One of the reasons why Home Renovation is almost always on the back burner is that it burns a sizeable hole through your pocket. But it is worth it, not the “burning a hole through your pocket,” part though.

Renovating your home not only increases your standard of living but also boosts your home’s value if done right. There are other perks to renovating your home too, read on to know more.

Increases Home Value

A renovation done right is the same as an investment with good returns. This makes it one of the most prominent reasons to renovate your home. That said, there are certain aspects to your home that add value when renovated, like the kitchen or bathrooms. So it is important to assess what renovations add value to your home and what don’t, before starting your renovation project.

Updated Aesthetics

Renovating your home allows with the help of a home remodeling contractor your home to stay in touch with the times. You can renovate your home keeping in consideration the modern design trends, hence giving it a fresh and updated look. This is how you can modernize homes built decades ago, to tune in with the time.

Improving your home’s aesthetics not only refreshes its look but also increases its value. If you have houses for rent then you would clearly notice the difference in value before and after an aesthetic makeover. They usually prefer modern and newer homes over dated homes.

Improves Safety

This is a very important reason to consider while renovating your home. Renovation isn’t just about adding value and giving a home a new makeover. It is also about detecting issues and eliminating them with better design and planning. Renovation allows you to get rid of potential problems and install new safety features in your home.

Saves Money

This might seem weird in this list, but sometimes you have to spend money to save money. Renovating can help you save money in a variety of ways. For starters, the use of quality materials while renovating your home will prevent you from spending money again on repairs and repaints due to the materials lasting longer.

Renovating your home to increase its energy efficiency will save you money in the long term as you will spend less on heating or cooling your home. Other improvements like solar panels save you money while reducing your home’s carbon footprint.

Customization and Comfort

Renovating your home allows you to customize your home based on your needs and taste. It also increases your standard of living by making your space more comfortable. It allows you to feel more at home because the design is tailored to your need and comfort, and constructed based on your preference.

This is how you can benefit by renovating your home. Proper upgrades will allow you to capitalize on your Home if you ever decide to sell it. And in the meanwhile, it will provide you with an increased quality of life, while being pleasant to the eyes.

Conclusion

The benefits of home renovation are numerous and can truly transform your living space into a dream home. However, we understand that budget constraints can be a hurdle. If you’re concerned about financing your renovation project, remember that you can consider a home renovation loan. With this financial tool, you can embark on your home improvement journey with confidence, knowing that your investment will pay off in comfort, style, and increased property value.…

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No matter how long you’ve lived in your home, there’s always room for improvement. Whether you go with a small and simple one room job or decide on a whole home makeover, a remodeled home benefits the structure as well as your lifestyle.

Home Improvement

When you remodel any room in your home, you also alter the way it’s used. If you renovate an old study and make it into a family living space, you may find yourself using that room more often. If you remodel your kitchen, you may find cooking a lot easier and more fun. Using your home to its fullest ability will expand other areas of your life as well and you’re likely to feel more comfortable entertaining guests or relaxing quietly in the new space.

Increased Resale Value

Whenever you undertake a home remodeling project, you may worry about the cost of the renovation. Keep in mind that whatever you put into the project is an investment in your home. You will likely see an increased resale value because of your updates and improvements. This is especially true when you remodel the kitchen or a bathroom, but other rooms often increase the home’s value as well.

Lifestyle Changes

Remodeling portions of your home can alter your lifestyle in positive ways. If you renovate the kitchen, for example, you may take up cooking, eat out less, and lead a healthier lifestyle than you did in the past. If you create a comfortable family space, you’ll find your family spending more time together instead of in separate rooms.

Added Stability

When you invest your time and money in remodeling your home, you’ll be happier with the property you own and less likely to want to sell or move. Your children don’t have to move schools or go farther away from their neighborhood friends. You don’t have to pack your things and cart them to a different house. Remodeling allows you to modify your existing location to meet your changing needs.

One-of-a-Kind Design

Renovating your home allows you to work with the unique design and style of the house while injecting your own personality and style. What results is a unique, one-of-a-kind room that meets your current lifestyle and helps you expand your space. There is no cookie cutter renovation – it is all custom created for your home and your lifestyle without losing the original charm.…

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While restrictions have eased dramatically, it’s hard to say when things will get back to normal, and it looks like people will still be spending more time at home for the next year at least.

So the question is: How can you make the most of your time at home? While having an opportunity to regain a healthy perspective and rearrange your priorities is a great thing, you also want to be productive, right? Well, fixing up your home as you ride out the end of the pandemic could be the perfect goal. And we’ve got some easy and affordable home improvement ideas for you to consider.

Ready to redesign your home? The White Interior Design Studio offers homeowners timeless and practical interior design solutions and services for all budgets. Get in touch for personalised ideas or keep reading to get inspired!

DIY and Minor Home Improvement Ideas

There are plenty of small DIY projects that you can handle while being at home, and they’ll make a significant difference in the appeal and value of your property. Let’s dive into a few of them.

1. Spruce Up Your Bathroom

There are plenty of ways to improve your bathroom without fully renovating it. The easiest thing you can do is changing or adding a towel rack, a new cabinet, shelves, a new mirror or vanity lighting. You could also paint your existing cabinet and change the colour and mood of the room.

It all depends on your existing bathroom and what you want to achieve. Give it a thought and see how would be the best way to improve it and go from there. You can start by swapping out your faucets for new ones or switching to a tankless toilet. Maybe the old bath is not for you anymore and you want to include a new shower instead.

If you finally think that a renovation is definitely needed, take a look at these tips to make the most of your bathroom design

2. Creating a Home Office

If you’re working from home right now, you’ve probably learned the challenges that come with balancing your work-home life. One of the best ways to help you stay productive is to create a dedicated workspace. Not only does this offer boundaries so you can stay focused better while you work from home indefinitely, but it can foster creativity, too.

Think about where would be the best place for your new workspace. Maybe you have a spare room where you can install a desk and a comfortable chair or maybe you have to get creative and find the space in any of your already busy rooms. A small desk in the bedroom can be comfortable and beautiful. In the same way, you can have a dedicated area and make it work in the living room. Built-in workspaces under the staircase or using shelves are great ideas too.

3. Change Up Your Kitchen Cabinets

Simple changes like replacing hardware can make a difference in how your kitchen cabinets look. A kitchen can completely change its look by replacing the fronts of the doors and drawers or even just painting them. If your kitchen has old cabinets in colour or shape that you don’t like, simply switch the doors for new ones and the kitchen would look new too.

If you want to go the extra mile, consider sanding down the cabinets and refinishing or repainting them too.

4. Making Your Front Door Pop

One simple way to boost curb appeal is to paint your front door. Opt for a vibrant colour (red, blue, green…) or a neutral one that will stand out and add interest to your property. Choose the right colour for your house based on your preferences, the building and surroundings. Click here to see some ideas and inspiration. Interestingly, the right colour can even add to your home’s value.

5. Painting the Walls

Of course, painting the walls can also do wonders for any space. The mood of the room would vary a lot depending on the colour of the walls. Think about dark tones for intimate and cosy rooms and light tones if you prefer airy and brighter areas in your house.

For a timeless design, we always recommend using neutral colours for your walls. Also, if you have any plans to sell, you’ll want to consider those tones too. Off-white, beige, grey… are paint colours that would work amazingly well with any kind of furniture. There are hundreds of nuances though, and it can seem pretty confusing to select the right colour for you. Check this guide to find the best neutral colours for your property.

6. Panelling the Walls

Alternatively, you can also add some texture to your walls with wooden panels. There are so many options out there, but we are huge fans of these natural oak panels from Nature Wall. At The White Interior, we have installed those panels in some of our design projects creating amazing rooms full of warmth and interest. They can be the feature wall of a bedroom, living room or entrance. They look gorgeous and they are super easy to install. Perfect fit for DIY home improvement ideas!

Major Home Improvement Ideas

There are also many bigger projects to consider. While these home improvement ideas will require more time and energy — and possibly the services of a professional — they can add some serious resale value to your property.

Now, you might be worried about how the pandemic would affect a bigger renovation. If you need funds to make your project happen, keep in mind remortgaging is still an option, regardless of the ongoing pandemic. However, rates keep fluctuating, so do the research so you can make an informed decision and time your project wisely.

1. Install decking outdoors

Building a deck for your backyard or your balcony isn’t cheap, but it can add quite a bit to a home’s resale value. Plus, it can provide your family with some fun and relaxing times outside.

We love natural textures and products, but considerer installing composite decking instead of natural if you prefer easy maintenance. Natural decking needs sanding and oiling every year, so if you want a maintenance-free outdoor space check composite alternatives instead.

2. Improve the lighting of your rooms

Consider changing the lighting on your property. Nice lighting can improve a room considerably. If your rooms are too dark or too bright, check your lighting. The light may be too intense because you have too many spotlights on the ceiling. Think about additional lightings like wall lamps, pendants or floor lamps. Also, check the possibility of indirect lighting in ceilings or skirting.

Light is a really important part of any design. Contact The White Interior if you want help to think about the best ways to improve your house through clever lighting ideas.

3. Replacing the Garage Door

This might seem a bit random, but replacing a garage door has one of the highest ROIs of any home improvement you can make. Replace your old garage door with a stylish new one. Sometimes these old doors make too much noise or don’t insulate or secure efficiently. In many cases, you not only make your home look better, but you also recoup pretty much all the costs you put in.

4. Replacing the Windows

Putting in new windows can make your home more attractive, but it can also help you save some serious money on your monthly energy bill. Depending on the style of your home, you can opt for modern and black frameless windows or for a more romantic vibe with sash windows instead like in the picture above. Go with double-paned windows for the best ROI.

5. Consider changing the layout of a room

Maybe your living room is too small and the room just next to it is too big. Why not improve your home by making a better layout? Sometimes it only takes removing one wall to change the look of a property completely.

Like adding a decking area to your garden or improving the lighting in your property, we understand that this is a major improvement and it needs planning. We recommend you speak with a designer about the best ideas and ways to proceed while doing a renovation. Having a plan and a good design will save you money and make everything simpler!

6. Add bespoke joinery

Sometimes the best addition you can have to improve your house is more clever storage. We truly believe that this is an important part of every design. From built-in wardrobes in bedrooms to entrance cabinets to store coats and shoes, a good design makes a great difference for practical and aesthetic solutions.

Clever storage solutions will make your life easier and more comfortable while allowing tidy and airy rooms in your home. Check this top 10 …

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The past couple of years have seen skyrocketing interest in home renovations. Despite high building material costs during the pandemic, many homeowners jumped onto the idea of improving their homes, both for comfort and to gain returns on investment. Lumber prices have leveled off recently, and the renovation business is still hot. Here are a few things to know about the costs of home remodeling.

A: Numerous factors dictate the cost of home renovation. There isn’t a good rule of thumb that encompasses even some renovations as far as price is concerned. Expect to pay between $20 and $150 per square foot to hire a general contractor to perform a remodeling project. However, that isn’t the whole story. Who you hire, location, time of year, market demand and entire lists of other factors will determine the final price.

Completing a whole house remodel could cost over $300,000 or as little as $40,000. But, inexpensive remodeling is possible as well. Single room remodels or renovating individual parts of your house can cost just a few hundred dollars to a few thousand.

Q: How do you make a home renovation budget?

A: Making a home renovation budget is essential to the project’s success, whether big or small. The size of the project and the condition of your existing home are the most important factors to consider when starting to plan a renovation. However, determining what size the project should be is the tricky part.

An excellent place to start is to evaluate your home’s current value. As you plan your renovations, keep in mind that the remodeling price tag for no single room, except the kitchen, should exceed about 10% of the house’s current value. Kitchen renovations are more costly and, in some cases, can exceed 15% of the home’s value.

To get a ballpark estimate of what your renovation costs will be, start planning early and factor in all of the following items as you move forward:

• Make a list of needs vs. wants
• Find out your financing options
• Consider material costs if you’ll be doing some of the work yourself
• Get estimated prices from various contractors
• Determine your home insurance needs during and after the renovation
• Include clean-up and post-renovation landscaping costs
• Consider ROI potential for various parts of the project
• Calculate temporary relocation costs during construction if necessary
• Add between 10% and 20% to the total cost to cover unexpected expenses

Q: How do you save money on home renovations?

A: A quoted price that’s too high doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. There are numerous ways to lower your home renovation costs. Although you may not save a fortune by doing some of the work yourself, by cutting back on extravagant items or making small plan changes, the amount you save could be enough to go ahead with the project. If the price is still out of reach, compare your must-have list against your wants list and consider lessening the project’s scope.

Q: Is it better to move out during a home renovation?

A: The question of whether or not to move out during a renovation comes down to four factors: The size of the project, accommodation costs, renovation speed and health. Keep these things in mind when deciding if you should stay or go during a whole house remodel.

• If your home will be rendered unusable during construction, there is little option but to budget for temporarily moving out of the house.
• You may be able to somewhat offset the costs of temporary storage of your stuff and family accommodations by allowing the contractor to work faster and more efficiently in your absence. Discuss this idea with your contractor during the planning stages.
• Construction sites can be full of hazardous airborne particles and other physical hazards that simply aren’t good for you. In many cases, it’s best to stay somewhere else and protect your health during large projects.

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This was one of our most viewed videos! Over 7.5k views and counting…so we thought we’d share it here as well.

Picking the right contractor can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know the right questions to ask. Not all contractors are created equal, or ethical for that matter, so having a few ideas of what to look for will come in handy.

Here are the 7 must-ask questions when hiring someone for your next renovation:

1. Do you have insurance?

If the company has employees (and is located in Ontario), they need to legally be paying into the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Additionally, the contractor should have liability and possibly even errors and omissions insurance, also called E&O. If a worker is injured at your home or business, or if there’s an issue with the workmanship, you’ll want to ensure the contractor can cover these costs—not you!

2. Will you be pulling a permit for us?

Permits are actually the legal responsibility of the homeowner. However, your contractor can and often will arrange for necessary permits on your behalf. Although not every job or type of work requires one, no work should ever begin until the permit has been obtained. They aren’t expensive and you’ll be confident knowing you have a second set of eyes inspecting your renovation, ensuring everything is done to code. Please see the City of Ottawa FAQ for more info on building codes and permits.

3. Who is doing the work?

Ask if the contractor and their employees will be doing the work or if they’re subcontracting out your project. If a general contractor is using services from another company, you need to know which business they’ve partnered with and who is liable for the work being done.

4. Are you using licenced sub-trades?

Oh, the number of times we’ve seen DIY electrical or plumbing jobs! Is it really worth saving the extra money when your pipes and wires are on the line? Having licenced sub-trades ensures proper certificates are obtained so you not only pass inspection but sleep soundly at night knowing your project was done right. If you also plan to sell your home, you should have a copy of these certificates for interested buyers.

5. Will we sign a contract or sales agreement?

For a large construction project, a detailed contract protects both you and the contractor company. It ensures you receive the services and products you agreed upon so no one can negotiate the project details after signing. The contract should also include a payment schedule that both parties accept.

6. How will extra or unforeseen costs be addressed?

It’s never fun when a wall comes down and there are dangerous surprises revealed, such as mould or old wiring that must be fixed. Every company handles unexpected costs differently; however, we believe no additional work should be done without the homeowner’s explicit permission or an additionally signed agreement to address these issues.

7. How will we ensure the safety of our pets?

A renovation with loud noises and strangers can be a scary experience for our furry loved ones. When meeting with your potential contractor, ask if they have a policy around pets or how they’ve handled animals on past projects. For example, our team ensures doors are kept closed and the site is cleaned daily so nothing can harm sensitive paws. You’ll often get a feeling for how contractors react to your pets at the first visit.

And lastly… trust your gut feeling.

Although it’s not the most scientific process, you should always feel comfortable having your contractor in your home. Before settling on one, ask yourself: Can I get in touch with my contractor? Do they answer my questions or call back in a timely manner? Do I feel they really care about my project? You’ll likely be working with them for a few weeks or months, so take your time making the decision.

Don’t just pick the cheapest or quickest contractor without considering any of the above questions, and always trust your gut!…

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Investing in home improvements can be beneficial in many different ways. It can improve the function, aesthetic, quality of life, and property value of your home. However, much of that depends on who you hire to do your home improvements. A contractor that does a poor job can end up costing you a significant amount of money in terms of future repairs or replacement needs, after all. Seeing as no two contractors are the same, the following are a few tips to help you find a reputable contractor that you can trust and rely on:

Look at Online Reviews

Check the general reputation of a contractor by searching for customer reviews online. You shouldn’t have much trouble finding reviews for a contractor unless they haven’t been around for very long. Look at sites like Google My Business, Facebook, Angie’s List, and Home Advisor for customer reviews.

Look at Their Work

A good contractor should have examples of the renovations or remodeling work that they have done on their website. Go through their portfolio to make sure the work they’ve done is in line with what you’re looking for. They may be a highly qualified and respected contractor, but if their work doesn’t appeal to you, you may want to look elsewhere.

Look at Their Experience

The more experience, the better. The longer a contractor has been around, the more legitimate they likely are. Poor quality contractors (or scammers) won’t last very long until they’re found out. This doesn’t mean that a contractor that’s only been around for a few years won’t do high-quality work; however, experienced contractors know how to deal with certain challenges or issues that lesser experienced contractors may not.

Look at Their Credentials

First of all, make sure the contractor is fully licensed and insured to work in your area. Secondly, check their site for additional credentials. No contractor will be shy about any additional certifications they may have or any national trade organizations that they may belong to. Certifications to look for include CGR (certified graduate remodeler), CAPS (certified aging in place specialist), BIA (Building Industry Association) membership, and NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) membership.

Don’t Jump on the Lowest Bid

Different contractors are going to give you different estimates based on the project you’re looking to do. While you should compare bids, you shouldn’t jump on the lowest bid. This is especially true if the lowest bid is significantly lower than the other bids you receive. Remember, the estimate is often a reflection of the quality of work you pay for. If the bid is surprisingly low, there’s a chance that the contractor may not be using high-quality materials or may cut corners to keep costs down. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Request Referrals

A reputable contractor should be more than willing to provide you with referrals that you can check. Contact the referrals and ask them if they were happy with the work that was done and if they had a positive overall experience with the contractor.

Speak With the Contractor

Before choosing a contractor, make sure you speak with them at length. Have a list of questions that you want to ask. Pay attention to how they engage. Do they answer all questions fully? Do they ask you questions about your project? Are they polite? Do they sound interested? How they interact with you initially is important.

These are a few tips that will help you find a dependable contractor. If you’re looking to renovate your home, be sure to contact us at Community Renovations for more information today.…

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It’s true, a home is a major investment and it is one that people often cash in on after a decade, or less. However, for there to be any real profit from the sale of a property, the home must be kept in good shape, and that takes time and continuous effort through needed home maintenance and repair.

Maintaining a home is important to keep and increase its value, especially if you ever plan on selling it for a profit down the road. Much similar to automobiles, homes also need upkeep through maintenance and servicing. Through use, a home becomes worn and needs to be maintained, much like mechanics maintain and repair automobiles, building and maintenance companies keep homes running smoothly, by making repairs when needed and improving them as desired by the home owner.

In fact, improving and making modification to a residential building, such as adding a home extension, internal and external renovations, erecting fencing, or installing a deck increases property value. That is one of the major reason why the home repair and maintenance industry is thriving – property owners are constantly reinvesting into their homes to increase its value.

Home Maintenance and Repair Prevent Declining Property Value

Whether you are a first time homeowner or you manage multiple residential properties, keeping these in good condition ensures future returns when it comes time to sell. Maintaining the interior of a home includes servicing and repairing heating and air-conditioning units, and the upkeep of flooring, walls and paint. Outside of the home, maintaining the roof, walls, house paint, gutters and downspouts, wood decking and fencing also need to be maintained and repaired, when needed because these contribute to a home’s overall property value.

For most busy property owners and managers, finding the time to properly maintain and repair a home is difficult, also, there are maintenance and repair work that most people are unaware about which can lower a property’s value. That is why many people are choosing to hire Straight Up Building and Maintenance in Melbourne, a professional building maintenance company that provides fast and efficient building repair and maintenance services, including internal and external extensions and renovations.

If you want to make sure that your investment is safe, by not letting it deteriorate, so there is profit when it is time to sell, then hiring a professional home maintenance and repair company just makes sense.…

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Owning a home can be pretty exciting; you get to decorate the space, choose the tiling or paint the walls. But every now and then, your home will need some work done by professionals. Work that you are not qualified to do, such as home repairs or home constructions.

If the home repair is out of your own field of expertise, or you can’t “DIY” the repair yourself (in many cases it is not recommended to try repairing something without an expert’s help), it is best to find a good home repair service.

But that is not as easy as it sounds; finding an excellent service can take some time.

 

Here are some TOP tips for finding a good home repair service and how to protect your property from poor service providers:

• make a complete list of all the work that needs to be done in your home – making a clear list will help you figure out how much repair work you’ll need in your house, and how much money you will have to put aside just for that. That’ll also help your handyman know if he can be qualified to do the job you’ve hired him for. It is not advisable to “surprise” the repairman in the middle of his work with more requests he might not be sure to execute properly.
• get reliable references – one of the best ways to find a good home repair service merely is by asking around. Your next-door neighbors might have contact information for a home repair service fitting your needs, so don’t be shy, go ahead and ask for a reference. The best home repair services rely mostly on word of mouth recommendations, so it will be one of the safest ways to find a good handyman.
• check online reviews – look for home construction complaints left by customers, as they can also offer you valuable information about a certain company. There are a lot of good sites you can get reliable home repair reviews and references from, such as Yelp, Craigslist, Angie’s list etc.
• make sure your handyman is insured and licensed – if you are hiring a handyman through a home repair provider, make sure that they insure their workers. Know that you might be held liable if an accident happens to a handyman while he is working on your property, unless he has liability insurance. That is also one of the indicators of a good home repair service. Not only that protects the workers, but it also protects you from any additional payments.
• request a cost estimate for the work that needs to be conducted at your property – this way you protect yourself from any scams from the company/handyman. It is always wise to ask for estimates of pricing in advance for both the work done at your property and the materials needed for the job to be executed. Sometimes it’s better to inform a handyman that you cannot go over a certain amount, so they know they can’t expect additional payment.
• check tips for homeowners for any additional information about home repair tips, construction tips as well as landscaping and gardening tips.
• read real consumer reviews on independent review platforms. AJ Perri review listings can give you an insight on pros and cons of any home repair services.
• ask for a written contract – these contracts protect you from any confusions or forgotten details about the requested repairs. And if the handyman doesn’t do his job properly you will have a valid document that proves the agreement and you can easily take it to court.
• your local hardware store might have the right info for you – you can always go and ask around at your local hardware store for a good recommendation. Almost all of these stores have bulletin boards where many local contractors and home repair companies put their contacts and advertisements.

 

Also, a good idea for you will be to interview the repairman or contractor before hiring them, asking them what types of work they have already done in the past and how much experience they have in home repairing.

You can never be too safe about fixing your property, so get well informed before you decide to hire home construction and repair services.…

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What are the benefits of hiring a general contractor?

1. Access to a Network of Subcontractors
2. You Get to Save Your Time
3. Cost Efficiency
4. Ease of Securing Permits
5. Effective Communication
6. Safety Is Ensured

All construction projects have one goal — to turn vision into reality. The project could be anything from a minor facility renovation to building a major multistory establishment. However, if there is one thing owners must understand, it’s that it takes several people to complete projects. It’s better to know about the benefits of hiring a general contractor.

The demand for a general contractor in the Philippines is continuously rising. For a valuable reason, it can make the difference between a successful project and a failure. Read on to learn more about this!

Access To A Network Of Subcontractors

One can argue that the most sought after benefit of hiring a general contractor is the easy access to a network of subcontractors. It takes more than one person to build a construction project.

For example, if you plan on remodeling a kitchen, you will need the help of subcontractors like flooring specialists, painters, plumbers, and installers. Of course, multistory buildings will require a complete team of engineers, architects, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and many more.

If you hire a general contractor, they are responsible for monitoring all the aspects of the construction project. This also means they will coordinate with subcontractors regarding everything you need.

If you are fortunate enough, the general contractor might have already worked with the best subcontractors in the past. In the end, your project will be completed with superior quality in mind.

You Get To Save Your Time

Remember that an average project can take anywhere from weeks, months, to even years before completion. Construction projects tend to be time-consuming. This is especially applicable if you decide to pursue a do-it-yourself project.

In the same manner, if you hire multiple contractors, chances are they will not be on the same page. Key team members like engineers and architects will have different opinions when it comes to deciding how to manage the project.

Hiring a general contractor is a no-fail way to save time. If you did not already know, numerous construction phases collide when you hire a general contractor. The subcontractors work together to speed up the project.

Of course, there are unforeseen factors that can impact the completion of projects like bad weather conditions, supplier delays, and unproductive workers. If you hire a general contractor, you can rest assured that they are equipped to schedule timelines effectively. Their expertise enables them to create contingency plans and deal with unforeseen drawbacks.

Cost Efficiency

If you decide to build a project on your own, you will have to go and purchase all the materials needed. Without the proper knowledge, you might end up acquiring subpar items as well.

Similarly, multiple contractors would purchase materials from multiple suppliers. You might not notice it, but it can quickly double your expenses!

Working with a general contractor means reaping the advantage of their supplier networks. It would be easy for them to buy bulk high-quality materials with huge discounts. In the end, the project will be more cost-efficient to complete.

Ease of Securing Permits

In the Philippines, every construction project requires several permits to begin operations. From business permits, proof of property, fire clearance, environmental permits, to the certificate of occupancy — owners will need to secure them all.

If an inspector arrives and you don’t have the permits they require, you might be asked to stop the entire construction. Thankfully, a general contractor will be responsible for acquiring all the permits you might need.

Effective Communication

Given that the general contractor will monitor the project, you will know exactly who to communicate with. Dealing with a plethora of subcontractors can be challenging. This is partly due to their differing concerns as well. If you or the subcontractors have concerns about scopes, budgets, and schedules, the general contractor will know exactly what to say.

Safety Is Ensured

Construction projects pose a high safety risk. If you are now careful enough, the site can result in worker injury. According to research, the construction industry is responsible for one in five worker deaths annually. This makes ensuring safety paramount for day-to-day operations.

General contractors recognize that their line of work poses different hazards. This is why they are licensed by a state board before starting to work. Once they are licensed, they handle all construction procedures with safety in mind. In addition, they will encourage workers to comply with safety standards on-site to prevent accidents.

Key Takeaway

The benefits of hiring a general contractor offer to complete construction projects efficiently. At Cross-Link, our general contractors are more than ready to cater to your project in mind. As a team, we are dedicated to complete client projects in a timely and efficient manner.…

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5 Reasons To Hire A General Contractor For Your Next Project

Home improvement projects can seem daunting, particularly if you don’t consider yourself a DIY person. But even if you do know your way around power tools, you might have big plans for renovating your home that go far beyond your current skill set. In this case, it’s time to hire a team of professionals led by an experienced general contractor to do the job for you.

What Is a General contractor?

A general contractor is a professional who is charged with supervising every aspect of a renovation or remodeling project in a home or commercial building. The responsibilities of a general contractor include securing work permits, handling supply deliveries and hiring and scheduling subcontractors like electricians, carpenters and plumbers. If that all sounds like a big job, you are correct—and that’s why it’s a good idea to hire a general contractor to do it all for you.

5 Reasons to Hire a General Contractor

If you want to leave your remodeling project to the professionals, here are five reasons it pays to hire a general contractor to lead the way.

1. Save Money and Time

Home improvement projects can be costly and time-consuming affairs. As a budget-minded homeowner, you are able to review estimates from various professionals as well as choose more economical materials and upgrades depending on the scope of the project.

However, you won’t have as much room to negotiate when it comes to the availability of that labor and those materials. A general contractor takes over the responsibility of scheduling the project so that materials are procured and tasks are completed as close to the given timeline as possible.

General contractors are used to scheduling work and supply deliveries around busy subcontractors who are likely juggling multiple jobs in addition to yours. An experienced general contractor will have a slush fund to draw from as necessary to keep all subcontractors paid on time. This means that no one will threaten to walk off the job because of lack of pay, and your project will keep going according to schedule.

2. Leave the Project Management to the Pros

You likely have other work and family responsibilities to uphold in addition to any home improvement projects you have started. Particularly if you are working on a complex, multi-stage project, it is always better to leave the project management duties to a professional.

An experienced general contractor is a master at juggling various tasks, including managing material deliveries and hiring subcontractors. This will make it much easier for you to go about your daily life, even if it does mean much of your home is covered in drop cloths.

Of course, you’ll be kept informed of everything all along the way. But instead of communicating with all those different workers and suppliers, you’ll have the general contractor as your main point of contact so there is no confusion as to the status of the work.

3. Take Advantage of Established Working Partnerships

A general contractor with years of experience will have likely formed strong working partnerships with a variety of subcontractors and suppliers. That’s very good news for you as the homeowner.

For one, it means that those subcontractors and suppliers are reliable, as the general contractor has come to know and trust them based on their having many good experiences with them in the past. Reputation is everything in the home improvement industry, and everyone from general contractors to suppliers to subcontractors prefer to work with others who are known for keeping their word.

These strong relationships could also benefit your bottom line. General contractors are often able to get better pricing, both in terms of supplies and labor, especially if it means that a GC will be needing more of both for future projects. When a general contractor is fair and the working experience is a pleasant one, this bodes well for the timely completion of your project.

4. Enjoy Peace of Mind

There’s a lot of responsibility and liability that goes along with a home improvement project, and most of it rides on a general contractor. You can rely on your general contractor to be licensed and insured, and know that everyone they are working with will also be licensed and insured. Accidents on the job site can harm workers and cause damage to your home, so you will want to ensure that everyone and everything under your roof is protected by worker’s compensation and liability insurance.

Additionally, an experienced general contractor knows how to comply with all local codes and will therefore ensure that the subcontractors comply with them as well. This means that all necessary permits will be procured and that projects will pass a future home inspection. Property owners can rest assured that the work is being done in a professional manner without cutting corners that could prove to be detrimental or even dangerous down the road.

5. Have it Done Once, Have it Done Right

There’s a major sense of accomplishment that comes with the successful completion of DIY home improvement projects. But there’s a major sense of disappointment should that project fail or remain incomplete. While giving DIY projects the old college try is one thing, taking on dangerous tasks or ones that require more than your ability or your toolbox can handle is quite another.

To ensure that a job is completed the right way, it’s always best to hire a professional team of home remodelers. Their true value comes from their vast experience of doing many of the same types of jobs over the years, resulting in better, faster work than you can do as a DIYer who’s just learning.

If you do start a project and find you need to call in a pro to finish it, know that it could turn out to be even more expensive for them to fix your DIY errors than it would have been if you had hired them to do the job in the first place.

Time is money when it comes to home improvement projects. Hiring a general contractor can save you both. Aside from minding your bottom line as a homeowner, though, you can benefit from a general contractor’s experience in managing and completing many similar jobs in the past.

While you might be unsure of how to navigate all the steps of a multistage remodeling or renovation project, an experienced general contractor has seen it all and done it all many times. All you have to do now is enjoy the results.…

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