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7 Things You Need When Starting a Remodeling Business

No matter if you already have some formal remodeling experience or if you have a passion you want to turn into a source of income, you might want to think about starting your own remodeling business. However, starting this sort of venture is a task that requires money, perseverance and plenty of knowledge. While we can’t help with the first two, we can share some useful tips that will help you start your own remodeling business. 

Acquire the licenses

It all starts with licenses. In order to work legally, you need to have a registered company with all the necessary licenses. In most cases, you’ll need to acquire a DBA certificate (“doing business as”). In some cases, you will also need to have a contractor’s license to make public petitions for remodeling. Consult with your local licensing office and get informed about all the licenses you need. You also need to create a separate bank account with your company’s name on it which will accept payments and allow you to keep your work and private life separate. 

Get insured

It’s best to halt all work until you get insurance. A good general liability insurance deal will cover you in case of any injury at work or any damage to someone else’s property. In fact, in many countries, you’re required by law to be insured, especially when it comes to worker compensation. Practical commercial property insurance can also come in handy in case your equipment or furniture gets damaged or stolen.

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Get the tools

Depending on the type of remodeling you’re performing, you need to have the right tools for the job. For example, it’s crucial to have different kinds of hammers, nail guns, screwdrivers, tape measures, saws and other smaller tools. If you miss something essential, it can delay your work and cost you a lot of money. 

Invest in a truck

Every successful remodeling business needs a truck. Of course, you don’t need anything huge, but a medium-sized vehicle with make things so much easier, especially when it comes to moving lumber, bricks, furniture and appliances. And if you’re worried about the price, don’t be. You can always find a respectable dealership with many new or used trucks for sale at affordable prices. Even if you choose a used vehicle, you’ll still have many models at your disposal. And if you ever decide to quit your business, your truck will be easy to sell and get some money back. 

Create a good network

The people around you can make a huge difference between a successful and unsuccessful business. If you can be sure your materials will arrive on time and your contractors will finish everything according to your instructions, you can expect plenty of satisfied customers. After all, the finished product will have your name on it, so you want to be associated with only the reliable business partners.

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Promote your business

Today, there’s no business without promotion. Many remodeling experts today rely on referrals, so you want to collect as many satisfied customers as you can get. One way to promote your business is to create a referral program. Every customer who recommends you to a friend or family member can get discounts and special gifts. Also, contact your local radio stations and blogs and offer promotional deals to customers. Creating a flat fee for specific projects your business offers is a smart idea that will attract many people. 

Prepare for slower periods

Remodeling business closely depends on the real estate market and your local economy, so you can prepare for some not-so-great times. If you’re located in an area with separate seasons, prepare to have slower winters and more active and productive summers. While remodelers working in Australia or California might not notice this phenomenon, places with cold winters with plenty of snow certainly feel the difference. Winters are not so suitable for remodeling and people usually spend a lot of money on vacations and presents. However, in order to push through slower periods with minimal losses, you can advise your budget customers to postpone their old house remodels until winter. If you offer better prices, you can expect to have plenty of work during this period of the year. 

In order to become the owner of a successful business, you need to make a profit, but make sure to conduct your work without cutting too many corners. As long as you provide your customers with cost-effective, reliable and safe services, you can expect to have plenty of work and a load of satisfied clients ready to recommend your products to all their friends and family.

How to Remodel Your Home to Have a More Relic Feel

When remodeling your home to give it a more vintage feel, there are some tips that can help you get the look you want and save you money at the same time. By doing the remodel yourself, you may be able to find deals on genuine vintage items at a lower cost than the faux vintage items an interior designer might use. Additionally, consider these suggestions for making your home look more traditional and feel inviting to your family and your visitors.

Lighting Décor Really Drives the Ambiance Home

One of the most important concerns in choosing décor for your home is how it will contribute to the overall theme. By selecting period-appropriate lighting, you can reinforce the idea that your home is a step back in time. Today, many lighting companies recreate vintage looking appliances that work on today’s power consumption and energy conservation requirements. You may find gas lanterns that have been refurbished to provide electrical lighting or antique lamps that have been rewired and rated efficient for use in the modern environment.

If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, don’t give up in frustration. Many lighting companies will take on custom orders, if you contact them and describe what you want. Suppose you have old lanterns and you want them rewired and updated for today’s standards. You can request an estimate from a local lighting company, or you might prefer to go to a certified electrician to do the job for you. Either way, a little research will uncover options you might not have otherwise considered.

Color Helps Create Authenticity

Suppose your remodeling is almost done and you have all of the furnishings and décor to give your home a vintage look from your favorite era. All that’s left to do is slap on some paint. Easy enough, but, if you’re not careful, the color you choose could throw off that authentic feel completely. That’s because each era has its own color palette.

For instance, the 1900s saw a culture rebelling against the industrial revolution, so most homes were dressed in soft and neutral hues. It was also the heyday for Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic take on architecture. Everything from structure to color was intended to create a calming effect and help to take people away from the dirty, bustling industries now overcrowding Main Street. The best colors to use for this era are pale pinks, ivories, light greens, and soft oranges.

It may take some research, but you can find the best color schemes for whatever era you’re hoping to recreate. If you are trying to give your home a vintage look, why not go the extra mile and ensure you’re using the best color choices?

A Word About Moldings and Fixtures

By adding crown moldings and wainscoting to any wall or door, you can enhance the beauty of the room. In a darker room, add white wainscoting to create contrast, while also choosing a style that enhances the vintage theme of your home’s redesign. Adding wainscoting to wine cellar doors can help them stand out and create a focal point in the room.

Similarly, it’s important to select the right fixtures and tiling for your home. Much like the lighting, many manufacturers create vintage fixtures that are functional and adapted for modern homes. They’re most commonly found in big chain hardware stores or online, but you may also be able to find genuine vintage fixtures in antique stores or at flea markets. In selecting the right fixtures, pay special attention to the texture and character of the items to ensure they’ll enhance the theme of your home.

Tile flooring can also be found in a variety of styles, many speaking to decades gone by. If you’re uncertain what to choose, traditional black and white tiling is an excellent default choice. It has often been used for kitchens and bathrooms in a number of eras. You might also choose rustic-looking wood tiles or stone tiling, depending on your chosen era.

Conclusion

When remodeling your home to fit a specific theme, special care has to go into every aspect of the redesign. Many of your fixtures, lighting appliances, and décor may best be found at yard sales, antique stores, and flea markets, while hardware stores offer a wide selection of moldings and wainscoting. In paying attention to the smallest details, you can create an overall ambiance that may even exceed your dreams.

 

How To Quickly Appreciate The Value Of Your Real Estate Property

Improving the value of a real estate property is fairly simple. You simply need to find an area of the home to upgrade and work with a company that you trust. Some upgrades are much more expensive than others. Major upgrades to a home take several days. There are usually some financing options available if you do not have the cash to pay for upgrades. Before deciding on any upgrades in your home, it is important to conduct thorough research on the options that are available. Some people get excited about upgrading their home and decide on an upgrade without doing enough research. Landscaping One area of the home that is typically neglected is the landscaping outside. Depending on the area, new and improved landscaping can add a lot of value to the property. If you have not upgraded the landscaping in several years, now is a great time to do so. Simply putting down new mulch can completely change the look and feel of a property. Over the years, plants tend to get larger than people originally wanted them to be. It is fine to go through your plants and shrubs and remove what you no longer need. In many cases, removing old shrubs or dead trees can really open up a property visually. If you are not doing the work yourself, it is critical to work with a company that you trust. Never hire a company just because they are the cheapest option. Instead, you need to hire a company based on reviews from customers. Kitchen The kitchen is the most important area of the home when it comes to improving the overall value. Looking for kitchen cabinet refinishing near me can help you with your remodel. Kitchen cabinets are an essential part of almost any kitchen. If your cabinets are old or simply not stylish, upgrading them can do a lot of great things for the value of your home. Another great way to improve the value of your kitchen is to upgrade the appliances. There are some people who have old appliances that do not flow with the rest of their home. When it comes to new appliances, you need to buy them together and have the same style. This is the best way to save money on the purchase and have them flow together in the kitchen. New Floors Some homes have old carpets throughout the home. Although there is nothing wrong with carpet, over time it can wear down and look old. It is necessary to upgrade the floors in your home if you really want to improve the value. Some people simply choose to replace the carpet with new carpet. This is the cheapest option, and it will certainly make things look better in your home. However, you can also exchange the carpet for new hardwood floors. Although hardwood floors are more expensive, they look much better and will last longer as well. Before deciding on the type of floors that you want to use, make sure to look at various options. This is the best way to make an informed decision. New floors can add value to any home. Ceiling Fans One of the most cost-effective ways to improve the value of a home is to change out the ceiling fans. A new ceiling fan can completely change the look and feel of any home. Even fancy ceiling fans do not cost as much money as many people think. Your home is your largest and most important financial investment. It only makes sense to improve the value of your home whenever possible. There are numerous financing options available for investments that you make in your home. Before deciding on what to upgrade, make sure to talk with local construction companies in your area to get some advice.

Living in Texas: How to Save While Moving

Moving into a new home in Texas can be both hectic and expensive if you do not plan well. With proper planning, you can save money during your move and settle in peacefully, whether you choose to do the move yourself or if you opt to use a moving company.  

  1. Come up with a Moving Budget

  Get everything covered during your move by coming up with a moving budget. The budget will guide all your expenses and ensure you do not overlook anything that could potentially sabotage your move. The easiest way to come up with a moving budget is to use programs such as Microsoft Excel or Word, but you can also look up budget templates online. These will help you calculate and track all your expenses before, during, and immediately after the move, saving you money that would otherwise be spent carelessly.  

  1. Rental Expenses

  Whether you opt for services from a moving company or choose to do the move yourself, rental expenses are inevitable. If you opt to make the move by yourself, you need to factor in charges for a moving truck, the amount of gas you will need, and insurance costs. A truck rental is dependent on the size of the truck and whether you’ll be using it one way or return. Choose the correct size and not bigger to save you some money. To find out the cost of gas you’ll spend, ask the rental company the miles to the gallon rates for the truck you’ll be getting. Your credit card company could help you cover insurance costs, therefore, call the company in advance to find out if you’re covered. If you need additional rental equipment such as a loading ramp, find out from the rental company if they can throw this in for free.  

  1. Packing Expenses

  You need packing boxes, mattress covers, tape, labels, markers, bubble wrap, and newspapers, among others. You can rent packing boxes from a moving company, but you can save some money by opting to buy them yourself from stores such as Lowes and Home Depot. You can even get free moving supplies from Craigslist, but you need to start looking early if you choose this option. You can get items such as mattress covers for free from certain San Antonio movers if you are using a moving company. Above all, determine what you really need to bring with you. If you don’t need to move your old TV, sell it off or give it away. It will save the money you would have used to pack it.  

  1. Travelling Expenses

  If you are moving to Texas from out of state, you need to factor in travel expenses. If you need to stop at a lodging for a night, check beforehand what your cheapest options will be. Book in advance to ensure you get the best deal possible. Also set aside the cost of meals and check on the most affordable eateries on the route you’ll be taking.  

  1. Settling In

  Whether you buy or rent your new place, you need to factor in legal fees, insurance fees, and redecorating costs. Shop around for the cheapest lawyer you can find. Ask for recommendations from friends and family to find lawyers with the best rates. For home insurance, get quotes from different companies and settle for the most favorable but one that will cover all your insurance needs. Lastly, budget in advance for any redecoration costs such as painting and wallpaper and get items within your budget.  

  1. Check if Your New Employer can Meet Some Expenses

If you are moving because you’ve found a new job, find out if your employer can cover some of the costs above such as travel, packing, and shipping expenses. Negotiate also to find out if the employer can meet realtor costs and any storage costs you may need. This will save you some money and make the move less tedious. You can also get your money back the next tax season if your move is work-related and meets certain time and distance requirements.

Easy Ways to Invest In Real Estate

As an investor, real estate is one of the many options you can consider to expand your portfolio. It comes with many benefits including securing your future, buying a home and making money from renting out the real estate property you buy. If you are starting out, it is imperative to keep in mind the advantages and risks that come with real estate investment so that you make the best decision for your money. Once you have decided to invest, here are a few easy ways you can start out with:

Buy to rent

With buy-to-rent properties, you will be able to pay the mortgage on your property through the income generated from the tenant. If you select this option, you will be responsible for the expenses that come with renting out, including maintenance costs and taxes Ensure that you do your due diligence to make sure that the investment is worth it. Remember, the rent will depend on the market rates without affecting your mortgage. You should also make sure that you choose a property in an area where people would like to live so that you can get tenants easier. Consider the kind of tenant you want on your property before making a decision.

Consider investment groups

If you do not want a rental property, consider joining an investment group. With these groups, a company buys or builds property and lets a group of investors buy them through the company. Although you can own one or multiple units, all management responsibilities fall on the company. The company will also take a percentage of the monthly rent to cater for the maintenance, mortgage insurance, advertisement of vacant units and others. It is important to note that mortgage insurance is different than homeowners insurance, also known as home insurance, and it is wise to have both. Keep in mind that some investment groups require a percentage of the rent for vacant units. Ensure that you find out more about the agreements before signing up for such an investment.

Buy to Sell

If you are not interested in the two options above, consider flipping properties as a way of investing in real estate. This is the process of buying property, holding it for a few months with the intention of selling for a profit. It comes with a number of pros including the potential to make quick money and you will be able to learn a thing or two about construction, real estate and market demand. However, you need to be careful not to make mistakes that might cost you. Keep in mind that you will need adequate time, as renovation is important to boost the value of your home when reselling. From finding the right house, buying the property and fixing it up, you will need quiet time and patience so that the investment can be worth it.

Real Estate Investment Trust

A real estate investment trust (RIET) will invest your money to buy and operate income property. It is a good plan as it allows both small and large investors to own real estate and commercial property as well. REITs come with a number of regulations, including having at least 100 shareholders; at least 75 percent of the assets must be in real estate, cash and government securities and 75 percent of the gross income come from rent, mortgage, and real estate investments. With REIT, you will benefit from high yields, simple tax improvement, and diversification.

Leverage

You can also consider leverage as an investment strategy to increase your potential of earning returns on your investment. This means that you use borrowed money to pay a significant percentage of the cost that enables you to buy a more expensive property that you could have bought using the available funds. If you are not comfortable with using leverage directly, you can invest in companies that use leverage to finance their operations. Depending on the decision that you take, make sure that you weigh your options, do your research on the benefits and costs of each before making your investment.