How to find the best contractor for the job

While many repairs can be done by a handy homeowner, there are some jobs, such as putting on a roof or installing siding, that require a professional contractor. But finding an expert who will get the work done on time, on budget and in a professional and friendly manner can sometimes feel daunting. Here are my tips to help you find the best person for your next job.

1. Get references. You want to find someone who is local to the area and has a good reputation. Ask your contractor for the names and phone numbers of the last several jobs he or she completed so you can contact the homeowners and discuss their experiences. Ask questions about the contractor's professionalism and communication skills as well as the end-to-end process.

2. Make sure they have the right qualifications. A general contractor might be able to do anything, but that doesn't mean they do it all particularly well. Find someone who has extensive experience in the job you want done, not someone who just "does that too". Also make sure that they are both licensed and insured to do the work that you require.

3. Get into the nitty gritty. A good contractor will give you a step-by-step breakdown of the job they are quoting on. Remember that with home remodeling, you're paying for both a product and a service, so ask about the materials they are using and do some research on your own. Extra time may be required for ordering materials, especially if they are more difficult to come by, so ask questions about the timeline and expected completion date.

4. You get what you pay for. You have no idea how many times I get calls to replace a roof with a 30 year warranty after only 10 years because of installation error, or because the homeowner skipped a vital step in order to save some money. Warranties on products are only as good as the installation and surrounding environment, and many manufacturers won't honor a warranty if those factors aren't up to scratch. Make sure your contractor explains this to you.  

Expert contractors love working with people who are well informed, have done their research and aren't afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to speak up, because good communication is key to ensuring that your job is done right and to your specifications.

Leaf relief for autumn

In the next few weeks the leaves will begin to fall, which means plenty of yard work for homeowners. But what's even more important than keeping your lawn clean is ensuring your gutters are free from debris coming into the winter.

Gutters are an important part of the home because they allow water to drain off the roof and away from the foundation. When the autumn comes, gutters often get filled with tree leaves, which can be very problematic in the winter when we get a lot of snow. If your gutters are clogged, the water has nowhere to go, which means it might either seep into the roof or pour down into the foundation, causing expensive and preventable damage. Luckily, I have two simple solutions to ensure your gutters are ready for winter, and the best part is that they are both inexpensive and easy to do.

The first is to get gutter shields installed on your property. Shields can be made of metal mesh or plastic and can either work as a filter or a complete gutter cover. The type of guard you choose will depend on your home and needs, and installation can be done by a professional contractor in one day. For those of you who are handy around the house, you can even install them yourself -  provided you have safety equipment and feel comfortable on a roof. It’s important to note that if your gutters are very old or have been not been maintained properly, you may not be able to cover them.

If gutter shields aren’t an option for you, you can also get your gutters cleaned, which should be done at least four times per year.  Many homeowners tackle this job themselves, but it can be both difficult and dangerous. I suggest hiring a professional, who can not only clean the gutters but can also do a quick inspection to ensure your gutters are in good working order and ready for the winter. Whenever I do a gutter cleaning, I always look for leakage warning signs and report them back to the homeowner so they are aware of any potential problems before they happen.

Gutters that are in proper working condition will save your home and your foundation from potentially expensive and preventable repair. The best part is that solutions are quick, easy, and can give your home the protection it needs to ensure you don't have any unnecessary problems this coming winter.

Give your home a fall facelift

Autumn is one of the best times to give your house a spruce up. It gives you a chance to do minor inspections, fix any damage prior to winter's arrival, and, if you're considering putting your house on the market, it gives you a head start for the fall selling season.

One of my favorite ways to update a home is to install a new entry door. A lot of houses in our area still have wood doors, which are prime for serious heat leakage. Installing a new door made from fiberglass will help to retain warmth and give you a great, contemporary style. They even come in wood grain or solid color finishes to keep with the look and feel of your current exterior.

Now is also one of the best times to look at vinyl siding, which can dramatically improve the appearance of your home while reducing overall maintenance and up keep. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one third of new homes in the U.S. are built with vinyl siding, and that number continues to rise every year. Why? Vinyl siding is durable, long lasting and comes in a variety of finishes to suit a homeowner's personal style. My favorite part is that it never has to be painted or stained, and there is no rotting or insect problems that can come with traditional wood cladding.

Finally, with winter on the way, it's time to take a look at your windows. When I visit a house, I will often use a thermal camera to see how much heat is being lost, and old wood sash windows are one of the main culprits. New vinyl windows are great in terms of energy efficiency and heat loss reduction, and at our house, we love the tilt in sashes for easy cleaning.

Being a home owner requires a lot of maintenance, but the investment is worth it to keep you and your family comfortable all year round. It's also key to ensure you get the best possible price on your home if you ever decide to put it up for sale.

What is your favorite tip for giving your house a facelift? I'd love to hear from you.