Sometimes the best laid plans "can go wrong". I'm talking about doing everything right from deciding on doing a renovation to the planning,budgeting,financing and of the course the dreaded "finding the right Contractor".

I have written an article on HubPages and you really should have a look. There are more than 100 comments from all over this world about remodeling rights and wrongs. As the moderator, I throw my opinions based on 30 plus years of experience into the mix. Read the article right here…read the comments and decide for yourself.

In the 32 years that I have been a Carpenter/Contractor I have basically seen it all and there still is the isolated incident that really surprises me. By that I mean either the Contractor or homeowner making some bad decisions in the course of the contracted job. Make sure you understand that in my experience …the homeowner is responsible for 50% of the problems related to remodel or new home construction disputes.

Shyte does happen and given the chance "it will". The outcome depends on both sides having solid morals and ethics in how they treat each other. Yes..right or wrong…it comes down to how you treat each other in a "Human" way.

Communication is usually the culprit. A misunderstanding about ,timing ,money,materials or just plain "Gee..that's not what we/I meant".

Nine times out of ten the Contractor will bend in certain situations because his reputation and future referrals are on the line. Someone who does Contracting for a living is dependent on making their customers happy. This doesn't mean that they are always open to manipulation. On the other hand ..Very good Contractors would never take advantage of a customer that has limited knowledge of the remodel or new home construction process in the quest for a one time retirement plan. That always comes back to bite you in the rear.

Over the years I have been part of certain organizations and one in particular was because I was recommended to be a part of it by customers. The company is Angie's List.. Anyone associated to this referral system treats it like gold because a lot of work can come from this reputable company. Another is ServiceMagic.com. If you are having trouble finding a good and solid Contractor..just look to your right and investigate these two companies. The business people associated with them guard the relationship with the utmost respect. Why…because their livelihood and the bellies of their families depend on it. Check out ServiceMagic.com and Get Matched to Pre-Screened Top-Rated Pros in Your Area! Get Bids & Review Today! to help you through the selection process.

Instead of playing the trade-up game, more homeowners are staying in their homes, upgrading kitchens and baths and building additions to accommodate their needs instead of moving into a bigger house, but there are also some early signs of an improving real estate market, according to a new survey of architecture firms.
More architects say they’re seeing demand for and inquiries about home-remodeling projects, including kitchen and bath upgrades and home additions. And an increasing percentage of architects say business conditions in the first-time buyer and affordable home market also improved in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with the fourth quarter a year earlier, according to the American Institute of Architects’ Home Design Trends Survey. The survey of 500 residential architecture firms is conducted each quarter.

A net 28% of architects responding to the survey said they’re seeing greater interest among homeowners for kitchen and bath remodels, up from -16% a year ago, and a net 21% said demand for additions and alterations is improving, versus -14% a year ago. The survey figures are computed as the percentage of respondents reporting an improvement in business conditions minus those reporting a decrease.
Meanwhile, a net -4% of the architects surveyed said the market for homes for first-time buyers is improving, up from -65% a year earlier. A net -31% said the market for move-up homes is improving, compared with -71% a year ago.

“It’s still too early to think the residential market has fully recovered, but there are two encouraging signs—overall business conditions are far better than they were a year ago at this time, and we are seeing improvement in those housing sectors that need to lead a broader improvement in the housing market: remodeling and alterations of existing homes, and at the entry-level of the new construction market,” said Kermit Baker, chief economist of the American Institute of Architects.

Baker said homeowners are making improvements thoughtfully, not banking on recouping the entire cost at resale or over-improving with upscale features as they might have several years ago. And projects are typically smaller in scope these days. “The mentality is evolving that bigger isn’t better for my home, from an investment perspective,” Baker said.
As for first-time home buyers, Baker said that conditions are likely improving due to the first-time home buyer tax credit, low mortgage rates and the ability of these first-timers to buy a home without having to sell an existing home first.
For the most part, kitchens are being upgraded with practical improvements and features to make the space more usable. “A lot of the upscale stuff, like double appliances—two dishwashers or two refrigerators—or over-the-top appliances seem to have disappeared,” Baker said.
The five most popular kitchen products and features, according to the survey include:
-Recycling center, a designated place to put cans, papers, etc., which could be in the form of a nook or even part of the lower cabinetry
-Larger pantry space
-Renewable flooring materials
-Renewable countertop materials
-Computer area/recharging stations, dedicated to such tasks as recharging laptops, cell phones and PDAs.
The same desire for practicality and less glitz can be found in the bathroom. People are moving away from steam showers and towel-warming drawers and racks, and instead focusing on features that will help them better control their utility costs, Baker said.
The five most popular bathroom products and features include:
-Water-saving toilets
-Radiant heated floors
-Accessibility/universal design, or features that are adaptable and allow homeowners to age in place
-LED lighting
-Doorless showers.
Don't forget to get my Bullet Proof Remodel Guide. It is no cost to you and is jammed with great Information. Just look up in the right hand corner.

You'’ve decided on your building project, whether new construction or remodeling. Perhaps you have chosen a new building to house your business and family. Now you will need either a general building contractor or tackle the job your self and hire Portland Oregon Contractors.

Carefully choosing the right home building contractor is important to the success of your project, while an unqualified contractor can turn your plans into a nightmare. Here are some tips for selecting the right contractor for the job:

A candidate should have a valid building contractor license, and up-to-date liability insurance. Ask to see certificates; check with your local licensing authority for past problems or violations pertaining to any potential candidate.

Ask for references of recently completed projects; check each out.

Make sure the Contractor in Portland Oregon will acquire necessary permits and arrange for any required inspections and certificates if that is what you agree on in the contract.

Give identical copies of detailed project plans to each potential candidate to get a quote for the project. You should get at least three different quotes before making your selection. Be sure the quote includes materials and fixtures that meet project specifications. Avoid contacts that allow “of like kind” substitutions.

The Contract

After you have selected a building Contractor in Portland Oregon, make sure that all detailed information is included in the contract, such as complete names, addresses, and phone numbers of both parties, as well as the physical address of the project. Be sure that project start and finish dates are included, and that a payment plan is described in detail. It is normal for a contractor to ask for 10-25% in advance, with additional funds paid as work progresses.

How to Save on the Total Bill

If your project does not have to be completed on a priority basis, you may want to consider offering it to a Portland Contractor as a “fill in” job. Most contractors will take such projects at a reduced price, insuring they have other work in the event of adverse weather or materials delivery mix-ups at another project.

Many contractors will accept a project as a “reference” contract. This is a win-win situation for the property owner; work is completed at a reduced price, and since the contractor will use the completed job to showcase his expertise to potential clients, only his best work goes into your project.

Finding the Right Contractors In Portland Oregon

There are at least three sources for finding a qualified building contractor in your area: word-of-mouth references from people that have recently had a similar project done, local licensing authorities who provide a list of contractors with appropriate building contractor license, and Internet web sites that make referrals.
By following these simple steps, you can avoid a potential nightmare, and insure your project is a pleasant experience for all parties involved.

A Contractor in Portland Oregon must be licensed, insured and bonded. Click on this Hubpage to find out more You can own this search engine position,blog and all. This means going through paper work and finally writing an exam which must be passed in order to be accepted.

It is very important that a homeowner uses a licensed contractor in Portland Oregon. Homeowners lose the ability to recover damages through the bond as well as the CCB Dispute Resolution Service if they use an unlicensed contractor. Don't take the chance of getting in trouble because of trying to cut corners and always check the contractors license.

Why check a contractor's license? The Construction Contractors Board (CCB) believes the best way to a successful home improvement, repair or new home project is to know your contractor. Checking a contractor's license can tell you:

* The contractor is actively licensed and has a surety bond;

* The contractor submitted proof of liability insurance at the time of application and insurance renewal*;

* The contractor submitted information that they carry Workers' Comp Insurance to protect its workers on the project;

* Breach of contract complaints filed with the CCB in the past seven years.

* CCB disciplinary actions against business in the pasts seven years

Here are the most common mistakes Homeowners make when hiring a contractor in Portland Oregon.

1. Automatically accepting the lowest bid. The contractor may have missed some items. A higher bid may be worth the price in better materials, workmanship and reliability.

2. No written contract.

A written contract protects you and the contractor. It is required that all construction agreements be committed to a written contract if the price exceeds $2000. All agreements, including all changes to the contract, should be in writing.

3. Not checking the contractor's license.

A license is required for any construction business that advertises, offers, bids, or performs any construction, home improvement, remodeling or repair work.

4. Not checking references.

Check with previous customers. Were they satisfied with the work? Was the work finished on time? Did the contractor return phone calls? If the person had problems with the contractor, ask how the contractor responded to complaints. If you cannot visit any of the contractor's jobsites in Portland Oregon then ask for pictures.

For your protection – Contracts should be as detailed as possible. Some items to include are materials and costs, permits, estimated start and completion dates, debris removal, and arbitration clauses. Here are some pointers to assure a solid contract.

*Read and understand your contract before signing it – Don't be pressured into signing your contract without taking the time needed to go through it. Make sure it includes enough details to avoid misunderstandings and to protect you and your property.

*Special Note on Liens – Subcontractors and material suppliers that work on your project are often paid by the general contractor. If a general contractor fails to pay, the subcontractor may file a lien on your property. For information on construction liens, visit the CCB's Consumer

*A Payment Schedule – should be included in the contract. Stick to the schedule and never pay in full for a project before the work is complete.

Your remodel or addition doesn't have to be a nightmare. I have done plenty of jobs over the last 30 years and most of my customers are dear friends. Remember that a well respected contractor in Portland Oregon will have a proven track record. Trust your intuition and gut feeling when the initial introduction is made either through a referral or other means.