Hiring an Expert You Can Trust

With a bit more time around the house, you might be thinking about how to get a few outdoor home improvements completed as the warmer weather settles in. Finding the right expert might seem daunting and it’s true that sourcing someone with know-how can feel like a job in and of itself. But trust me, hiring the wrong professional can do a lot more harm than good. So where do you start? Here are my top tips for finding an honest, reputable contractor. 

Ask for referrals.

When it comes to hiring an expert for remodeling or outdoor home repair work, you should look at it the same way you would for a doctor or an accountant. Start by asking friends, family and co-workers, or you can try your local building inspector or the owner of the lumberyard in your area. Additionally, every tradesperson has a network of other home professionals they deal with regularly so if you have a plumber you trust but you need an electrician, don’t be afraid to reach out. 

Set up a first date.

When meeting with professionals, your gut feeling is as important as anything else. Home improvement is a personal process so go at it in the same way you would a first date. Do you like the solutions and options the expert provides? Does he communicate with you in a way that’s clear and concise?  Do you feel comfortable that she will do the job the way you want it done? Don’t get caught up in special deals or flashy talk, trust your instincts and go with a professional that feels more like a partner than a salesperson.

Don’t ask for a rough estimate. 

If you have a big job that you need done, there is no use in asking for a “ballpark figure”. Chances are that the prices quoted in the estimate will change once the contractor has a chance to understand what is specifically required. Certain things such as the condition of the property, the materials used for the job and the personalization that you require will make up the price, so save yourself some time and confusion by making a list of what you really want before the contractors show up for the first appointment. Most professionals will give you an estimate for free so make the most of that opportunity by getting specific. Getting a good deal is important, but not if it means scrimping on quality workmanship. 

Do ask for a plan.

Understanding your costs is key, but it’s also a good idea to ask for a plan of action to ensure you are fully aware of both the process and the timeline for the job. A simple step-by-step explanation will give you the clarity you need to ensure that you and your contractor are on the same page. As a professional, I like to make sure the steps involved in a job are clearly articulated for two reasons; it gives my customers confidence in the project and it helps them understand all of the work being undertaken, especially the parts that might not be as obvious.  In my opinion, an educated customer is the best kind of customer.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Tips To Make Your Rental Property More Enticing

Owning a rental property can be a lucrative investment opportunity both for short-term stays and long-term tenants. If you own a second home that you’re thinking about renting or have an investment property that’s ready to be occupied, a few upgrades and minor renovations can make a big difference in how much you can get for your space.

The first thing I remind people who are renovating a property that they don’t live in is to try and treat it like a house instead of a home. Spending time and money creating the perfect aesthetic is a waste because the people who will be occupying the property likely won’t have the same taste that you do. Instead, focus on function while maintaining an inviting and warm atmosphere. It’s more than likely that your property will be someone’s temporary home, so keep it simple and comfortable.

Kitchens and bathrooms are key for a rental as they generally come “as-is” with less furniture and styling opportunities as rooms that are used for relaxing and “living” in. With a kitchen, be sure that there is plenty of storage and that the appliances are clean and new. Remember, people like functional spaces so if you’re spending some money on upgrades, a dishwasher will be a smarter investment than a fancy mantle or built-in wine storage. For the bathroom, make sure it’s absolutely mold-free and has good ventilation. Everyone loves a strong, hot shower but no one wants a bathroom riddled with mildew from the heat and humidity. Again, it’s important to remember that no one is going to treat a rental property with the same love and care as their own house so plan for wear and tear.

Walls and carpet are important, but most of the time they can look new with a thorough clean. Before you go ripping, replacing and repainting, see what you can do with a Magic Eraser and a carpet cleaner which can be rented from a home improvement store for around $30 per day. If your walls and carpet are damaged and you need to repaint or replace them, stick with simple, neutral colors that are easy to clean and will complement any style.

Another inexpensive upgrade is giving the fixtures a facelift. Turning some attention to cabinet knobs, door handles, blinds, and lighting can give a dated space a whole new look without spending a fortune. I can’t tell you how many homes and apartments I have been in with broken, plastic mini-blinds that make a whole room look dark and dingy. A simple replacement using wide faux wood blinds or a simple and easy to clean panel can really change a room on the cheap.

Finally, don’t even think about listing your property without investing in some good quality photography. Professional images can make all the difference no matter if you’re putting your property up on a vacation rental site or if you’re looking for a longer term tenant. Great pictures will get more people interested in your space, giving you a wider selection of better prospects to choose from. Attracting good people who will take care of your property is key and will save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run, so it’s important to go the extra mile to find them.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Bob’s Favorite Fall Must-Haves for Easy Autumn Maintenance

The temperature is officially turning which means now is a great time to start getting ready for the rapid changing of seasons. There is nothing worse than being unprepared, so today I have compiled my list of the must-have products and services that you should invest in to keep your home clean, warm, and well maintained from now right through the winter. Let’s get to it. 

Gutter Guards. Most homeowners don’t love the idea of getting up on a roof, but leaving your gutters to clog up with leaves can cause major problems as winter sets in. Gutter guards work as a shield over your gutters, allowing the water to pass through while repelling leaves, whirlybirds, twigs, and other potential blockages. I install gutter guards several times a week and it’s definitely not a one-size fits every house situation. Be sure to get a professional to come out and give you a recommendation before you buy.

Weatherstripping. If you have an older home, you likely feel a lot of air passing through your doors and windows. If you’re not quite ready for a full replacement, weatherstripping can help you to retain some of the heat in your home. Hardware stores generally carry felt, foam, and my personal favorite, vinyl tubing, which lasts the longest.  Most can be installed by a handy homeowner in just a few hours.

A Really Good Rake. Cleaning up the yard is backbreaking work, especially if you don’t have the right equipment. One of my favorite rakes is the Fiskars Leaf Rake with Cushioned Grip which has a wide head that can move a ton of leaves with one grab. Best of all, it’s under $20. If you have a lot of smaller areas, the Gardenite Adjustable Garden Leaf Rake is another great option to tackle tight spots. 

A Cordless Blower. With a good rake should come a good blower, but many don’t have the power to blast wet leaves and move around the yard efficiently. I am loving the Powersmith 40V Max Battery-Powered Leaf Jet Blower which blows at 120 miles per hour and is cordless so I can get right to the very edges of my property. What’s really great is the cruise control so I don’t have to hold down the trigger to keep the machine at the right level of power. 

A Furnace Inspection. It’s a good idea to make sure your furnace or boiler is in tip-top shape before the cold weather comes. Book an inspection now and be sure to change your filters to make sure everything is running smoothly. In addition to the peace of mind, a quick tune-up will help you save on your energy bills too. 

A Great Snow Shovel. Connecticut winters are unpredictable so it’s a good idea to be ready. According to reviews, the True Temper 18-Inch Ergonomic Mountain Mover takes the cake with its 18-inch plastic scoop, curved shaft, and nylon leading edge which protects sensitive surfaces like a deck or patio. It’s not cheap at between $25 and $30, but a good shovel can last for years, so it’s well worth the investment.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.