Vintage Homes

1. Do you have General Liability/Work’s Compensation Insurance?
2. Do you have a permanent business address and good reputation with local banks?
3. Are you in good standing with suppliers?
4. Will you provide me with a written lien waver?
5. How long have you been in business?
6. Will you provide me with a list of recommendations for past clients?
7. Will you provide me with proof of good standing with your lending institution and suppliers?
8. May I see your current in progress work and also a completed job?
9. Will you provide me with a complete written contract and will you allow me to have it reviewed by my attorney?
10. Will you be obtaining all the required building permits?
11. Do you guarantee and warranty your work?
12. What percentage of your business is repeat business?
13. How is cleanup handled? (if remodeling)
14. How will you secure safety for my family, pets, and guests during the process? (if remodeling)
15. Are you a member of the NAHB?

If you are in the market to build a new home, you should choose your builder very carefully.  Whether you are choosing to build in a large planned subdivision or looking for a custom builder to build your dream home on your lot you will need to know a few tips.

 Make a List of Possible Builders:

• Contact a Realtor that is certified in new construction.  A realtor will be crucial in your search and negotiations with a builder.
• You should contact your local, state and national builder association to obtain a list of reputable builders.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed on your list of builders.
•  Make a list of builders that build the type of home you want to build as well as the price range you want to pay.

Investigate Builder for Quality of Work and Good Reputation

•  Ask builder where they are currently building and if you can visit and look at their product.
• Drive by during evening or on a Saturday and introduce yourself to home owners.  This is the best feedback you can achieve.  Ask them how happy they are with their home, quality, builder personality, and customer service.
• Be sure you are equipped with notebook.  You will want to keep notes of your first impressions of both builders and home owner’s comments.
• Ask home owners if they would build a home with the builder again if they were in the market to do so.
• Be able to identify a home owner who just likes to complain.  People tend to take the time to tell the negative.  The human race needs to vent.  Let them vent and then always ask if a proper remedy occurred.  If so builder is usually reputable.

You Should Shop for a Combination of Quality and Value

Looking at new homes whenever you can is important in the process.  Going to open houses is a very good way to see the builder’s quality.  Be cautious when viewing a furnished model.  It is easy to get caught up in the beauty of the decorating.  Always look at the same floor plan unfurnished before making your decision. Do not get caught up in the upgrades and finding yourself forgetting to look at the basic construction and quality as well as cabinetry, carpeting, trim work, and paint. Never hesitate to ask questions.  Be leery of builders or their representatives that can’t or won’t give you the details in writing.

The winter months can be costly and nerve racking for many homeowners.  Be sure to properly prepare your home for the winter months.

 Supplies Needed:

• Batteries
• Storm Windows
• Weather Stripping
• Snow Shovels
• Caulks
• Insulation
• Sand/Rock Salt

1. Add a second layer of insulation to your attic. R-30 insulation is considered the minimum. If your house is relatively new, it probably conforms.
2. Caulk around windows, doors, and all exterior trim.  Install or replace weather stripping on all doors and windows. Check for cracks or openings around pipes and electrical outlets on exterior walls.
3. Install storm windows and doors on older homes if they have not been updated with newer insulated glass.
4. Have heating system checked and maintained by licensed heating & air professional.
5. Check and clean gutters to ensure no flooding into basement.
6. Inspect roof and replace any shingles that are missing or damaged.
7. If you have a chimney, have it inspected and cleaned by a professional.
8. Seal foundation cracks that may have occurred over time.
9. It is a good idea to trim trees away from house.  Any dead or dying branches could fall easily in ice or snow storm and damage home severely
10. Drain and shut off outdoor water faucets.  Be sure to disconnect all garden houses as well.
11. Insulate all water pipes that are exposed to the cold temperatures.
12. Replace batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors as most use of gas and fire/inhalation issues raise this time of year.
13. Be sure fire extinguishers are in working order.
14. Stock up on rock salt/sand and snow shovels during the winter months.