marathon06.org

Homeowners are benefiting from the economic downturn with home improvements.

by

Debra Nolan

Financial Crisis, economic slow down, downturn in the housing market has an impact on home improvements that can benefit the homeowner.

Consumer confidence is close to the lowest it\’s been since the late 80\’s. Home prices are dropping, foreclosures are rising, and fuel costs are high. While the news can be depressing, the impact can benefit homeowners planning home improvements. The housing slump is affecting home remodeling contractors and the home improvement stores that supply the construction materials.

Many home improvement and lumber merchants are starting campaigns to mark down prices. \”This is providing the homeowner with more bargaining power and less expensive home improvement projects.\” Said Debra, owner of Westmoreland Contractor Referral Service, in Greensburg. Pa. The housing slump is introducing new competition into the remodeling arena. Smaller homebuilders are actually diversifying their businesses to survive the downturn. Construction companies are looking into every aspect of their business and making adjustments. The result for the homeowner is lower material costs and reduced overhead cost, which results in an overall reduction in the cost of home repairs and remodeling.

Contractors are feeling the impact of the economic slow down which provides a unique benefit to the homeowner. Contractors can now purchase materials at lower prices and are able to pass these savings along to the homeowner. The slow down gives the homeowner the added benefit of contractor availability. A few months ago, a phone call might not have been returned as quickly as it will now. Contractors are working hard to find new business and keep their employees working. They\’re literally looking for more business that they normally would pass on. \”Homeowners now have more remodelers to choose from.\” Debra said. \”However, caution should be taken to ensure that the contractor is insured and is qualified to do the project.\” Debra is the owner of Westmoreland Contractor Referral Service, which is a company that provides a free service to the homeowner by matching a prescreened qualified contractor based on the project specifications.

Homeowners that feel good about their equity situation should consider a home improvement project now. The benefits of home improvements can include not only savings on the cost but also can add value to the home and depending on the type of project can help to make a home more energy efficient.

Prospective homebuyers are now holding off on purchasing a new home and are finding that home updating, additions, and renovations are a more economical decision. \”Instead of buying a new home.\” Debra said. \”They are adding on and renovating.\” Even in severe downturns, people need to update and maintain their homes. Where some home improvements were not affordable a few months ago, now they are and homeowners can cash in on the deals. \”Bottom line, if you have been putting off the home remodeling project and have the cash, now is the time to start that project.\” Said Debra.

Article submitted by Debra Nolan, owner of Westmoreland Contractor Referral Service, a business dedicated to helping homeowners find dependable contractors for home improvements. For more information visit www.westmorelandcrs.com.

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com

Adelaide professional house painters contract house painters for exterior and interior painting

by

Laurene Bell and Bob Byrne Is it time to repaint your house? Do you need some free advice before you engage painting contractors? Whether you are thinking of interior or exterior house painters ….. Or maybe roof painting, you need professional house painters in Adelaide and reliable painting quotes. If you’re concerned about the cost of house painting, the quality of the work, or both, just take a moment to read this important information in this article. We have put together answers to all the questions you are likely to ask when you require a painting contractor or contractors. Most home owners are not experienced when it comes to engaging workmen to do the necessary maintenance chores around their homes like painting, plumbing and major repairs. It is always wise to spend a little time first to search out the answers to the many questions and to be armed with the correct information before making the decision of hiring a company or people to perform the job at hand. There are a number of simple things you can do to make sure you get the very best results for your money; 1/ The painting contractors should be professional painters, specialized residential painters who have the knowledge of painting and decorating in both interior and exterior work. 2/ Check to see they are licensed and insured. Should any mishaps occur you want to be sure all those situations are covered. 3/ Make sure you’re not going to be ripped off. Get at least two quotes. 4/ Get references to ensure the quality of the work. This is very a important part of engaging workmen. 5/ Ensure you get a written quote. 6/ Consider a formal contract. 7/ Discuss payment options available to you before the work begins. Should you pay a deposit, and if it is a really big job, there may be progress payments. There is also the preparation before the painting actually starts. How will the surfaces be prepared? Will they prime? What about caulking and sealing? Who’s responsible for the clean up daily and at the completion of the job. The paint to be use is also a very important factor. Better quality paint means it will last longer and for you as the home owner that is much better of course. This may costs more but the benefit of longer time between the repaint might be a better option to a lesser quality paint. You may also wish to discuss the use of environmentally friendly paints and if you have children, you may choose a paint with low odor. And of course there is the different paints for different applications, such as the exterior and interior, cemented pathways,wooden decking and the roof. You need answers to these questions. Roof painting and restoration is another area again and you may feel it necessary to hire a different contractor for this. You’ll find the answers to all these questions and more in our FREE E-book “How To Find A Good House Painter In Adelaide” It is an easy to follow guide, simple to read and will give you the all the information you need to ensure you get the very best job for your money. Your home is probably the single biggest investment you’ll ever make and any decision regarding painting or renovating is a truly important one. So make sure it is the right decision. Download our FREE E-book now by going to our web page and you will soon know “How To Find A Good House Painter In Adelaide”

If you are looking for professional house painters in Adelaide for exterior or interior painting, or maybe you need your roof repainted.

Here’s is a FREE E-book on how to find the best house painter or painters for your job. There is information on how to select the best house painting contractors for your needs. Painting and decorating your house can be a major decision and a large expense so the help you need is available by simply downloading the information included in our FREE E-book.

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com