How To Choose A Contractor

Whether or not you're faced with a sudden and accidental loss, or beginning a home remodeling project, one of the most critical decisions you will make is how you go about choosing a contractor to handle the job. While most contractors are reputable, a few bad apples can make the entire bunch seem rotten. Here are some tips when searching for a contractor:

• Go local. Choose someone who has been in the area for several years and has local roots and ties. Try to avoid companies that set up shop on a seasonal basis-they have little incentive to stand behind their work if they are going to move on to another area in a few months.


• Make sure your contractor carries the correct liability insurance and workers compensation. If a contractor does not carry, or says they do not need general liability insurance, stay away. If they then damage your home through carelessness or poor workmanship, you may be left with no recourse. If a worker is injured, you may be responsible for their injuries and medical bills.


• Ask for referrals. Sites such as AngiesList.com can be invaluable resources when looking for feedback, as can the recommendations of friends and neighbors.


• After choosing your contractor, make sure you have a clear plan and contract in place that outlines schedules for construction, completion and payment.

Repairs to your home-be they claim related or just a project-can be stressful enough, but by taking care to select the best people to manage the process, they can go by much more smoothly.

How To Prep Your Home For Vacation

With spring and summer come vacation season, and along with the travel arrangements, packing and airport itineraries come the responsibilities that come from preparing your home for the time you are away. Protecting your home from fire and theft when you're on a trip can be as simple as taking a few preventative steps to ensure peace of mind.

• -Set light timers and tell your neighbors the dates you will be away. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 11.7 million homes experienced a property theft in 2009. By setting light timers, you can give potential burglars pause when they come across your home to find lights on. Additionally, letting your neighbors know the dates of your trip can allow them to keep an eye on any suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, or around your home.
• -If you are going to be away for more than 3 days, arrange for your mail and newspapers to be picked up by a friend or family member. This will also help your home appear as though you are there, and help deter any potential theft.
• -Run your air conditioner or furnace while you are away, but set the temperature to a higher or lower level than if you were there. During a winter trip, running your furnace can help prevent frozen pipes, and adjusting your thermostat controls can help mitigate the cost of running these systems while you are away.
• -Check water faucets and fixtures for leaks, and shut off water valves while you are away. This can help prevent burst pipes and leaks and help avoid major property damage.
• -If possible, leave a car in your driveway while you are away. Again, this helps give the appearance of occupancy.

Your home is likely one of your most valuable investments, and the items in it can range from costly to irreplaceable. Taking some simple steps to help prevent loss can help you avoid loss, and gain peace of mind, and isn't that what a vacation should be about?