Q. Having just retired, would love to embark on some things to keep me busy while idling. Planning on some home remodeling and would like to take on those with high ROI.

A. There are several areas in your home that you can work on to achieve the possible highest ROI. The kitchen and the bathroom, being the most essential as well as frequented areas in the home, would be the best candidates for such. With whatever remodeling works, it is important to note that allotting the biggest budget you could possibly squeeze out from your finances will not lead to an equally big ROI. Quality of work and product selection are keys to your success so do your research.

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Q. What are the basic costs per square foot prices of homes vs remodeling an existing home?

A. That's really not a question that can be answered. It's going to depend upon the quality of the construction. Cheap residential construction can start around $80/square foot and will go up from there, with high quality construction going from $120/square foot and up. This doesn't really include the property which can vary. Remodeling is difficult to price because sometimes you won't know exactly what will have to be done until you get into it. It takes a lot of experience to bid remodeling work correctly. Another factor is where in the country you are. Some areas cost more than others depending upon cost of living and land value.

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Q. To do the following work: 1.Bathroom remodeling. 2.Fences. 3.Hardwood flooring. Any suggestions on the related websites much appreciated.

A. Try the BBB if you are in the US

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Q. I'm looking for web sites that have calculators that will help me estimate the costs of a bathroom and kitchen remodel. Any good sites out there? Note: I'm not looking for software to buy... just web sites.

A. Www.remodelormove.com New website and book provide free tips and strategies to estimate the cost of remodeling, the cost to move and how to decide. Track your home remodeling costs with Excel. Help ... to plan, budget, and track your remodeling costs: Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator. Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator ...office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA010565731033.aspx

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Q. I'm interested in doing a few small projects in my condo (refacing cabinets, new flooring, new countertops), but I'm having trouble finding a contractor. Places like Lowes and Home Depot seem to be geared towards big home remodeling projects. My real estate agent was a nightmare, so I wouldn't trust anyone she suggested. And my boyfriend and dad are very capable, but it would take forever, it would be completely inconvenient for them, and I want to do this on my own since it's my place. Any suggestions? Thanks for the suggestions. I tried the yellow pages and online, but there are so many that I was overwhelmed. I'll try again - because I didn't consider that someone might give me a referral.

A. Well, there are two ways you could do this. You could look in the phone book and call aorund, get estimates on the stuff you want done. Second, you could drive around town and see what contractors are doing work that meets your standard. Just pull over and ask them some questions. That is how we got a few jobs when I still worked in construction. Also, if they are too busy to take on your job, or it's not something they do, they will likely know who you should contact. Also, you could look in the phone book or search in the yellow pages online in your area for the specific type of worker for your project (ie: flooring, cabinets, etc.) Hope that helps. ((Note: If you have a local lumber store, you could go there. There are usually business cards all over the place.))

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Q. Im remodeling my apartment and my roommate chose white to paint the walls in our entry way and living room? i get to choose the carpet or flooring (hardwood, etc) and color of the trim, does anyone know what color of trim, and what type of floor would go nicely with the white walls?

A. Lucky you! I'd rather be allowed to choose flooring and trim any day! That's a keeper whereas paint can be changed. As for what matched white walls, basically everything! White is not a color in decorating, but the absense of all color and that is why you can match it with anything. So, you can buy whatever pleases you! Do keep in mind that the lighter the floor color, the larger the room will appear and the darker the floor color, the smaller the room will appear. Also, lint, dust, etc., shows up more on dark floors. What you choose to use as material for the floor really depends on your budget. Hardwood floors are definitely the best for getting a return on your money. If you can't afford that, then consider these types of flooring: - laminate wood floor - vinyl soft floor covering - bamboo flooring (my favorite, by the way!) - ceramic tile (did you know that you can get ceramic tile that looks soooo much lilke wood, you have to touch it to know the difference? It's better than hardwood since it doesn't scratch and is very resistant!) Will you be painting the trim or using natural wood? If using natural wood, it is advisable to match the floor. Enjoy!

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Q. I'm remodeling my kitchen. The orginal vinyl flooring is really ugly, but not really that bad shape. I want to put new vinyl flooring. What is the best method. I don't see the option of removing the old flooring but instead, putting the new floor on top of the existing. Should I just lay down 1/4 inch luan or is there a better, more professional method?

A. If its only 1 layer down, most manufactures ok it it to go over the existing as long as its in decent shape like you say. Yes the use of a luan or birch luan is the best way to go. The new glue will take to the pores of the wood the best.Filling in the seams w/ a special cement based filler and if theres any imperfections in the wood. I ve always have used Ardex but there are other names out there. Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar. GL

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Q. I am about to have a general contractor perform services for me (tile in kitchen, wood flooring, wallpaper removal). He told me that there is no contract to sign, and that we both can sign the proposal he has given me to act as a contract. I trust the guy, as a trustworthy friend of mine recommended him, but what do I need to do to protect myself? Is there a simple contract I can draw up to ask him to sign? Where can I find it? Thank you.

A. I would tell him that you don't feel comfortable moving forward without a contract. He should respect that and draw one up for you. If not, then you may want to try to find a different contractor. It may be find without one, but if problems arise, a contract might make things much easier to resolve.

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