When you are planning a home remodeling project, children and pets are among the items that should be discussed when you have either or both in your home. Most contractors are good with children and pets; they typically have their own. However, it is necessary that they not be permitted in a construction area and experienced contractors have effective precautions to insure everyone’s safety. Kids and …
One of the most dangerous, even deadly, myths about wiring is the assumption that neutral (white) wires have no current running through them. Even disconnecting them offers no guarantees. If the circuit is turned off at the panel, there is still a strong possibility of a “shared neutral” situation meaning the current will still be flowing. Nothing can ever be safely assumed when it comes to …
Three-way switches are the ones operated by more than one switch, such as the ones you would have at the top and bottom of stairs to operate a light. A common service call we get is when these switches are improperly wired. Symptoms of improper wiring include the system only working from one switch and not the other, or a certain switch needing to be in …
The reason we know this problem is so common is because of the increase in calls we have been getting. Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) bulbs are the spiral alternative, pictured above, to conventional bulbs used to save energy and yield a longer life span. The problem is, they don’t always work with dimmer switches. The wrong CFL bulbs will result in bulbs not dimming or only …
These days, you need a permit for almost everything. This isn’t just to make your life more difficult, it could mean the difference between being safe and putting your home and family in jeopardy. When in doubt…ask. As a general rule, any type of home remodeling project requires a permit. You can actually use this to your advantage while you are interviewing contractors. Just ask about …
April 20, 2012
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Category: Contractor Relations
Comments Off on Calling a General Contractor For a Minor Repair
As a rule, most general contractors prefer not to deal with “smaller” jobs. By smaller, I am referring to jobs such as changing a switch or replacing a kitchen sink. However, most of us general contractors welcome calls asking about minor repairs. Here’s why. Reputable contractors by necessity maintain good working relationships with subcontractors for every imaginable trade your home would need. Calling a general contractor …
April 16, 2012
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Category: Contractor Relations
Comments Off on Illinois Licensing and Finding a Reputable Contractor
Sorting through contractors to find the reputable ones is no easy task for you, and Illinois licensing laws can add to the confusion unless they are explained simply like I am about to do for you. First, current Illinois laws regarding construction trades only require roofers and plumbers to be licensed through the State. You would think electricians would be included in this, but licensing for …
April 16, 2012
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Category: Contractor Relations
Comments Off on Discussing Your Budget With a Remodeling Contractor
Should you be discussing your budget with a remodeling contractor? This is a plaguing question you face that can unnecessarily infringe on the excitement of having your home remodeled. The fact that you’ll find opinions both ways doesn’t help either, but the following is a way to simplify the matter. At first, when I tell you the answer is both yes and no, that may sound …
