5 Secrets Your Contractor Doesn’t Want You to Know:

Image: Sara B. @ The Fat Hydrangea

How to protect your bottom line.

SHARE THIS

Email This

Pin This

Tweet This

TOPICImprove, Remodel, Budgeting & Contracting

Print article

You’ve asked friends to recommend great contractors, picked your favorite, checked references — and maybe even conducted an online background check on his business. So you know you’ve found a top-notch guy for your home improvement project.

But remember that his bottom line is getting you to sign a contract, and he’s not going to mention anything that might get in the way. Before you make a commitment, here’s what you need to know in order to protect your own bottom line.

1. He’s Not the Only Game in Town

Even if you believe you found the best contractor in the area, don’t hire him unless you’re sure he’s right for your project.

You should solicit at least three bids from three different contractors before awarding a home improvement project. This way you can make an educated hiring decision by comparing costs, methods, and materials.

What you should do: Make sure you have a basis for comparison when asking for bids. Provide each contractor with the same project details. This may include materials you wish to use and floor plans. Although cost should be one of your deciding factors, other points to consider include scheduling and communication style.

TIP: Once you picked the best contractor for the job, keep your project on track with an ironclad contract.

Related: 5 Essential Questions to Ask a Contractor

Spend Oh-So-Wisely on a Kitchen Remodel

1. 6 Materials to Never Use in Your Kitchen
2. How to Shop for a Retro Kitchen — and Not Get Stuck with Junk
3. Refacing Your Kitchen Cabinets: The Options and Costs

2. He's Going to Farm Out the Work

General contractors often don’t do the physical work themselves. They might have been carpenters or plumbers, but now that they run their own businesses, they’ve retired their tool belts.

Instead, their role is to sign clients, manage budgets, and schedule a cast of subcontractors. When he’s trying to win your business, a contractor can be pretty vague about how involved he’s going to be — and who will be running the job day-to-day.

What you should do: Inquire who will be in charge of the job site. Ask to meet the job foreman, preferably while he’s at work on a current job site, says Stockbridge, Mass., contractor Jay Rhind. “You want to make sure you feel comfortable with him.”

TIP: Don’t underestimate the power of being nice. It can help keep your contractor and crew on track while improving the quality of their work.

3. A Big Deposit is Unnecessary — and Possibly Illegal

When you sign a contract, you’re usually expected to pay a deposit. But that’s not for covering the contractor’s initial materials or set-up costs.

If his business is financially sound and he’s in good standing with his suppliers, he shouldn’t need to pay for anything up front. In fact, many states limit a contractor’s advance. California maxes out deposits at 10% of the job cost, or $1,000 — whichever is smaller. To find out what the law is in your area, check with your local or state consumer agency.

What you should do: A small deposit is reasonable to kick off a project. But your payment plan should be based on a defined amount of work being completed. This way, if the work isn’t proceeding according to schedule, the payments will be delayed.

TIP: When possible, charge it. The Federal Trade Commission suggests when paying for home improvement work, use a credit card. Doing so may protect homeowners if a project goes south. After making a good faith effort to workout any problems with your contractor, consumers have the right to withhold payment up to the amount of credit outstanding for the purchase. This includes any finance or related charges.

Related: What a Remodeling Contract Should Say

4. He's Not Only Marking Up Labor, But Materials, Too

No contractor wants to talk about it, but he’s going to mark up everything he pays out to make your job happen. That’s fair; it’s how he pays his own overhead and salary. Keep it in mind that the 50% or more markup may apply not just to materials but labor costs, too.

What you should do: If you can handle buying items such as plumbing fixtures, cabinets, countertops, andflooring, ask your contractor to take them out of his bid price. Be sure to agree on specific numbers and amounts of what you’ll be buying, and that you’ll have the items to the job site when they’re needed. You could save 10% to 20% or more on the overall cost of the project.

TIP:Salvage materials are one way to save on building costs. Just make sure you use upcycled stuff wisely so you don’t harm your home’s value.

5. He’s Not the Design Whiz He Claims to Be

Sure, there are contractors who have strong design abilities. Chances are, however, they’re spending a lot more time running their businesses than honing their design chops.

What you should do: Depending upon the complexity of your project, you may need a number of skilled pros to get the job done. So don’t count on a contractor to design your space and add clever details, unless he clearly demonstrates his abilities and has a portfolio of his own work.

Ask his references specifically about his design skills. Keep in mind, in some instances you might be better offhiring an architect for overall planning, and a kitchen and bath designer for the details.

Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas: For Kids, Mom, Dad, Friends, and More!

Give homemade Christmas gifts this holiday season

With gift-giving season quickly approaching, you’re probably already dreading what holiday shopping entails — big crowds, long lines, traffic jams and an empty bank account. But, instead of getting stressed and spending hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars, why not spend some time crafting DIY Christmas gifts? You can stay home, drink a cup of hot chocolate, listen to Christmas music and enjoy the lights on the tree while making your loved ones a unique gift they’re sure to love.  And even if you’re not usually a crafty person, these simple handmade ideas are easy enough for anyone to make!

DIY Christmas gifts for mom

Your mom works hard to make sure her family has everything they need and want, so it’s only right to spoil her during the holiday season. And what could she love more than a gift handmade by you? Choose one of these homemade Christmas gifts to make her feel appreciated.

Heating pad

Moms are always on the go, especially during the holidays — they have gifts to buy, presents to wrap, parties to plan and dinners to prepare. A homemade heating pad can help relax sore muscles and keep her warm on a chilly night. All you need is some flannel fabric, a sewing machine and a package of rice to make this cute and useful gift.

Photo pillow

This easy DIY Christmas gift can capture fun memories or lifetime milestones. Give your mom a present she’ll cherish, by making her a photo pillow.

Fun-filled socks

There’s usually something going on at work, home, church or school during the holidays — giving mom lots of time on her feet! When she finally has some downtime at home, make sure her feet are comfortable with a pair of cozy socks. Consider filling them with goodies like nail polish, candy, lip balm and even a gift card to one of her favorite places to shop or eat.  

DIY Christmas gifts for Dad

Finding gifts for dad can be challenging — men aren’t usually the easiest to buy for. But, we’ve found some great ideas that are a mix between fun and practical.

Mini pool table

Sometimes dads just need a break at work. What better way to do this than by playing a quick game of pool? Learn how to construct a mini pool table as a fun homemade present. It even fits into a desk drawer for easy access and storage.  

Road-trip travel kit

Does your dad travel a lot for work or pleasure? Make him a road-trip travel kit so he always has what he needs while on the road. Consider buying a canvas bag or decorating your own car-themed box, and then include these items:

• Tire gauge
• Flashlight
• Extra phone/laptop charger
• Gifts cards for on-the-go drinks and meals
• Travel supplies (Kleenex®, gum, mints, face wipes, first-aid kit, etc.)
• Water bottle

Wooden bungee cord organizer

This innovative Christmas gift helps any father stay organized by keeping his ties, sunglasses, keys and even charging cords/headphones all in one place. You can build just one or as many as he needs. Click here to learn how to create a wooden bungee cord organizer.

Homemade Christmas gifts for kids

Store shelves are lined with thousands of toys each Christmas season. But, there’s something special about a handmade toy crafted with love. And whether you’re buying for a niece, nephew or your own little one, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to their sweet face.

Play dough

Play dough has been around since the 1930s and is still popular with kids today. It not only gives them the ability to be creative and make various shapes and animals, but it’s also easy to make and clean up. Learn how one blogger makes a variety of play dough colors with just a few ingredients.  

Memory card game

Another cool DIY Christmas gift for kids is a memory card game — it’s both educational and fun! You can make sets with random pictures, pictures of animals or even pictures of family members. Here’s how to do it:

1. Collect images and scan/upload them to your computer (use as many as you want; we recommend choosing 18 images for 36 memory cards total)
2. Crop images to 4” x 6” and copy/paste into a Word document (leave a little space in between for easier cutting later)
3. Print two copies onto 8 ½” x 11” printer paper
4. Apply decoupage glue (Mod Podge®) to the back of each printout
5. Lay the pieces against card stock
6. Let them dry according to glue directions (typically 2 hours)
7. Apply a top coat of Mod Podge® to seal the images
8. Let it dry for another hour
9. Cut the game pieces out
10. Store in a cute box — consider decorating it with a fun design!

Chalkboard city blocks

A chalkboard cityscape will keep your child entertained for hours and it’s simple to create. All you have to do is cut some wooden lumber into various shapes and sizes and then cover the fronts with chalkboard paint. Now your kids can use their imagination to build whatever city or background they want!

Homemade Christmas gifts for grandma

Even if Grandma is happy with just having the whole family together under one roof, why not surprise her this year with a thoughtful gift?

Wooden photo block

A DIY photo cube is a great gift idea and will look great on grandma’s mantel or bedside table. Here are the supplies you’ll need:

• 4” wood block
• Craft paint
• Regular and foam paint brushes (one of each)
• Sand paper
• Mod Podge (matte finish)
• Six photos printed on regular computer paper (images should be 4” x 4” in size)
• Clear acrylic coating spray

Click here for step-by-step directions on how to craft a wood block photo cube.

Apron

It’s probably not a rare sight to watch grandma cook homemade meals. This year, make her a handmade apron to show how much you appreciate her. You can customize a blank apron with paint, buy some new material or turn a patterned or floral top/blanket you already own into something new and stylish!

Glass magnets

Another meaningful present for grandma is glass magnets with photos of people that mean the most to her — grandchildren, children, husband and close friends.

Homemade Christmas gifts for grandpa

Show grandpa just how much he means to you and the family with a handmade gift from the heart. You can make it funny or sentimental. Either way, he’ll love that you thought of him this holiday season.

Soda can coasters

Grandfathers are notorious for having a lot of “favorites” — favorite place to eat, favorite old movie and favorite story to tell. And he probably does each of these activities while sipping on his favorite drink. To show him how well you know him,make him coasters using the cans of his favorite soft drink!

Grandchild photo board

A photo board with a picture of each grandchild is a great way to share memories while you open presents around the family Christmas tree. Create something simple and elegant, or make something fun and memorable. Either way, it’s something grandpa will treasure for years to come. Here’s how to make it:

1.       Distress or paint a wooden frame (you choose the size and shape — can be based on decorating space or how many grandchildren there are)
2.       Use a stencil, vinyl cutouts, stickers or sandpaper to distress the frame or add embellishment (optional)
3.       Gather twine and clothespins
4.       Glue twine to the back of the frame, leaving enough space in between for 4”x6” photos
5.       Attach pictures to the twine using clothespins

Customized tool belt

This one’s super easy — buy a blank canvas tool belt from a local craft store, then personalize it with whatever you like! Paint fun phrases like “World’s Best Grandpa” or “Mr. Fix It” along with tools and other handyman items (use shaped sponges to do this easily).

Embroidered handkerchiefs

If you want to be witty and practical at the same time, make him some personalized handkerchiefs with funny messages like, “Achoo!” or “Keep your nose clean!”

DIY Christmas gifts for boyfriends and girlfriends

If you’re drawing a blank on what to get your significant other, we’ve come up with some homemade Christmas present ideas he or she will love and appreciate.  

 “Your song” photo

You probably have a song that describes your relationship perfectly, so create a photo from your favorite lyrics, quotes, or special sayings to always remind him or her of you. Sweet and simple.  

Christmas gift basket

Another great present to give your partner is a Christmas gift basket full of their favorite things. Here are some ideas:  

• Fill a gym bag, tackle box, cooler (or any container that describes their personality), and then fill it with their favorite snacks, drinks, gift cards or even tickets to a game or concert.
• Create a spa jar. Buy a pretty quart-size glass jar and then fill it with things like: face cleansing cream, lip balm, lotion, nail clippers, nail file, nail polish, bath salts, a scented candle, chocolates and a gift card for a massage or mani/pedi.

Date night basket  

Sometimes the sweetest gift is one that says, “Let’s spend more time together.” And nothing says that better than a date night basket! Find a cute popcorn tub and include some microwaveable popcorn, drinks, candy, candles and a movie.

Christmas gifts for friends, neighbors and teachers

Does your list of people to buy for grow each year? Don’t worry, we’ve found some cute homemade gift ideas that will ensure you can give everyone on your list a gift without breaking your budget.

Personalized ornaments

A personalized ornament is a wonderful Christmas present for friends, neighbors or teachers and can be done in just minutes. It’s also something they can hang on their tree each year and think of you. Here’s how to do it:

Gather supplies:

• Glitter, confetti or candy (or anything you want to fill the inside with!)
• Any color sticker letters or a Sharpie®
• Clear glass/plastic ornaments
• Ribbon

Directions:

1.       Use letters or sharpies to spell out words, phrases, names or monograms
2.       Insert the candy or use a funnel to fill with the glitter/confetti
3.       Tie a festive bow on top

Treat jars

Another cute idea is to create Christmas jars that resemble Rudolph, Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. Put cookies or candy into the jars for a delicious and sweet treat. You’ll need these supplies:

• Jars (any size you want)
• Glitter (red, white and brown)
• Red pom pom
• Black ribbon
• Silver foam sheet
• Black beads
• Orange paper
• Decoupage
• Hot glue
• Brown pipe cleaner

Get instructions on how to create Christmas treat jars here.

Holiday snack mix

Everyone enjoys tasty treats during the Christmas season and you can’t go wrong with holiday snack mix! It’s easy to make and you can add whatever components you wish. Click here for a list of the main ingredients you’ll need along with the directions on how to make it.

Do you have other ideas?

What other DIY ideas do you have for fun Christmas gifts this holiday season? Share them with us in the comments below. And from everyone at U-Pack® — Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Move Your Body—and All of Your Stuff—With This Moving Day Playlist:

Whether the next roof over your head is across the hall or across the country, moving is an undeniably anxiety-inducing experience. How on earth can you chill out and get your stuff packed and on the truck in time?

Turns out, music has been scientifically proven to ease stress.

So we took it upon ourselves to play musical therapist/DJ for all your moving day woes.

So start grooving (and moving) to this Spotify playlist we created for you to get you through each step of the process. Here’s to a smooth move.

———

1. ‘Paperwork,’ by T.I. and featuring Pharrell Williams

Before you get to packing, you’re going to have to deal with a little drudgery called paperwork. Perhaps you thought you were done with all that nonsense after closing day.

Nope! Now you’ve got to tackle insurance policies, moving truck rental contracts and change of address forms, just to name a few. We hope this peppy tune from T.I. and Pharrell will keep you motivated while you get to it.

———

2. ‘Irreplaceable,’ by Beyoncé

OK, this one’s about Queen Bey throwing a no-good scrub out of her house. But it certainly gets you in the mood to send someone packing—even if it’s yourself! Just don’t put everything you own in a box to the left (something tells us that’s not a proper packing technique anyway).

———

3. ‘Dirty Work,’ by Austin Mahone

Ok, everything’s moving along. You’ve carefully packed all your things—even that weird cutout of Han Solo that your husband insists on keeping. But you ain’t done yet. Now’s the time for the inevitable dark task of deep-cleaning your whole home before you move out.

Whether you’re trying to get your security deposit back on a rental or you just need to leave your digs in mint condition for the next owner, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Let this catchy tune motivate you as you get to work.

———

4. ‘Use Somebody,’ by Kings of Leon

Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, you’re gonna need some help. So go ahead and use somebody—hire movers, beg your best friend or kid brother who owes you a favor (or five) to help schlep your couch and the rest of your stuff into your new digs.

If you ask your pals, make sure you know how to properly pay them back (pizza and beer don’t cut it anymore, FYI). And if you hire movers, it helps to know their secrets for a successful move—before you ever pick up the phone.

———

5. ‘Nothing Left,’ by Kygo and featuring Will Heard

We can’t believe we’re putting this one in here, but it turns out some of you folks need a reminder to take everything with you when you go.

You know that creeping feeling we have when we finally leave a place for the last time? That uneasy vibe is because leaving stuff behind isn’t all that uncommon.

Realtors tell us they’ve seen people leave behind baby items, cars, cash—and even their pets! So make sure there’s nothing left behind when you walk out your door that last time.

———

6. ‘The Way You Move,’ by Outkast

We really do like the way you move (or the way your movers move, it’s that the direction you’ve decided to go.) You’re ready for action, never relaxin’, and by now, you’re in the middle of a flawless moving day. No shattered fragile items here!

———

 7. ‘Spiderwebs,’ by No Doubt

You’re in your new digs! But you might wish you weren’t home right now when you have to trek into your new basement, attic or crawl space and clean out all the cobwebs and spiderwebs left behind by previous residents. That’s OK—even if you have to evict a few unwanted house guests, we’ve seen worse—and we know how to tell you to deal. 

———

8. ‘My House,’ by Flo Rida

Dude—you did it! Even if you’re still unpacking and taking care of other settling-in tasks, give yourself a pat on the back for making it through the special hell that is moving. Pop the champagne, invite your friends and family over, and welcome them to your house as you play that music too loud.

Also, when can we drop by?