• Drywall +- R -.5
• Clay Brick +- R-.45
• Concrete Wall +-R-1-2 (depending on thickness
• Insulated Vinyl Siding +- R-4 (Varies with thickness)
• 5/8” Plywood +- R-.78
• Asphalt Shingles +- R – .44
• Wood Shingles +- R – .94
• Solid Wood Door +- R- 2.33 (2” thick)

As you can see, insulation plays a critical role in ensuring that heat stays within your home. The R-Values of other building materials that go into a home indicate that they actually add very little thermal resistance to your house.

The next home you build or decide to remodel, don’t cheap out on the insulation! Your home will be more comfortable, and of course, your bills will be lower.

For a thorough list of R values and R value formula, click here.

–

David Gilvesy is a guest author from Greener Ideal, an environment news and green lifestyle publication.

You have a remodeling project in mind—perhaps it’s been nagging at you for months and even years—but you’re worried about the cost of bringing in contractors and buying new materials and appliances. You know that a contractor is necessary, but you’re unsure how to negotiate a fair (and for you that means cheaper) remodeling price.

You’re not alone.

There are several decisions and strategies you can adopt along the way to help you lower costs without compromising the quality of your home repair or renovation. Take a look at how to lower your remodeling costs.

To get exact pricing on your remodel, click here.

1. Know your estimated costs beforehand

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of planning your project before you begin. This can mean gathering a lookbook of dreamy bathroom remodeling pictures, making a list of appliances you want to replace in your kitchen remodel, or pricing out materials yourself. You need to know approximately what you’ll be spending.

If you have yet to get estimates for your project, you can get several quickly by clicking here.

2. Choose the right time

Be strategic about when you want the home remodel done if the project isn’t urgent. Exterior work, such as siding and window replacement, is less expensive in the fall. Indoor jobs typically cost less during January, February, and March. Which means that now is the prefect time for that kitchen or bath remodel.

3. Take time to find the contractor

You want a great balance between high quality and low price. Take time to ask around for referrals, or search for contractors through databases. CalFinder offers a database of thousands of pre-screened contractors—and you can find an experienced, licensed, highly-recommended contractor in your area.

4. Know how to negotiate

Tell your prospective contractor what you need, then sit quietly. Let them name a price. If your budget is $5,000 and he offers to do the job for $6,500, then tell him simply that you can’t afford the work. Often the company can lower their price to get the job. This is a negotiation on both ends, after all.

5. Creative incentives

Often you can get a fairer bid by thinking outside the box. Offer to pay the contractor’s supplier or subcontractors yourself. This is often appealing to the head contractor, who doesn’t want to bother with payment or to pay out of pocket. That way, you can work directly with subcontractors and know all of your costs exactly.

6. Be willing to balance

While some jobs—most jobs—in home renovation require a professional, consider what you can do to balance the job and the cost. While you may need a pro to put in that new commode, do some of the stripping and prep work yourself, or have a weekend painting party with friends who are experienced DIY painters. You can find a great balance.

Whether you’re remodeling your whole bathroom or simply updating the look, choosing a new bathroom vanity is a big deal. A vanity is often the largest piece of furniture in the bathroom, working as the focal point, the object that will catch your eye instantly every time you enter the room. Aside from the aesthetic aspect, it serves a dual function as a storage area. Since the vanity is such a key item in the bathroom, it’s important to get it right. 

As with any new purchase, you should approach your search for the ideal bathroom vanity with some knowledge of what they’re about, what’s available and what you specifically need. You may be surprised at the hundreds of different vanity ideas out there.

Bathroom vanities come in every size, style, material and price you can imagine. The easiest part of narrowing your selection, and minimizing the confusion, is by knowing beforehand how much you are willing to spend and what size vanity your bathroom can hold. These two deciding factors will significantly narrow your options and help you find the perfect vanity.

Once you know your budget and size, you can move on to the fun part. The first step is to decide what style you’re looking for. If you are working with an existing bathroom, you will want your vanity to blend with your previous décor.

If you’re starting a bathroom from scratch, or doing some bathroom remodeling, then you can use the vanity as the foundation for setting the tone you desire.  You’ll find gorgeous options for contemporary, traditional and modern vanities. There are painted vanities, antiques and hand carved.

Next, know whether you want an open storage vanity, closed or combination of both. This decision should be made based on the other storage options you have in your bathroom. If you live in a small city apartment, or have a small bathroom, your vanity may provide the only closed storage in the room, which makes it very valuable space. An open concept design is beautiful but may not be practical for your needs.

After you have decided on the style, you can begin shopping. You will quickly become familiar with the many different brands, finishes and hardware choices. Many vanities come with a variety of options, so you can customize to fit your needs. Take advantage of the many online resources, bathroom remodeling pictures, and the like to get ideas. Many websites allow you to simplify your search by narrowing it down according to your criterion (size, style, finish, price, etc.).

Most important is to take pleasure in your vanity shopping experience. Decorating is enjoyable, and when you approach it with all the knowledge you now have it will be fun!

–

Aliza Soko is a Kitchen and Bath design expert at Quality Bath, the premier online source for luxury kitchen and bath products. Aliza uses her extensive design background to help clients create the homes of their dreams.

It’s time for those dramatic spring storms.

Maybe you’ve been living in a tornado-prone area your entire life.

Maybe you’re new to the Texas-termed “frog-stranglers” that darken the sky and throw around neighborhood objects.

Either way, you want to make sure that your windows are safe in the case of overpowering weather.

How to protect yourself from the heavy rain, winds, and hail that may hit your windows? How to know that you’re keeping that strange and wonderful weather outside of your home, where you can enjoy it securely from within?

And, most importantly, how to get fair pricing for those windows?

For costs, you can click here.

For the best types of storm windows, keep reading.

Steel Windows

Windows built with steel over 100 years ago are still around and working beautifully today. Steel is classic, versatile, and durable. Metal windows are stronger than nearly any other construction material. The phrase “strong as steel” definitely applies here.

The material is hefty without looking bulky, and can come in a variety of types of windows and even shapes to match any home’s style. Many window brands offer maintenance-free finishes. And you can be sure that this material never rusts, swells, or warps.

Vinyl Windows

Often a cheaper option than steel, vinyl windows can be obtained for less than half of the price of other materials. The installation is significantly less as well. Vinyl has terrific insulation options, so if you’re looking less for the sturdiness of steel and more for insulation from outside elements, be it heat or frost—this may be the option for you.

And yet vinyl frames are known to be excellent for homeowners in coastal areas, where hurricanes abound. Homes in tornado-ridden areas of the country can also benefit from the higher end of vinyl frames with tempered glass for extra protection.

Aluminum Windows

In wet, severe-weather areas, aluminum is a sturdy, safe option. This material protects against driving rains, high winds, and other barrages. Lightweight yet durable, aluminum stands up to rust and corrosion, providing a lasting security at a very affordable price for materials and installation.

Remember also that your actual window glass matters as well. Go with tempered glass, which is a stronger, toughened, energy-efficient window glass. Similarly, laminated glass can help ward off extreme temperatures and provide a more secure glass barrier in stormy weather.

Consider how old your windows are and, if they are old and in need or repair or show signs of minor compromises—get a window replacement now, before you’re faced with a weak window in a storm.

Have you ever wondered if there are things that contractors like to keep as professional secrets? Even the most honest, hardworking contractor has insider knowledge that you might not see from the consumer-homeowner side of things.

While you certainly want a contractor you can trust to tell you what you need to know, these insider tips are a gift from us as you go about bathroom remodeling upgrades. Your contractor may be upfront about everything—but we doubt they will tell you this.

Check out these seven things your bathroom contractor probably won’t tell you. And for help finding a good contractor, click here.

1. You don’t need me for every detail.

Some contractors like to finish their own job to completion, even if this means that the details get dissolved into their overall fee. Consider saving yourself money and time with the contractor in your house by completing smaller tasks, such as installing hardware, replacing doorknobs, and hanging mirrors, for a weekend DIY project.

2. Don’t tear down walls unless you have to.

Contractors are often amenable to changes if they are compensated accordingly. But we suggest that once you start a project, don’t make major changes. This can end up costing you much more than necessary. Come to the project with a complete plan, and leave room for only minor adjustments, not major changes of direction.

3. A bathroom-specific contractor is best.

While some contractors claim to be jacks-of-all-trades, a specific bathroom contractor is best. You’ll get higher quality, more efficient work. Why would you go to a pedodontist for your root canal? Get specialized, quality care.

4. Always go with standard sizes.

If you’re replacing entire countertops and vanities in your bathroom, consider going with the standard industry size. Doing so can save you tons of money on a needless custom fit of granite, concrete, or other materials. Unless you have something very specific in mind requiring a custom fit into a particular space, go with standard sizes.

5. Order your granite countertops pre-finished.

If you’re changing the surface of your bathroom countertops, consider that while granite countertops look great, they’re one of the most expensive materials to replace in a bathroom. Prefinished granite slabs can be cut to standard sizes before they are imported, lowering the cost of a “custom job.”

6. If possible, choose slate.

While granite is prime, slate countertops offer natural beauty at a more reasonable price. A slate floor, for instance, gives a refined look while helping you stay in the budget. Now is the right time for slate—the American market price has dropped considerably: from around $12 per square foot to $3-4/sq ft.

7. Let me buy all the materials.

No matter who’s dealing with the installation of materials—from that huge clawfoot tub to that small drawer pull—have your contractor buy all the materials. You can save money perhaps if you buy that sink yourself and haul it home. But you’ll really save time, money and hassle by leaving everything to the pros. Not to mention that they can often get insider discounts unavailable to regular consumers.

You’ve thought long and hard about working on your kitchen. Maybe you’ve even come as far as to have a specific plan in mind. You’ve priced out materials. Hired a contractor. You’re rubbing your hands together in anticipation.

But you want this kitchen remodel to make sense to your lifestyle, not just look good. And you may not like the idea that a kitchen renovation could, worst case scenario, mean limited functionality and lots of take-out for the next several weeks and even months. A hassle that is definitely worth avoiding.

Blending updated aesthetics with high and personalized functionality can be tricky. Especially with a room that requires daily use along the way.

If you need pricing on a kitchen remodel, click here.

If you’re looking to prioritize this project, here are five hints that’ll get you cooking in your renovated kitchen in no time.

1. Work with standard dimensions

While a custom job seems appealing for the sake of making your kitchen like no other, you can do so while still working with standard measurements. This will save you time in waiting for the custom fit to get installed. It will also save you tons of money. Several materials like granite countertops, for instance, can be cut to standard sizes in the factory before it’s shipped, making installation much simpler, cheaper, and faster.

2. Get those appliances in

While details will linger til the end, you can start enjoying your renovations immediately by putting in the large appliances first. Look first to modernize the cooking surfaces, like the stove, oven and the fridge. Consider doing your sink replacement after that, to then enjoy the functionality of new materials while the details around them get completed.

3. Find a multifunctional kitchen island

Whether you are installing a built-in kitchen island or are adding a moveable one (e.g. a large steel structure to your kitchen), consider putting it in early on. You can use this as an extra work surface and even storage and eating space while the rest of the kitchen meets with upheaval and disarray during construction. For more kitchen island ideas, click here.

4. Do the DIYs yourself

It’s tempting, once you see how easy it can be to just let your kitchen contractor do everything, to leave it all to them. But you can work simultaneously and get your job done faster. While they are working with the lighting, you can spend a weekend doing the smaller projects, such as installing a steel backsplash, or screwing in those new drawer pulls.

5. Don’t overdo the details

Stay clear of details that can bog you down and complicate your kitchen and the renovation process. You’ll be spared much of this if you come to the project with a clear plan and defined aesthetics. Keep in mind also that your kitchen design should tie into the aesthetics of the rest of your home, even if your other rooms have some catching up to do.