Tips on choosing a dream home contractor

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Building your dream home is an unnerving experience, enjoyable if everything seamlessly goes according to plan but catastrophic if wrong decisions are made right from the start. One of the most important decisions you will ever make in your life is choosing the right contractor for your dream home. To save you research time and sleepless nights of worry, below are a few tips on choosing a home contractor for your dream home.

What to consider when selecting a dream home contractor?

Expertise

There is no substitute for expertise. You must choose a skilled contractor with a solid portfolio and all the right papers. These papers are a license and insurance. These not only cover the worker if he or she is injured on the job but also cover your house while it is under construction.

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Ask questions

Before beginning any project, you have to meet with the dream home contractor to discuss the project to determine your needs, goals and ideas and how they can be fitted to your budget parameters. As such, you need to choose a contractor who has good communication skills right from the start. Ask questions on anything that appears mysterious or confusing. A good contractor should be able to address all your concerns in a timely manner.

Referrals

The best contractors do not need to advertise, they get most of their business from repeat customers or word of mouth referrals from satisfied customers. You can get good references from trusted friends and family members or people in the construction industry such as material suppliers and architects who frequently deal with contractors. If possible, you can visit the contractor’s previous projects to get a clear picture of his or her record of accomplishments.

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Contract and budget

You need to understand the contract your contractor is offering. There are two types; a fixed-fee contract where you pay no more than the contracted amount and time-and-materials contract where you pay for the cost of materials and for the time the contractor and his or her team works. If you are working on a strict budget and projected costs, the fixed-fee contract can benefit you, but if you want to allow dynamic changes to the project, the time-and-materials contract is better for you.

Construction of your dream home is a team exercise involving many parties from the design expert to the contractor and it takes months of meticulous planning and actualization of these plans. If you have the wrong team or team member, many things can go wrong costing you precious time and money. Hopefully, these tips on choosing a dream home contractor will make the selection process smoother for you.…

Learn How to Keep Your Stamped Concrete Looking Great

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Stamped concrete can provide an elegant ambiance on your driveway or patio. This material comes in various patterns and colors, allowing you to create a unique outdoor space. It is a durable option that will look amazing if it is well maintained. Here are some ideas on how you can keep the surface material in great condition for a long period.

How to Keep your Stamped Concrete Looking Great

Clean

Use a broom or rinse the surface wiConcreteth some water to remove debris and dirt. Liquid detergent is ideal for cleaning dust and spills. You can also use a brush to scrub stains. Rinse the surface thoroughly after scrubbing to prevent detergent stains after drying. Allow the material to air dry for at least 24 hours or use a blower to speed up the process. A pressure washer can also be used to clean the concrete.

Seal

Seal the surface periodically to protect it from abrasion, de-icing products, moisture penetration, and freezing and thawing conditions. Sealing will also prevent the material color from fading. This kind of concrete tends to lose it sheen after a while.

Sealers are usually applied during installation. But it is advisable to reapply at least once every one or two years depending on how often, the surface is used. Sealing is of particular importance if the material is used on a driveway because it is exposed to the elements and frequent use.

Clean the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before you apply the sealer. A nap roller makes it easy to apply the sealer. You can also add some anti-skid product to prevent falls. Allow the initial coat to dry well before you apply an additional coat.

Springpaving and fall are the best seasons to apply sealer because the weather is not too hot or cold. But you can also apply it during summer evenings or very early in the morning before the sun comes up. Consult a professional contractor to help you select the best sealer for your surface material. Some contractors will provide regular maintenance services to ensure your concrete retains its luster several years after installation.

Proper Deicing

Deicing salts can help you keep your driveway or patio safer during winter, but they can destroy this kind of concrete. Use plastic snow shovels or plows to remove the ice. Clean and seal your stamped concrete surfaces and ensure you use the right products to keep them looking great. Avoid using deicing salts can cause flaking and scaling.…