Home Maintenance: Appliance Repair

One part of your home that most homeowners never consider -- until something goes wrong -- are the appliances. Unless you're doing a major kitchen renovation, you'll likely never have to think about replacing your appliances either.

But when they break... then you know it's time to find some help. I wanted to provide some information for you for the next time something goes wrong with your refrigerator, freezer, oven, microwave, washer, dryer -- well, you name it. Any appliance in your home, whenever it breaks, can be huge inconvenience for anyone.

The question is - Do You Fix It or Buy a New One?

And it can be a massive expense to simply replace the item. New appliances can cost a lot -- and in most cases, it can be cheaper to have the appliance repaired than to buy a completely new unit. You could take a chance on buying a used appliance but you could end up inheriting someone else's problems, too.

Are You a Do-It-Yourselfer?

If you're good with your hands, tools, and you're not afraid to tackle appliance repair on your own then I've got the perfect tool for you. I've found an online forum that can help you fix your busted appliance. The site is a forum where you can get free advice on appliance repair - Free Appliance Repair Advice. They have individual categories for each major appliance listed in the forum. You can post a question on your particular appliance and get a response from a professional service technician.

Whenever you have a problem with your home appliance, you can describe the situation and hopefully get help to fix it on your own. This can save a ton of money in repair fees. Make sure you check through your paperwork so that you don't void any warranties -- but usually the appliance doesn't break down until the warranty is up. Right?

Make sure you give your specific brand and model number whenever you post any questions. That way the service tech answering you can provide more precise and accurate information. Make sure to check before you make a post on whether the appliance is electric, gas, or oil-powered as well. The more details others have, the easier is will be to help.

If it turns out you can fix the appliance on your own, you can also order parts from the company that hosts the forum.

Afraid to Try Appliance Repairs?

If you'd like to talk to a professional about repairing your appliance, consider submitting your request to ConstructionDeal.com. It's a fast and easy service where you can get 4 free quotes from Appliance Repair pros.

For those of you without tools or strong mechanical ability, you can post your appliance repair project with us. Companies that specialize in fixing major appliances will see your request and contact you directly. It's a free service to find a local appliance repair specialist.

So whether you've got great mechanical repair abilities and want to fix it yourself or you'd rather leave it to the professionals - consider appliance repair before you run out to buy a new one. It could save you a lot of money and keep you going until the next appliance stops working for you!

RELATED POSTS
Home Maintenance: Foundation Inspections
DIY Home Safety & Maintenance
Saving on Your Electric Bill

Sponsored Appliance Repair Post

technorati tags: appliance repair, appliances, appliance service, appliance contractor, appliance repair companies, appliance repairman, appliance service technician, diy appliance repair, home maintenance, home repair, refrigerator repair, dryer repair, washer repair, microwave repair, dishwasher repair, freezer repair, kitchen appliance repair

Spring Has Sprung: Ready for April Showers?

If you live in a climate affected by seasonal change, you're probably ready for Spring. It's important to consider what, if any, damage may have been done to your home during the Winter months.

Now would be a great time for a do-it-yourself home inspection. Leave the Spring Cleaning for next weekend.

Check Your Roof
Start at the top of your home and work your way down. The roof has protected you from wind, rain, snow, and ice from December through April -- do a visual inspection. You can visually inspect the shingles and gutters from the ground. Look for damaged, missing, and mis-aligned tiles or shingles. Check close to the roof edge, in the valleys, around the chimney, and near the vents. Avoid climbing on your roof, if you don't have to. It can be very dangerous. If you suspect a problem - consult a professional roofer. Check the gutter systems to make sure water is still flowing freely by spraying hose water onto your roof and watching it come down through the downspouts. The water should not be spilling over the gutter and the water should move away from the foundation at the bottom.

Check Your Siding
Wood, brick, and metal siding can be affected by temperature changes. It can shrink, expand, mortar can crack, and parts can come loose. Paint can also become separated from the siding and chip off. Make sure all paint chips are cleaned up to avoid children or pets from eating any pieces that may contain lead. Look for any damage caused by weather or falling debris, such as ice or tree branches. If your siding is not properly maintained it can let in pests, moisture, and warm/cold air that will affect your energy bills. Talk to a siding contractor if any problems have come up.

Check Your Windows
Your windows have likely been been closed and sealed for several months. Open up your windows, if you can, and make sure they're in proper working order. Wood and other types of windows have also expanded and contracted from the wild temperature changes of Winter months. Hold a candle up to the window - if there's a flicker, it could mean there's a draft. If the window rattles at all during moderate wind, it could mean the window needs to be replaced. Check for caulk seal breakage or any missing weatherstripping - you'll be letting warm air in and cool air out in the summer time. If the window needs to be propped up to stay open, it might also mean it's time to replace it. Check with a Window Expert to make sure.

Check Your Foundation
Snow and rain runoff have been dropping all around your house. You need to inspect your foundation to make sure that there is a sufficient grade to move water away from the home (and the foundation.) After you've run water over your roof and down your downspouts, check for water that may be pooling by the foundation walls. With April Showers approaching, you want to make sure the gutters and downspouts deposit water at least two to three feet away from the house. Check visible foundation areas for loose tiles, bricks, stones or blocks. Check for moist walls, cracks, or bulges that push in toward the house.

Inside your house, go to your basement walls and look for cracking, bulging, or any leaning of the foundation walls. Frost and water may be pushing in on the concrete and causing problems. Look for signs of a moist wall or any water accumulation. If you see any kind of problem, speak with a Foundation Contractor as soon as possible to make sure there won't be any larger problems. Here's a great online Foundation Diagnosis Tool! Check it out.

They say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Finding out what problems your house may have, before the Spring rains come, could prevent major home repair payments down the round.

technorati tags: foundation inspection, roof inspection, window inspection, spring cleaning, spring inspection, home repair, home inspection, door inspection, gutter inspection, roofing and gutters,rain damage, foundation damage, basement waterproofing

Flipping Houses: Real Estate Investing Update

The real estate boom peaked in 2005 and the housing bubble has been slowly deflating ever since. Economists say that risky lending practices and speculative real estate investing purchases pushed the home prices high and now we're in the midst of a correction.

But that doesn't stop people from wanting to flip homes for a profit. Interest is still high to buy a bargain home, fix it up, and sell it for a high price.

Is it too late to start flipping homes as an investment strategy?

The short answer is... it depends. America is faced with a supply and demand issue. Home builders built too many homes, other real estate investors gobbled up property only to flood the market, and people are losing their homes to foreclosure. All of those issues have increased the supply of homes for sale in the market.

And, demand is down. Despite the fact that interest rates are good and the job market is strong, potential buyers are worried that the market has not hit bottom. Buyers don't want to purchase a home that they think they could have gotten for less in 6 months time.

Another problem is that too many subprime, risky mortgage loans were made to people who couldn't afford those homes or who had shaky credit. As their payments rise, more and more homes will go back on the market, at low prices, in the foreclosure process. And because lenders will be tightening their credit policies, fewer people will be eligible to buy homes - - keeping the excess inventory of homes high.

What does this all mean to a potential House Flipper?

If the goal is to buy low, renovate, and sell high then this market could be a real problem for a real estate investor. One advantage you'll have in a situation like this -- there are a lot of homes for sale. Homes that can be bought "low".

The problem comes when you compare the term "low." Home prices are dropping and, in most areas, should continue to drop across the country for the rest of this year and perhaps into next year. You could get a great deal on a house compared to 2005 prices. But, if prices really drop in your area of interest, your great bargain might end up being too expensive before you do any renovations.

So, it's all bad news?

Not necessarily. Some areas will still be in high demand and housing supplies are not excessive everywhere across the country. A wise investor who knows the real estate market in their area can still flip homes. Or, if you don't know your investment area, it would really pay to partner with someone who does. A quality realtor knows how to find the diamond in the rough.

The trick to real estate investment in a shaky market like this one is to find the ugliest house in prettiest neighborhood and (here's the key) make sure it's still a neighborhood that people want to buy in to.

What steps are needed to flip a house?

Many people are going to make the mistake of scooping up properties, sight-unseen, that have gone into foreclosure. They may feel that any bargain is a wise investment. They will most likely be wrong.

Many homes will fall into foreclosure in 2007. Many: "The percentage of mortgages that started the foreclosure process in the final quarter of last year rose to 0.54 percent, a record high. The previous high, 0.50 percent, occurred in the second quarter of 2002 as the economy was recovering from the blows of the 2001 recession."

Bloomberg says as many as 2.2 million homes with subprime mortgages may be at risk. It's going to be important that investors not focus on getting a great deal on a foreclosure. As with all real estate decisions, it's still about "Location, location, location." You still want to make sure the home is in a desirable location (the ugliest house in the prettiest neighborhood, remember?)

Next, you want to partner with a contractor who can be available for fast and quality remodeling projects. The renovation process cannot take too long. The home needs to be purchased, remodeled, and sold as quickly as possible. Every mortgage payment cuts into the bottom line.

Make sure you have the home inspected, if possible, before you buy. You cannot afford to put money into needed repairs that are not visible to a potential buyer. Replacing electrical wiring, air conditioners, faulty subfloors, and repairing mold damage eats away at your budget and does nothing to impress anyone during a showing.

When it comes to your renovation plans, less can be more. Remodel the home with aesthetic details in mind (Read: How to Beat the Housing Bubble.) Start with fixing and improving what can be seen. Get the house to appeal to the emotions of a potential home buyer. Sometimes a home can be flipped by just painting the interiors and laying new carpeting. Many times, to realize a true profit, you'll need to go farther.

Start with the Kitchen. Kitchen remodeling is the heart of every home. And the emotional attraction for homebuyers (Read: Budget Kitchen Remodeling.) Kitchen renovations bring in the great return on investment, statistically (if it's done right.) Fix up bathrooms next. They also provide good returns. Flooring and paint are also big parts of any renovation for a flip. Don't go with wild or extreme colors or fixtures or materials - just because you like it doesn't mean the buyer will like it. But don't go with boring white colors or cheesy laminates. Safe, neutral materials and earth tone colors are the best (Read: Paint Color Trends.) Go with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and hardwood floors. But do not go with the top of the line brand in any product or material you buy. Keep your budget in mind.

Outside, make sure the curb appeal of the house is up to date (Read: Top 6 Landscaping Tips) It's the first thing the potential buyer sees and first impressions really are everything. Cut back overgrowth of bushes and trees. Sod the yard. Fix broken shutters. Paint the house or fix the stucco or siding. Make it as inviting as possible.

What about selling the investment property?

After you've completed your property renovation, you'll need to put the house on the market. Don't try to skimp on selling your house. Many get greedy and try to save money by not working with a good real estate professional at this point. They foolishly believe that they can sell the house on their own. A quality realtor can spread the word in all the right places to make sure you garner attention to your property.

Also, pricing the house too high for the area - in this market - can kill your prospects. With so many choices out there, and so many comparably priced new homes that are still for sale, it's suicide to be greedy on your selling price. Make a splash by having a newly remodeled home at a good price and you may end up with more than one interested party who will give you more than your asking price.

Finally, be prepared for the worse case scenario. You may renovate a house and have it sit on the market for longer than you expect. If the economy tanks and people start losing jobs, you could be stuck with your investment. Remember that there are people who would love to buy the house but cannot sell theirs. And that there are many homes to choose from so you've really got to have a great house in a hot neighborhood. And, there are now fewer potential buyers with the risky loans and tightened credit policies (very few will offer people 100% financing anymore.)

If you can live in the property while you're flipping it, you may curb some of the dangers of being stuck with a 2nd or 3rd mortgage. If the house doesn't sell immediately, you'll be able to live in it and hang on through a tough market.

RELATED POSTS:
How Not to Beat the Bursting Housing Bubble
Ways to Improve Your Home Value
Curb Appeal: Improving Your Homes Look

When you're ready to renovate - submit your remodeling projects on the ConstructionDeal.com website. It's a fast, free and easy way to get multiple bids on your jobs. Just post the project and wait for quality pros to contact you. It's also a great way to make sure you have a backup contractor in case one you've chosen is not available fast enough.

Producers of the show "Flip This House" use ConstructionDeal.com find contractors. What more of an endorsement do you need?

Choosing the Right Bathtub in Your Remodel

This post has been permanently moved to http://contractorequotes.com/rooms/bathrooms/choosing-the-right-bathtub-for-your-remodel/

Free Online Room Planning Tool!

If you're working on a remodeling project or a home addition, it's sometimes hard to try to visualize how everything will look and where it will all go. You may be planning on buying new furniture or you've got existing furniture and you want to see if it will fit. You might just be considering ways to move your furniture around in your living room, too.

Well, I've found a neat tool that could help you see your room configuration a little better. It's a room planner from a furniture site called Raymour & Flanigan.

It's free to use. You may need to have the correct software to enable it but they have a link for the player. It could come in handy when you're planning a remodel.

It allows you to print up your designs after you're done. It even has an option to email it to your designer or contractor.

Planning Is The Most Important Part of Any Remodel:
If you don't have everything ready when you're starting a remodeling project, you're going to spend more money that you expect. Count on it.

When you don't plan every little detail, you will have to make changes. Changes mean more money, more delays, and more problems.

Start talking with a general contractor early and often so you won't have to make changes down the road. Plan like crazy and expect the unexpected.

20 Questions for Your Architect

Here are 20 questions to ask an architect to make sure your remodeling or building project is a complete success. These questions come from the New Hampshire chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA)

20 Questions for Your Architect

1. What do you see as important considerations in my project? What are the challenges of my project?

2. How will your gather information about your needs and goals?

3. How will you establish priorities and make decisions?

4. Who from the architecture firm will I be dealing with directly? Is it the same person who will be designing the project? If not, who will be designing it?

5. How interested are you in this project?

6. How busy are you?

7. What sets you apart from the other architects I could hire?

8. How do you establish fees? When will fee payments be expected?

9. How will I be able to relate fee payments to milestones in your scope of work?

10. What would you expect the fee to be for this project?

11. What are the steps in the design process?

12. How do you organize the process?

13. What do you expect me to provide?

14. Do you have a specific design style? Can you show examples of past design work?

15. What is your experience or track record with cost estimating?

16. What will you show me along the way to explain the project? Will I see models, drawings, or sketches?

17. If the scope of the project changes later in the project, will there be additional fees? How will these fees be justified?

18. What services do you provide during construction?

19. How disruptive will construction be? How long do you expect it to take to complete my project?

20. Can you provide a list of past clients with whom you have worked?

If you need to find a local architect, home engineer, or design-build firm you can use the free resources of ConstructionDeal.com. We'll match you with a local architect firm to discuss your building, home addition, or home remodeling project. It's a great service that can save you time and money and there's absolutely no cost to use us (and you're under no obligation to hire any of the quality architects in our network!)

RELATED POSTS:
Home Remodeling Cost Estimator
Hot Modular Homes with Green Construction
Construction & Remodeling Tips

technorati tags: architects, architecture, home design, house designs, designer builders, home designers, architecture firms, architectural styles, find an architect, architect questions, home plans, hiring an architect, house plans, remodeling plans, renovation plans, whole house renovation, architectural services

Source - Stu Silverman