Innovative Home Improvement Technologies – Thoughts From Our Prevailing Experts

eLocal Blog Off Series: Uniting the Home Improvement IndustryHome improvement professionals rely on tools specific to their trade to help them get through any job they may encounter. With advances in technology, it’s no surprise that cutting-edge tools are emerging to make old jobs easier and new jobs possible.

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What Emerging Technologies are Making Your Jobs Easier?

eLocal Blog Off Series: Uniting the Home Improvement IndustrySome things never change. Plumbers still rely on wrenches, roofers have their trusty hammer and nails and electricians never leave home without a good pair of wire strippers. Those old standbys will never get replaced, but most professionals are now including high-tech gadgets and digital equipment in their tool belts to make their jobs safer and more efficient. As each new tool reaches the industry, home improvement professionals must decide which ones become indispensable and which ones are thrown to the curb.

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Understanding Home Improvement Estimates

eLocal Blog Off Series: Uniting the Home Improvement Industry Even the simplest home improvement project requires advance planning. Homeowners need to choose a design and connect with a professional to make that design a reality, while staying on budget. Estimates help the planning process by creating a basic outline of work to be completed. Estimates include the cost of the project, how long it will take, what warranties are included and what materials will be used. Having a clear understanding of your estimate will go a long way to make your home improvement project run smoothly.

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Deciphering Estimates – Thoughts From Our Prevailing Experts

eLocal Blog Off Series: Uniting the Home Improvement IndustryService estimates are a homeowner’s first indication of how much a home repair or update is going to cost. In some cases, an estimate greatly influences the final project, as homeowners make adjustments to meet their budget.

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How Should Homeowners Interpret Estimates?

eLocal Blog Off Series: Uniting the Home Improvement IndustryAlmost all home improvement projects are restricted by cost, which is why homeowners ask for estimates. With these pricing assessments, professionals and their clients can come to an agreement on the approximate budget for a specific project.

Estimates include labor costs and part costs, but they can also provide a projection of how long a job will take. Understanding how to interpret an estimate can help you compare professionals and get the most out of your home improvement dollar.

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Big Value or Money Pit?: Pros and Cons of Older Homes

eLocal Blog Off Series: Uniting the Home Improvement Industry One of the most important decisions that prospective homeowners need to make is whether to buy new or pre-owned. Just like used cars, older homes can represent a better value for homebuyers when small repair needs and outdated designs help drive down overall cost. Older homes may also have unique benefits, including superior build quality and distinctive style. The question is, what can you do to ensure that an old home still represents a good value?

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Considerations When Purchasing Older Homes – Thoughts from Our Prevailing Experts

eLocal Blog Off Series: Uniting the Home Improvement IndustryIn today’s rough housing market, many first-time homebuyers are looking to maximize their budget by purchasing older homes. But, older homes don’t always represent the best value. Outdated structures and materials can rapidly add to the cost of a new home.

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What Should People Consider When Purchasing Older Homes?

eLocal Blog Off Series: Uniting the Home Improvement IndustryNew construction has slumped over the last few years, leaving many aspiring buyers to look at older homes, which are attractive for a variety of reasons.

While newer properties are commonly situated in cramped developments, older homes often enjoy larger lots. Adding in unique architecture and what is frequently superior build quality, older homes can potentially offer better value than newer ones, giving buyers more house for their money.

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The Biggest Home Improvement Trends for 2012

eLocal Blog Off Series: Uniting the Home Improvement Industry Given today’s static housing market, more and more families are turning to home improvements to make their dream house a reality. We wanted to know what home improvement trends to expect in the coming year, so we asked our panel of experts to point us in the right direction. With their guidance and our own research we’ve compiled a summary of the biggest home improvement trends to expect in 2012.

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Home Improvement Trends 2012 – Thoughts from Our Prevailing Experts

eLocal Blog Off Series: Uniting the Home Improvement IndustryThe beginning of the new year means looking forward to all the exciting improvements and trends that 2012 will bring. It’s about identifying the best ways to make your home more affordable, more environmentally friendly and more comfortable for you and your family.

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