REALTOR® Helping home buyers and home sellers in Sherman Oaks - Van Nuys - Studio City - Valley Glen - Valley Village - Toluca Lake - Van Nuys - North Hollywood - San Fernando Valley since 1988
So, you're thinking of starting from scratch and building your own home. Before you go any further go rent a copy of Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream Home If you still want to go through with the project then you might want to bookmark this page. I hope that some of the info and links you find here will help you along the way
You may need an architect to help you with that. One very comprehensive site I've encountered on the web is "Before The Architect" They design unique house plans, custom house plans. They Also draft unique house plans, custom house plans. They review and repair house plans of others. Especially dream house plans. Nationwide. Author "House Construction Design Standards" & "Adaptable Bathrooms" & "How-To Design Curved Stairs, in 2D."
Need a Contractor?? Of course you do. Regardless of economic conditions, it seems that good contractors are difficult to find. Before you hire anyone it may be a good idea to visit The Contractors State License Board. There you can check out the license status of a contractor, file a complaint and read some valuable articles on what to watch for and what to expect.
If you are thinking of building your new home in Indiana Four Seasons Housing Builders - Four Seasons Housing Builders is something you should check out.
Or maybe you're looking to build a vacation home. Check out the links below and discover how far the Log House has come.
The best way to find a home renovations contractor is through other satisfied customers. Ask around. Have any of your friends or neighbors had similar work done? If so, check out the quality and workmanship to decide if it meets your standards.
Another source of information may be your local homebuilders´ association or trade association. They may have a list of contractors
who work in your area. Most states have a Contractors License Board check it out, see if there have been any complaints.
Watch Out For These Warning Signs: Avoid contractors who
• knock on your door to tell you they are working in the area and will give you a special price; a large number of problems relating to home renovations involve contractors who solicit door-to-door.
• promise a discount if you allow them to use your home
to advertise their work (the contractor has probably made the same offer to everyone)
• quote a price without seeing the job
• demand a large down payment to buy materials; most reputable contractors have credit accounts with their suppliers.
• refuse to give you a written contract outlining what the job entails or don't want you to get other estimates
• have a post office box as their address or an
answering service for a telephone number
• will not commit to a specific start and completion date.
Hire Qualified Trades people
Check the qualifications of the trades people who will do the work. Specific trades such as electricians, plumbers and gasfitters should be licensed. Don't be afraid to ask for a license number and then check it out. Most States have web sites where you can check the status of licenses for trades people.
Contact your home insurance agent
Before starting renovations, talk with your insurance agent to make sure you are covered for materials
added during construction as well as construction-related fire and liability risks. You may require additional coverage. Have Everything In Writing
Contract Checklist
• A detailed description of the work to be done. Include blueprints if appropriate • A statement of the type and quality of materials to be used • A statement of any work that is to subcontracted (e.g. plumbing and wiring) • A statement that identifies who is responsible for getting all necessary permits and ensuring that inspections and approvals by local authorities will be done at the proper times. The homeowner is ultimately responsible for making sure necessary permits are in place before work starts • A statement that all work will be done according to local codes • A statement that the contractor is responsible for removing all debris as soon as construction is completed • A clearly itemized payment schedule including any holdback provisions. • A statement of all warranties explaining what is covered, for how long and what will be done if there are problems • A Certificate of Insurance showing the contractor's public liability and property damage insurance • If the renovations involve a substantial amount of money, you may want to consider additional protection such as a performance bond in the event the contractor fails to complete the work • The contractor's Workers´ Compensation Board number • A statement outlining any cancellation rights• A statement outlining how problems will be resolved • Your signature and that of the sales representative
Helpful Links
Now where do you go when you need stops, hinges, pulls, knockers, locks, drill bits, fasteners, screws and anchors and on and on. Well, one place I discovered while surfing the web is the Most Anything Hardware Store they have hardware and home improvement items for homeowners, do-it-yourselfers, builders. decorative brass hardware, locks, strap hinges, fasteners, plexiglass, key blanks and more.
These web sites links are listed as a convenience to our visitors. If you use these links, we take no responsibility and give no guarantees, warranties or representations, implied or otherwise, for the content or accuracy of these third-party sites.
