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.

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.

It’s easy to spot the bad remodeling contractors, but how do you know if you’ve found a really good one?

Remodeling contractors come with a wide variety of skills.  They also vary in the way they approach the home improvement business. If you see any of the following signs, hang on to your contractor for dear life!

A Remodeling Contractor’s Focus 

Genuine interest in your home and home improvement projects. You can tell when someone is giving your kitchen a cursory look or when they are really interested in the details of it. A contractor who comes out for the first visit and instantly looks around the rooms and is tossing out ideas is a good contractor.

1. Really solid references. If your contractor gives you names of customers he or she has worked for during the past 10 or 20 years – and you can verify the information – you’ve got a good contractor. Repeat business if an important sign that the contractor is qualified, diligent and good at satisfying customers. Also check licensing in your area.
2. A willingness to show you his or her own house. You’ll discover wonders when looking at a contractor’s own house. Is it remodeled to the hilt? Do the contractor have an elaborate woodworking shop or vast knowledge in that area? These are not requirements, but can help put a contractor over the top. If the contractor is that focused on fixing his or her own house, they might put the same effort into your project. read more »

Do you need an architect? That’s an important question for anyone who is undertaking a significant remodeling project. What do architects do and is it worth the added expense?

An architect is trained to evaluate the architectural style and layout of a house and draw plans for additions and other general home improvement projects.  One big reason you’d hire an architect is to help blend the new space with the old.

You’ll all probably seen those room additions that so obviously were…well, added on. There was no thought given to blending the spaces together visually or using the same materials to tie it all together. Chances are there was no architect involved during the home improvement planning process. read more »

Many homeowners buy a house with the intention of making additions or updating it soon after they are moved in. Are you thinking your house needs some renovations, but aren’t sure what? Take a look at some of the choices homeowners today are making when it comes to their homes:

• White interior walls. Many painters find that homeowners are selecting white paint for the interior of their homes.

• Earth tones outdoors. For the exteriors of their homes, homeowners are choosing brown, gray, and other earth tones.

• Large additional rooms. Homeowners are requesting sunrooms, exercise rooms, screened porches, and larger, more detailed bathrooms.

• Tile floors. The most popular type of flooring is tile, though there is a growing, gradual selection of natural materials that can be recycled for floors.

For you forward-thinking homeowners, some hot new features already present in a few homes are starting to slowly become more popular and affordable. Dare to dream when it comes to what you would like to see in your home. Here are some features you may be seeing more and more of in the future: read more »

Unless you moved into a custom designed and built home, like you, most California homeowners have thought about putting an addition on their home, or having their kitchen or bathroom remodeled. Having a dream kitchen or bathroom, is a natural thought that, believe it or not, isn’t just for the rich and famous. Most anyone can make their remodeling dream a reality, with the right planning that is.

There are many factors to take into account when planning for your new home renovation or addition. If thought through thoroughly, and planned for correctly you can keep your home improvement project on your desired budget and running smoothly. The last thing any homeowner wants is to have to spend thousands of extra dollars to complete a project they had a limited budget for.

Here is a list of things to keep in mind when creating your budget:

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