Reader Shaun Rogers sends along this request: “Hello. I’m looking for the names of qualified, trustworthy remodeling contractors who do work in Orange County. Any advice other bloggers could pass along would be appreciated. I don’t have a way to take and pass along pictures but the work would consist of popcorn ceiling removal, bath…
How would you feel if a remodeling contractor pulled a report on your credit worthiness to find out if you have made late payments to other creditors, or had any bankruptcies, liens or judgments against you? A contractor considering doing work for you would want to know if you pay your bills, don’t you think?…
Today’s guest blogger is Peggy Olearczuk, who shares her experiences retaining the vintage flavor of her Burbank cottage. She writes: I always wanted an old, Spanish-style house, because I fondly remember my grandmother’s home. I got my wish, but our 1920s-era Burbank house, although potentially charming, had so many problems that we didn’t know where…
A reader named Kimberly sent me this e-mail: Hi, I just read an old article of yours in the L.A. Times about green remodeling. I was wondering if you have any referrals for green contractors to do a remodel in Orange County. Here’s the deal: The Times doesn’t want me making referrals to contractors. But…
You might think I'm making this up, but I actually saw the words to your right on a contractor's website. And it is an actual licensed contractor, with a freshly minted license number. But when I saw this website, with the misspelled words, red flags went up. Is it just because I'm a writer that…
From a recent press release: The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is warning consumers about the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors following a disaster, whether it is earthquake, fire, flood or mudslide. Unscrupulous, unlicensed contractors often prey on victims of natural disasters. It is a felony to contract without a license in a declared disaster…
Here’s my confession: I usually run away from homeowners and their contractors who are having disputes. The combination of home, passion and trouble is just so intense! I like to hear the story when the troubles are over. But in the heat of the moment . . . not my scene. But here’s some good…
I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with hiring Home Depot contractors and subcontractors for remodeling work. But plenty of homeowners have indicated this. Their experiences and comments are documented in a five-part investigation by KNBC-TV Channel 4. After asking viewers to send in their complaints, reporter Joel Grover presented Home Depot with those cases, based…
What is a green builder? Is it a builder who recommends you install a tankless water heater and energy-efficient windows and use nontoxic paints? Yes, but . . . how about the way the contractor runs his or her own business? Is it green? Does the contractor walk the talk? Or just talk? Here are…
Over on the remodeling forum at iVillage’s Garden Web, commenter "graciesmom284" wonders about the seemingly disorganized contractor who is building her room addition and bathroom remodel. There are several issues with this remodel, all stemming from a vague contract. In one instance, the homeowner thought the agreement was that she would buy the flooring and…