Tag Archives: home renovation

Tips and Tricks from Professional Flippers

1. Quotes and contracts – Make sure you get at least three different quotes for every trade that is required. It might sound like overkill, but you will be surprised by how different they will be. It doesn’t always pay to go with the cheapest; in fact you often get what you pay for with this kind of work. Take the time to check your tradespeople’s references, have a look at their previous work and be sure that you are very clear about what is included in their proposed contract and what is not. Also, find out how much work they have on at the moment – you don’t want to be locked into a contract with someone who has taken on too much work and keeps leaving your job to finish others. So have an agreed timeframe for the completion of the work.

4. Lists and spreadsheets – Taking on a renovation can be overwhelming, so divide the project into rooms and then each room into tasks. Having a list that can be ticked off as you go along will help create a sense of achievement and allow you to focus on what still needs to be done. Creating a spreadsheet for the project to list costs is crucial for keeping on top of your budget. Try to update it daily with every penny spent.

read more at: http://www.domain.com.au/news/dea-jolly-tricks-and-tips-all-professional-renovators-know-20160919-grgd48/

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Remodeling? You Need to Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage

When it comes time for a home renovation project, think beyond installing granite countertops or knocking down walls. Think about renovating your home insurance to protect your investment.

Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com to determine fair market value.  Insurance value is calculated different than market value and the tax accessor does not recognize insurance value.

The insurance industry suggests reviewing your coverage with your agent annually, a recommendation roundly ignored by many homeowners. Keeping your agent informed especially makes sense if you’re planning a makeover, simply because there’s no magic formula to determine how much a project might affect your premium.

Ed Charlebois, vice president of personal insurance for Travelers Insurance, recommends talking to your agent if you’re adding to the value of your home by 5 percent or more. Explain what work you’re planning and get an estimate of how it will affect your premium.

Increase your insurance coverage before the work begins in case there is loss or damage. While you’re at it, make sure the contractor and subcontractors are insured for liability and workers compensation.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/home/sc-cons-0426-home-insurance-20120427,0,7981429.story

Property Spotlight – From Shack to Beach Shangri – La

Katie Webb and her husband, Tristan, have been on struggle street for a little more than a decade. When they bought a one-bedroom fibro shack, complete with asbestos, in Freshwater the first thing they did was nickname it struggle street: it was a struggle to pay for and a struggle to live in. Twelve years later, their struggle looks as if it’s coming to an end: they’ve listed it for sale for more than $1.6 million($AUS). It’s up for May 8 auction through McGrath Manly.

Green points

Katie says: ”We’ve got two 3000-litre water tanks. It’s quite a low-impact house. I would have liked to have put solar panels on, but unfortunately we ran out of money.”

Read more at: http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/from-fibro-to-fab-20120427-1xoky.html

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