There are many nuances to hiring a contractor and making sure he/she fits your needs. So, it’s important to focus in on the details. That’s what can make or break your home improvement experience.

Hiring a Contractor: Check the Details

Ask the contractors you interview to explain how they approach unusual situations. If the contractor has an eye for detail, that will be apparent in the answers. For example:

• Ceramic tile: How will the contractor blend new ceramic tile with old tile? How does he work around odd places, such as the space around the toilet? When replacing a floor, how does she make the floor level and the same height from one room to another?
• Deck building: What details can he add to make the deck unique? Look for experience with beveled edges on railing caps or curves in the deck design.
• General decorating: If you’re remodeling a small space, look for a contractor with ideas on how to open up the rooms.
• Landscaping: How can the contractor make a new landscaping bed blend in? Look for someone who can curve flower beds, shape a patio around an 80-year-old maple tree, and, otherwise, make a new design fit into the old.

Cabinet Refacing and More

When hiring a remodeling contractor, look for someone who can see the big picture. If you’re planning a cabinet refacing, but have an old, worn countertop, perhaps it’s best to tackle both projects at once. Otherwise, the old countertop might stand out more after the cabinet refacing. Here’s how to get the right person when hiring a contractor for cabinet refacing.

If your sliding glass door doesn’t slide smoothly or your refrigerator door bumps against your cabinetry, you’ll notice. That’s why it’s important to focus on the details, first.

Have you taken a cold, hard look at the inside of your kitchen cabinets? Do you have to dig through stacks of Tupperware to get to the cat food? Do bags of potato chips fall out each time you open the door? If so, help is on the way.

Kitchen Organization Know-How

Kitchen organization is all about weeding out, sorting, and creating a new way to store things. Make a list of which areas drive you crazy. Often, it’s the kitchen cabinets you use most. Then, figure out what you need:

• Cleaning out: An afternoon of decluttering can go a long way. Decluttering also forces you to wipe out your cabinets and remove any dirt or crumbs.
• Rethink where you put things: According to The Container Store, your kitchen design can suffer because you don’t use the space efficiently. Try these tips:
  • Buy items specifically designed for kitchen organization, like a spice rack with tiered shelves, so you can see which spice is where
  • Make sure spices and cooking utensils are close to your cooking and meal prep area. Sounds obvious, right? You’d be amazed how many people wander around their kitchen looking for frequently used items.
  • Move infrequently-used pans and dishes to the back of a base cabinet or even an adjacent laundry room closet.
• Vertical or horizontal dividers (great for coffee cups and small plates): As part of your kitchen organization, don’t forget to look upward and take advantage of all the wall space.
• A portable or built-in pantry for canned goods and paper supplies: While it’s great to have a four-foot by six-foot space, you can even add one in a much smaller space along a wall, as shown on HGTV. Now that’s a great addition to any kitchen design.

Use these tips, stop rummaging around, and start enjoying your kitchen!

Want kitchen flooring that goes beyond the traditional oak wood flooring? If you think outside the box, you’ll find many options, including painted wood flooring, a great option for older floors that have seen better days. The beauty of this approach is that you can use your inner artistic talent!

Kitchen Flooring Styles

When selecting unique kitchen flooring, start with a style check. Do you want:

• A rustic look? Try a wide plank knotty pine floor. Yes, it’s wood, but it’s a long way from the traditional look of oak.
• A crisp, clean look? Try a porcelain or ceramic tile. Porcelain is stronger than ceramic tile, but often costs more. Many ceramic tile patterns mirror the look of natural stones such as marble and granite–at a fraction of the cost.
• Muted colors? If you like blue-greens and grays, you’ll find plenty of slate floors that fit the bill.

If you really want to make a statement, try concrete, cork, or brick for your kitchen flooring. Each has a unique look and different qualities. For example:

• Concrete is easy to stain, which is great when you want to create a fun color. But, if you drink (and spill!) lots of red wine, wood may be a better choice.
• Cork is a newer flooring option that has some natural give to it. This is ideal for those who spend hours cooking and dislike the hardness of tile.
• Brick adds an old world look and is highly durable. Add mortar in-between the bricks, as opposed to leaving a small opening, as some people do on patios. You don’t want dirt hanging around in those cracks!

It’s tempting to want to save money on home improvement, but consider all the variables before jumping on the DIY bandwagon. Sure, you can save money–sometimes–but, most home improvement projects require some contractor skills. Here’s how to know if DIY home improvement is right for you.

Home Improvement Skills

Home improvement is a job. So, you need to understand what’s involved and whether you have the appropriate skills. Do some research, and talk to people who have done the same type of project. Kitchen remodeling involves:

• Demolition
• Carpentry
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Design and cabinet layout
• Scheduling finesse

Do you have all those skills, or are you better off hiring a contractor? Take electrical work, for example. This is one remodeling project that takes a lot of skill and the ability to identify how wiring should flow through the house. Otherwise, you could create serious safety issues.

Home Improvement: It’s All About Time

A remodeling project also takes time, so sketch out the various steps and estimate how much time is involved. For example, it may sound like a breeze to paint a room, but here’s an example of timing:

• One to three hours for wall prep for a room with minor cracks
• One to three hours for caulking around windows and baseboards
• Two to four hours for priming
• Four to six hours for painting, including trim and detail work

Understanding the Contractor’s Role

If you decide to hire a contractor, understand the various steps in the project. This will make hiring a contractor much easier.

DIY or not? Sometimes it’s straightforward–you want to stain the deck, and have the time and skills to do it. A kitchen remodeling or a roofing project? That’s where you may need to draw the line.

How’s your roof doing? If you’re like most people, you don’t know. Roofs aren’t particularly exciting, so why spend a lot of time with them? Well, the answer is obvious–your roof keeps your home stable, dry, and comfortable. So, taking care of your roof is one home improvement project you shouldn’t ignore.

Home Improvement 101: Inspecting Your Roofing

Start by walking around on the ground or looking at the roof from second story windows. Depending on the size of your house and roof slope, you may see a few shingles that have fallen off or spots where roof leaks are starting. For older roofs, check out these signs from Owens Corning that you need a new roof.

Next, get on a ladder (safely!) or call a roofing contractor for an evaluation. Most roofing contractors will come out and do an inspection for a small fee. Ask for details regarding:

• Gutters and downspouts: They collect rainwater and should move it away from the house. Are they attached properly and free of debris? Are the downspouts extended away from the foundation?
• Flashing: This is the metal that covers the edges of eaves, roof plans, vents and chimneys. Many roof leaks are due to improperly placed or worn flashing.
• Shingles: Are they worn? Is algae a problem?

Addressing Roof Leaks

If you find you have leaks, take steps to patch them. This roofing article get you started. Just remember, following the water trail is key. If you see water from the inside–spots on the ceiling or around windows–follow the discoloration, and check for caulking, weatherstripping, etc.

If you have a roofing issue, find the cause, and fix it promptly. Then, you can move onto designing a kitchen or buying fancy floor tile.

New granite countertops, a bathroom vanity and floor, or hardwood floors in the foyer can make a world of difference in your home. The good news is that you can complete each of these remodeling projects for $5,000 or less, depending on the materials and size of the project. Here are a few options with a very reasonable price tag:

• A new kitchen countertop: Everyone loves granite, but there’s also tile, laminate, and quartz to consider. Think about how you use the space, as laminate is great for busy households. Granite countertops require a little maintenance, but they’re ideal for those who want a stunning entertainment space. Quartz gives you the best of both worlds–a nice look with less maintenance than granite countertops.
• Hardwood floors: Oak is a mainstay, but there’s also cherry, mahogany, or rustic pine. Look for wide plank floors to make an impact. Or, combine marble with a wood border for a unique look.
• Paint, light fixtures, or new door and cabinet hardware: While these changes appear tame, they can dramatically change the look and feel of your home. Try faux painting or a textured finish to make a big splash. Or, in your playroom, add stencils of your kids’ favorite movie.

You can also streamline your dream remodeling projects and get the functionality you want. Instead of a large media center with built in cabinets, try nice wall shelves and a fresh coat of paint. The result can be powerful. These types of remodeling projects can add functionality without breaking the bank.

Kitchen cabinets are the backbone of the kitchen, so it pays to take your time when selecting new ones. With all the kitchen styles and cabinet designs on the market, where do you start?

Kitchen designers often focus on overall style, first. How much fuss do you want? Do you like traditional kitchen cabinets with raised panels, arches, and crown molding or a sleek style with flat panels and no ornamentation?

Kitchen Cabinets: Which Wood?

Next, narrow down the type of wood. Maple and cherry are popular kitchen cabinet selections today because they add an upscale look. Maple is great for making a space appear larger, while cherry adds a more rich, intimate look. Other kitchen styles to consider include:

• Pine: A rustic look with lots of knots
• Oak: A traditional favorite with a visible grain pattern
• Mahogany: A deep color for the upscale kitchen suited for entertaining

A Look at Cabinet Refacing

If you’re not buying new kitchen cabinets right now, consider a cabinet refacing project to bring in an updated kitchen style. You’ll still want to narrow down the style and type of wood so you can get the look you want.

When planning a cabinet refacing, follow a similar thought process. What’s your cabinet refacing style? Do you like the Shaker style (recessed door panels) or Old World (three layers of crown molding and a nice cabinet glaze)?

In the end, your kitchen’s focus often comes down to your kitchen cabinets. They are a big focal point, so make sure the style and wood reflect your personality! If you need help visualizing the right kitchen cabinets, check out these style layouts from Kraftmaid.com.

One way to prioritize your home improvement list is to think about the weather. Ask yourself–are some projects sensitive to heat or cold?

In colder climates, now is the time to start thinking about:

• Adding insulation: Try it in the attic, walls, or even floors. The energy savings are big, so try adding insulation before the cold air comes.
• Adding replacement windows: You’ll be more comfortable with replacement windows in place by November in most cold weather areas. You’ll also benefit financially with the federal tax credit that runs through December. See the Energy Star site for more.
• Checking your chimney: Have your chimney checked for blockage, leaks, and a properly secured cap at the top. Don’t invite critters to come calling.
• Getting your garden ready for the winter: That means thinking about bulbs to plant and any transplanting.

In warmer climates, you have the luxury of time. Look ahead to next year’s home improvement projects, and start them this fall. Some home improvement projects can take four to six months to plan and build.

Heat sensitive projects include:

• Major landscaping work: Whether you hire a contractor or do it yourself, don’t install a patio when it’s 100 degrees. Do it now. And, complete the project far enough in advance, so you can use it in the warm (but not too hot) months.
• Pool repairs or replacements: You want it ready when you are. So, sometimes, winter can be a good time.
• A room addition: While you can do this almost anytime, it’s a big home improvement project, and you’ll want to get it air conditioned before the heat hits. Here’s a step by step on this home improvement project.

Buying replacement windows is a little like putting a kid in a candy store. It’s lots of fun and much more complicated than you’d think. If you’ve been in a windows store lately or talked with a windows contractor, you know the options are plentiful–it’s not as eay as picking “Window A” or “Window B.”

Here are a few options to consider:

• The size and shape:Before sticking with the original size and shape, consider whether a taller window would bring in a better scene from your yard. Would a half moom window blend more easily with interior arches?
• The style: The options are many, but look for a window that blends with your architecture. Older houses typically have double hung windows, while newer, more contemporary styles have casement windows. Here’s more from Andersen Windows.
• The thickness of the glass: Double pane is common these days, as it adds tremendous insulating value.
• How much green? A tough one, but you’ll find replacement windows that feature several sections made from green parts. You’ll pay more, but it could be worth it in the long run because the government rewards sustainability. Ask a windows contractor for details on items such as R-factor. Check these windows remodeling ideas for more.
• The features: Decide whether you want privacy features, such opaque glass or a stained glass pattern. Coordinate the pattern with other elements of your home.

Here are some great energy savings tips when adding replacement windows.

Shopping for Replacement Windows

Before selecting replacement windows, shop around, and inspect the windows in person. Is this the trim you want? The look you like? Are they durable and, from a design standpoint, do they add versatility?