Mary and Jeff were so excited to finally start their long awaited kitchen renovation. They found a local contractor through a friend of a friend—someone “highly recommended” and “easy to work with.” He gave them a one page estimate with a lump sum price, a brief mention of “new cabinets and countertops,” and asked for […]
Misc.
What Does a General Contractor Actually Do?
Most homeowners think they know what a general contractor does.They picture someone swinging a hammer, installing cabinets, maybe coordinating the plumber and electrician. Likewise, many tradespeople also know what a general contractor does.He’s the guy who sits in the truck all day, talking on the phone, while everyone else does the work, right? Of course, […]
Planning a Remodel: The Step Most People Skip—And Why It Matters
What if your remodel didn’t have to be stressful? Imagine this… You wake up on the first day of your remodel and everything feels calm. You already know who’s coming to your home and when. Materials have been delivered and double-checked. There’s no last minute scramble to choose a faucet or run to the hardware […]
What is Engineered Lumber? Should You Use It in Your Remodel?
If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel you’ve likely heard about engineered lumber. But what exactly is it, and how does it compare to traditional lumber? More importantly, is it a good choice for your home renovation? The materials you choose for your remodel don’t just shape the look of your space but also […]
The Ugly Side of Remodeling: When Contractors Leave Projects Unfinished
Imagine this: Your kitchen remodel is well underway. The old cabinets are gone, the walls are exposed, and you’re dreaming of the day you can finally use your beautiful new space! Then suddenly, the contractor doesn’t show up! Days pass. You call, you email, but all you get is silence or vague excuses. Frustration turns to panic. Will your kitchen ever be finished?
If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Sadly, many homeowners face this exact scenario. While there are legitimate reasons contractors may pause work temporarily, sometimes projects are abandoned entirely. The result? A stressful situation where homeowners feel stranded and unsure of what to do next.
Understanding why this happens can help you protect yourself and navigate these challenges with confidence.
Why Don’t Contractors Ever Work a Full 8-Hour Day?
If you’ve ever hired a contractor for a home remodeling project, you might have found yourself scratching your head. The crew arrives early, gets to work, and then, around midday or early afternoon, they start wrapping up and heading out!
“Wait a minute,” you think. “That’s not a full 8-hour day! Where are they going? Why aren’t they here from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. like I expected?”
It’s a great question—and one that many homeowners have. Contractors and their crews operate a little differently from the typical 9-to-5 schedule you’re probably used to. The reasons might surprise you, but once you understand the behind-the-scenes logistics of a remodeling project, it all makes sense.
In this article, We’ll explore the common reasons contractors don’t work a full 8-hour day on-site, address some misconceptions, and even dive into the less-talked-about pitfalls of the industry. By the end, you’ll have a new appreciation for the complexity of remodeling projects—and how to choose a contractor who will keep your project on track.
The Truth About Contractor Licenses: Are They as Important as Homeowners Think?
You’ve probably heard it from everyone—your friends, neighbors, and even that home improvement article you found online: “Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured!” It’s practically Remodeling Rule #1, right?
But what if that shiny certificate isn’t quite the golden ticket it’s made out to be? What if a contractor’s license didn’t actually prove competence? And what if the skills needed to get a license weren’t even the qualifications your contractor truly needs for your remodeling project?
Today, we’re peeling back the curtain on this well-kept industry secret! Let’s dive into the truth behind contractor licensing, and discover when it matters—and when it’s just not the golden ticket it’s made out to be.
Is the “Zipcode Tax” Real? How to Avoid Overpaying for Remodeling Projects in Affluent Areas
Have you ever looked at a remodeling quote and wondered, Am I paying more just because of where I live? It’s a valid concern, especially if you’re in an affluent neighborhood like Rye, Portsmouth, or New Castle, NH. Contractors sometimes get a bad rap for allegedly inflating prices in these areas, leaving homeowners wondering if they are being taken advantage of based on their ZIP code.
In this article, we’ll tackle this concern from every angle. We’ll address common fears, explain the assumptions contractors might make, and give you some insights into how you can tell if you are being charged a “Zipcode Tax.” Along the way, we’ll answer questions like:
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Why do remodeling projects in affluent neighborhoods cost more?
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How do contractors decide what to include in their quotes?
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Are there legitimate reasons for cost differences between neighborhoods?
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How can I make sure I’m not overcharged for my remodel?
By the end, you’ll feel confident in your understanding of contractor pricing—and empowered to make informed decisions for your remodel.