6 Tips for Choosing Construction Companies for Your Project

Whether you're a home buyer who is looking to build or renovate or a designer who is considering which construction companies to work with, making a selection is serious business. The key is to balance cost with a low level of hassle, which can be difficult in this industry. However, it is possible when you understand the process. Here are six tips for choosing construction companies:

1. Read every contract carefully. The biggest sign of whether a company is professional is how well their contracts are done. You can get an idea about whether they employ people who will dot the i's and cross the t's or whether you will have to do all of the heavy lifting.

2. Find out how they handle their communications. With some companies, you will notice that it is a real challenge to simply find someone to talk to who knows anything about your project. You need a contractor who is available and able to speak with you on your time.

3. Look at their works in progress and their finished jobs. It's natural that you should want to see their finished jobs, and that is certainly an important part of the progress. However, your investigations should not stop there. Ask to see some of the jobs they are working on currently because you will be able to see how well their job sites are organized. Watching them at work will give you a good idea about how well they will do on your project.

4. Find out what their specialty is. Some construction companies specialize in certain types of building projects. Ask them specifically if they have done any work similar to what you want and ask to see the finished product on that job. Try to gauge how much experience they have working on the type of job you are asking them for before you go signing any contracts.

5. Check to see what their liability level is. Construction companies should maintain a minimum of $1 million or more in general liability insurance if they work on a lot of massive projects. Also make sure that they have covered every one of their workers under workman's compensation insurance. It doesn't hurt to ask to see the certificates as well because some companies might just tell you what you want to hear.

6. Ask if they can handle your project in addition to everything else they are working on. Make sure to ask for a specific timeline. Most companies have several projects going on all at the same time, but you don't want to be that extra project which takes longer because you were the lowest one on the totem pole. Perhaps they are just ending a project and can fit you in just nicely. This would be the best case scenario.

There are many construction companies to consider when you are getting ready to build anything, whether it's your dream home or the biggest, most luxurious hotel on Planet Earth. The key is to think about everything very carefully and try to figure out which company will do the best job. Remember that this may not always be the lowest price. Look for the highest quality, and then start considering the bid prices they enter in. You may have several companies that do work that are comparable in quality, but one may come in slightly lower than the others. Avoid any company with a bid that is exceptionally lower than those from all other companies.

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Benefits of Building a Small Home

If you are shopping for a home, you have most likely walked through some of the 'McMansions' that are currently on the market. During the most recent housing boom, thousands of these track-built monstrosities were 'thrown-together' and sold for top dollar.

With the economic collapse of the late 2000's came a wave of foreclosures and plummeting real estate prices, in effect lowering the selling prices of these lavish homes and making them a viable investment for the average American.

Now that these large homes, which have become the 'American Dream', are finally within your reach, should you consider buying one? Do you really want to commit to living in a home that is 2,500 SF or more and the financial burden that comes with it?

The 'Small Home' movement has been growing rapidly in the aftermath of the recent economic decline and the benefits of this movement have been championed by best-selling author Susan Susanka beginning with her book "The Not So Big House".

While the popularity of this movement has grown in recent years, the concept is far from new. Historically, smaller homes were the norm in the United States and have always been the norm in Europe and Asia. The average American home in 1950 was just less than 1,000 square feet, while in 2004 the average was about 2,400 square feet. This gigantic increase in living space is a direct result of the rapid rise in wealth that blanketed the US during the economic boom. Recent data proves that the average size of new homes is dropping once again and it makes you ask yourself, should I buy a smaller home?

The Benefits First you must analyze the benefits of building a smaller home and determine whether they outweigh your 'need' for space. The list of benefits is long and they are definitely worth contemplating. Let's take a look:

1. Cheaper to Build, Higher Quality The fact of the matter is that the cost to build a home is relative to the size of the dwelling. Not only is it cheaper to build a smaller home, but also the money saved on raw floor space can be incorporated into the finishes of the home.

When building a large home, homeowners often have to sacrifice quality for quantity. Building a small home allows you to incorporate efficient, healthy and high-quality materials into your house that you otherwise wouldn't be able to consider with a larger floor plan.

Your siding, flooring and finish materials will increase in quality, increasing both the character and durability of your home. In other words, luxury is more attainable and your options increase by ten fold.

In addition, your loan amount could be smaller and the percentage of your down payment will increase, affording you a lower mortgage payment and a better interest rate, saving you tens of thousands in the long run.

2. Lower Property Taxes With building a smaller home comes the benefit of lower property taxes. A smaller footprint often translates into your home being viewed at a lower value, offering you a more favorable assessment on your property than neighbors with larger homes.

3. Energy Cost & Consumption With a smaller space, come lower energy bills. Studies show that heating and cooling costs alone are 13-20% lower in a home that is 1,500 square feet compared to a home that is 2,500 square feet.

4. Environmental Impact A small home simply uses fewer natural resources in construction, maintenance and energy consumption. The efficiency of a small home helps the environment and helps you live responsibly.

5. Maintenance & Cleaning The smaller the home, the less maintenance you have to worry about. Think about the cost to replace siding on a 2,500 SF home compared to a 1,500 SF home or the amount of money that can be saved when installing new flooring or tile. There are fewer windows to replace, walls to paint and gutters to clean.

Regular household chores will be cut in half and if you hire a cleaning service, their rate will be lower.

6. Less Clutter Less space equates to less room for items that aren't necessities. We all know that the more space we have, the more 'junk' we accumulate. Having a smaller home forces you to become more organized and avoid the accumulation of unneeded possessions. Think of all the unused items you'll be motivated to donate to charity or sell on eBay and Craig's List.

7. More Financial Freedom When living in a smaller home, the savings you'll accumulate from having a smaller mortgage, lower utility bills and overall reduced consumption will add up quick. You will be able to free yourself from unneeded expenses and become more financially secure.

Summary This is just a small glimpse at some of the benefits of building a smaller house. As a PA home builder, I am a huge advocate of the 'Not So Big House' and I highly suggest that individuals interested in building a small home buy one of Susan Suzanka's best-selling books.

Garage With Apartment: What Are Its Benefits   Home Improvement: Ideas for Using a Sunroom   Getting The Most Out Of Conservatories   Whom Will You Consult on Home Extensions and Renovations?   What Is Antimicrobial Cladding and What Can It Be Used for?   Why Should You Use A Residential Architect?   

Constructing an ENERGY STAR Home in PA: What Home Builders Can Do for You

There are many ways to build a more energy-efficient home in PA. Home builders from some companies have the experience and equipment to design and build certified ENERGY STAR® homes that meet the strict standards set by the EPA and the United States Department of Energy.

With a total of 2,511 qualified homes built in Pennsylvania in 2010 alone, which have saved energy equal to 7,442,604 pounds of coal, energy-efficient homes are truly a step forward in the "greener" direction. There are currently 172 ENERGY STAR real estate developers in the state, all of which are capable of providing the following energy-efficient features in your new home:

Effective Insulation. Properly installed insulation is one of the most important features of an energy-efficient and comfortable home. Without it, your family can experience excessive heat during summer or extremely cold temperatures during winter. Effective insulation means having a system that completely blankets the home, including its exterior walls, ceiling, and floors. In ENERGY STAR homes in PA, home builders make sure that there are no gaps, voids, or compressions in the insulation and that continuous sealing is observed to protect the home against moisture damage and condensation.

High Performance Windows. For your energy-efficient home in the Keystone State, home builders can install high performance windows and skylights that allow your family to enjoy the warmth and views, while saving on lighting and energy costs. Also, ENERGY STAR qualified window treatments can effectively protect your home's interior and prevent furniture, flooring, and photographs from discoloring after prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Close-fitting Duct Systems. Improved comfort, lower energy and equipment costs, and improved indoor air quality are just some of the benefits of efficient duct systems that ENERGY STAR-qualified PA home builders can provide. They have your ducts third-party tested and verified for tightness and proper insulation to ensure that leaks, cracks, and holes in the system are prevented or fixed before they cause a big problem.

Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment. Aside from requiring less energy to do its job, green heating and cooling systems are also quieter and more effective in increasing the overall comfort in your home.

For your energy-efficient house in PA, home builders can design and build elements and features that are surprisingly affordable, and effectively increase the comfort and livability of your family's personal space. Make sure to enlist the services of company that is trusted and recognized in the industry; they are more experienced and better equipped to choose and install the right energy-saving features for your home.

Garage With Apartment: What Are Its Benefits   Home Improvement: Ideas for Using a Sunroom   Getting The Most Out Of Conservatories   What Is Antimicrobial Cladding and What Can It Be Used for?   Whom Will You Consult on Home Extensions and Renovations?   

What to Look For In New Home Builders Today

It is a common practice that people would build new homes for themselves, so what you really need is a comfortable home you really want to live in for many years to come. A lot of new home builders are of the opinion that in order to truly be happy in your new home you have to take your time before building even begin.

Builders are very important in the early stages of home building, since they are the ones who will build the structure on a paper into a real living environment. If it weren't for builders, then many people wouldn't have their jobs, such as painters, electricians, plumbers and many more. In other words, builders are those who offer a shell for other people to offer their services. Following few tips should give you a bit of a head start when searching for your future home builder.

When you are on the quest to finding the best new home builders you will want to find someone who is experienced and qualified for the work. You should check, prior your decision, that the one you attempt to hire is a legitimate registered builder. When you go for a registered builder, you will also get a guarantee that covers a percentage of such cases like failure to complete the building or loss of deposit, together with cover for materials and structure for up to several years. It is important to have a guarantee, so you can be in peace throughout the building and afterwards.

Best new home builders should also incorporate special quality check procedures, which are processed by an allocated individual who carries out quality checks at various phases of the construction, to make sure that any possible problems that occur during the process of building are dealt with effectively and inexpensively. Nevertheless, you probably want the services to be top-notch since you are paying for them.

When you are searching and comparing different new home builders you should keep an eye on those with good reputation and history of many successful home buildings. One of the best and easiest ways to acquire such information is to visit desired builder in person and see how their current project is going - if there is any at the time - or ask if you can see some of the homes they have built in the past. Additional way is to ask your friends or acquaintances if they can recommend any good new home builders, and if they do, you should visit their websites and read what their clients have to say about their work.

In case you have an engagement with a design & build sort of company, they are probably already partnered with some building company whose services they employ. This saves you from the trouble of finding a good builder or building company yourself, and also offers the convenience of having all the services you need in one package deal.

Keep in mind that when looking for new home builders they will be the one building the place you will call your home - a place to relax and feel secure - so pick the most quality one and you are sure to get what you want.

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8 Questions to Ask When Designing Extensions

Home extensions can be ideal for those looking to add some extra space to their home, as well as adding value to a property. But it can be a stressful time for a homeowner, especially if they have no previous experience of this type of project. However, things can be made a lot more straightforward, if they only knew the right questions to ask their chosen contractor at the outset.

If you want your extension to go as smoothly as possible, you simply must know the answers to the following questions;

1. Who will manage my project?

A great project manager is an essential part of any successful extension. If you're offered someone with inadequate experience, or no-one at all, it could be a major risk. You're going to be dealing with this person a lot so make sure you feel comfortable with them.

2. Will the designer complete the building work or do I have to source my own builder?

A common misconception is that the company you choose to design your extension will also be the company that manufactures, builds and finishes it. Many design companies will do just that: design. As a result, this can often mean that the homeowner has to source their own builders and electricians. This is one of the most important questions to ask at the project outset as it can obviously take a lot of time and effort to find a builder you can trust. If the company doesn't complete any building work, it is worth asking if they have recommended builders who they are used to dealing with and also whether previous customers are happy to provide a testimony of their work. It's also important at this stage to keep a close eye on the costs of sourcing separate builders and designers or whether it is more cost effective to choose a company that can complete all stages of your project.

3. What planning permission(s) will I need?

Getting planning permission in the UK can be a real headache if you don't do all the necessary research beforehand. It can be a real frustration to spend time completing detailed paperwork only to find you've not completed all the necessary forms or that your paperwork is incomplete. An end to end designer/manufacturer will offer a full turn key project including applying for planning permission.

4. Will the designer/architect use CAD to show me what the finished project will look like?

The best companies can provide an exact 2D graphical representation of what the extension will look like across all elevations. This can really help the homeowner to visualise the completed work and to make informed decisions regarding the aesthetics of the extension, and can also offer some peace of mind, safe in the knowledge of what the end result will look like.

5. What guarantees can you give me about safety during the build?

Safety is paramount, in terms of the finished extension and during the build. The builder should be able to offer assurances about their ability to manage the hazards and risks that present themselves during any construction work. And as a client, the builder also has a responsibility to you, to meet your own personal standards of safety - particularly if you are living in the properly during the build or have young children on site. These standards should be agreed upon before any work commences.

6. Do you have examples of similar work you've completed in the past?

When planning an extension, there's nothing that eases the mind more than seeing examples of previously completed work, especially if it's similar to your own personal project. If the builder has a huge portfolio of completed work and a great reputation then they are usually the best person to go with. Run a quick Google search on their company and check for any negative publicity they may have had in the past. If you can't visit other projects, most builders will allow you to have a telephone conversation with their previous clients too.

7. What will the overall cost be?

It's common to hear construction horror stories on television programmes such as Watchdog and even from friends and family where budget and time scales vastly over run. By using a company that offers all services under one roof (design, manufacture, build) you will be better able to budget for the project and will not be in a situation with one contractor blaming another for any problems that arise during the build.

Even on the most complicated of extensions, no supplier should expect you to go ahead without giving you a very specific breakdown of costs.

8. Will the extension increase the value of my house, once construction costs are taken into consideration?

It the past, uPVC conservatories have actually been known to have little effect, or even decrease the value of a house. However, if you have sufficient space and the extension is aesthetically pleasing, an extension can actually be an investment, with the cost of the build being outweighed by the extra value added to the house.

No extension can override other factors such as the street, neighbourhood, type of property but a well designed extension can certainly make a property more desirable and potentially add value. And in many cases it is much more economical to add extra living space to a property than move house and pay stamp duty.

If in doubt, seek the expert opinion of several local estate agents who are usually very willing to value a property and give advice about the potential benefits of an extension.

Garage With Apartment: What Are Its Benefits   Home Improvement: Ideas for Using a Sunroom   Getting The Most Out Of Conservatories   What Is Antimicrobial Cladding and What Can It Be Used for?   Whom Will You Consult on Home Extensions and Renovations?   

Home Extensions Tips

In the current property market, rather than selling and moving to a larger house, most people are planning a home extension to make an extra room or increase the space in an existing room. There are many reasons for staying where you are, such as not having to arrange new schools for children, moving away from friends and neighbours and the trouble and expense of finding a new place to live.

With a growing family it will be invaluable to have extra room to entertain in. It is also difficult to replace a garden that you have put a lot of work into over the years. When you finally decide that you really want a home extension, you need to set about getting your plans in order.

You should check if you need planning permission, especially if your extension will change the appearance of the outside of the house or if it extends further than the legal limit. You should also discuss with your neighbours your intentions and ensure that the noise of building renovations does not go beyond the hours allowed. Very few neighbours object if you do not exceed any of these rules. It is not always necessary to employ an architect as it is easy to get designs which most builders can adapt and they will advise you on.

Make sure that you will be able to live with the inconvenience for the duration of the work that is going on. It may be advisable to put some of your belongings into storage to prevent damage to valuable furniture.

This is not expensive and will save money in the long run. This can be a very exciting venture and at the end of all the hard work you will have a more beautiful and functional home. You may on the other hand decide that there is an easier option for a home extension. A conservatory can be used as an extra room, for instance a sun lounge or a play room and it can be in place with minimum fuss in a very short time.

With all the extra light it would be a very cheerful addition to your home. The only thing to note with conservatories is they can collect a lot of moss over time and need regular cleaning or else they can become unsightly.

Whatever you decide, whether to go ahead with building an extension or to have a conservatory put in place you will find in most cases that your house has increased in value.

Garage With Apartment: What Are Its Benefits   Home Improvement: Ideas for Using a Sunroom   Getting The Most Out Of Conservatories   Whom Will You Consult on Home Extensions and Renovations?