Hiring A Contractor For Your Home Improvement Projects

Are you planning some home improvements like renovating a basement or perhaps adding a room? If yes then you have to find a good contractor because a failed project will definitely cost you. A good advert is not proof that the contractor offers quality work. You need to find out yourself. Check with neighbors, friends, or co-workers who may have had renovations or home repairs done at their home. You also have to check the contractor’s reputation on trustworthy websites. You need to ask for a written estimate from different firms and always keeping in mind that the contractor who offers the lowest bid may not always be the best choice. You also have to familiarize yourself with the most common indications of a scam.

Find A Pro For Your Home Improvements

Searching For A Contractor Depending on how complex or big your home improvements, you may need to hire a:

• General contractor
• Architect
• Specialty contractor
• Design/build contractor

Do Your Research Be sure to check with your neighbors, friends, or coworkers who may have used a general contractor in the past. If possible, ask if you can check the work done by the contractor and inquire about their experience working with the expert. Check out the sites that you trust. Find out if other people have had similar experiences, whether good or bad. You should also check the online reputation of the contractor by looking for the name of the company and add words like rip off, complaint, or scam. You should also know how long they have been in business and don’t forget to verify their qualifications such as their license. Before You Hire A Contractor Get estimates from potential contractors and don’t choose the one that gives you the lowest bid. Ask them to explain their bid so you can determine the reason behind the difference in the price. Asking questions is also necessary. These should include:

• How many similar projects have you completed this year?
• Do we need to get a permit for my project?
• Can you provide me with a list of references?
• What insurances do you carry? Does it include personal liability, property damage coverage, and worker’s compensation?
• Will you be hiring subcontractors on this project?

You also need to understand the payment options for your home improvements Myrtle Beach. It is not advisable to pay cash. Pay by credit card or check for smaller projects. You may consider arranging financing options if you have a larger project. It is also a good idea to limit your down payment based on the law set by your state or local consumer agency. It is also best to make payments if certain phases of the project are completed. By doing so, the payments to the contractor will be delayed if their completion of the work on a set time is not met. Get A Written Contract Don’t forget to get a written contract. The requirements differ from one state to another. Even if in your area, a written agreement isn’t required, it is best to still ask for one. It should indicate the who, where, what, when, and the cost of the project.

Call Keystone General Contracting if you want to make sure that you are working with a team of reliable contractors for your home improvements.

Keystone General Contracting Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 465-0685 https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com

https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com/hiring-contractor-home-improvement/

The Ultimate Guide To Planning Home Improvements

Starting home improvements could be overwhelming especially if you have done one before and you were unable, for some reason, to complete it. Regardless of the project, the renovation will most likely involve several details that could easily make everything seem more daunting. Use the steps provided below when planning your home remodel. These will help you in ordering, prioritizing, and building a detailed home project plan that would not only make sure that you stay on your budget and on schedule but also reduce your stress level throughout the whole process.

Home Improvement Planning

Create a Detailed Project Plan The first thing you have to do is to create a plan that will clearly state the objective of your home remodel. It should include designing inspiration as well as an outline of the job that needs to be completed. The project plan must include a list of your needs and wants for your home, sketches of your desired finished project, and project steps that need the help of a professional like Keystone General Contracting and those that don’t. You should create your project plan six to twelve months before you start the actual renovation. Set A Budget The next thing you have to do when planning home improvements Myrtle Beach is to set a budget. It must include the cost for building materials and permits, labor, decorations, as well as cosmetic touches. To create a budget, you have to determine how much you are willing to spend and finalize the financing. You should also set aside a minimum of 10% for unexpected costs. You should ask for cost estimates from experts and be sure to price out all of the materials you need. In case the cost estimates exceed your budget, go back to your home improvement plan. Determine and get rid of the elements that are at the bottom of your priority list. Hire General Contractors Next in your home improvement planning is hiring your team. Avoid choosing general contractors based on cost estimates only. When interviewing as well as choosing your general contractors, you have to consider their years of experience, contracting license, certificate of insurance, references, and payment schedule. Start looking for a general contractor three months before you begin your project. Create a Timeline After creating a budget and rounding up your team, the next thing you have to do is create a timeline. Choose your preferred date, or in case you are hoping to complete the project by a certain date, you should work backward from that specific date instead. Talk to your general contractors to know the length of time every portion of the project need in order for it to be accomplished. Identify which steps have to be done first, how long it will take to finish them, and which ones can be tackled at the same time. Prepare and Pack Up You need to prepare the space that will be renovated and be sure to make the needed plans to avoid using the area while it is under construction. The type of work that needs to be done will determine if you should or should not live in your house during the process.

Call Keystone General Contracting if you are looking for a general contractor who can help you with your home improvement project.

Keystone General Contracting Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 465-0685 https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com

https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com/guide-planning-home-improvements/

Choosing A General Contractor For Your Remodel Project

There are simple steps you can take when you are choosing a general contractor who will head up your home remodel project. Ask for Referrals Word of mouth, is by far, the best method of finding a qualified general contractor to take on the job. You should ask friends, relatives, and neighbors who they have good experiences with. You need to know what made it a good experience for them, what methods did the contractor use to handle problems and if he or she would hire the contractor again. Check the Credentials Once you have the recommendations, the next thing you have to do is conduct preliminary research. It could be a phone call or a visit the website of the contractor. Determine if he or she holds all of the needed licenses from the local and state municipalities together with designations from any professional organizations like the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Homebuilders. Search for contractors who have passed extensive tests and invested in course work to obtain certain certifications. However, you need to be aware that not all types of certifications are created equally. Carry out your research and identify the requirements. Interview The Candidates Be sure to narrow down your list of potential general contractor Myrtle Beach and schedule meetings. It is better if you choose at least three contractors since things could get confusing beyond that. It is also important to gauge how the contractor answers your questions. However, you also have to remember that communication goes both ways and that means they should also ask a lot of questions. Check References You should also ask to see the previous projects of the contractor. In case you like them, ask for references, and get in touch with their former clients. Ask about the performance of the contractor at the time when they were executing the projects. Where they on budget and on time? Were their clients happy with the result? Keep in mind that when you are hiring a contractor for you home improvement, you are getting a service and not a product. The quality of the finished product will depend on the quality of the service.

Questions To Ask A General Contractor

• Do you have a permanent mailing address, email address, phone number, cell phone, fax number, or voicemail?
• Do you have insurance that will protect you from liability? If yes, ask for a copy of their insurance certificates so you can verify.
• Do you have an established presence in the community? How long have you been in business? Does your company maintain good relationships with other contractors?
• Do you have a trustworthy reputation among your peers and customers?
• Do you have any professional designations? Are you a member of any trade organizations?

Once you have chosen a contractor, check the documents that he or she has prepared. Are they professional looking? Scrutinize the contract carefully. Does it look balanced and fair?

Call Keystone General Contracting if you are looking for a reliable and reputable general contractor for your home improvement project.

Keystone General Contracting Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 465-0685 https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com

https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com/choose-general-contractor/

Top Home Remodel Tips This Fall

The hot summer days are passing by and as it happens, mother nature is redecorating itself for the upcoming cold weather. As Fall draws near, Americans are taking a closer look at the interior of their houses. When you redecorate at this time of the year, you should think about warm colours such as brown shades and rich red tints that will remind you of the autumn leaves as well as the Christmases that are celebrated around the fireside. Listed below are some great home remodel tips you need to know

Make A Good First Impression

Amaze your neighbors and friends with a beautiful new front door. When picked and installed properly by the right contractor, a brand new front door could add more value for a relatively low cost. Go out of the box and make unusual choices that will best represent your personality. You should also complement your brand new door by adding a fresh floor rug for your hall. Play with different bright colors that will make sure that you give your family a warm welcome after a long day at school or the office.

Brighten Up Your Family Room

Create a stunning statement by having your walls prepared and repainted. If you want to cheer your family during a cold winter night, select from warm shades such as yellow, pink, or orange. You may complement the walls by changing the cushion and the drapes. You don’t have to spend a lot to transform a room so it would make a great first impression.

Turn Up The Heat In Your Kitchen

Not everyone has the money to remodel their kitchen at the moment. But that should not prevent you from making inexpensive changes that would make you feel great every time you enter the room. Take a quick break from your usual routine. Call a contractor like Keystone General Contracting who will help change your cupboard doors in your kitchen room. You will realize that this could be performed in just one day and you don’t even have to unpack your kitchen shelves.

Relax In The Bathroom

Be prepared for soaking hot baths during the cold winter season. Only a few like staring at bright ceiling lights. A lot of homeowners now prefer bolder options and they tend to install a new light fixture that creates a unique statement even when they are turned off during the day. You should also hire an electrician who can change the dimmer switch that can soften things during the evening if you are thinking about a bathroom remodel. Then you should enjoy the fresh ambiance as you doze away at night while listening to great music.

Go Back To Basics In Your Bedroom

Let’s take a look at a home remodel Myrtle Beach involving your bedroom. Be sure that the cupboard in your bedroom suits you and not the other way around. It will cost you a lot less than you initially thought to change the things inside so you can finally get everything packed neatly and returned to their appropriate places. Be sure to have a plan before hiring a contractor. Only you knows what you really want.

Call Keystone General Contractors if you need the help of professionals for your home remodel projects.

Keystone General Contracting Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 465-0685 https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com

https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com/top-home-remodel-tips-this-fall/

Planning Is Important, Never Compromise

If there is one area where you can never comprise when it comes to home remodelling, it is with the countertops. After spending thousand in buying the best countertop there is in the market, homeowners are never told that they require some sort of support for the countertop overhands. They may have been told about it but not until the home remodel contractor showed up to install the counter or when the countertop maker shows up to run the templates. This will significantly limit the ability of the homeowner to choose his or her desired solution to support their chosen countertops.

Plan Ahead With the Help Of A Home Remodel Contractor

The support brackets are not just simple ornamental wood corbels or shelf brackets. A countertop overhang plays a crucial role and the best countertop brackets are made to take on the load of the overhang. These kinds of brackets constitute the kitchen’s hardware and must be chosen as such. You can’t choose them at a local store or from brick and mortar stores since they are not available there. The countertop brackets that are needed to support the stone counter are made specifically for that purpose and are usually made to order. In case it is in stock, it still has to be shipped to the place where it will be installed. Therefore, time is essential when it comes to choosing the best countertop support bracket. Homeowners will be asked months before they need the item. They will be asked what kind of handles and knobs they wish to have on their cabinets. Don’t wait until the week before the schedule to install them to inquire what kind of countertop support is needed. The answer is going to quite simple. Nobody is sure as to who is responsible for specifying the need for supports. The home remodel contractor Myrtle Beach usually tells the countertop fabricator, who might also refer to the countertop installer. Basically, they may also address the problem with limited knowledge of the requirements. You can get rid of this concern by educating yourself as well as the kitchen remodel contractor. You will find several resources about countertops online. Customer support agents may also be knowledgeable on how to address the problem of timing as well. You don’t have to wait to be told that you need countertop supports. If you want to have a serving or seating area in your kitchen countertop, then automatically the counters in that area need support. You have to be proactive and begin your search as early as possible. Do not compromise what you want because of the timing. Always remember that what is installed under your countertops will stay there until the time that you want them to be removed. Be sure that it is the support that fulfils your visual and functional requirements.

If you are looking for a home remodel contractor, call Keystone General Contracting right away.

Keystone General Contracting Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 465-0685 https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com

https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com/planning-important-never-compromise/

Reasons To Do Home Improvements

There are many reasons why homeowners do home improvement and in most cases, these projects are time consuming. They are, on the hand, worth all the time and energy that you put into them and when done right, you will appreciate the end result. Home improvements involves changing your home.

Why Do Home Improvements?

The interior and exterior of your home could go through renovations. Improving the value and beauty of your house is just one of the many reasons why you need to do certain improvements. These projects can also help in fixing damages in your house. Making your house safer or adding more space to it are some of the other reasons why you should embark on Myrtle Beach home improvements.

Some of the kinds of improvements carried out to make your house more attractive are projects that are focused on interior design. These projects include wallpapering and painting the walls or adding new floors, or maybe updating your windows and doors. You could add style and beauty to house through these improvements. They can be as minor as replacing a blown light bulb or as big as renovating your house after a disaster.

Home renovations prices could change immensely and in most cases it depends on the contractor you’re working with like Keystone General Contracting. A common home improvement that’s done is altering the bathrooms or kitchen of a house. Some homes might not have the cabinet space they require and therefore need to install more cabinets to accommodate their needs. A few improvements may also include upgrading to more functional and elegant fixtures in the kitchen or bathroom.

When doing renovations to fix damages these may include electrical upgrades or fixes, roof repair or plumbing replacement. Obviously, there are other aspects of your home that can be fixed. Safety is also another reason why homeowners do home improvements. Sometimes they add security cameras so they can offer more protection to their loved ones.

Another popular home improvement project is to add extra closets and rooms. Homeowners add room for various reasons. Some want more bedroom, add another bathroom, or a home office. These home improvements can also boost your home value. These are extremely expensive as well as time consuming renovations but are definitely worth it. Regardless of the kind of home improvement you decide to do, you’ll be happy with the end result. Just make sure that you do it right.

Call Keystone General Contracting if you are thinking of doing home improvement projects.

Keystone General Contracting Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 465-0685 https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com

   

https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com/reasons-to-do-home-improvements/

Choosing A Reliable Contractor For Your Home Remodel

You have lived in your house for several years now and it is starting to show its age. Maybe your home no longer satisfies your needs. However, you don’t want to move out of your home, leave your neighbourhood, or to live away from your family or friends. So, instead of moving away, you decide to have a home remodel. Finding a trustworthy and reliable contractor is the first thing that you have to do. The next one is to pay close attention to what the contractor is doing. Remember that this is your house and your money. You don’t want to be wasting any of them so be sure to stay on top of your project.

Finding A Pro For Your Home Remodel

Before you start reaching out to contractors, you need to know what kind of work you want to be conducted. This might sound obvious, however, several homeowners try to hire one contractor to do a wide range of renovations, which is generally not a good idea at all. Then you should try to ask homeowners in your neighbourhood for references. You might naturally turn to family members and friends but why don’t you ask your neighbors as well? If you know someone in your neighbourhood had a recent home improvement and you liked the end result then go and ask them who did the work and if they are satisfied with the final product. Most homeowners will instantly share their opinion of home remodel contractors especially if they liked how things have turned out. The next thing you have to do is to check online reviews. The internet has changed the way consumers buy products and services. You will find sites that offer consumers with third party and independent reviews from real homeowners who have hired a contractor’s services. Search online so you will get an idea of what others have to say about a Myrtle Beach home remodel contractor. You will find various opinions from homeowners who are willing to talk about the labor quality, materials as well as overall workmanship. It is also not a good idea to set a maximum or minimum number of estimates. If you are searching for a contractor for any kind of home renovation project, among the first things you will hear is obtain three estimates. The problem that comes with limiting yourself with a specific number is that you cannot be sure if you are really getting a good representation of the various options that are available. The best choice is always to get as many estimates as you can until you feel like you are making an informed and comfortable decision about the contractor who will work on your home remodel. If that is the first contractor you meet then great! But if not, then continue looking for one until you find a qualified professional like Keystone General Contracting whom you feel is a perfect match for your project.

Call Keystone General Contracting if you are looking for a reputable, top quality, and experienced contractor who can work on your home remodeling project.

Keystone General Contracting Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 465-0685 https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com

https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com/choose-contractor-home-remodel/

Liven Up Your Bathroom With These 3 Simple Tips

You can give your bathroom a whole new look without having to go through an extensive bathroom remodel. Your home’s second most valuable area, next to the kitchen, is the bathroom. An improvements you make to your bathroom will boost the value of your home.

Simple Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Replace The Vanity Tops The first thing you have to do is to switch off the water supply and then disconnect the vanity faucet. Take out the vanity top, which is usually glued down to the vanity cabinet. When it has been removed, install the new vanity top by gluing down the top of the new one to the existing cabinet. Don’t forget to put the bath and the tub caulk the around the back and then the sides to give it a clean and finished look. Replace The Faucet Since you still have the old vanity top off, this is if you still want to change the faucet. It will make it much easier to install with the top side turned upside down. Allow your water connection hoses to hang down so it can be hooked up at the shut off valves right after the installation of the vanity top. Replace The Toilet Switch off the water to the area before anything else. This is the first thing you have to do if you are doing a minor and major bathroom remodel Myrtle Beach. The toilet is bolted by two bolts, which are located on every side of the bowl on the floor. Toilets could be bought as an entire unit from the majority building supply firms. When you have taken out the bolts, pull up the toilet cover and then over the bolts in the floor. Take out the old wax ring and then clean the area to make sure that there is a clean seal for the brand new toilet. Once it is clean, add a new wax ring surrounding the flange or open hole in the floor. Place the new toilet on top of bolts and then press them down to the floor. The wax ring will be smashed into the toilet to make a tight seal. Change the nuts on the blots and then place brand new covers over the nuts. Carrying out just these minor changes can create a huge difference in the whole appearance of the bathroom. It could breathe new life to any décor or alter the feel of the entire room. But if you are seeking to do a major home improvement project, be sure to work with a reliable team of contractor like Keystone General Contracting.

Call Keystone General Contracting if you are thinking of making major changes to your bathroom.

Keystone General Contracting Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 465-0685 https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com

https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com/liven-up-bathroom-3-simple-tips/

Why Does Precision Matter In Kitchen Remodeling?

It will take significant design skill, product and current trend awareness, as well as a lot of creativity to develop and execute a kitchen remodel that will add value to your property. This is only about the design part of the project. The preparation of your current kitchen space for the actual installation might need moving some walls, electrical and plumbing components to accommodate the new design. There are so may tiny details that have to be considered, starting from the design stage and continuing throughout the project.

Finding The Best Contractor For Your Kitchen Remodel

In almost all kitchen renovation project, you can expect surprises to come up and it will surely spoil even the best laid out plans. It will take a skilled craftsman or even a team of home improvement contractors to make unexpected adjustments in case some walls are not straight and if unexpected pipes were found within the walls. Most DIY handymen are just not that experienced to handle these problematic issues. Additionally, when standard sized cabinets are only a fraction of an inch or perhaps way too narrow to fit perfectly in a certain space, there are instances when a filler has to be cut, fit, and finished meticulously to fill the space perfectly. It will require a lot of skill to correctly match the texture, grain, finish, and color of wooden trim pieces, which means amateurs won’t be able to do it. In order to finish a kitchen remodeling project that will enhance the value of a home, precision is needed in all phases of the project. Starting from the original measurements that were taken by the designer to the planning phase during the preparation phase and then up to the final installation, the specifications should be precise. Some installation teams that are subcontractors to the many big box retailers don’t have the training or the experience to do such a precise installation. If you aren’t very careful in choosing the correct craftsmen to install your new kitchen, you may wind up with a sub-par result that will only decrease the value of your home rather than enhance it as you originally planned. There is a certain set of skills needed to correctly install backsplashes and countertops. Once again, accurate measurements are important and the installer must be able to adjust nearby surfaces to fit correctly with extremely large pieces of marble, granite, laminate, or any solid surface. Additionally, to make glass or ceramic backsplash materials fit correctly with windows, counters, cabinets, as well as trim needs excruciating detail because this will be the crowning touch that will set off the majority of kitchen projects. So, to make sure that you get the highest quality kitchen remodeling installation, be sure to interview not just the designers who will be planning your project but also the craftsmen who will be doing the actual installation. Be sure to see the before and after photographs first of their past jobs. You also need to make sure that the contractor for your kitchen remodel Myrtle Beach is licensed and has liability as well as workers compensation insurance.

Call Keystone General Contracting if you are looking for a team of experts who can handle your kitchen remodel.

Keystone General Contracting Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 465-0685 https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com
https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com/precision-in-kitchen-remodeling/