Tips & Traps for Hiring a Contractor (Tips & Traps)

Download Description

DON'T GET RIPPED OFF WHEN HIRING A CONTRACTOR! DO GET THE RESULTS YOU WANT, AT A FAIR PRICE! You can avoid being a victim of unscrupulous contractors with this homeowner-empowering guide from one of the most respected figures in construction. R. Dodge Woodson, a 30-year contracting veteran and the author of many books in the field, makes it simple to learn how to sort the competent professionals from the con artists who want your business; how to get the best possible deal on the work you want done; and how to work successfully with contractors through every stage, from planning to final payment In addition, by using the insider's information in this book, you can make expert decisions on quality, materials, and costs. Packed with features designed to make it easy for homeowners to use, this guide helps you-- Screen and hire honest, skilled home improvement professionals Spot and eliminate "bad apples" BEFORE you sign anything Make the bidding process work for you Negotiate effectively Get all the necessary details in writing Estimate costs, with easy-to-use charts on labor and materials Understand plans and specifications Choose materials to be used in your addition, remodeling job, or maintenance project Understand the tradeoffs in site, design, planning, and maintenance options Make sound on-the-spot decisions Keep your contractor on the straight and narrow -- on time and on budget Create a punch list FILLED WITH DOLLAR SAVING TOOLS FOR THE HOMEOWNER Sample checklists, forms, and contracts make it easier to handle every aspect of your home improvement projects. Highlighted tips and traps help you avoid money pits. Even if you have no prior experience with construction, remodeling, or professional home maintenance, this book can help you get your jobs done right -- at the right cost!

Customer Reviews:

Over my head.......2007-01-03

Lots of detail and mostly easy to read, but some important terminology and practices are not explained that a 1st timer would not know.

Read this book before remodeling your home!.......2006-02-04

I'm so glad I got a chance to read this informative book before starting the renovation of our home!

The author is clearly an expert in this field and goes into detail in every aspect of the process, with the bottom line of making the consumer a savvy, discerning shopper. The author covers all angles of the contracting process, from making the plans and specifications, to hiring a contractor, to what forms are needed to be filled out. I learned about how to spot a shady contractor; how to get things in writing - especially specific time frames; how to make sure the contractor has a physical address and telephone number, and much, much, more.

The eye-opener of this book was the lien waiver. Unbeknownst to me, if a disagreement occurs with a contractor, and I do not pay, they can place a lien on the property! The lien waiver releases the property from the threat of a lien. The author has a sample copy of what a lien waiver looks like.

This book is a must for any homeowner thinking of remodeling/renovating their home! I recommend it highly.

An excellent guide to handling contractors.......2005-06-06

Avoid falling prey to unscrupulous contractors with a guide authored by a 30-year contracting veteran and the author of many other titles on the topic. Tips & Traps For Hiring A Contractor: Expert Advice On Hiring A Contractor Without Getting Taken covers all the basics, from the initial screening of home-improvement professionals to eliminating the bad ones before signing anything, negotiating effectively, understanding contracts and agreements, and even understanding design, planning and maintenance options. An excellent guide to handling contractors, no matter what the job.

The Home Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on Household Maintenance

Average customer rating:

Not what I expected

The Home Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on Household Maintenance
Dan Ramsey
Manufacturer: Quirk Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: B000MV8HR0

Customer Reviews:

Not what I expected.......2006-08-08

Sadly, this book spends more time being funny than it does offering sound advice and instructions for actual home maintenance. If I had bought it for entertainment purposes, it would have been great, but I got it to help me care for my home...something it doesn't do.

Drywall: Pro Tips for Hanging & Finishing (Ultimate Guide To...)

Average customer rating:

Great book for first-timer and DIY'er.
Light on the art of drywalling...
Good Overall Drywall Book
Wonderful, very thorough
A "must" for all do-it-yourself drywall installers!

Drywall: Pro Tips for Hanging & Finishing (Ultimate Guide To...)
John D. Wagner
Manufacturer: Creative Homeowner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Buildings & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Do-It-Yourself | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Drywall: Professional Techniques for Great Results
Complete Drywall (Stanley Complete)
Wiring: Complete Projects for the Home
Plumbing: Basic, Intermediate & Advanced Projects
Ultimate Guide to Masonry & Concrete: Design, Build, Maintain (Ultimate Guide)

ASIN: 1580112706
Release Date: 2005-10-01

Book Description

Drywall: Pro Tips for Hanging Finishing will teach any reader to install and repair drywall with the confidence of a professional. With over 450 detailed drawings and photographs, Drywall leads the reader, step by step, through the processes of measuring, cutting, installing, and finishing drywall ceilings and walls. In addition to standard drywall practices, the book also covers more advanced topics such as applying drywall to curved walls and installing drywall over steel studs. Corner treatments and the specialized tools used to install drywall are also covered. Get the inside track on working with drywall with special tips from professional drywall contractors.

Customer Reviews:

Great book for first-timer and DIY'er........2005-09-01

If you are attempting your first drywall project, haven't hung it in a long time, or want to know how to do it better, then this is the book for you.

Besides just hanging drywall, this book goes into:
Selecting the drywall
Preparing the wall (masonry, wood, steel)
Cutting holes
Repairing damaged drywall
Fixing popped nails and screws
Soundproofing

Sure, if you are a professional installer you may find the book a bit trite, but the weekend warrior should find it very useful. The first paragraph in the book: "This book is written for the do-it-yourselfer who brings beginning to intermediate building skills to drywalling projects large and small." I think that says it all.

If you have never hung drywall before this book will have you doing your first project this weekend. I highly recommend it.

Light on the art of drywalling..........2003-07-07

This is a great broad overview of the drywalling process. Lots of pictures of these two guys in blue and red. However, it doesn't tell me what I want to know, the art of getting two boards taped together. The taping chapter needs to be tripled in size.

Good Overall Drywall Book.......2002-10-25

This book gives a good overall treatment of the drywall process. It covers tools, supplies, and techniques. However, a few of the layout drawings are hard to understand, particularly those on ceilings. It could also benefit from including more detail on topics such as finishing.

Wonderful, very thorough.......2000-07-28

As someone who has had a little rudimentary drywall experience I found this book to be an excellent and thorough treatment of what is possible and how to do it. The illustrations are great, including photographs, structural drawings and drawings of workers in action. These drawings are especially well done and show you how to hold and use tools most efficiently in step-by-step procedures.

As you would expect, the book begins with tools and materials. The basic hand tools are described along with sophisticated professional equipment for drywall handling. Ways to efficiently and safely handle large sheets are shown. Drywall comes in a wide variety of types and sizes that are not "off the shelf" items at your lumber yard, but can be ordered. Here you will find out when and why you should use these specialty items that can be very advantageous in the right situation. Also covered are all the various fastening and corner treatment options and the advantages of each.

There is a detailed section on preparing walls and ceilings, including framing repairs or modifications that might be needed. This includes enhancements such as adding a niche and soundproofing. Preparation for drywalling over masonry and with steel framing is also covered. Then the techniques of measuring, cutting and hanging the drywall are presented. Special situations such as curved or irregular walls, stairways and arches are emphasized. This book shows you how to handle the difficult applications.

Drywall finishing, troubleshooting and repairs are also covered in detail, including a number of textured finishes that can be applied directly to the drywall. Many of these can be done using joint compound and they add an easy but sophisticated premium touch to your walls. Written with a personal touch, expert tips throughout and a "can-do" attitude, this is the book you need to get those walls up safely and securely.

A "must" for all do-it-yourself drywall installers!.......2000-03-04

Drywall: Pro Tips For Hanging And Finishing features more than 380 illustrations and color photos to guide the reader through any drywall project. Drywall provides information on tools, equipment, materials, and select chapters present step-by-step coverage on preparing walls and ceilings, and the importance of measuring correctly. Of special utility is the information on hanging drywall in tricky areas like stair and curved walls, and the chapter on troubleshooting and repairs. Ideal for the do-it-yourself home remodeler, Drywall is the only "how to" instruction and reference book that will be needed.

Creating Beautiful Bathrooms: Design Tips, Remodeling Ideas, Building Projects

Average customer rating:

of limited use

Creating Beautiful Bathrooms: Design Tips, Remodeling Ideas, Building Projects
RA, Jerry Germer
Manufacturer: Creative Arts & Crafts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Do-It-Yourself | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Household Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Renovating a Bathroom (For Pros by Pros Series)
Complete Bathroom Design: 30 Floor Plans, Fixtures, Surfaces, and Storage Ideas
The Complete Guide to Bathrooms: Ideas & Projects for Building & Remodeling (Black & Decker)

ASIN: 1580110770

Book Description

From tiny powder rooms to palatial retreats, how to transform this often overlooked room into a beautiful, modern area. Over 600 color photos and illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

of limited use.......2002-12-14

This book has very few pictures, but many useful tips. I gave it only 2 stars because I would have liked to see how the tips and instructions translated into actual bathrooms. I did not find this book to be very inspiring, but it might be more useful to someone who is remodeling their bathroom.

Tips & Traps for Building Decks, Patios, and Porches

Average customer rating:

Tips & Traps for Building Decks, Patios, and Porches
R. Dodge Woodson
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Design & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Household Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Consumer Guides | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Building Porches and Decks (For Pros by Pros)
Building Porches & Patios (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library)
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Decks: Plan, Design, Build (Ultimate Guide To...)
Inviting Porches: 210 Home Plans With Perfect Porches

ASIN: 0071450424

Book Description

Whether you’re looking for more usable outdoor space or you want to create more curb appeal to add value to your home, Decks, Patios, and Porches is exactly the resource you need. An easy-to-read guide that can save you thousands of dollars and prevent big, expensive mistakes, this book arms you with everything you need to know about hiring pros as well as designing and planning for a deck, patio or porch. Readers will learn about screening and selecting contractors, obtaining proper permits, avoiding zoning problems, choosing a design and having working plans and specifications prepared, specific code issues, selecting suitable sites, pros and cons of different materials, avoiding underground obstacles, such as utilities and bedrock, choosing a suitable foundation, sample pricing, and the bidding process.

Shoes in the Freezer, Beer in the Flower Bed: And Other Down-Home Tips for House and Garden

Average customer rating:

Shoes in the Freezer Beer in the Flower Bed
EXCELLENT,PRACTICAL AND MONEY SAVING.BUY IT FOR A HOMEOWNER!

Shoes in the Freezer, Beer in the Flower Bed: And Other Down-Home Tips for House and Garden
Joan Wilen , and Lydia Wilen
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Home Repair | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Household Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
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Folk Remedies That Work: By Joan and Lydia Wilen, Authors of Chicken Soup & Other Folk Remedies
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More Chicken Soup & Other Folk Remedies
Bottom Line's Healing Remedies-Over 1,000 Astounding Ways to Heal Arthritis, Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Varicose Veins, Warts and More!
Bottom Lines Secret Food Cures and Doctor-approved Folk Remedies

Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0684804565

Customer Reviews:

Shoes in the Freezer Beer in the Flower Bed.......2002-01-02

Rather cute title but the books is nearly useless. The suggestions are all things that everyone has know for years. I didn't find anything that I didn't already know. It is also a random assortment of tips that covers lots of things but also omits more things. Save your money.
Carolyn

EXCELLENT,PRACTICAL AND MONEY SAVING.BUY IT FOR A HOMEOWNER!.......1999-06-25

WE FOUND IT VERY HELPFUL. THEY INCLUDE THE OLD GRANDMA CURES AND MONEY SAVING IDEAS. WE BOUGHT IT FOR SOMEONE AS A HOUSE WARMING GIFT.

A Queen for All Seasons: A Year of Tips, Tricks, and Picks for a Cleaner House and a More Organized Life!

Average customer rating:

Year-Round Cleaning
A Queen for All Seasons: By Linda Cobb
Uh hello?
Not all of us are SAHM's with nothing better to do...
A reader and real world person from ohio

A Queen for All Seasons: A Year of Tips, Tricks, and Picks for a Cleaner House and a More Organized Life!
Linda Cobb
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Cleaning, Caretaking & Relocating | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Household Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

General | Home & Garden | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

General | Reference | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Queen of Clean Conquers Clutter
Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean: Second Edition
How the Queen Cleans Everything : Handy Advice for a Clean House, Cleaner Laundry, and a Year of Timely Tips
The Royal Guide to Spot and Stain Removal
Talking Dirty Laundry With The Queen Of Clean

ASIN: 0743428315

Book Description

The Queen of Clean

with her royal tips for every season,

an untidy home would almost be treason!

Winter

Make snow shoveling a breeze...store holiday decorations with no tangles...humidify dry indoor air...care for flannel sheets...make those Valentine's gems sparkle

Spring

Garden the natural way...allergy-proof your home...banish grass stains...color your Easter eggs

Summer

Prepare for family road trips...care for your camping equipment...keep bugs away without chemicals...clean your sports gear

Fall

Get organized for back to school...store your summer clothes properly...put away your air conditioner...prepare for stress-free holidays!

Download Description

The Queen of Clean with her royal tips for every season, an untidy home would almost be treason! Winter Make snow shoveling a breeze...store holiday decorations with no tangles...humidify dry indoor air...care for flannel sheets...make those Valentine's gems sparkle Spring Garden the natural way...allergy-proof your home...banish grass stains...color your Easter eggs Summer Prepare for family road trips...care for your camping equipment...keep bugs away without chemicals...clean your sports gear Fall Get organized for back to school...store your summer clothes properly...put away your air conditioner...prepare for stress-free holidays!

Customer Reviews:

Year-Round Cleaning.......2007-04-04

Don't think spring is the only time you have to do your cleaning. This book will show you how to divide up the work by season.

A Queen for All Seasons: By Linda Cobb.......2007-01-04

I think this book was very helpful to me in planning the different cleaning chores for all seasons. In stead of feeling like everything has to be done in the Spring of the year she shows you how to spread it out over the 12 months to accomplish the same results a clean house. I have tried may of her recipes for mixing up natural cleaning products and all I've tried have worked. I feel that Linda is really doing our planet some good by encouraging everyone to go back to using natural products and save our children, pets, planet.

Uh hello?.......2005-06-23

For those of you who hire a cleaning service - this is obviously not the book for you. If I hired a company to paint my house, I wouldn't buy a book on how to paint. Common sense, don't you think?

I for one, don't care for fly fishing. But the last thing I would do is look up a book on fly fishing - and write a review telling everyone how boring it is to fish!

As a mother of 2 young children who is looking to better organize my daily activities and my household - I loved the book. I can't wait to read more of her work.

Not all of us are SAHM's with nothing better to do..........2005-02-17

than read about cleaning! Wake up! This is reality. Most women work. Most men work. Not all of us working people have kids to stay at home with. Some of us work for a living, which leaves little free time. Reality is that I happily pay a cleaning service to clean my home, do my laundry, etc...once a week. This enables us to enjoy what little free time we have with each other rather than spend it on the drudgery which is housework. You've no room to call the other reader a snob.

A reader and real world person from ohio.......2004-07-01

First to the "snooty" I'll give mine away.. A reader from USA,
Since you received this for a shower gift, I can see why you were blinded with bliss. Has the real world set in yet? Well when it does, BUY the book, you'll need all the help it provides.
As for the millions of people who live in the real world this book is helpful, practical, and most importantly fun to read. Keep it as a reference when you are finished. QoC provides enjoyable reading and useful information for everyone, in each of her books. GREAT WORK!!

Building Decks: Pro Tips and Simple Steps (Stanley Complete Projects Made Easy)

Average customer rating:

A first-rate guide for carpenters of all skill levels

Building Decks: Pro Tips and Simple Steps (Stanley Complete Projects Made Easy)
Stanley Books
Manufacturer: Stanley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Outdoor & Recreational Areas | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Buildings & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Carpentry | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Decks & Patios | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Building a Deck (Build Like A Pro)
Building Decks: Hundreds of Step-by-Step Photos (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library)
Complete Decks (Stanley Complete Projects Made Easy)
Decks: Plan, Design, Build (Ultimate Guide To...)
Deck Planner: 120 Outstanding Decks You Can Build

ASIN: 0696213222

Book Description

Instructions for building three types of decks, plus stairs, railings, and benches to mix and match.

Ideas to restyle and refurbish existing decks.

Customer Reviews:

A first-rate guide for carpenters of all skill levels.......2002-07-14

Building Decks: Pro Tips And Simple Steps is an easy-to-follow guide to all stages of designing one's deck, from start to finish. Full color illustrations and step-by-step diagrams on every page help make the instructions a snap to follow, in this first-rate guide for carpenters of all skill levels. Do-it-yourself weekend project enthusiasts will find Building Decks to be an invaluable guide with sections devoted specifically to freestanding decks with planters and benches, decks on a sloped site with railing and stairs, two-level decks with wide stairs and a pergola. Enhanced with a section of "Finishing & Repairing", a glossary, index, and table of metric conversions, Building Decks is highly recommended for personal and community library reference collections.

Tips & Traps for Remodeling Your Kitchen (Tips & Traps)

Average customer rating:

Covers all the concerns specific to a kitchen remodel

Tips & Traps for Remodeling Your Kitchen (Tips & Traps)
R. Dodge Woodson
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Design & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Household Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Consumer Guides | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Kitchen Consultant: a common-sense guide to kitchen remodeling
Everything and the Kitchen Sink: Remodel Your Kitchen without Losing Your Mind
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Remodeling your Kitchen Illustrated (The Complete Idiot's Guide)
Kitchen Remodeling for Dummies
What No One Ever Tells You About Renovating Your Home: Real-Life Advice for Hassle-Free, Cost-Effective Remodeling (What No One Ever Tells You About...)

ASIN: 0071445862

Book Description

This book is a homeowner’s ideal companion for any kitchen remodeling project. It’s a complete overview that covers planning, estimating costs, choosing materials, hiring contractors and subcontractors, code considerations, HVAC issues, cabinets and counters, and the final punch-list phase, and homeowners get the benefit of the author’s 30 years of experience as a construction and remodeling professional. Filled with tips and traps, illustrations, checklists, sample forms and contracts, this book is a roadmap that guides homeowners through the kitchen remodeling process.

Download Description

This book is a homeowner¿s ideal companion for any kitchen remodeling project. It¿s a complete overview that covers planning, estimating costs, choosing materials, hiring contractors and subcontractors, code considerations, HVAC issues, cabinets and counters, and the final punch-list phase, and homeowners get the benefit of the author¿s 30 years of experience as a construction and remodeling professional. Filled with tips and traps, illustrations, checklists, sample forms and contracts, this book is a roadmap that guides homeowners through the kitchen remodeling process.

Customer Reviews:

Covers all the concerns specific to a kitchen remodel.......2005-09-04

R. Dodge Woodson's Tips & Traps For Remodeling Your Kitchen covers all the concerns specific to a kitchen remodel, from how to hire pros and negotiate prices to deciding what to do yourself, how to use charts on labor and materials to estimate costs, and how to understand the pros and cons of different designs and materials options.

Tips & Traps for Hiring a Bathroom Remodeler

Average customer rating:

Tips & Traps for Hiring a Bathroom Remodeler
R. Dodge Woodson
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Design & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Household Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Consumer Guides | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Tips & Traps for Remodeling Your Kitchen (Tips & Traps)
The Complete Guide to Bathrooms: Ideas & Projects for Building & Remodeling (Black & Decker)
Tips & Traps for Hiring a Contractor (Tips & Traps)

ASIN: 0071450432

Download Description

FOLLOW THESE INSIDER TIPS -- AND GET THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS! Spending an hour or two with veteran remodeling professional R. Dodge Woodson will make your bathroom renovation go more smoothly -- and cost a whole lot less. Woodson shares his insider's tips and traps from more than 30 years' building experience, preparing you to avoid construction rip-offs ... get the best deal on materials ... understand the implications of design and planning decisions ... and virtually eliminate hassles in bathroom remodeling. If you're about to hire a contractor or tackle the job yourself, get the facts you need in an easy-to-read, enjoyable format. Packed with features designed to make it easy for homeowners to use, "Tips & Traps for Remodeling Your Bathroom offers a complete roadmap through the process. It helps you: Screen and hire honest, skilled bathroom remodeling professionals Spot and eliminate "bad apples" before they can become a problem Negotiate effectively Decide what to do -- and what not to do--yourself Estimate costs before you begin, with easy-to-use charts on labor and materials Understand the trade-offs in design, planning, and materials options Keep contractors and subcontractors on the straight and narrow--on time and on budget Move smoothly through every phase, from planning to code issues to completion Sample checklists, forms, illustrations, and contracts make it easier to handle every aspect of your bathroom remodeling project. Highlighted tips and traps warn you about money pits. Even if you have no prior experience with remodeling or construction, this book can help make sure the job gets done right -- at the right cost!

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