Lawn Care: Finding the Right Contractor and More

Spring is here and it’s time to take a cold, hard look at your lawn. Do you see weeds, bald patches and uneven color? If so, this is the time to put a lawn care plan into action.

The Lawn Care Project List

While there are many lawn care projects you can do yourself, repairing a lawn often requires the work of a landscaping contractor. Unless you have hours to spend each week–not to mention the manpower to rake, aerate, grade and reseed the yard–it helps to look for a good, local contractor.

You’ll want a landscaping contractor who can assess the problem and figure out if you need:

• Better soil or a soil amendment
• A different type of seed for your sun patterns or local conditions. Here’s more on the various types from Allaboutlawns.com.
• Aeration to open up the ground and improve circulation

Lawn Care Starts With Weed Control

Weeds are a major issue with many lawns, particularly those that have been ignored or only worked on sporadically. Somehow, those weeds know how to swoop in almost overnight and take over. The key to weed care is to grow a thick lawn (to crowd out weeds) and follow a regular schedule of weed control. Here’s more from Scotts.

Water: The Essential Lawn Care Ingredient

No pristine lawn is complete without water. After the contractor reseeds the lawn you’ll want to follow a good watering schedule. Also make sure you water deeply, as this encourages root growth. Try these watering tips from New Mexico State University.

While this all sounds like a lot of work–and it is–the right plan and contractor can make it happen. By putting a plan in place and sticking to the watering schedule, you can have that lush, green lawn in time for those summer barbeques.

The patio has become a hot spot for entertaining and lounging in the sun. If you’re planning to install a patio this year, consider getting a little creative with the shape and style. A few curves or an intricate brick pattern can really set your patio apart.

Ask the Landscaping Contractor

You’ll want to start by talking to a few landscaping contractors who install patios. Ask about:

• Any zoning issues to consider. Are there size limitations based on your lot size?
• Working around existing landscaping so you can keep your favored roses or lilacs.
• Which materials and colors would complement your house? Try one of these unique brick patterns from Better Homes and Gardens.

The Patio Size

The patio size can be tricky for many people, but it helps to think about how you’ll use the space. If you plan to put a grill and a large table there, use their measurements to shape the layout. Many patios designed for dining are 350 to 450 square feet.

If you have a small yard or just want a place to sit and relax, try scaling it down to 150 to 250 square feet. See this thread from gardenweb.com for more on sizing.

Curving the Patio

One way to add interest to a patio is by using curves. Instead of a rectangular or square shape, try curving it to hug a row of lilac bushes or create a nook for some patio furniture. As the outdoor entertainment craze has taken off, many people design patios as rooms. In a sense, you’re creating a few cozy and curving outdoor rooms, according to concretepatio.org.

Once you have a plan on paper, think about the landscaping to go around it. Even if you can’t add all the bushes this year, you’ll want to a plan. With the right research, you can create an exciting outdoor space and transform your back yard.

If you’re planning a few remodeling projects in different parts of the house, you may be wondering whom to call–a handyman or a contractor? What’s the difference, anyway?

Remodeling with a Handyman

A handyman typically handles smaller remodeling jobs, such as fixing a staircase railing, installing shelving, repairing a leaking faucet and installing wall tile, like these designs from Old House Web. There are many variables in handyman services, however, depending on the person or company.

One handyman might be a retired general contractor who knows how to handle all the big remodeling projects, but prefers working on small jobs. Another may just handle smaller plumbing and electrical work, so it’s always good to ask about the person’s range of services.

What Does the Contractor Do?

The same goes for many contractors. Some focus on kitchen and bathroom remodeling, while others work on custom carpentry projects.

Here are some examples of which one to call:

• Adding wall tile in the kitchen–a handyman might be a better fit unless your contractor works on small, two or three day projects.
• Sanding and refinishing hardwood floors–a contractor who focuses on floor refinishing and can explain all about repairing and finishing. (Try this link from Woodfloors.org for more)
• A full bathroom remodeling–a contractor
• Repairing a deck, adding mulch and rewiring a light–a handyman

All Those Remodeling Decisions

As you compile your list, think about how specialized the remodeling projects are and how many different skills are needed. You’ll also want to talk about fees. Here are some details from Yahoo Answers.

If you need a generalist who can do a little bit of several things, such as electrical, plumbing, carpentry and yard work, try a handyman. If the project will take longer than a week and require building permits, go with a contractor.

When your remodeling leads to big plans–a room addition, a kitchen remodeling, etc.–it’s time to call in a general contractor. As that person plays a critical role in overseeing the project, it pays to search for the right fit.

You’ll want someone with experience in remodeling, but also the specific experience you need. While a basement remodeling contractor might be great with basements, he or she might not have the expertise to do a room addition. Here’s more from PBS.org.

Handling a Room Addition

A room addition includes dealing with building and zoning regulations; working with an architect; and overseeing multiple tradespeople. Look for a general contractor who can walk you through the process. Ask about:

• How long it takes to design a room addition and what steps are involved.
• Zoning issues you might face based on your lot size and project scope.
• How the contractor can overcome any zoning issues to get the necessary approvals.

Tips on Kitchen Remodeling

While kitchen remodeling is not as intense as a room addition, it still requires lots of coordination. Ask the general contractor about the timing for various subcontractors working on the project. How can he or she minimize lag time between the plumber and then the floor installer coming in? The answers will give you a glimpse into how the contractor manages the schedule.

Also, try these contractor questions from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

General Contractor and Billing

The general contractor also handles the budget for the project, so you’ll want someone with good business and accounting skills. How can the contractor keep costs in line? What happens when construction surprises crop up? For more on paying a contractor, try askthebuilder.com.

There are always a few surprises with any remodeling project. Look for a general contractor who will help minimize the impact and keep the project moving along.

Kitchen cabinet refacing is an easy way to give your room a quick update. A contractor comes in and replaces the doors and drawers–and perhaps the countertop and sink–and you’re done. If you’re planning this type of remodeling, here’s how to get organized. Consider:

The style–Style is what kitchen cabinets are all about, so select the door style and finish carefully. If you like contemporary, consider white laminate or bleached maple kitchen cabinets with a flat panel door. If your house is traditional, try cherry doors with arched tops and raised panels. Here’s a photo gallery from Merillat that can help you narrow your style.

The color–With kitchen cabinet refacing, you’ll be selecting from several wood species. Do you like the warm golden tone of oak or the lighter shades found with maple? Do you want a stain or glaze to add some depth? Also factor in your budget, as a kitchen cabinet refacing can be done with several different materials.

Other Products–Will you be replacing your countertop or sink? Many times, it’s best to do it all at once, as once the refaced cabinets are in place, a worn countertop will look that much worse! Here’s the scoop from DuPont Corian on how to get creative with a countertop.

The contractor–The contractor is the glue that holds your kitchen cabinet refacing project together. Look for a contractor with experience as a carpenter, kitchen installer or general contractor. Check the contractor’s previous work and look at the details–do the doors and drawers line up evenly and open and close smoothly? Is the finish even on all the cabinets?

Kitchen cabinet refacing can dramatically transform your space. With a little organization, you can pull all the pieces together quickly and be on your way.

If the sight of your front yard makes you cringe, now is a good time to consider a remodeling makeover. As spring moves in, assess your landscaping, front porch, lighting and other exterior elements. Here are some easy ways to update your exterior space:

Remodeling Your Landscaping

Start by looking at your house from the street. If your bushes are old and overgrown, it’s time for a hair cut or a complete remodeling makeover. Talk to a few landscaping contractors about:

• Softening the view with flowering bushes, such as lilac or spirea.
• Adding a curved flagstone or brick walkway to the front door. See these tips from Do It Yourself.com.
• Reconfiguring your flower beds to add curves. This will help blend the landscaping with the grass and the lines of the house.
• Adding some evergreens for year-round color. Try boxwood, yews, or arborvitae.

Don’t worry, even an editor from Southern Living Magazine needs some front yard remodeling now and then!

Other Home Improvement Options

Lighting and porch railings are just a few other options when trying to do some exterior remodeling. By adding decorative coach lights on each side of the door or canned lighting under a porch or replacing a rusted railing, you can do wonders for the exterior view (not to mention your safety).

Ask an electrical contractor for guidance for how much light is enough and what lighting finish will set the right tone for your architecture. You might want an oil rubbed bronze for a traditional Tudor home or a sleek stainless steel for a contemporary home. Try this Better Homes and Gardens site for more.

The front view of your home is an important consideration. Drive around the block and look for yourself. You might find several places that can benefit from a little home improvement finesse.

If you’ve always wanted a deck, spring is the perfect time to start the planning. This gives you a few months to hire a contractor and select the design before summer.

Remodeling Around the Location

The location is important, as you’ll want a deck that blends into your landscaping. Try to work around any mature plantings for a more natural look. By curving the deck around a large maple tree or group of lilacs, you add interest, fragrance and protection from the sun. Try this site for deck configuration ideas.

Planning a Deck in Tight Quarters

Space planning is important, particularly if you have a small yard. It helps to:

• Use vertical space. A multi-tier deck adds interest and bring balance to the visual weight of your back wall.
• Check with your building department about any zoning or remodeling issues, such as side or rear yard setbacks.
• Think about the best location for privacy. Is one neighbor farther away than another?

Hiring the Deck Contractor

There are many companies that specialize in decks, but don’t just grab the first one. Look at their previous work and think about their:

• Creativity–Can they work around existing shrubs and walkways or do they want to rip out the old and put in the new?
• Responsiveness–How quickly do they return calls? That will give you clues as to how they’ll be to work with when remodeling
• Willingness to explain– Even though you’re not building the deck yourself, it helps to know some details. Ask how they anchor posts and what size boards they use for support. One good place for research is Handyman Wire.

The final touch is to decide how you’ll decorate your deck. Outdoor rooms are all the rage right now and it’s easy to use furniture, rugs and throw pillows to create an impact. Here’s more from HGTV.com.

Are you looking to do a little remodeling on a small budget. For a mere $2,000 you can dramatically change your bathroom. Here’s how:

The vanity: Your bathroom vanity can be a focal point in the room. One big trend is the warmth of furniture-styled products, but your vanity can be modern, funky, or minimal depending on your style. Buying products together–like a vanity and mirror–helps take some of the guesswork out of all those home improvement choices. Most vanity sets are priced from $400 to $800.

The mirror: Mirrors have become a big fashion statement. If you like your current vanity, spruce up the area with a gold leaf mirror or a sleek one with stainless steel edges.

A high-end faucet: Boost your bathroom’s style with a high-arching faucet for $200 to $350.

A decorative sink: Try a porcelain bowl with a floral design or a sleek glass bowl that sits on the counter for $150 to $300. Blend it with new wall or floor tile for the finishing touch.

Paint: One of the least expensive ways to enhance your bathroom design. Try a special paint glaze or texture on the walls. Or be bold and add a sky blue color to the ceiling. Grab some other bathroom design ideas from Country Living magazine.

Adding in the Contractor

These projects can be done for $2,000 or less, depending on whether you are doing the installation yourself or hiring a home improvement contractor. When hiring a contractor, make sure he or she is focused on getting the most bang for your buck.

This whole process can be daunting if you’re remodeling an older bathroom with space challenges. Check out this bathroom design primer from OldHouseWeb for useful tips.

Home improvement doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity, you can use $2,000 to create a terrific new bathroom design.