Remodeling Your Home – Here’s What You Need To Know
Guest Contribution by: ​Karl Kennedy
Author of ProjectorTop.com

Whether it’s your outdated kitchen or a guest bathroom you’re embarrassed to share, there comes a point when you start thinking about remodeling your home.
There’s no shortage of ideas online or from the numerous home improvement and remodeling shows. Before you grab a sledgehammer and start knocking down walls, there are a few things you need to know about remodeling a home. When you have all of the information, your home remodeling project will run smoothly, and you can avoid the most common pitfalls.
What is Your Return on the Investment

Remodeling your home can increase its resale value but you want to do some research. The potential return on investment (ROI) depends on the project. Some remodeling projects have a higher ROI than others.
For example, remodeling a spare bedroom or home office into a dedicated media space for your laser projector may be perfect for your family but not for potential buyers. The number of bath and bedrooms makes up a large part of the home’s value, while a media room is a luxury not everyone wants or needs.
If ROI is important, choose remodeling projects with a mid-range price that require minimal upkeep. Updating a kitchen with new flooring, countertops, and appliances is one way you can increase the home’s value while also getting an upgrade.
Get the Right Permits

Every remodeling project is different. Some require building permits, and you don’t want to start a project without the proper paperwork. The fines can be expensive, sometimes wiping out your remodeling budget. Every city has different building codes, so check with your local engineering department to find out which permits are necessary.
Some California neighborhoods come with homeowner associations (HOAs). Any exterior remodeling requires permission from the HOA. It’s also a good idea to let the neighborhood association know if you are planning on having work trucks on the property for an extended period.
Don’t Use All of Your Budget on the Remodel

Remodeling projects rarely go exactly as planned. There always seems to be at least a little hiccup in the plans.
Whether it’s a small problem or a larger one, you can handle it if you leave room in the remodeling budget. If your budget is around $20,000, set aside $3,000 or $4,000 to cover any unseen problems.
It will keep the project running smoothly, and you stay on budget.
Get Quotes from Several Contractors

You don’t want to go with the first contractor you interview. You may not be getting the best price. Interviewing more than one contractor allows you to get the best price for your project. It also gives you the chance to find an experienced contractor.
Another reason to talk to multiple project managers is personality. The contractor will be on your property for months, so it helps if your personalities are compatible.
Have a Contract

It doesn’t matter if you know the contractor, get everything in writing. If something goes wrong during the remodel, you will need the documents for legal recourse. The contract should include the project’s starting and ending date, along with detailed remodeling plans. Labor and materials costs are also included in the contract.
Final Thoughts

Remodeling your home, whether it’s adding an extension or updating an existing space, is exciting and stressful. Finding a contractor you trust, getting everything in writing, and leaving some wiggle room in your budget are a few ways you can minimize stress and start looking forwards to living in your newly remodeled home.

Guest contribution by: Victoria Standridge

A homeowner’s association can provide a lot of support and a variety of benefits. But there will be certain things any prospective homeowner should look out for. If you are considering submitting an offer on a home that belongs to a homeowner’s association, you will want to do your due diligence to make sure the association provides the kind of amenities, services, security, and benefits you are looking for.
A little research beforehand can help you to make sure that the costs align with your intended monthly budget before you submit your bid. And of course, you will want to make absolutely sure you understand just what kind of things your homeowners’ association can provide for you- and what will be expected of you in return.
Let’s take a look at some key homeowners’ association considerations to understand before submitting a home offer today.
Useful FacilitiesThe whole point of belonging to a homeowners’ association is that you can benefit from shared facilities and amenities that should contribute positively to your lifestyle. So, make sure you look into exactly which amenities are on offer with the HOA you are considering.
What is the security operation like for your HOA neighborhood? Are there round the clock, 24/7 security guards helping to protect the community? Or state of the art security cameras? Security, privacy, and protection should all be addressed in the facilities that your HOA does or does not provide.
Then there is the shared life of the community, and entertainment. Does the community come with a swimming pool? Are there sports facilities, like tennis courts or a gym? Some HOA’s include private instruction in everything from aerobics to crafts, while others take a more hands off approach.
If you have a family, look into what kinds of amenities are available for your kids. Is there a kids’ clubhouse with a TV? Sports classes, after school tutoring, and other kid-friendly activities? Movie screenings among the community? Look for signs that there is a thriving and active social life in the community before you submit your home offer there.



Affordable Dues, Updated ServicesThe amount you will spend each month on membership contributions to the HOA will vary depending on the neighborhood. Before you sign any contracts, you may want to investigate whether the HOA you are looking into is worth the cost- and why they are charging what they are. Membership dues should be reasonably priced compared to the services on offer. So, if your dues are extremely high, but the building is old and falling apart, with clear signs of neglect, then you will know to be on alert. Something in that situation isn’t right.
Make sure that the shared utilities and facilities are in good condition. For a more upscale HOA, the shared costs should be put towards updating and maintaining security systems, local community Wi-fi speeds, and any other shared utilities or amenities that could do with an upgrade from time to time. Take a look at the budget and spending habits of the HOA as a group, to help you decide whether you are generally on board with the kinds of policies enacted there.
Equally, ask to look at the roster for membership dues. If a lot of members are consistently behind on their payments, it could indicate a deeper underlying problem in the community. It might be that there is some issue in communication with the various tenants involved. Since members of the community will be responsible for looking after the maintenance of shared spaces and shared utilities, you will want to join an HOA where communication is clear and thorough.
Investigate Member SatisfactionYou may not always get the clearest or truest picture of the character of any given HOA if you are being shown around by an agent or appointed representative. To try to ascertain whether or not current members are really satisfied with their association, request to view a copy of the recorded minutes from HOA meetings. Are there a lot of conflicts that arise? Does one person dominate every conversation, preventing anyone else from participating? How are conflicts between tenants, or tenants and landlords, settled during the meetings?
Reading through previous member interactions can provide a more in-depth picture of what it will be like to belong to this particular HOA. And it can help you root out any potential issues that may be hiding under the surface.
Keep in mind that membership in a HOA may determine certain factors about your own home, such as what color you can paint your home’s exterior, or how much active engagement with the community is expected of you. If members are registering complaints or engaging in debates over points spelled out in the initial contract, it may simply mean that they have either forgotten the specifications of what they signed originally, or that they did not bother to look. Talk to people in the area to try to get a more nuanced feel for what participation in the HOA is like.
Final ThoughtsThe bottom line is, before you submit an offer on a home connected to a homeowners’ association, do your research. Ask to see the HOA documents so you can investigate for yourself whether or not living there and becoming a member of that particular HOA will be right for your needs. Take a magnifying glass and comb through the fine print so you are informed and aware of just what you are signing up for. If it turns out that that HOA has some policies, rules, or fees that don’t work for you, move on. But it could just be that the one you are looking at is the right fit after all. In that case, you can submit your home offer with confidence.

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Your Step-By-Step Guide to Moving to CaliforniaThere are so many reasons to love California, but whether you’re moving for a job or are a current resident moving to a new area within the state, it’s important to do your research ahead of your move. Below, find out everything you need to do before, during and after the transition to eliminate stress and settle in, courtesy of Bryan Lincoln Real Estate.


Researching and Planning Ahead
Moving across the country or even across the state can be a huge undertaking. It’s a lot more work than making a local move, so give yourself extra time for these steps.

• Work with a skilled real estate agent from Bryan Lincoln Real Estate who knows the area and can make recommendations.
  
• Check out the public transportation options that are available.
  
• When moving long-distance, it doesn’t hurt to visit the area to ensure it feels right for you.
  
• If you have pets, it’s also important to look for a new veterinarian.
  
• Be mindful that California’s cost of living is high, so you may need to adjust your budget.
  
• If buying a home is beyond your budget, affordable rentals are available.
  

Preparing for a Stress-Free Move
Spend some time planning out your move so it goes smoothly.

• Before packing, do some decluttering to reduce the amount of stuff you have to move.
  
• Call ahead to set up utilities and other services at your new home so everything’s ready.
  
• Make an area for items you need during your move, which you don’t want packed away.
  
• Find a long-distance mover with a good overall rating from reviewers.
  
• Familiarize yourself with moving day etiquette if you’re working with professional movers.
  

Unpacking and Settling In
Unpacking and arranging your new home is often just as much work as packing everything up.

• Before anything else, make sure to clean your new home.
  
• Decide which rooms are your top priority and unpack those boxes first.
  
• Don’t forget to update your address with all your accounts and services.
  
• You’ll also have to update your license and registration.
  

Cover Business Basics
If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur or even freelancer, there are a few things you should consider doing so your business is ready to roll in your new location.

• Contact vendors, trade associations, customers, and colleagues with your new contact information.
  
• Update your website with your new information as well.
  
• Register your business in California and apply for a business license.
  
• Your budget undoubtedly shifted with your new location, so make any necessary changes.
  

Moving to California is sure to be an exciting time, but like any other move, you’ll also have to deal with some stress along the way. You can make the experience go more smoothly by doing ample research and planning ahead. Once your moving boxes are all off the truck, having a plan for unpacking and transferring services will help you get settled more quickly.