Finding the Right Contractor
By Kenneth Davis

If you own a home and have a project your thinking of, you may need a contractor, BUT you run a risk of being scammed by a fraudulent one. Contractor fraud in the home improvement industry is one of the most complained about industries at the Better Business Bureau. If you think fraud victims are just little old ladies, think again. Some unscrupulous contractors can be so clever that it makes them a hazard to all of us.

Be careful of the so-called "free" inspection or "my crew is in the neighborhood on another job". They seem to have extra materials left over and want to offer you a great discounted price, so they offer a free inspection and guess what? You need work done!
Finding the Right Contractor Continued

Home Improvement Costs for 2006
By Gil Strachan

The following costs are intended as ballpark estimates for repairs and improvements to a typical three bedroom home. The costs are based on information obtained in the east-central area of Ontario. Our experience has shown that actual contractor quotations can vary by as much as 300%. It is advisable to obtain estimates from more than one contractor.

Roofing/Flashings/Chimneys

Install conventional asphalt shingles over existing shingles $1.25-$2.00 per sq.ft.
Strip and reshingle on medium sloped roof $2.50-$3.50 per sq.ft.
Strip and reshingle on steep, high or complex roof $4.00-$6.00 per sq.ft.
Strip and re-roof with cedar shingles $5.00-$9.00 per sq.ft.
Home Improvement Costs for 2006 Continued

Hiring Home Contractors
By Steven Gillman

Have you ever had a problem with a home contractor? You're not alone. A friend of mine paid over seven thousand dollars to have his roof repaired, only to have it leak the next time it rained. The contractor made excuses, but never did a thing about it - and my friend was an attorney! To make situations like this less likely, avoid the following mistakes when hiring a contractor.

1. Not being clear about what you want. When you don't know what you want, you might not like what you get. If you change your mind and change the job halfway through, the contract - and price - will change. Hint: it won't get cheaper. Be clear on what you want done.
Hiring Home Contractors Continued

Bad Credit Home Improvement Loans
By Carrie Reeder

Home improvements are costly. To pay for necessary repairs, some homeowners tap into their personal savings. Unfortunately, everyone does not have the opportunity to save large sums of money. In this case, a home equity loan or refinance is the perfect alternative.

What are Home Equity Loans?

Many people have likely heard the term home equity loan or second mortgage. Home equity loans are available to homeowners who have established equity in their home. These loans allow homeowners to borrow a lump sum of money against their home's equity. Through a second mortgage or additional monthly payment, the loan is repaid to the lender. With a home equity loan, homeowners can receive money in as little as 5 days.
Bad Credit Home Improvement Loans Continued

Home Improvement Loans – Transforming Brick and Mortar
By Natasha Anderson

There is no courage in living an existence where you are constantly dissatisfied. Accepting your current resident as package you can’t exchange is a myth. On the contrary it is true that not everyone has available money to finance home improvement. Home improvement loans enable every resident to own and construct the house that is home in the real sense of the term.

While looking for Home improvement loans the first thing you concentrate on is interest rates. Borrowers must look for low fixed interest rates. The advertised rates may or may not be low rates for your profile. You will learn that interest rates are a personalized concept. Interest rates for home improvement loans are primarily dependent on whether you offer a security for the loan or not.
Home Improvement Loans – Transforming Brick and Mortar Continued