Hire the right contractor

You finally decided to move forward with your new big house project! Whether it’s finishing your basement or updating your kitchen, you want it done efficiently and you want it done right. One of the most important pieces of this puzzle is selecting the right contractor. But how can you be sure you are making the right choice? We break it down so that you know what to look for and the right questions to ask when interviewing contractors.

  • Who will be here everyday? They could be handling everything themselves or subcontracting the work out. Either way, it’s important to know and feel comfortable with whoever will be in your home day in and day out.
  • Ask for a sample contract.
  • Once you have a sample contract, look for the following items. If any of these details are missing, request that they be added.
  1. Does the contract state exactly what is to be done and outline the process for changes in orders or tasks?
  2. Does the contract have a completion date and outline what will happen if that date isn’t met?
  3. Does the contract specify that the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage?
  • What is the process for my approval of all materials throughout the project? You certainly don’t want a counter installed that you simply detest or a paint color that’s just not what you pictured. Discuss the contractor’s approval process for each material used as the project progresses.
  • Find the right contractor by word of mouth. Ask your friends who they suggest and then read online reviews to get a good feel for their work ethic and final outcomes. Yelp, Facebook and the Better Business Bureau are a good place to start.
  • Ask for an itemized estimate. Not only will acquiring an itemized estimate clarify exactly what you’re paying for, it will also allow you to clearly compare contractors and request adjustments on specific parts of the project. Obtaining three itemized estimates will paint a detailed picture of the project and allow you to visualize the breakdown of costs.

10 gifts that give back

The Christmas countdown is on!  With 14 days left, now is the time to tie up those loose ends and check everyone off your list.  We all have that one person who is extra difficult to buy for- they either have everything already or just don’t care much about gifts in general.  Consider getting them one of these great presents.  Not only are they unique and fun, but each one gives back in a different way!

  1.  Scratch Cards- Everyone’s a winner when they scratch off a LottoLove card ($20 for a pack of two). Instead of winning money for yourself, a charitable gift (weeks of clean water, months of solar energy, sets of literacy tools, or nutritious meals) is given to someone in need in your honor.

2.  Bare Soaps- Bare Soap‘s products are all-natural and handmade, and 20 percent of proceeds are invested in the company’s efforts to provide vitamins, vaccines, and soap to those in need. This Bare Soap Sampler Pack ($18) also gives villagers entrepreneurship opportunities.

3. Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. gives back to animals by working with rescue organizations in your community. Twenty percent of all proceeds, including this Three-Blend Starter Kit ($44), go to a rescue partner closest to you.

4. State has an extensive collection of bags for everyone.  From backpacks to duffels, you can find what you need here.  The best part- for every bag you purchase, the company hand delivers a backpack filled with “essential tools for success” to an American child in need.  

5. With the mission to help artisans out of poverty through fashion and design, 31 Bits sells fairly made products like these brass Soma Bangles ($32), handmade by Javanese artisans in Bali.

6. Mitscoots Outfitters employs the transitioning homeless to package each and every blanket, like this Black and White Plaid Fleece Blanket ($49). With every purchase, one blanket is given to a shelter to help individuals in need.

7. Krochet Kids Intl. empowers women of Northern Uganda and Peru through jobs, education, and mentorship. Items like the Abby beanie ($24) provide a steady income for employees and help them to stay out of poverty.

8. Each bottle of One Hope Foundation’s wine is dedicated to a different cause. Every purchase of this Vintner Collection Cabernet Sauvignon ($25) helps provide ABA therapy to children with autism.

9. Socks are the #1 most requested clothing item at homeless shelters- this fact is the driving force behind Bombas.  Bombas exists to help solve this problem, to support the homeless community, and to bring awareness to an under-publicized problem in the United States.  For every purchased pair of Bombas Socks ($12), a pair is donated.  

10. Parks Project– each product purchased contributes directly to one of over 30 different conservancies across the USA, providing vital funding for the ongoing care of National Parks.  This ultra soft, lightweight Yosemite t-shirt helps fund the Yosemite Conservancy. The trails are the gateway to Yosemite’s wilderness, and with over 800 miles, that’s a lot to maintain. The Yosemite tee supports enhancing the visitor experience and helps preserve the parks’ trails for years to come. For each Yosemite product sold, one meter of trail is restored in the Park. ($36)