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Living Through Your Construction Job

It's all well and good to talk about buying a fixer-upper and doing the renovations necessary to bring the home up to the neighborhood standard - it's another thing to actually do it.

Construction is tough on you, and your family. And, it sucks up cash like there's no tomorrow.

One way to make the job easier is to plan for the worst, and that means facing your fears about renovation straight on. Are you most afraid that your contractor will walk away half way through the job? Or, are you afraid that every time you open up a wall you'll have to replace everything inside.

Once you've voiced your fears, you can set up contingency plans to help you get through whatever situation emerges. Remember, it's your renovation. Plan for it.

Ilyce Glink is the bestselling author of 100 Questions Every First Time Home Buyer Should Ask, and is the Managing Editor of Right at Home Daily.

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The Truth About Estimates

Too many homeowners are surprised--and later dismayed--by how much a project costs when all of the numbers are tallied up. Barbara Buchholz presents various ways to help you get an accurate estimate for home renovation or construction jobs.


After closing on your new home, don't be surprised if your first impulse is to pick up a paintbrush. Even if your new condo, townhouse or single family house is in perfect condition, our natural instinct is to make a house our own. Barbara Buchholz, former editor of House & Garden Guides Magazine and co-author of Porch Style and the New Homeowner's Handbook presents some issues to consider before you start.

The Truth About Estimates
Your Rights as a Contractee
How to Find a Contractor
Managing the Renovation
Writing and Negotiating the Contractor's Contract
Finding a Competent Contractor, Architect and Designer
Getting Your Warranties


Unless you're going to do the work yourself, you'll need to pull together a team of folks to help you. For small jobs, you may only need, say, a painter. But for major jobs, expect to hire a contractor, architect and perhaps even a designer and landscape designer upfront. Lisa Skolnik, city editor for Metropolitan Home magazine and co-author of Porch Style, tells you what to look for.

The True Costs of Home Improvements
Landscaping and Hardscaping
Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?
Should You Renovate or Tear Down and Start From Scratch?
Assessing Your Needs vs. Your Wants


New curtains, new paint job, new appliances, new light fixtures, and new carpet. The list of things you can do to improve a home is endless. But ask yourself, "What's the budget?" Lisa Skolnik, city editor for Metropolitan Home magazine and co-author of Porch Style and Jim Sulski, real estate development and home improvement contributor for numerous publications including the Chicago Tribune, Crain's Chicago Business and Consumer's Digest offer some things to think about when planning and budgeting for your renovation project.

Financing Your Renovation: Home Equity vs. Construction Loans
Ways to Reduce Remodeling Costs
How Much Can You Afford to Spend?
Building Your Renovation Team
Change Orders: How They Affect Your Budget
Pre-Renovation: Design Plans, Blueprints, and Estimates



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