The California State Licensing Board (CSLB) wants consumers to know that all home improvement contracts are required to contain certain language. If you aren’t aware of this prerequisite, the CSLB’s website has plenty of information that will get you acquainted with the elements of a proper contract. In addition, you can prevent stress and conflict during a construction project by tactfully requesting that your contract contain the following three elements:

A payment schedule with a task-by-task breakdown. The easier it is for you to read and understand your contract, the better. If the payment schedule is broken down by “percentage of job completed,” ask for a task-by-task breakdown instead so you can verify the work that has actually been done. Read more

Watch this video for some helpful tips on keeping your hardwood floors in good condition. Read more

Does your home have “knob and tube” wiring? Watch this video for some helpful information and maintenance tips. Read more

Even the most reputable contractors can find themselves in financial trouble without warning. I knew of one who lost everything when his son died unexpectedly. His son’s hospital bills and funeral/burial costs became too much, and while he had every intention of maintaining high standards for his clients, he eventually lost the liquidity necessary to keep their projects running ahead of their payments. That’s why it’s such a bad idea to allow payments to get ahead of progress…no matter what. To determine if your project is in trouble, look for the following warning signs:

• The contractor starts asking for progress payments ahead of progress, saying things like, “I need you to pay x amount of money so I can order something.” While this may be common for securing pre-fab orders like kitchen cabinets,

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When my Black Labrador got up in years, she would occasionally have accidents inside the house on the wall-to-wall carpeting. Don’t procrastinate when your pet accidentally urinates on your carpets—the crystals in the urine can create an alkaline stain, which can give off a bad odor, discolor your carpets and even damage your hardwood floors.

Here’s what to do: Blot up the urine contamination with a wet terry cloth towel until all the yellow comes up (you can also use paper towels). You don’t want it to spread further, so remember to blot, not rub. A 20/80 mixture of white vinegar and water can be applied to break up the urine crystals and absorb more of the stain. Read more

Here are some tips for dealing with unwanted critters around your house. Read more

When taking on a major remodel, think about how to bring in the natural light and color from the outside and increase your living space. Consider creating a natural and relaxed feeling in your home, inside and out. Some of the possibilities include patio additions, sun rooms, glass doors, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, skylights and even water features.

If you live in a tight space without a yard (like a condo or small house), you can add skylights, atrium rooms or a bay window. Another idea for the kitchen is to pop out the window behind your sink and add shelves for potted herbs. In addition to improved lighting, you’ll have fresh herbs for dinner! Read more