Choosing the least expensive bid from a contractor is not always a wise strategy. You could end up being the star of a contractor horror story. Matthew Johnson of Matthew W. Johnson, General Contractor, a Diamond Certified company, hears these sad stories all the time and says you can usually avoid big problems by looking for red flags.

Some low-balling contractors bid jobs lower than their cost. You might be tempted by the price. Once they get into the job, they start adding on the extras, hire unskilled labor, take their sweet time completing the job (because they’re taking a loss) or simply walk away from a partially completed job. Diamond Certified contractors have had their licenses checked and credentials verified by American Ratings Corporation. Read more

I have seen exterior paint jobs in my neighborhood last as little as 2 years and for as long as 8 years. Why the difference and how long should they last? Cleve Dayton, owner of the Painting Pros, a Diamond Certified company, explains that the keys to a lasting job are good prep before the paint is applied and on-going maintenance. With quality work, you can expect the exterior paint to hold up for at least 6 to 8 years.

Before hiring a contractor, ask how they will prep your house and pay special attention to what will be done to the southern exposure. That side takes most of the beating from the elements and is the first to crack, Read more

Watch this video to learn what you can do to ensure your house is safe from intruders during a remodeling project. 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

In a typical kitchen remodeling budget, almost half the cost is allocated to the cabinets alone—especially if they’re custom made. Custom cabinetry can greatly improve the aesthetics of your kitchen, but just like any home addition, their effectiveness depends on numerous factors. Before you decide to purchase custom cabinets, consider the following tips:

Determine your cooking habits. You’ll be using the cabinets to store ingredients, plates, bakeware and more, so it’s important to understand your specific cooking habits. Take time to decide how much you’ll be using your kitchen, where you cook the most and so on.

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Exceeding a remodeling budget can lead to a host of unforeseen problems, including settling for unexpected options, disagreeing with contractors and being left with an unfinished room. To avoid dealing with these potential issues altogether, consider the following tips:

Differentiate between “need” and “want.” Start your budget with things you need. Research the costs of many different kinds of products and materials, starting with the most expensive necessities and ending with the items you can do without. Major appliances should be at the top of your list since they cost the most.

Make a Top 10 list. Look around your kitchen and decide what needs to be immediately replaced and what can be replaced in the future. Read more

Safety should come first when your home is being remodeled. According to Diamond Certified contractor Matthew W. Johnson from San Mateo County, your contractor should always make sure that windows which are removed are boarded up with both plastic and plywood when the carpenters finish for the day. Anyone trying to break in would need a power tool to remove the barriers.

Another great idea is to continue to use your alarm system, but create an alternate code for the contractor and his subcontractors. When the job is completed, you delete that code and the workers never have access to your personal code for the home alarm system. And finally, Mr. Johnson makes a special point of keeping all of his power tools locked up at night. Read more