It seems like everyone has a horror story when it comes to their home remodeling or repair experience.

According to a recent survey by referral website Angies list, 52% of the more than 12,000 home owners polled reported problems with their contractor. Whats more, 27% were so unhappy they fired the professional before the job was complete.

While the reasons for the unhappiness varied from contractors who made a mess to ones that took too long to complete the work, there are ways to avoid having your next home improvement project end up in small claims court.

It all starts with how you go about the hiring process, says Paul Sullivan, chair of National Association of Home Builders Remodelers and a remodeler. Doing your due diligence is the best way to not only protect yourself, but ensure a positive remodeling experience.

Before starting the search, ask for referrals from friends and family. Sullivan also recommends contacting your local builders association to get a list of members. You should also ask potential candidates for references and verify they are properly licensed.

Once youve created a list of three contractors, Angie Hicks, founder of Angies List, suggests meeting with them in person to make sure your personalities mesh.

Theres no sense in hiring someone you cant trust from the get-go. Lets face it: There may be wrinkles along the way and you want to feel comfortable addressing them, she says.

Equally important to who you hire is how the contract is crafted. Hicks says homeowners should spend a good amount of time negotiating a contract that outlines all expectations as well as a payment schedule.

The contract should also include the process to change the order even if you are using custom materials or products. Whats more, experts say you want to make sure there is a termination clause and an explanation of what will happen if both parties have a dispute. Sullivan says he puts an arbitration clause in all his contracts to cover disputes. An arbitration clause is not a bad thing to have in there; rather than going to a full blown lawsuit where everybody loses, he says.

Taking precautions upfront is going to lessen youre risk but it doesnt mean something wont go wrong. But before it gets ugly or you fire your contractor, experts say to communicate regularly about what you want and what you are unhappy with.

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How to Deal with a Bad Contractor

Top Custom Home Builders Vancouver
http://www.gdnielsen.com/home_builder_Vancouver.html - Have a look at the GD Nielsen portfolio for the luxury homes in Vancouver offered at reasonable prices.

By: William Nathan

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Barclay Allen is a medium-sized builder of custom homes in the Fort Wayne area. The company of which hes president, Timberlin Homes, doesnt build hundreds of houses every year its more like 20 to 25, he says.

But, standing on the back porch of a home the company just built for this years Parade of Homes & Lifestyle Show in the Forest of Foxwood addition in northeast Fort Wayne, hes a happy man.

This year, the company has seen an increase in sales and plenty of orders. Ive got people looking to build two or three years out, as well as currently, Allen says. I think it (the market) is looking very good. I would say Im encouraged.

After several years of bad news, those who provide new homes for area residents have, for the most part, regained optimism from the slow climb out of the doldrums.

Since 2010, says Dave Fuller, Allen County Building Department commissioner, building permits for new homes generally have been trending higher, and affordability has remained strong, compared with the situation in other markets.

In 2009, Fuller says, a low of 390 permits were issued through Aug. 18. By 2011, that number was 419 permits during the same time frame and by 2012, 444. Last year, the number rose to 529.

This year, permits are down again, to 466, a 12 percent drop. But Fuller says he attributes that to the prolonged cold winter, which delayed the building season, and not an economic slump. He believes the numbers will catch up by years end, despite news this month that nationally, sales of new homes fell in July by 2.4 percent.

In any case, Fuller says, the numbers now represent a more sustainable situation.

Current housing starts are dwarfed by the boom years of 2006 and 2007, when about 1,900 homes were being built, Fuller says. We were overbuilding tremendously there, he says, noting the overheated atmosphere was fueled by lower-end volume builders. Some of them have gone out of business, and the overstock has been largely sold through, Fuller says.

He says the area can easily support 800 to 900 new homes a year.

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Area homebuilders are bullish

Custom Home Builders Cape Coral - Alvian Homes - Ft Myers FL
Custom Home Builder - Alvian Homes - Cape Coral FL - Grubbs Custom Home Website: http://www.AlvianHomes.com Alvian Homes LLC 1624 NE 10th Terrace Cape Coral,...

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Custom Home Builders Cape Coral - Alvian Homes - Ft Myers FL - Video

Cape Coral Custom Home Builders - Cape Coral Fl - Ft Myers FL
Alvian Homes - Custom Home Builder - Cape Coral FL - Fort Myers FL Website: http://www.AlvianHomes.com Alvian Homes LLC 1624 NE 10th Terrace Cape Coral, Flor...

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Cape Coral Custom Home Builders - Cape Coral Fl - Ft Myers FL - Video

Stone Acorn Builders LP, a member of the prestigious Southern Living Custom Builder Program, today announced Houston's Southern Living "Home for the Holidays" Showcase Home to debut in West University Place in November. Proceeds from the showcase home tours benefit Operation FINALLY HOME, a non-profit that provides mortgage-free homes for wounded and disabled veterans.

The showcase home, decorated for the holidays, will be located at 2718 Talbott in West University Place, Texas. Designed by JKM Designs, Stone Acorn Builders' in-house architect, the 4,341-square-foot open floor plan includes four bedrooms, four bathrooms, an eat-in chefs kitchen, game room, study, butler's pantry, outdoor fireplace, summer kitchen and screened in porch. Interior design will be managed by Edwina Alexis Interiors.

"My sister Sarah and I are excited to build and showcase a Southern Living home decorated for the holidays," said Stone Acorn Builders Benjamin Lavine. This project celebrates families coming together while supporting a worthy veterans charity in the process."

Stone Acorn Builders Southern Living "Home for the Holidays" will open to the public November 1-2 and 8-9 for home tours and special events. Planned activities include chef, holiday gift wrapping and interior design demonstrations, and food and wine events to benefit charity.

Stone Acorns attention to detail and understanding of Southern architecture will bring the pages of our magazine to life in this Southern Living Custom Builder Member Program Showcase Home, said Kristen Bryan, Associate Marketing Director, Southern Living. "I look forward to seeing the ideas and inspirations when this 'Home for the Holidays' opens for tours.

The Southern Living Custom Builder Program is a network of some of the finest custom homebuilders in the South. Its members bring together ideas, inspirations, and excellence in architecture, craftsmanship, and home building to tell the Southern story. The program is nationally sponsored by Lennox, Sunbrella, Belgard Hardscapes, Sherwin-Williams, Bevolo, Rinnai, Marvin Line Windows and Exterior Doors, Moen, Wellborn Cabinet Inc., LP TechShield, Advil, and Chevrolet.

For more information about the Stone Acorn Builders Southern Living "Home for the Holidays" Showcase in West University Place, please visit http://www.stoneacorn.com.

Stone Acorn Builders LP is a family-owned and operated home construction company that has been building quality homes since 1999 in Houston, Bellaire, West University Place, Braes Heights, Meyerland, Medical Center, South Side Place, Memorial and Spring Branch. Sarah Lavine-Kass and Benjamin Lavine, a sister-brother team, are the technical and creative forces behind Stone Acorn Builders. The award-winning builders are members of the National Association of Home Builders, Texas Association of Builders, Greater Houston Builders Association, Greater Houston Custom Builders Council, as well as Board of Directors and Member of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program. Stone Acorn Builders debuted Houston's first Southern Living Showcase home in Bellaire in 2012. With more than 3,000 attendees, $30,000 was raised for benefiting charities.

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Stone Acorn Builders announce Southern Living 'Home for the Holidays' Showcase

Why is Julington Creek, often called the gold standard, consistently one of the most sought-after communities in St. Johns County? Residents will tell you its the great schools, nearby shopping and medical facilities, gated security and an unbeatable family lifestyle.

From the heated competition pool, family pool, water slide, water park and wading pool complemented by the three pools in the original Aquatic Center, to the $15 million recreation center, where registered participants can find workout equipment, free weights and fitness classes, there is truly something for everyone in the family, and then some. The community also features a clay-court tennis complex, fishing pond, basketball courts, skateboard park, childrens playground, cyber caf, two community rooms, child care services and a teen center.

Estate living from the low $400s

Until now, if you were looking to build a new energy-efficient custom home, the choices were few. ICI Homes proudly announces Magnolia Preserve, with a limited new home site release and a brand new floor plan line-up starting in the low $400s. Sure to please even the most discriminating buyer, this collection of wide, private estate-sized lots feature either lake or wooded preserve views with backyards spacious enough to accommodate even the biggest pool and all of your outdoor entertainment activities.

Energy-efficient home designs

This weekend, ICI Homes released three brand new home designs for Magnolia Preserve, ranging from 2,870 to 3,199 square feet. Don Wilford, ICI north Florida division president, explained, ICI has always been known for its award-winning floor plans. These new designs really push the envelope and give the buyer more space for the money, tremendous energy-efficiency and functionality, all while retaining sensational curb appeal and the highest quality finishes within. The new home designs recently made their debut in Tamaya, ICIs newest master-planned community in Jacksonville. Said Wilford, These family plans were such a hit in Tamaya, we decided to offer them here and expand the choices for our Julington Creek buyers.

Customization for the asking

If you have very specific requirements, ICI Homes can easily customize any of its floor plans to match your lifestyle. Thats something most builders cant or wont do, but its our specialty, said Wilford, who meets one-on-one with each buyer to craft the exact home of their dreams. Sometimes we can meet and after one listening session, we design what we hear and get it just right. With others, it may take an extra session or two, but we pride ourselves on being able to deliver precisely the home that each buyer wants; and almost never are two homes exactly alike.

Best pricing of the year

If you dont have time to build, consider one of ICIs three move-in ready estate homes. There has never been a better time to buy, said Lisa Sarraf, ICI sales manager. The company has just given us the best pricing of the year as an incentive to sell these three homes by September 30th. Interested buyers may make an appointment to view the homes and receive the pricing with our on-site sales executive.

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ICI Homes

by Linda Jagiela for The Central Record

In 2004, Pagliuso Custom Builders of Medford developed Budd Court in Tabernacle, building five homes in a six-lot development. The sixth property did not sell and has sat vacant for the past 10 years. The road surface in the development has not been given a top coat and landscaping required in the development was not completed.

Tabernacle Township solicitor Peter Lange contacted Pagliuso Custom Builders explaining that the remaining improvements are long overdue and the township committee would like to know when they will be completed.

The township committee questioned Frank Pagliuso at the August workshop meeting on why improvements to the development have not been completed.

According to Pagliuso, he has aggressively tried to sell the property alone or with a custom home but has not been successful. He said that even though he has reduced the price, he has had no offers. He stated that until he sells the property, he does not have the funds to complete the road work which is estimated at $33,000. Pagliuso stated that in developments such as this, the last house is where he makes his profit and until he sells it he will not be able to complete the requirements.

Pagliuso has been paying for a bond to the township for the past 10 years. He stated that he did not believe any of the open items were hurting the residents other than the top coat on the road. Pagliuso asked the township for an extension.

Township Committeeman Stephen Lee stated that he knows two of the five residents on Budd Court and theyre concerned about not having the top coat on the road.

I would not buy on Budd Court if I were looking in Tabernacle Township. I think you would have a better chance of selling the property if you put on the top coat, he told Pagliuso. Residents of Budd Court did not attend the meeting.

Pagliuso stated that he was not looking for the township to take possession of the road. He also told them that he would be able to complete the landscaping in the fall.

Mayor Joseph Barton explained that paving could only be performed in the fall and the spring and he would like to see it completed in the next paving season.

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Builder in Tabernacle blames economy for delay

Its probably safe to assume that almost every Minnesotan has their idea of the perfect getaway in the northwoods next to a lake.

Weve probably marveled at the craftsmanship at a favorite resort lodge or a well-constructed vacation home, the finely woven log construction and natural beams, the gleen of polished wood, and said, Some day

Well, some day does come. Log Homes MN, based in Walker, Minnesota, has been making those dreams a reality for 35 years, building custom homes for clients throughout the state on their favorite tract of land. Log Homes MN works often with extended families. In fact, their number one source of business is referral, clients telling friends and family members.

Log Homes Minnesota has the expertise and flexibility to start at the blueprint state with every client so your log home can be whatever you want it to be. The home is designed to meet your needs and budget and enhance your property.

The LHM crew is well trained, have many years of experience and just love to build. The office staff, foremen and carpenters communicate and work together to ensure every detail is taken care of. Most importantly they take the time to listen to clients.

Their customer testimonials are impressive:

Building a house can be a trying experience for some people, that was NOT our experience working with Log Homes Minnesota. In 1999 we were looking to build a home on Potato Lake in Park Rapids, MN. We had been told that log houses were expensive to build, so we were looking for a conventional builder. A friend of ours was just completing a log home with Log Homes MN and recommended we talk with them. After meeting with Log Homes MNs sales representative, Steve Larson, we decided to go forward and have them build our home. We had existing floor plan ideas and Log Homes, MN efficiently placed then with one of their foot prints. We completed the house in February of 2000.

In 2002, the beautiful wooded lot next door to us became available. We contacted Steve Larson again and decided to build a second home with Log Homes MN on the new lot. Our second home was a modification of the first, similar in some respects, but also very different in others. The building process, however, was the same efficient and enjoyable. The second home was completed in May 2003. Building a second home with the same builder within 2 1/2 years of the first building experience says a lot about the builder. Im not looking to build a third house soon but if we were we would build it with Log Homes MN. We found that their costs were competitive, they completed things when they said they would, their builders were craftsmen, their subs were easy to work with and respectful. We couldnt be happier with the product that we received from Log Homes MN and we do not hesitate in recommending them to anyone considering building a home.

Log Homes Minnesota is located just north of Walker, which is in north central Minnesota, right on highway 371. You cant miss it, as they have three model homes, that provide the perfect opportunity to view the outstanding quality up close and give you plenty of ideas to incorporate into your dream home.

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Does your dream include a log home?

By Simon Lambert

Published: 01:22 EST, 28 August 2014 | Updated: 08:34 EST, 28 August 2014

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Buy land, theyre not making it anymore. That classic Mark Twain-attributed quote may often get wheeled out for property-related reasons, but if you are hoping to buy any to build your own home on youll find it heavy going.

A plot was hatched three years ago by the Government to encourage more self and custom build homes.

Empowering a small army of Britons to start building their own grand - or more modest - designs was touted as at least part of the answer to our twin problems of not building enough homes and too high house prices.

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Grand Designs: Kevin McCloud's Channel 4 property show has put building your own home on the minds of many more people, but finding somewhere to do so is a problem.

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Building your own home can beat high house prices, so make it easier