Washington County Weekend Post

6B • WASHINGTON COUNTY POST • SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2020 GMTODAY.COM SERVICES Place your ad 24/7 @ www.gmtoday.com/classifieds For assistance call 262.306.5000 or conleyclass@conleynet.com .COM Southeast Wisconsin AUTO REPAIR CARPENTRY DRYWALL HANDYMAN HEATING & COOLING HOME REPAIR & IMPROVEMENT PAINTING PLUMBING TREE TRIMMING TILE Homeowners who are good with their hands can tackle many minor home improvements on their own. However, more complicated projects often require the services of professional contractors to ensure the renovations are done right, completed on time and within budget. Choosing a home services provider requires careful consideration on the part of homeowners. The wrong contractor can cost home- owners time and money, so homeowners must exercise due diligence when vetting contractors before going forward with a home improvement project. Types of contractors The Federal Trade Commission notes that the scope of a project may necessitate hiring various types of contractors. The more complex a project is, the more likely it is that homeowners will need to hire contractors who specialize in certain areas. Understanding the differences between contrac- tors can help homeowners make informed decisions. • General contractor: General contractors manage home improvement projects. This includes hiring subcontractors and supervis- ing their work. General contractors also secure building permits and schedule inspections. • Specialty contractors: Specialty contractors focus on specific areas of a project. For example, homeowners who are remodeling their kitchens may need new cabinets installed by a contractor who specializes in cabinets and cabinet installation. That contractor is a specialty contractor. • Designer or design/build contractor: The FTC notes that these contractors both design and build projects. • Architects: Architects design homes as well as any additions or major renova- tions to homes. Architects are often necessary when projects involve structural changes to existing homes. Hiring a home services provider Once homeowners deter- mine which type of contractor they need, they can they begin researching local professionals. • Speak with neighbors, family and friends. Neighbors, family members and friends who have worked with contractors in the past are great resources. Seek recommendations from people you trust, even asking to see completed projects if possible. • Utilize the internet. Websites such as HomeAdvisor and Angie's List are free of charge and can be great resources when homeowners are looking for contractors. Each site includes reviews of contractors from past customers and contact information for local contractors. • Confirm qualifications. The FTC advises homeown- ers to confirm contractors' licensing and qualifications before hiring anyone. Some areas may not require licensing, but many do. Homeowners can contact their local building department or consumer protection agency to deter- mine the licensing require- ments for their area. Hiring a home services provider is a complicated process that can be made easier by homeowners who do their research and take the decision seriously. Tips for finding a home services provider Home renovations are big business. The home renovation resource Home Advisor states that the national average cost of remodeling multiple rooms in a home was $41,784 in 2018. While homeowners cannot change the size of rooms to save money, they can manipulate the materials used to keep expenses down. Many products on the market today are designed to replicate the look of more costly materials without the higher price tags. User-friendly DIY products also can help corral costs by cutting down on labor expenses. Resilient flooring Resilient flooring is manufacturered to mimic the look of hardwood, tile, stone, and other materials. According to Armstrong Flooring, specialized manu- facturing processes and coatings create a product that resists stains, dents, moisture, and scratches. Most resilient products are made up of several layers to create stability and absorb sound. These products tend to be less expensive than the materials they replicate. Laminate countertops Much like resilient flooring, laminate countertops are inexpensive, low-mainte- nance and durable alterna- tives to stone and solid- surface countertops. They come in many different styles that can look like granite or marble. Homeowners also can consider solid surface materials, tile, concrete, and wood block when looking for cost-efficient countertop materials. Shower kits Bathroom renovations can increase the overall value of a home. But some homeowners do not have the time or money to do a complete bathroom remodel. Replacing an old vanity with a newer one and replacing an outdated tub/shower combination can improve the functionality of a space without breaking the bank. Shower kits and stalls enable homeowners to renovate bathrooms with less hassle than creating a tile- or stone-based shower enclo- sure. Kit pieces drop in place and may only require minor plumbing work. Certain kits can be installed directly over dated showers for a quick remodel turnaround. Cabinet refacing Homeowners who want to keep the layout of a kitchen intact but simply update its look can turn to cabinet refacing. The Kitchen Magic renovation company says refacing or resurfacing uses quality wood or laminate veneer to change the color and appearance of the exterior of cabinets without having to remove the existing cabinet frames. New doors, drawers and hardware will complete the transformation at a fraction of the cost of a new cabinet build. Low-cost materials can keep renovation budgets in check and still produce beautiful results. Save time and money with material alternatives

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