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Essential Elements That Make for a Great Greenhouse

August 6, 2013 | DIY

Gardeners love to dream of having a greenhouse that will extend the growing season. Seedlings can be started when the spring weather is unpredictable and temperature swings prevent soil from warming sufficiently in the garden plot. Basic greenhouse models offer an affordable starting point for the at-home gardener. There are many “How-To Guides for Greenhouses” available online, but here are some must haves when it comes to building your own!

STANDARD GREENHOUSE ATTRIBUTES
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Every greenhouse requires the shopper to make some choices that are appropriate for the use and location of the garden greenhouse. Following these initial selections, the gardener can enhance the greenhouse with each passing year.

• Wall material – Double, or triple, thickness of various materials will offer the necessary insulation against heat loss. Gardeners are happiest when the best possible wall composition is selected for the climate. Saving money on this feature could be expensive later.

• Floor composition – Every greenhouse expert has a different opinion about whether the floor should remain dirt, be a poured concrete slab or consist of wood planks, which would allow moisture to run through the boards.

• Size – Advice from current greenhouse owners includes the admonition to “buy large.” An estimate based on current needs will require replacement of the greenhouse in the next two years. During the first spring, the gardener might have unused space inside the greenhouse.

• Location – Gardeners know where the greenhouse will fit within the yard space. Deciduous trees must be considered since the shade in the yard will change as the weather warms in the spring. Observation of the light patterns will provide important information for the gardener’s final placement decision.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR THE GREENHOUSE
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Living conditions inside the greenhouse must be maintained at all times, regardless of the weather events outside. Advanced greenhouse features can be added to make the gardener look like a master gardener through the magic of technology.

• Fans for separate purposes – The air-circulating fan will run constantly to ensure that the air inside the greenhouse will not become stale, or stagnant. A heat-saver fan pulls the warmest air from the top of the greenhouse toward the plants to create an even temperature throughout the living space.
• Solar vent opener – Moderating the temperature is achieved with solar-powered openers on every vent around the greenhouse. As the temperature rises, the vents will open until the fans are able to cool the greenhouse. The setting sun triggers the vents to close and preserve heat through the night.
• Humidity dial – The amount of moisture in the air inside the greenhouse is an important factor in the health of the plants. Monitoring this level is essential for tropical plants inside the greenhouse.
• Soil analyzer – Probes are inserted in the plant soil to provide important information concerning the levels of light, pH content, moisture and soil nutrients. Readings from this analyzer tells the gardener how to adjust light, fertilizer and water.
• Light meter – No batteries are needed for the photovoltaic cell in this sensor. Light intensity throughout the greenhouse can be measured to determine if a plant needs more shade or sun.
• Thermostat – In combination with a moisture resistant heater, the greenhouse thermostat will maintain the optimal climate to support plant life. Vents will be opened, or the heater will run to adjust the temperature if it leaves the set range.
• Start trays and heat mats – Soil temperature inside the greenhouse can be maintained while seeds are germinating. Moisture is held close to the soil by clear lids on each flat to allow the tender shoots to break through the surface. A probe inserted in the soil ensures that the soil is warm, but not too hot.
• Misting system – Automated misting at the proper time throughout the day provides sufficient moisture for young plants. Any gardener who is away all day will have better results when the misting system is available to help the plants in the greenhouse make it through warm spring days.
• Monitoring station – A wireless electronic monitor can be mounted inside the house when the greenhouse is within 300 feet. The radio-controlled clock will maintain perfect time against the U.S. atomic clock. Temperature and humidity readings are received from the sensors inside the greenhouse. Frequent checks of the greenhouse conditions provide peace of mind for the gardener.

ASSEMBLE THE BEST COMBINATION
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Gardeners are dreamers of the highest order. Visions of row after row of healthy vegetables and flowers begin each year on the darkest winter days. Plans are drafted for spring projects before the gift wrap is stored away in January. Technology is advancing to support the dreams of perfect greenhouse conditions regardless of spring temperature swings. More information allows the gardener to make adjustments early to prevent loss of plants because certain areas of the greenhouse might be unnoticed through casual observation. A custom combination of these features can be assembled to address the highest priority challenges the gardener faces.

Download the Greenhouse Guide Here!!

Tags: backyard, bathroom remodeling, garden, gardening, greenhouse, home improvement

The Pros and Cons of Bathtub and Shower Liners

June 4, 2013 | Remodeling

What is a bathtub and shower liner? They’re liners that are made of the same material that your existing shower is made of, without the additional fiberglass backing. In most cases, they’re custom molded to the exact contours of your existing fixture, and slide right on top of the old one without having to demolish part of your home.

Bathtub and shower liners have been around since at least the 1980s, but are now enjoying an increase in popularity in the home remodeling industry. This is because of new advances in technology that have allowed them to become a more viable option by reducing many of the problems that plagued the days of their inception. This does not leave them without their faults, however. Let’s look at some of the reasons to install a bathtub or shower liner as opposed to undergoing a full-scale remodel.

Quick Installation – In most cases, you can call a company that specializes in liners and they can have a technician sent out to gather measurements within a week. After the technician gathers the required measurements, he submits them to the factory that he represents, and they will begin molding your liner as their workload permits. Once it’s ready, the installation crew will come out to your house and install it in a matter of a single day. You can use your shower or tub the same day they install it.

Cheaper Than a Remodel – Electing to install a liner is much cheaper than a remodel. Depending on your choices, the difference can be as little as a few hundred dollars for a liner, or a few thousand dollars for a remodel. Most of your costs will always revolve around your own personal choice in design, texture, material, and how drastically you want to change your bathroom. If you just want to cover a few scratches or chips, a process called refinishing may be right for you.

No Wrecking Ball Required – Most remodeling jobs require no small amount of demolition in order to replace your fixtures. Depending on the size of your doorways, you may have to demolish part of your wall in order to remove your existing tub or shower. This may be as simple as one doorway before you’re lucky enough to squeeze it out of those French doors. Unfortunately, it could be as bad as having to demolish an exterior wall on the second floor in order to remove and replace it with a crane. With a liner, virtually none of this messy business is required.

Cover Stained Walls – Now you’ve installed this lovely new liner, but that wall behind it looks like something straight out of a horror movie. Never fear. The same companies that handle your bathtub and shower liners, also handle convenient wall liners that are made out of the same material. They won’t just cover up all of that mold or mildew, either. Most companies these days will actually use a special industrial cleaner that’s specifically designed to be antimicrobial and prevent the growth of any future mold or mildew before they install the wall liners.

Even with all of the new advances, bathtub and shower liners still have their issues. Nothing is perfect, of course. Here are a few imperfections to consider before making your final decision on your bathroom overhaul.

Water Leakage – Even with all of the tape and caulking that your installation technician will use, there is still a chance that the seal they place on your liner will not be 100% waterproof. If this is the case, water can seep in between the liner and the tub and cause the growth of mold and mildew. Left unchecked, this can actually rot holes in the structure of your tub, causing it to collapse or form holes. All of this takes years to happen, but it’s still worth knowing and being aware of.

That “Spongey” Feeling – If your liner isn’t molded precisely to the contours of your existing bathtub or shower, you may become aware of areas that seem to sink in when you sit or stand on them. When you have these areas, they can easily lead to cracks and breakage in your seals. This can cause, you guessed it, water leakage as described above.

Still Somewhat Pricey – Ultimately, bathtub and shower liners still cost a few hundred dollars or more in order to install. Refinishing costs much less than this, and can more easily cover your cracks and chips.

Ultimately, the choice is entirely up to you. While there are good and bad points to liners, it all depends on how much you want to spend for that look you’re going for.

Tags: bathroom, bathroom remodeling, bathtub liners, home improvement, shower liners

America’s Most Popular Fencing Materials and Pros and Cons of Each

May 16, 2013 | Remodeling

You very well may be one of the millions of people around the country that have decided that you want to experience the benefits that are available with installing a fence around your property. However, what fence will provide you with the various amenities that you are seeking from its presence? Are you looking for heightened security and safety for your property? Is it an increase in property value you are looking for? Or are you interested in the look and feel a new fence will provide for your home or business facilities? Whatever your reasons for wanting to install fencing you should first know your options and the pros and cons that the different types of fences have to offer.

While there is a plethora of fencing options available all types fall within three major categories. This includes Natural Material fencing which consists of mainly stone or wood style fencing; Man-Made Material fencing which includes composite and vinyl fencing; and Metal Material fencing such as chain link and wrought iron styles. Throughout the United States people have found the most popular styles of fencing to be wood, vinyl, and chain link. But other than their popularity, what do these fencing options have to offer and what drawbacks do they carry with them?

Wood Fencing
Wood fencing is available in a wide range of styles giving people the ability to find an option that will produce the look and feel they are seeking around their property. This is the type of fencing that was first introduced in the United States as a way of setting up property divisions and securing livestock for early settlers. From split rail fencing to 8 foot stockade fencing, you will find these products available in most any home improvement store in your area.

For individuals that choose to install wood fencing around their property they gain the ability to paint or stain their fencing to compliment their property. However, it should also be noted that wood fencing does require a great deal of maintenance as it will have to be painted often and protected from the outside elements frequently to prevent it from deterioration. Wood fencing styles can also be damaged due to insect infestations, discoloration due to the sun, and swelling during high levels of rain or snow seasons.

Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing is one of the newest options for fencing that has recently become available. You will find that when choosing to create a fence with this type of material you are provided with the ability to purchase from a wide range of colors, sizes, and styles to match your residential or business building facilities. Made from some of the toughest materials available, vinyl fencing is virtually maintenance free, requiring simple washing with a garden hose or power washing machine to keep it looking new throughout the year. This type of fencing is believed to last for many decades when properly cared for.

The cost is one of the biggest drawbacks of vinyl fencing as it can be quite costly to purchase. Due to the fact that precision drilling or fitting is required it can be time consuming as well to install a vinyl fence around your property. There are vinyl fencing styles that can be purchased pre-drilled so that you simply bolt the various sections together, but again this can be an added expense that people do not always want to invest in.

Chain Link Fencing
Chain link fencing was created to provide a more economical option to wrought iron fencing. Created from galvanized steel, people could eliminate the fear of having their fencing rust or breakdown due to exposure to outside elements such as moisture, heat, snow, and ice. People found that chain link fencing was easy to install even if they had to do the work themselves. The design of a chain link fence requires that long steel posts be inserted into the ground. The mesh chain link fencing is then wired to these posts allowing for a barrier around the property. This type of fencing is ideal when your purpose for the fence is to keep unwanted foot traffic through your property or to prevent children and pets from getting out of the yard.

While there are many pros to installing a chain link fence around your property, there are some negative factors that should be considered before you head out to your local home improvement store to purchase this type of fencing. The chain link fencing can be pushed out on the bottom if some type of edging is not installed around the bottom of the fence. There is very little privacy that is obtained by the installation of a chain link fence. There are however special mesh strips that can be woven through the links of the fence to allow for limited privacy from the outside world but this is an added expense that many people do not always want to take on. It should also be noted that chain link fencing does allow for children and other people to climb the fence to get in or out so special precautions should be taken if this is one of your main purposes for installing a fencing system.

Regardless of the specific type of fence you choose to install around your property you will find it to be a worthwhile investment should you obtain the specific benefits you are seeking. There are positive and negative attributes of every style of fencing that you will find, but knowing what they are is the key to receiving the satisfaction you are seeking.

Tags: chain link fencing, fence, fencing, home improvement, vinyl fencing, wood fencing

A Leaky Roof is Priority 1 on a Honey-Do List

May 10, 2013 | Remodeling

The last thing you want is your Honey-Do list to turn against you. Even a minor leak in your home can create major damage if left untreated. So, a problem like a roof leak should be addressed with haste.

Don’t Worry, Be Handy

If you’re lucky, you’re only dealing with a small leak, which can probably be fixed without the help of a professional. The hard part about a do-it-yourself project is locating the leak. TheFamilyHandyman.com suggests running water on parts of the roof to find the problem area. If that doesn’t work, the site suggests to removing shingles until the problem spot is found.

If you find one or more shingles that are cracked, This Old House suggests applying roofing sealant under the cracked shingles.¹ You’ll need a putty knife to spread the sealant. This Old House offers a couple more tricks, too, to blend the patchwork in with the rest of the roof.

The cause of the leak could be a number of things, such as weathering, loose installation with a television cable dish, or, as Buildings.com points out, it could be due to poor installation and workmanship of your house’s initial roofing project and the lack of maintenance. Inspecting your roof on a routine basis could prevent costly damage to your home and your pocket.

Heavy Metal

If you have a metal roof, the job could be a lot bigger. If the damage covers a large area, you may have to replace entire sections of the roof, something probably best left for the professionals. Smaller leaks can be taken care of fairly easily, though.

Loose nails can easily be pulled and re-nailed, notes HomeTips.com. Rust should be removed with a wire brush, then primed and painted. Any repair will have to sealed with a urethane roof cement or waterproof membrane.

Avoid the Bigger Uh-Ohs

Most manly men take pride in fixing things on their own. But when you’re facing the potential of thousands of dollars in roof repair, you don’t want that sudden “uh oh” to come up. Choosing a roofing contractor to fix your leak takes time, research and, most importantly, trust. The contractor should be bonded and able to give you references from current and past jobs, according to Roofer 911.²

Paying for the repair may sometime be stressful. Little do most people know, but for homeowners without a rainy day fund, there are actually some federal grants for certain home repairs. According to Roof Rocket, Uncle Sam has many grant programs for home owners who are facing a costly fix and can’t afford it.

A BAND-AID for Your Home’s Boo-Boo

While you wait to figure out which contractor to use and how to pay him, every rainy day causes worry and frustration with each drip that penetrates through the walls. It may not be pretty, but in an emergency, keeping a leak in check until the professionals get there only takes a special roof patch, a putty knife or a caulking gun, according to HomeOwnerCare.com. Don’t be afraid to raid the kitchen to use pots and pans to catch any dripping water. On the exterior, use roofing tar, roofing cement or even thick plastic or tarps to cover the problem area for the time being, according to Roofing Tutor.³

The sooner you apply these quick fixes the less additional damage you’ll have.

1. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,219567-3,00.html

2. http://www.roofer911.com/roofing-articles/choosing-a-roofing-contractor.htm

3. http://www.roofingtutor.com/guides/quick-fixes-for-a-leaking-roof.html

Tags: home improvement, roof repair, roof replacement, roofing

Small Kitchen Space? Why You Should Install Large Kitchen Drawers During Your Next Remodel

May 9, 2013 | Remodeling

Every cooking enthusiast dreams about having a larger kitchen, but many times the budget just does not allow for it. There are many ways to create the illusion of an expensive looking, more open feeling kitchen without having to knock down any walls or break the bank. You can start with rethinking your cabinet drawer size and opting for large drawers rather than standard sized drawers.

The primary reason why it is a good choice to incorporate large kitchen drawers in your remodeling plans is that they make the space appear larger. If you have many smaller drawers on your cabinets, it can make the kitchen look busy and cramped. The same rule about using larger tiles on your floor to give the illusion of larger square footage can be applied with cabinet drawers. The less that you have going on, the larger the space will appear.

Many homeowners are choosing to install large kitchen drawers because they offer a fresh, contemporary look. Large drawers work nicely with the clean-lined, open concept style that most people desire when doing a kitchen remodel. Small drawers tend to make kitchens appear dated, so if you want a higher-end, updated space, large drawers are an excellent choice.

Another good reason to include large kitchen drawers is that they offer more options for organization. They make it easy to incorporate all the great customizable drawer organizers that are available on the market today. Drawers are not merely for holding flatware and knives anymore. People are choosing large drawers over cupboards for heavy cumbersome items such as cookware and small appliances. The ease in which drawers slide out, allowing a clear view all the way to the back is the reason they are a great option for storing bigger items. There are pegs that can be placed in deep drawers to hold stacks of plates and bowls. Tiered organizers can be used to neatly display every spice in your collection. Large drawers are now the answer to the dreaded question of where to store all those food storage containers and lids.

The addition of large drawers in your next kitchen remodel is a great way to get the look of a large, updated custom kitchen, without breaking the bank and offering more options for storage as well.

Tags: cabinets, home improvement, kitchen, kitchen cabinet pictures, kitchen drawers

DIY – How to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets with Paint or Woodstain

April 23, 2013 | DIY

Your kitchen: it’s where you start your day, prepare your family’s meals, and enjoy some quality conversation at dinner time. Even if you’re not exactly a culinary aficionado, the kitchen is one of the most important room’s in the house with its aesthetics depending heavily upon the appearance of cabinetry. Dark, dull, and dingy cabinets disrupt the room’s aura, making it an unpleasant space to spend your time.

If you think the only way to rectify this plight is through a messy and costly renovation, you’re very much mistaken; cabinets can be quite easily refinished to achieve a like-new look without hiring a contractor. The best part? It’s something you can do yourself with some basic tools and a little patience.

Tools and Materials

-Phillips/flathead screwdriver
-Sandpaper (60, 120, 150, 220, 400 grit)
-Trisodium phosphate
-Paint stripper
-Metal scraper
-Primer
-Paint (color of choice)
-Stain/gel stain
-Polyurethane sealant
-Tape/drop cloths
-Various brushes (1″-4″), rags for wiping stain
-Wood grain tool

Note that not all methods of refinishing will require all tools listed above. In all situations, begin by removing all cabinet hardware and placing doors and drawers on a clean, dry work surface. Also, mask off and cover all areas that you wish to keep clean.

Let’s look at the first–most traditional method–of refinishing wood cabinets.

Complete Refinish
These following steps will explain how to completely refinish kitchen cabinets by stripping away all of the old finish and applying a new finish. If your cabinets are still in very good shape and showcasing that authentic wood grain is of chief importance, this is the way to go.

Begin by applying your paint stripper of choice and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Citristrip is a quality, environmentally-sound product, as it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. After letting the product sit on the old finish (generally at least half to a full hour), begin scraping the old finish until it’s completely removed. Alternatively, you can (painstakingly) sand down the old finish with coarse grit sandpaper, although this can prove messy and extremely time consuming. Once complete, wash the surfaces with a trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner and allow to dry thoroughly.

Now it’s time to begin applying the stain. Using even brush strokes, uniformly apply the stain, wiping down the wood occasionally to remove any buildup. Once the stain is no longer tacky, you can remove burrs by gently sanding with 220 grit sandpaper. Repeat this process until the desired shade is achieved.

To complete the process, apply 2 coats of a polyurethane sealant and lightly wet sand with 400 grit sandpaper.

Painted Finish
Maybe you’re not a fan of the wood used in your cabinets or you simply desire a specific color that really sets off the decor in your kitchen; in any case, painting your cabinets is a simple and cost-effective way to breathe into them new life. Since paint will largely hide the wood grain, it isn’t necessary to strip the old finish, saving a considerable amount of time.

The main preparatory step in this method is washing down the existing surfaces with a TSP cleaner; not only does this remove waxes and oils, which inhibit adhesion of the new paint, but it slightly scuffs the surface, promoting adhesion.

Once dry, begin by applying primer to the surface. One coat should be adequate as it doesn’t need to completely conceal the old finish. Once dry, sand with 220 grit sandpaper before applying as many finish coats of paint as necessary to achieve the desired color. Finish by lightly sanding with 400 grit sandpaper.

Faux Wood Grain
Either your cabinets are in poor shape and/or you don’t want to completely strip the old finish; no matter the case, you still want the appearance of wood grain. Fortunately, this only takes a few more steps than painting your cabinets. Begin by following all steps included in the painting section; just be cognizant in your finish coat color choice. Pick a color that’s similar to the stain variety you desire.

Once the solid color has been dried and sanded, apply gel stain with a brush. Instead of wiping with a cloth, though, brush a wood grain tool across the surface to produce the appearance of wood grain. After this has dried, finish by applying a polyurethane sealant and wet sanding with 400 grit sandpaper.

Tags: cabinet ideas, cabinets, home improvement, kitchen cabinet pictures, paint, wood, wood stain

The Primary Factors to Consider when Assessing Competing Home Addition Estimates

April 16, 2013 | Remodeling

Expanding a home with an addition is a terrific way to offer a family more room in the house and improve the value of the property. Any home owner who is considering an addition on their home where a construction crew would be involved would need to research local contractors before making a choice.

Several issues may impact whether a particular contractor is right for the job. Smart home owners will want to consider every angle of the project before making their choice on competing estimates from contractors.

1. Reputation

A building contractor’s business thrives on happy customers, and one of the primary ways such professionals obtain additional work is through the recommendations of satisfied home owners. Asking friends or family who might have had work done by a local contractor about their experience is a good first step in determining whether the contractor will deliver.

The internet is another valuable resource for researching the reputation of a local contractor, but home owners should beware that what might be found on the internet regarding a contractor’s reputation might not always be accurate. Speaking to real-life clients of a contractor or building company will always be the most truthful way to determine a contractor’s reputation. The homeowner should also look for multiple reviews online as opposed to just one person’s review. Free review sources such as Google reviews and Yelp can be great sources for this.

2. Experience

The amount of time a particular contractor has been operating is a good indication of their reputation as any contractor who doesn’t perform well will suffer from a lack of new projects. Experience also showcases a contractor’s dedication to his profession, and the number of projects he might have completed that had similar goals as a client’s present request.

3. Price

Simply choosing the lowest cost estimate is never a good idea when it comes to home improvement projects and complicated installations like an addition to the home. The budget is often the biggest wildcard associated with a significant home improvement project, and will often be one of the determining factors regarding the choice a home owner makes.

Estimates that are too low reveal the inexperience of the contractor, while estimates that seem too high might be a more accurate representation of what the project may cost. A home owner might want to spend no more than a certain amount of money on a project, but sometimes what the home owner wants would cost much more.

4. Time

There are two considerations regarding time that every home owner should think about when choosing the right home estimate. One consideration will be the amount of time the contractor or building professional took to come to a decision on how long the project would take. No contractor worth his cost will ever offer an estimate over the phone. Good contractors always request an on-site investigation of the premises to be modified for accurate budgeting.

In addition, the completion time offered should also be under consideration as this timeframe might offer clues as to which contractor is telling the truth about how long it might take to finish a project. By comparing the estimates of time given from each of the contractors, it’s possible to come to an average timeframe and eliminate any estimate that seems suspiciously short when compared to the others.

When considering which bid to accept for a home addition, each of the preceding factors should be considered before any decisions are made. Speaking with each contractor or building professional more than once is recommended to get a feel for how each project may play out when the project gets underway. Careful decision-making regarding the contractor will be the best way to get a fabulous looking home addition.

Tags: average time, contractors, estimates, experience, home addition, home improvement, price, reputation, summertime, time

Home Improvement Contractor License Requirements

March 4, 2013 | Remodeling

To work as a home improvement contractor in any state, a contractor must usually apply for home improvement licensure. States put the licensure process into place as a consumer protection to prevent the scamming of customers by people falsely claiming to be home improvement contractors. Licensing also prevents te performance of low-quality work that could endanger the customer or the structure.

In addition to state licensure, some towns, cities and counties require home improvement contractors working within a municipality to acquire a municipal home improvement contractor license. Projects of a certain value may have less stringent requirements than projects that are high-value. For example, in Tennessee, some contractors acquire home improvement licenses for projects under $25,000. For projects over $25,000, the home improvement business would obtain a contractor license.

Who needs a license?

A home improvement contractor is a business entity that makes or sells home improvements. Sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations and limited liability companies will all need state licenses. Home improvements include altering, painting, restoring, repairing, renovating, demolishing, modernizing or moving a structure or the property upon which the structure sits. Additional examples of work requiring licensure may include:

Performing landscaping tasks like laying sod or planting shrubs, flowers and trees
Installing swimming pools or pouring driveways
Performing environmental remediation including asbestos, mold or lead removal
Working as a subcontractor for a home improvement store
Being an employee of a licensed home improvement contractor who also does odd jobs “on the side”
Contractors licensed in one state who decide to perform work in a different state

People who are exempt from holding licenses may include:

Someone who is working on improvements to a family home
A person working on an improvement for a building owned by a charity or non-profit corporation
A retailer of home improvement products who does not perform or pay a contractor for installations
Contractors who work exclusively on commercial properties
Architects, engineers, surveyors, electricians, plumbers and other professionals who already have separate state licensing even though they work on home improvement projects

What type of business do I have to own?

States will have different requirements for submitting proof of the type of business that you own, and the requirements will be spelled out in the licensure application. If your company is a sole proprietorship or partnership, then you will need a document such as a trade name certificate. Corporations will need certificates of incorporation, and LLCs and LLPs will need certificates of formation. If you use multiple names for your home improvement contracting, then you will also need to submit copies of any alternate name certificates that you possess.

What about bonding and liability insurance?

Most states require contractors to have commercial general liability insurance before they will allow them to apply for licensure. While amounts may differ by state, a good rule of thumb is to secure a policy that pays $500,000 per incident. Contractors will need to prove both that they’ve secured and that they maintain the policy in their names. Proof usually consists of an active policy number, the date the policy was issued, the effective date of the policy and the signature of the policy owner.

Additionally, some states require bonding to show that a business is financially secure. Some examples of proof of financial security include surety bonds, cash bonds, property bonds or irrevocable letters of credit.

How does the application process work?

Typically, a home improvement contractor applies for licensure by completing an application, submitting required paperwork and paying an application fee. Businesses must submit a physical address instead of a post office box address, and they must also check currently licensed home improvement contractors to make sure that the name of their business is distinctly different from an existing licensed business or contractor name.

How much do I have to disclose?

Each state will have its own requirements regarding home improvement contractors who have a previous criminal record. Some states will not restrict licensure, while others may not allow a convict who is on probation to hold a license. Home improvement workers with criminal records may have to work as employees of another company until they finish probation or otherwise meet the criteria for working as an independent contractor.

Additionally, states may also ask questions on the application regarding past judgments against the business. If the application requires complaint records, information about convictions, revocations or unlicensed activities, then the contractor must provide an thorough account of past actions.

What happens when I’m licensed?

Most states require license numbers to be displayed on all advertisements or marketing materials related to home improvement projects. Also, some states may require the use of specific forms and procedures for down payments, written estimates, dates of the project and cancellation policies. When a home improvement contracting business is sold, always check state requirements to register the new owner’s name in a timely manner.

While this article will give a general idea of the licensure process and associated requirements, it is not intended to substitute for checking the laws regarding licensure in your state. Always check into your individual state and municipal licensure requirements before beginning work as a self-identified home improvement contractor.

Tags: contractors, home improvement, insurance, license