From review by Robert Irwin
If you are even remotely thinking about renovating your house or condo, first come to your senses and read "Home Renovation Checklist" by Robert Irwin. The result will be you will either plunge enthusiastically ahead, or you will realize how much work is involved, even if you plan to hire a professional contractor.
Author Robert Irwin, who has written dozens of superb real estate books, obviously has extensive experience with home renovations. In his latest book, written in a unique question and answer format, Irwin raises just about every possible issue which might be involved in small and big home remodeling projects.
...The early emphasis is on hiring a remodeling contractor and all the things that might go wrong. Then the focus progresses to signing the contract, obtaining plans and building permits and financing the renovations.
These are all essential parts of a home renovation, whether just one room or the entire residence...
About the sixth chapter, Robert Irwin makes a dramatic shift to explain the various components involved in typical home renovations. Although probably not all aspects will be involved in your home remodeling, it's good to know the many considerations before deciding to go ahead with your residence upgrades.
Virtually every possible home improvement topic is discussed. A constant theme throughout the various chapters is saving money. Irwin always suggests asking for discounts, whether from suppliers or from a general contractor who might have access to special trade discounts.
Along the way, Robert Irwin quietly injects his personal advice. However, he could have been more specific regarding personal examples, both good and bad, from his renovation projects.
This great book should be read cover-to-cover, and then re-read by chapter for the topics of special personal interest. For example, you might not be especially interested in the chapter about paint if you plan to hire a professional painter. But even that chapter is important because it explains how to hire a quality painter, whether or not you should buy the paint yourself or let the painter purchase the paint using his professional discount.
At first, as a book reviewer, I had trouble getting used to the unusual question and answer format, with check-boxes for answers to the questions, which often can't be answered just "yes" or "no." But as I read further, I realized the questions are to be asked of the remodeling contractor, equipment suppliers, and others, but they need not be answered with short answers. In other words, they are just reminder questions so the homeowner won't forget important topics.
The checklist is really a summary of considerations home remodellers should not overlook. Many of the same type of questions are repeated, such as asking the contractor if he carries workers' compensation insurance for his workers. By the way, that question is extremely important when hiring anyone who has employees.
Chapter topics include "Hiring the Contractor"; "Checking Out the Contract"; "Plans and Permissions"; "Financing the Work"; "Doing It Yourself"; "Bath, Bed, and Kitchen Decisions"; "Installing Cabinets"; "Installing Countertops"' "Putting in New Floors"; "Adding New Kitchen Appliances"; "Installing Electrical Fixtures"; "Painting"; "Demolition and Cleanup"; and "Adding a Deck."
This unusual book is not a typical home remodeling book. Instead, it contains sage advice from a real estate writer who has remodeled many houses, written in a special format that requires flexibility accepting. Overall, Robert Irwin does an excellent job of reminding house and condo owners of virtually all the home renovation considerations. On my scale of one to 10, this outstanding new book rates a solid 10. (Bruss, Robert J. Inman News Features )
One of the nation's foremost real estate experts gives you the tools you need to avoid costly mistakes when you tackle home renovation projects!
New addition to the family? Add a new addition onto your home! Avocado green kitchen making you a little green around the gills? Bring it into the twenty-first century with new cabinets and flooring! With today's skyrocketing real estate market and record low interest rates, more homeowners than ever before are deciding to remodel. But if you think the only tools you need to start a home improvement project are in your shed--STOP! Before you start gutting walls, turn to the Home Renovation Checklist for tips to keeping costs, time, and serious problems down to a minimum.
Written by Robert Irwin, Americas #1 real estate expert, this step-by-step book is packed with vital checklists of everything you should ask yourself, your contractor, your architect, and your lawyer before and during the renovation project.
- Check for lead, asbestos, and black mold before you drive a nail or sign a contract: You don't want to endanger yourself, your workers, or your chances for future resale.
- Make sure your contractor's license at least matches a driver's license: It might be a bit awkward to ask, but not as awkward as hiring a crook to do your work!
- Show your renovation plan to an appraiser or real estate agent: You may be surprised to discover that the project may actually decrease the value of your home.
- Building permits: Think again if you plan on renovating without a permit. If there's a fire in your home, your insurance may not cover damages without the benefit of a permit.
- Financing: Ask for substantially more than you think you'll need; it's harder to get more money later if you underestimate, and you're not charged for the money until you actually borrow it.
When it comes to home improvement projects, it PAYS to be a "know-it-all." Turn to the Home Renovation Checklist for everything you need to know to stop your dream home improvement project from turning into a renovator's nightmare!
(20030722)
