This is a system we hope to try some day for a client that is a bit more progressive thinking. We got it approved by our local building authority a few years ago now but the owners backed out due to the increased cost of the system. And, this is from a News Release dated September 10, 2012: Oak Ridge … Read More
Energy Saving Solutions – Passive: Parabolas & Double-Shells
My own introduction to this field of Energy Saving Solutions . . . began in 1977 when I worked for a company (called Sonoma Solar) in northern California that was testing and manufacturing energy saving products for the marketplace, like parabolic solar collectors. These collectors used water as a heat collection medium and were designed to track the sun’s travel … Read More
Remodel Project Preparation
How we start new remodel projects . . . Remodel Preparation – getting it done right, starting at the very beginning STEP 1 – Discovery Stage: the Most Fun for Now! Determine the real need for your remodel. Then, determine the anticipated scope of work of your remodel: walls to remove; lighting, electrical and plumbing changes; bringing in outside light; … Read More
Choosing the Right Remodel Contractor & Running Your Own Bid (Part 6 of 6)
(. . . continued from Part 5) Which contractor am I most comfortable with . . . If a new potential bidder shows up later to ask if they can bid on the project, remember all of the research and other homework you did to get this far, and tell them graciously, “Not on this project. Maybe next time.” You … Read More
Choosing the Right Remodel Contractor & Running Your Own Bid (Part 5 of 6)
(. . . continued from Part 4) Does something ‘lurk’ behind the shininess? 24. Does the contractor have a safety program in place? Again, a safety question here. It’s also a regulatory requirement. I have had a safety program in place since 25. Does the contractor have a couple of good ideas when you first meet? The first meeting is … Read More
Choosing the Right Remodel Contractor & Running Your Own Bid (Part 4 of 6)
(. . . continued from Part 3) It also tells a bit about how they run the business. 15. Is the person you first meet with the one who will be on the job everyday, or running the project for you? This is important because there will be more continuity throughout the project. It also gives you a sense of … Read More
Choosing the Right Remodel Contractor & Running Your Own Bid (Part 3 of 6)
(. . . continued from Part 2) I have been hired too many times to finish up other contractors’ work . . . 7. Did the contractor return your initial contact in a timely fashion (usually within 24 hours) and did he/she show up for your first appointment on time? This will tell you whether they will follow through with … Read More
Choosing the Right Remodel Contractor & Running Your Own Bid (Part 2 of 6)
(. . . continued from Part 1) So, whenever you’re ready to find a remodeling contractor . . . The second item is: you’ll want to determine who might be a good fit to do your remodel project, before you go into the bidding stage. (And, this is best before even the design phase for the reasons that I point … Read More
Choosing the Right Remodel Contractor & Running Your Own Bid (Part 1 of 6)
“. . . the whole remodel process involves a lot of homework on your part” Bear with me as this is a lengthy presentation, but I believe a very strategic and important one for you as a homeowner. You are about to embark on perhaps some major demolition and reconstruction of your largest asset. And, you are about to invite … Read More
Any questions on remodeling (that you’d like to have answered)?
Hi there. My name is Bob. I’m a remodeling contractor – licensed since 1984. I’m just starting to blog, although I’ve been doing remodel work most of my life. (I won’t tell you how many years that is now.) I have been wondering what things would be useful to post . . . so, I thought I’d start by asking … Read More