--------FB LIKEBOX-----

Buying a house: Before you sign.

July 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Home InspectionYou just closed on your new house. All of a sudden you notice that XXX does not work. Unfortunately, once you have signed the paperwork the house is yours and so – in most cases- is any problem that comes with it. How do you avoid this situation?


1. Make sure a home inspector inspects your house. Unfortunately, like in other areas of life, not all home inspectors are created equally. Here are some tips on how to pick a good one. It seems redundant to mention this but I have heard of , particularly, first time home buyers not having been advised to consult a home inspector.

2. Be there when the home inspector goes through your house. You will learn where your air filters are in your house, fuse boxes and more. Most home inspectors will tell you while they work what they are looking for.

3. Take notes if necessary.

4. Make sure you know your “Inspection Objection Deadline”. While as a home buyer you really don’t want to have to deal with the small stuff – the real estate agent should do this. However, it is important to be proactive. In the contract there should be a list(depending on your state) of deadlines that need to be observed in order to make this purchase happen. This list is particularly important if you have a real estate agent who is not on top of his game.
Once you receive the inspection report know the changes that need to be made according to your inspection report and your notes. Point them out to your real estate agent, who will then in turn relay the requirements to the “other side”. They will counter with if or what they are willing to repair.

5. It is a good idea to ask  your home inspector if he would be willing to come to your house again to see if all the necessary and agreed upon repairs have been made.

6. Last but not least: Do a thorough walk through the day of your closing. If your closing is first thing in the morning -maybe at 9 am – be at ‘your’ house early and test EVERYTHING. Water pressure,drains, all outlets,toilets, lights, microwaves, A/C and so on. If something is not working, bring it up at the closing. All parties will be there and there is a great interest to complete this actions. Don’t think that there is nothing you can do! You could agree on an allowance to fix an item that doesn’t work, or you agree (in writing) on a certain issue to be fixed after closing. Whatever happens…once you signed the house is yours.  In special cases you still have the ability to fall back on the seller but those cases are generally rare. So buyer beware ….and smart.

If you are considering to get a contractor you might be interested reading 25 things to consider or  maybe you’ll want to know what to ask a contractor?

 

Get something special:

Buy Autism Tshirts and gear and a portion will be donated to Autism Speaks. Code: SPEAK

Filed Under: buy, Maintenance, Military LIfe, Your Home Tagged With: , , , , , ,

25 Points When You Hire A Contractor

June 10, 2011 By 2 Comments

home improvementMy hubby was on deployment and the house needed to be readied for our next PCS. I couldn’t just wait! I had to take matters into my own hands and get a contractor to get a few things done around the house that I could not do by myself. I had decided on a contractor, now what?

Getting a Written Contract

A contract will bind the contractor to what he agrees to do (who, what, where, when and cost) and you agree to pay him for it once the work is done in a timely and professional manner. Surely, then you don’t have a problem paying either.Make sure that this is mentioned in your contract:

  1. The contractor’s name, address, phone, and license number, if required.

  2. Project description and price

  3. An estimated start and completion date.

  4. The contractor’s obligation to obtain all necessary permits. A note on permits: Many types of home improvement projects need a permit, if you contractor says you do not need a permit, double check!

  5. How change orders will be handled. A change order — common on most remodeling jobs — is a written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to the work described in the original contract. It could affect the project’s cost and schedule. Remodelers often require payment for change orders before work begins.

  6. A detailed list of all materials including color, model, size, brand name, and product.

  7. Warranties covering materials and workmanship. The names and addresses of the parties honoring the warranties — contractor, distributor or manufacturer — must be identified. The length of the warranty period and any limitations also should be spelled out.

  8. What the contractor will and will not do. For example, is site clean-up and trash hauling included in the price? Ask for a “broom clause.” It makes the contractor responsible for all clean-up work, including spills and stains.

  9. Oral promises also should be added to the written contract.

  10. A written statement of your right to cancel the contract within three business days if you signed it in your home or at a location other than the seller’s permanent place of business. During the sales transaction, the salesperson (contractor) must give you two copies of a cancellation form (one to keep and one to send back to the company) and a copy of your contract or receipt. The contract or receipt must be dated, show the name and address of the seller, and explain your right to cancel.

  11. Keeping Records

  12. Keep all paperwork related to your project in one place. This includes copies of the contract, change orders and correspondence with your home improvement professionals. Keep a log or journal of all phone calls, conversations and activities. You also might want to take photographs as the job progresses. These records are especially important if you have problems with your project — during or after construction.
    Completing the Job: A Checklist

  13. Before you sign off and make the final payment, use this checklist to make sure the job is complete. Check that:

  14. All work meets the standards spelled out in the contract.

  15. You have written warranties for materials and workmanship.

  16. You have proof that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid.The job site has been cleaned up and cleared of excess materials, tools and equipment.

  17. You have inspected and approved the completed work.

  18. Where to Complain

  19. If you have a problem with your home improvement project, first try to resolve it with the contractor. Many disputes can be resolved at this level. Follow any phone conversations with a letter you send by certified mail. Request a return receipt. That’s your proof that the company received your letter. Keep a copy for your files.

  20. If you can’t get satisfaction, consider contacting the following organizations for further information and help:

  21. State and local consumer protection offices.

  22. Your state or local Builders Association.

  23. Your local Better Business Bureau.

  24. Action line and consumer reporters. Check with your local newspaper, TV, and radio stations for contacts.

  25. Local dispute resolution programs.

For More Information
  • Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov ; National Association of Home Builders: www.nahb.com
To order a free copy of How to Find a Professional Remodeler, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
NAHB
Dept. FT
1201 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
• National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators: www.nacaa.net
P.O. Box 40542
Nashville, Tennessee 37204
Toll Free: 1-866-SAY-NACAA
The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
Filed Under: Maintenance Tagged With: , , , , ,

What do you ask your contractor?

June 8, 2011 By 1 Comment

how to pick a contractorWhether you want to fix up certain parts of your house so that your home sells quickly, maybe you need some home maintenance done or you just moved into a new house that needs a little TLC – finding a good, dependable and hopefully not over-the-top expensive contractor can be a challenge.

Consider these tips:

Your best bet is a reality check from those in the know: friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had improvement work done. Get written estimates from several firms. Ask for explanations for price variations. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder.

You can also go online and take a look at free sites such as Google or kudzu.com to take a look at contractors’ reviews.

Not all contractors operate within the law. Here are some tip-offs to potential rip-offs. A less than reputable contractor:

  • solicits door-to-door;

  • offers you discounts for finding other customers;

  • just happens to have materials left over from a previous job;

  • only accepts cash payments;

  • asks you to get the required building permits;

  • does not list a business number in the local telephone directory;

  • tells you your job will be a “demonstration;”

  • pressures you for an immediate decision;

  • offers exceptionally long guarantees;

  • asks you to pay for the entire job up-front;

  • suggests that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows. If you’re not careful, you could lose your home through a home improvement loan scam.

Questions to ask your [future] contractor

  • How long have you been in business? Look for a well-established company and check it out with consumer protection officials. They can tell you if there are unresolved consumer complaints on file. One caveat: No record of complaints against a particular contractor doesn’t necessarily mean no previous consumer problems. It may be that problems exist, but have not yet been reported, or that the contractor is doing business under several different names.

  • Are you licensed and registered with the state? While most states license electrical and plumbing contractors, only 36 states have some type of licensing and registration statutes affecting contractors, remodelers, and/or specialty contractors. The licensing can range from simple registration to a detailed qualification process. Also, the licensing requirements in one locality may be different from the requirements in the rest of the state. Check with your local building department or consumer protection agency to find out about licensing requirements in your area. If your state has licensing laws, ask to see the contractor’s license. Make sure it’s current.

  • How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year? Ask for a list. This will help you determine how familiar the contractor is with your type of project.

  • Will my project require a permit? Most states and localities require permits for building projects, even for simple jobs like decks. A competent contractor will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your project. Be suspicious if the contractor asks you to get the permit(s). It could mean that the contractor is not licensed or registered, as required by your state or locality.

  • May I have a list of references? The contractor should be able to give you the names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least three clients who have projects similar to yours. Ask each how long ago the project was completed and if you can see it. Also, tell the contractor that you’d like to visit jobs in progress.

  • Will you be using subcontractors on this project? If yes, ask to meet them, and make sure they have current insurance coverage and licenses, if required. Also ask them if they were paid on time by this contractor. A “mechanic’s lien” could be placed on your home if your contractor fails to pay the subcontractors and suppliers on your project. That means the subcontractors and suppliers could go to court to force you to sell your home to satisfy their unpaid bills from your project. Protect yourself by asking the contractor, and every subcontractor and supplier, for a lien release or lien waiver.

  • What types of insurance do you carry? Contractors should have personal liability, worker’s compensation, and property damage coverage. Ask for copies of insurance certificates, and make sure they’re current. Avoid doing business with contractors who don’t carry the appropriate insurance. Otherwise, you’ll be held liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project.

Understanding Your Payment Options

You have several payment options for most home improvement and maintenance and repair projects. For example, you can get your own loan or ask the contractor to arrange financing for larger projects. For smaller projects, you may want to pay by check or credit card. Avoid paying cash. Whatever option you choose, be sure you have a reasonable payment schedule and a fair interest rate. Here are some additional tips:

  • Try to limit your down payment. Some state laws limit the amount of money a contractor can request as a down payment. Contact your state or local consumer agency to find out what the law is in your area. Try to make payments during the project contingent upon completion of a defined amount of work. This way, if the work is not proceeding according to schedule, the payments also are delayed. Don’t make the final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you are satisfied with the work and know that the subcontractors and suppliers have been paid. Lien laws in your state may allow subcontractors and/or suppliers to file a mechanic’s lien against your home to satisfy their unpaid bills. Contact your local consumer agency for an explanation of lien laws where you live. Some state or local laws limit the amount by which the final bill can exceed the estimate, unless you have approved the increase. Check with your local consumer agency. If you have a problem with merchandise or services that you charged to a credit card, and you have made a good faith effort to work out the problem with the seller, you have the right to withhold from the card issuer payment for the merchandise or services. You can withhold payment up to the amount of credit outstanding for the purchase, plus any finance or related charges.

For More Information: Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov , National Association of Home Builders: www.nahb.com
To order a free copy of How to Find a Professional Remodeler, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
NAHB
Dept. FT
1201 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
• National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators: www.nacaa.net
P.O. Box 40542
Nashville, Tennessee 37204
Toll Free: 1-866-SAY-NACAA
The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
Filed Under: Maintenance, Military LIfe Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Winterize your home-things you can do right NOW!

October 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Does this seem like a strange questWinterize your home safe Moneyion to you? I am not surprised. However, I am talking about home maintenance, specifically winterizing your house OR apartment. Being smart about taking care of the place you live can save you money and those savings will buy you you in the end a nice restaurant dinner. Ahhh.

I have always been a bit hesitant to ‘winterize’ my home. I am not the greatest at home improvement and therefore I tried to avoid it. When my husband was deployed I had to take a close look at the biggest investment of our lives myself: Our house. I wanted to keep everything running well, at the same time keep my money.

These are the things you can DO RIGHT NOW!

1. Buy or make a draft snake and put them in front of doors, windows or any area  that would permit a draft. If all fails, roll up a towel and put it down. While this little doodad will not eliminate all of the draft, it will reduce it at least.

2. If you know where the furnace is in your home, take a look at the filter. Replacing the filter of your furnace every other months will keep allergies down and it will make your furnace. Take the old filter to Home Depot or Lowes…they’ll help you!

3. Check the roof: Before the rain and snow hit, take a close look at your roofing, including flashings. See if you can see shingles that are cracked, curled, flashings tight. Maybe a neighbor is nice enough to get on the roof for you, if you can’t make it yourself.

4. Check firewood supplies: To get the maximum heat value from your firewood, it needs to be dry. Keep it covered.

5. Move freeze-prone liquids: If you have paint, car care products, lawn and garden products, or other liquids that are prone to freezing, move them into an area where they’ll be protected from winter’s chill

6. Check smoke detectors: As always, fall and spring are the times to replace your smoke detector batteries,

7. Prepare humidifiers: Winter is a dry time inside your home, and many people chose to use a portable or central humidifier to put much-needed moisture back into the air.

8. Outside faucets: While this might not save you money in terms of the heating bill, it will save you from having to replace a faucet or even water damage to your home. You can buy Styrofoam covers for these faucets. If you didn’t get to do buy one, wrap a big towel around it or keep the faucet on a drip.

9. Caulking any thing that might be leaking cold air in or warm air out. You can buy little tubes at Walmart or other home improvement store. Fairly easy.

10. Windows: Pull your curtains! Especially when you have a cold spell and not energy saving windows. The curtains are another layer of protection against drafts. Then again, if the sun is shining, you’ll want to let the sun in to warm up your room.

11. Waterheater: Take a look at your water heater, a lot of times water heaters are set higher than necessary. Try and turn down the temperature on your water heater, can safe you big $$.

12. Keep doors closed: If you want a cozy warm bathroom keep the door closed. A small room will warm up much quicker. Doesn’t seem like much, but keep your closet doors closed. You don’t need to heat them. Or do you?

13. Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to push hot air downward and delay it from escaping the house

12. Shut vents in rooms that are not used or that you’d like to keep cold. For example, my son loves to sleep in a very cold room. His vents are closed and so is his door as I don’t want the cold of his room to get into the rest of the house.

Filed Under: Maintenance, Military Kids, Military LIfe, Your Home Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,