Ep 012 – How to Hire a Contractor for Remodel Projects

SHOW NOTES:

Interviewing a remodeling contractor for some may seem challenging. But we have some simple tips to help you have a fabulous relationship with your contractor. In today’s episode, we walk through the steps to consider before, during, and after a remodel project. Listen in to learn the tips and tricks on how to start your project off on the right foot and end with on a good note!

Questions to consider when starting a project:

  • What should a homeowner do before researching for a remodeling contractor? What do homeowners need to look for when researching a contractor for a remodel project? Is it important to compare contractors or quotes before deciding on which contractor to use?
  • What details should be asked prior to signing a contract with a remodeling contractor? How should a homeowner manage their contractor during the construction process?
  • How should you handle a situation with your contractor if something is not working during the project? Who manages or is responsible for the budget of the project?
  • How should change orders be determined when changes do happen to a project? How should money be paid to a contractor? Up front, partial payment, etc
  • What are the risks of certain contracts? What to look for and how to manage the details? What does a close out look like and if there is a problem with the job, how can you manage this process?

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • [01:23] What should a homeowner do before researching for a remodeling contractor? What do homeowners need to look for when researching a contractor for a remodel project?
  • [09:24] How do you find quality contractors and one of the key questions to ask your contractor?.
  • [12:53] how to ask for client referrals?
  • [18:34] How should money be paid to a contractor?
  • [21:10] Understanding “change orders” and what happens when changes happen during the project.
  • [24:01] How to handle the close out process and gather warranties.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • You need a plan before you start looking for a contractor. Do the upfront planning before you try to determine the scope of the project.
  • If you are working on a bigger project, it’s smart to get two to three bids or estimates.
  • When getting customer referrals, don’t ask broad questions like whether the contractor did a good job. Ask detailed questions about the process of the project and demeanor of the contractor.

RESOURCE LINKS

https://www.homezada.com/homeowners/home-improvement

https://www.homezada.com/manage-home-remodels

BIO:

Elizabeth Dodson is a focused technology entrepreneur with successful skills in business development, sales, marketing and finance with over 20 years of successful management of revenue producing partners. With great organizational skills balancing multiple roles and responsibilities as an entrepreneur and the drive to increase company revenues and user growth for a consumer technology solution with a partner solution to support the homeowner market.

John Bodrozic has start-up entrepreneur experience beginning with bootstrapping, profitable growth, securing venture and corporate venture funding, acquisitions of technology companies, and selling a business to a publicly traded company.

10 Outdoor Bench and Sofa Ideas

10 Outdoor Bench and Sofa Ideas
Photo by Canna Curious Club on Unsplash

If you’re fortunate enough to have a big garden, you know just how lovely and practical a bench can be. It gives you a place to rest and enjoy spending time outside, and in some cases, provides a great place to stow unsightly, but useful outdoor items.

And while you can buy a bench for your garden at any big box home improvement or landscape specialty store, there are many DIY garden bench ideas out there that are quick and inexpensive to make.

Read More

7 Ways to Make Your Home Smarter

Source

A smart home is one you can control with a simple click on your smartphone, wherever you are. The idea is to connect different gadgets and devices, thus improving the overall functionality of your home.

If you follow the latest trends, here are a couple of ideas for you to turn your place into a 21st century home. 

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Ep 009 – What to Expect as a First Time Homeowner

SHOW NOTES:

When it comes to homeownership, first-time homeowners often have challenges. These challenges often surround home maintenance. Understanding the types of home maintenance that are necessary to manage a home and why home maintenance is important to keeping a home operating properly. If as a first-time homeowner, you need to hire someone to help with these tasks, how do you contract and interview these service providers? What can first-time homeowners look for when it comes to home management? Listen as John and Beth share their experience and tips for first-time homeowners.

IN THIS EPISODE:

● [01:46] Things first-time homeowners will need to be aware of
● [04:38] Types of maintenance first-time homeowners should be aware of
● [08:26] Smart home technology pros and cons
● [13:06] Costs for managing a home
● [18:40] Finding the right professionals to help with home maintenance
● [22:52] Paying attention to small inconsistencies in your home
● [26:43] First-time homeowner action items

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

● No matter what your age, no matter what generation you’re in, no matter where you live, you still struggle with the same things as a first-time homeowner.
● The specifics of maintenance fall into five categories: seasonal maintenance; maintaining the health of your home, like air quality; maintenance that keeps your home safely functioning; energy efficiency maintenance; and outdoor maintenance
● Preventive maintenance is extremely important in avoiding unexpected maintenance costs.
● When hiring maintenance professionals, first-time homeowners can utilize helpful platforms like Angie’s List, Porch, or others to find high quality professionals.
● Action step: Create a schedule for preventive home maintenance

LINKS MENTIONED:

www.homezada.com

BIO:


Elizabeth Dodson is a focused technology entrepreneur with successful skills in business development, sales, marketing, and finance with over 20 years of successful management of revenue producing partners. With great organizational skills balancing multiple roles and responsibilities as an entrepreneur and the drive to increase company revenues and user growth for a consumer technology solution with a partner solution to support the homeowner market.

John Bodrozic has start-up entrepreneur experience beginning with boot strapping, profitable growth, securing venture and corporate venture funding, acquisitions of technology companies, and selling a business to a publicly traded company.