Not Knowing Your Rights Can Cost You

by Jody Costello | Apr 19, 2011 | Renovation Risks and Realities | 1 comment

I recently received an email from a homeowner who asked if he should sign a Mechanics Lien document that was included with the contract he was to sign to begin a home renovation project. He made reference to some article he read – perhaps on my site – and...

Contractors From Hell.com-Welcome

by Jody Costello | Mar 2, 2010 | Consumers Need To Know, Home Improvement Articles, Home Remodeling Contractors, Remodeling Lessons Learned, Renovation Risks and Realities

Knowing this before you choose a general contractor and sign on the dotted line could very well keep you from having a home remodeling nightmare and horror story to share with family and friends. Ever wonder why everyone you talk to knows someone who has had a home...

Renovating In A Recession: Why It Could Cost You More If You Don’t Protect Yourself With These 5 Key Clauses In Your Contract

by Jody Costello | Sep 28, 2009 | Renovation Risks and Realities

With demand for residential construction still in a slump and contractors holding on for the tides to turn, folks are being told that this a great time to strike up a deal on that home renovation project. After all, materials costs are down and contractors are willing...

Renovating in a Recession

by Jody Costello | Sep 24, 2009 | Renovation Risks and Realities | 3 comments

As I’m typing this the house next door is being completely renovated – actually they tore it down and are rebuilding – and the sound of nail guns popping away is constant. And there are three other renovations within a couple of blocks from us under...

Renovating? Learn About Lead Paint Hazards Before You Begin

by Jody Costello | Feb 10, 2009 | Renovation Risks and Realities

If your home was built in or before 1978 it is highly likely that it contains lead-based paint. If not conducted properly, certain types of renovations can release lead from paint and dust into the air. Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in...

Contractor Doesn’t Pay His Sub and theb Homeowner Pays Twice

by Jody Costello | Dec 7, 2007 | Renovation Risks and Realities | 1 comment

Here’s a scenario that is common practice amongst unethicalcontractors: The homeowner pays the General Contractor who in turn issupposed to pay the sub contractors for work performed. But thecontractor decides to pocket all the money and later down the road,...