by Jody Costello | Feb 11, 2014 | Consumers Need To Know
This is an article I wrote 3 years ago at the height of our nations’ recession and is still a good reminder for homeowners’ today who are planning on remodeling this year. Renovating In a Recession: Why It Could Cost You More If You Don’t Include These 7...
by Jody Costello | Jan 21, 2014 | Remodeling Lessons Learned
A tile contractor whom we have known for about 4 years, and whose work is excellent, recently shared with my husband a situation he was up against with a customer. This contractor has been doing tile work in high end homes around the San Diego area for the last 10...
by Jody Costello | Nov 26, 2013 | Consumers Need To Know
You’ve heard it before. You’ve read it on websites, books and brochures offering tips on hiring and working with contractors. Never give cash for remodeling projects. Yet, there are some people who do based on the notion that they will get a discount in...
by Jody Costello | Nov 13, 2013 | Home Remodeling Contractors, Remodeling Lessons Learned
For most homeowners who are planing to remodel, getting bids from contractors can be a daunting task. For one, deciphering the bids amongst the different contractors can be misleading if you’re not actually comparing apples to apples. Unless you have been...
by Jody Costello | Oct 24, 2013 | Renovation Risks and Realities
Including a final retainer clause provides you with additional protection. Retainer clauses allow you to retain an agreed upon amount for 2 weeks or up to 30 days after the project is complete. The retainer amount is typically 5% to 10% of the final draw amount or...