A recent survey by RemodelorMove.com finds that nearly two-thirds of homeowners are handling some parts of remodeling jobs on their own to save money. But doing it yourself may not always be a wise choice in the long run, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Correcting home improvement mistakes can be costly, and some contractors are unwilling to take on botched do-it-yourself projects.

So how do you know if you should do it yourself or hire a contractor? Here are some factors to consider:

Costs - Look at all the costs, including the cost of materials, time and the tools you may need. If the job doesn’t turn out right, can you afford to re-do the project or correct mistakes?

Skills – Do you have all the tools, and more importantly, the skills required to do the job?

Knowledge – Have you done this work before? Do you know all the steps involved? Are you familiar with local building codes and permit requirements? Some local jurisdictions require that the work be completed by a licensed professional to meet code.

Time – Do you have the time to devote to completing the project? Always double or triple the estimated time for a DIY project, unless you are highly skilled and are familiar with the project.

Personality - Do you enjoy physical work? Do you have reliable work habits? Are you persistent and patient to see a project through to the end?

Materials – How will you obtain the materials you need?

Safety - You health and safety comes first. Experts suggest you don’t attempt major projects that could put your well being in jeopardy, such as electrical or roofing. Call a professional instead.

photo: i690 photobucket

Is it really that important to have my home ready for showing?

During the last few weeks I have had the pleasure of showing different out of state buyer’s homes, in and around Salt Lake City. I think I personally toured about 35 homes with my clients. I know there is a lot of information out there for help in getting your home ready for selling, but I’m not sure how many people are actually reading it! So here is a nice video of how to get your home ready to view by potential buyer. Selling Agents, it is ultimately up to you to get your sellers to do the necessary things to make their homes more presentable.

Heat or no Heat?

One last thing not mentioned in the video, KEEP THE HEAT ON  EVEN IN AN EMPTY HOME!  There is nothing that will get the buyer OUT of the house faster than a house that is colder on the inside than it is on the outside!

Video, AgentGenius, image = discoveryeducation.com

Time to get ready for winter. If you haven’t ready done so, here are 14 steps that need to be completed within the next few weeks:

STEP 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. If not, consider adding insulation.

STEP 2: Caulk around window and door glass and trim, and all exterior trim. Install or replace weather stripping on all doors and windows. Check for cracks around pipes and electrical outlets entering or exiting the walls.

STEP 3: Install storm windows and doors if you have them. Consider purchasing storm windows if you have older windows that are not made from modern insulated glass.

STEP 4: Have your heating system checked by a licensed heating/air-conditioning professional. Most furnace manufacturers recommend at least annual inspections. Get the Green Sticker as well.

STEP 5: Check gutters and clean them if necessary. Clogged gutters can result in basement flooding when the snow melts.

STEP 6: Replace any roof shingles that are missing or damaged.

STEP 7: Have your chimneys inspected by a chimney service and, if necessary, cleaned.

STEP 8: Check the foundation for areas where water may puddle.

STEP 9: Trim trees away from the house. Have dead trees and branches removed by professional tree trimmers, or do it yourself.

STEP 10: Drain and shut off outdoor water faucets and turn off sprinklers. Disconnect the hose from the faucet!

STEP 11: Insulate any water pipes that are exposed to freezing cold.

STEP 12: Replace the batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and check to make sure these are all in working order.

STEP 13: Check fire extinguishers and charge and replace as necessary.

STEP 14: Make sure you are stocked with rock salt, sand, snow shovels and any other items you will need during the winter. Test run the snow blower before you need it, and get your gas mixed and ready.

Copyright © 1999-2006 eHow, Inc

You’ve checked everything in plain view — kitchen appliances, floors and windows. Now you’re ready to sign a contract, right? Not yet. One of the most important things that should never go unchecked is actually invisible. Radon is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas, but it may be a
problem in your home. This radioactive gas comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Radon leaks into the house through cracks or holes in the foundation and can cause lung cancer when you breathe it. Any home can have radon, whether the home is new or old, well-sealed or drafty — with or without a basement. If you think your home may have
radon, a radon test can provide you with answers. Radon test kits are available through the mail, but hiring a qualified radon tester will give you the most accurate results. If your home tests positive (a radon level of four picocuries per liter or higher), you’ll want to hire a professional to install a vent pipe and fan to filter the gas away from your home. Sealing or caulking openings in the foundation and walls also can reduce the amount of radon entering through the soil. Before buying or selling your home, it’s important to test your house for radon. If buying, ask the seller for information on any radonresistance systems in the house and their radon test results. It’s quite easy to test your home for radon, and knowing your radon level is worth it — for both buyers and sellers. For more information on how you can protect your family and home from radon, visit www.epa.gov/radon.