Golden, CO (PRWEB) August 23, 2013

Summer home improvement numbers strongly demonstrate more homeowners are completing projects that add value to their home this year compared to last year. Data* from HomeAdvisor, a leading online source for connecting homeowners to pre-screened home service professionals, reveals requests for kitchen remodels have increased 20 percent, bathroom remodels have increased six percent and window installations have increased three percent year over year. This data is supported by a nationwide online survey, conducted among 1,300 U.S. homeowners by Harris Interactive on behalf of HomeAdvisor in March 2013**. The survey indicated that a majority of homeowners (69 percent) are at least somewhat likely to put money into their property to increase its value by doing home improvement projects now compared to 12 months ago.

Homeowners have been cautious the past couple years and have tended to focus their home improvement dollars on maintenance and repair projects, Chris Terrill, HomeAdvisors CEO said. This data is encouraging, as it shows an increase in the higher consideration and higher return projects, such as bath and kitchen remodels.

Here are some of the latest aggregated data revealing value-added project details and cost information:

Cost Guide helps homeowners budget for their projects by providing average local and national costs for over 850 home repair, maintenance and improvement projects. Costs are determined using over 785,000 cost profiles provided by homeowners who have completed a home project.

For more information on HomeAdvisor and its services, visit http://www.HomeAdvisor.com. Home improvement tips are available by following @HomeAdvisor on Twitter and by subscribing to the YouTube channel.

About HomeAdvisor:

HomeAdvisor is a leading website and mobile app provider offering resources for home repair and improvement projects. HomeAdvisors patented ProFinder technology matches homeowner projects to the nations largest network of over 85,000 pre-screened, customer-reviewed home improvement professionals. Homeowners can make informed home project decisions using resources including: Pro Reviews, featuring reviews from homeowners who have actually been connected with the service professionals they review; Cost Guide, providing average costs for projects coast-to-coast; Home911, offering dedicated 24/7 emergency home repair support; DesignMine, providing inspiration and collaboration for remodeling projects; as well as robust home trips and project planning tools. Access to all of the sites features is free for homeowners, with no membership or fees required. HomeAdvisor is based in Golden, CO, and is a subsidiary of IAC.

Contact: Brooke Gabbert Senior Director, Corporate Communications bgabbert(at)homeadvisor(dot)com Direct: 303.963.8173

*Based on the number of service requests submitted on the HomeAdvisor website from May 1- Aug. 1, 2012 and May 1 Aug. 1, 2013.

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HomeAdvisor Reports Homeowner Investment Is on the Rise this Summer

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Lehigh Valley, PA (PRWEB) August 18, 2013

Lehigh Plumbing is familiar with product claims that are designed to make life more convenient. That convenience can have a high price and the products are often the source of damage to a plumbing and sewer or septic system. Dan Welch, owner of Lehigh Plumbing shares his experience with products that cause common plumbing problems.

Garbage disposals

Garbage disposals are sold with the notion of being environmentally beneficial. Food waste is shifted from a landfill to a local waste water treatment facility. Dan points out, Food is bio-degradable. Placing food, specifically fat, oil and greasy residue down the drain will clog plumbing lines. Overtime grease build up can clog a homeowners sewer system which can be expensive to repair.

Flushable disposable wipes

Disposable wipes are becoming increasingly popular. They are hyped as an alternative to toilet paper and made for the entire family. Many are advertised that they can be flushed. Some even claim they are septic safe. When we come to fix a backed up drain line, its not uncommon that we are snaking out these wipes, says Dan. Despite claims, flushable wipes do not dissolve in the sewer an often cause clogged and overflowing toilets.

Liquid drain cleaner

Liquid drain cleaners offer homeowners the convenience of eliminating a clogged drain themselves. Many drain cleaners on the market are an acid base chemical. They are created to eat away at paper, hair or other material causing clogs. "Depending on the type of drain cleaner you are using and the kind of pipes you have in your home, it is possible for that cleaner to eat away at your pipes, reports Dan. Homeowners are not only left with a clogged drain but damage pipes as well.

On a side note, Lehigh Plumbing has a helpful tip for homeowners facing an emergency situation, shut off the water. When a pipe bursts or water is leaking and flowing everywhere it is best for homeowners to remain calm and locate the main shut off valve to turn the water off, says Dan.

Shutting off water can prevent further damage to your property. Homeowners should know where their shut off valve is located. It can usually be found in the basement or somewhere inside the home adjacent to the water meter. We have dealt with homeowners who panic and shut off the valve and break it. When this happens, the city water department has to be called to shut the water off at the street, says Dan.

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Easton Plumber Dispel Common Myths That Result in Plumbing Issues

A home in Del Mar going through an extensive remodel last fall.

Buying a fixer-upper can be an exciting opportunity to custom design your dream home. This could be something youve talked about doing for years and now youre serious about purchasing a home that is in need of work. What should you look for before you sign the papers?

Make sure you know exactly how much fixing you need to do. Some homes can be fixed and others need to be bulldozed. If you dont want to start from scratch, then make sure you check two things: the foundation and the structure. A bad foundation and an insecure structure almost always require a fresh start.

Related: Is real estate flipping finished?

Crunch the numbers and make sure a qualified home inspector helps you estimate repair costs. Cost of the property and the improvements should add up to less than your budget or youll be living in a repair project for years to come.

Here are some things to make sure you check and budget for:

Exterior work such as roofing, siding, etc.

Electrical work, making sure it's properly wired and there's sufficient power.

Doors and windows. They're more expensive to replace than youd expect.

Plumbing such as leaks and pressure.

Read more here:
What to know about fixer-uppers

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Custom Home Builder Tacoma WA | Home Additions Tacoma | Kitchen Remodel Tacoma | Custom Homes - Video

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Custom Home Builder Gig Harbor WA | Home Additions Gig Harbor | Kitchen Remodel Gig Harbor - Video

It's not every day that you reconstruct your kitchen or bathroom, so when you make that decision, you want to do it right. The professionals at Hans' Kitchens & Baths have staked their reputations on job after job, making both their clients and themselves proud.

STAFF PHOTOS BY JOE SARNO

Hans' Kitchens & Baths is a specialized remodeling and cabinet company that customers have been trusting for over 60 years. Pictured here are business partners Don Fichtler and Glenn Corrigan, president of Hans' Kitchens.

The company specializes in kitchen and bath design and remodeling. It is located on 10 Colfax Ave. Established in 1948, the store is lined with the latest cabinets of different styles and color options, modeled with countertops and faucet fixtures, and makes it easy for homeowners to imagine the same setup inside their homes.

"We do not mislead people," said Hans' Kitchens & Baths President Glenn Corrigan. "We know our business well and know what it takes to get jobs completed in a timely manner with the right materials."

Corrigan, who partners with his brother-in-law Don Fichtler, said the original "Hans" is his father-in-law.

Hans Fichtler, C.K.D., founded the business, and according to HansKitchens.com, he was dedicated to providing quality craftsmanship and making a name for himself in the community where he planned to raise his family. His family went on to carry out his dedication to high quality services and products. Corrigan said he has been working in construction since college, so becoming involved in the family business was "an easy fit."

"We've seen many new cabinet shops opening that cater to the new consumer who simply shops for the lowest price," Corrigan said. "We've stuck to our guns over the years and not given in to imported cabinetry that doesn't last long and inevitably breaks down."

All of the products that Hans' offers to its customers are made in America unlike other companies which offer foreign products of inferior quality. According to Corrigan, the cabinets from Asia and Europe only come with a one to two year warranty and usually start breaking down in that time frame as opposed to his American-made cabinets that come with a lifetime warranty. He explained that Chinese cabinet styles are always changing, so that when customers call him asking to replace or fix them, he's is unable to do so because that style has already been discontinued.

"We really try to promote the fact that the products are better, last longer, and look better."

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Hans' Kitchens & Baths in Pompton Lakes specializes in remodeling and cabinetry

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) August 13, 2013

Homeowners confused about when and if a contractor needs to hold a license, or if it really matters, are not alone. Each state has its own set of licensing rules and regulations.

Fortunately, Pennsylvania enacted the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act in an effort to thwart dishonest contractors and their fraudulent actions. In effect as of July 1, 2009, the Act requires all contractors who perform $5,000 or more in home improvements annually to register with the Attorney Generals office. Registered contractors must carry at least $50,000 of personal injury liability coverage and $50,000 of property damage coverage.

Why is this so important to residents in the Philadelphia tri-state region? There are several important reasons homeowners should hire a licensed contractor with sufficient insurance.

Why Licensing Matters

Using an unlicensed contractor can cost homeowners in a number of ways. Unlicensed contractors have not had to submit to any examination or review of their knowledge by a licensing board, therefore it is impossible to determine the quality of their work. In addition, licensing or registration protects the homeowner by helping ensure that contractors meet the minimum insurance requirements.

If a project requires a building permit but the contractor failed to obtain one due to being unlicensed, building inspectors can stop the work until they are satisfied a licensed contractor has obtained the proper permits. In addition, homeowners who use unlicensed contractors may find little recourse if a problem develops after the work is completed.

To avoid these potential hazards, Pennsylvania residents should check with the state licensing board before hiring any contractors to determine if their license is in good standing.

Why Insurance is Important

Liability insurance covers property damage and injuries caused by the contractor's work. When interviewing a prospective company, ask to see a current Certificate of Insurance then call the insurance company to verify that the policy is current and the coverage is sufficient for the project.

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Top Philadelphia Remodeler Explains Why Homeowners Should Hire Licensed General Contractors with Sufficient Insurance

Kitchen Remodel in Philadelphia
Call 888-593-1531 for Kitchen Remodels in Philadelphia. http://.generalcontractorphiladelphia.com.

By: Big Bill

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Kitchen Remodel in Philadelphia - Video