Through advice and stories shared by both contractors and consumers, StageofLife.com, a blogging resource for homeowners, discovered 10 important tips on how to find a trustworthy home remodeling contractor to help ensure the right person or company is hired for your next home improvement project.

Tip #1: Does Your Contractor Have Proof of Insurance?
Ask the contractor to have his insurance company mail or fax a copy of his current contractor insurance card to you. If the contractor can’t do this – stay away. Why? If there is an accident at your home, you are then liable. This also applies to any sub-contractor or employee that the contractor may use – those individuals should have active insurance cards faxed or mailed to you as well.

Tip #2: Did You Check References and See Photos?
Ask for at least three references – with two of them being for the same type of project you are planning – and then call the references. Additionally, ask the contractor to provide photos of previous work, especially for the same type of project. If he produces lawn and garden photos and you’re planning a bathroom remodel, you may want to check out another contractor.

Tip #3: Does Your Contractor Take Debit or Credit Cards?
Besides your ability to earn a few points, bonus miles, or cash back on your project, a good sign that a contractor is financially savvy and has a bank behind his business is his ability to take debit and credit cards. This doesn’t just apply to big contracting companies. Many small, one-man shops will take cards if they have a good relationship with their business bank or credit union.

Tip #4: Manners and Appearance?
If the contractor drove his vehicle to your home to give you an estimate, take a look at the way he keeps the equipment and vehicle. Are things clean? Neatly arranged? If not – that’s a big warning. The way a contractor treats his tools is a direct connection to how he’ll treat your home. During the initial meeting, does the contractor present himself in a professional way? Do you feel comfortable around him or his employees? They will be working in your home after all.

Tip #5: Clean Up Policy?
Ask about the clean-up policy. For example, if your home improvement is a multi-day project, will the contractor be cleaning up at the end of every day or will he leave the dust, wood chips, and other mess laying there for day #2? The more mess in your home – the more it gets tracked around. Many homeowners find themselves with mouths gaping wide after the contractor has left for the day and their floors and home are dirty and messy around the project area.

Tip #6: Will the Contractor Put It In Writing?
Is your contractor willing to put both his bid and the scope of work in writing? If not – walk away immediately. You’ll be surprised how many homeowners have been duped by contractors who verbally tell you what’s included in their scope of work, but will then, in the middle of everything, require extra money to finish the remodel, thus holding you hostage with an uncompleted home project.

Tip #7: Availability?
Can the contractor get the job done in your timeline rather than his timeline? There’s nothing more frustrating than if a contractor tells you that a job will be done by a certain date and then it isn’t . On the flip side, if you can’t find a good contractor that’s willing to commit to your timeline, your expectations may be too high and you may need to adjust your timeline.

Tip #8: Does Your Contractor Use “Subs?”
Does your contractor plan on doing everything himself? Or will he “sub out” work to the “trades?” For example, if you are remodeling a bathroom, you may need a plumber, electrician, and carpenter. It’s okay if the contractor subs work out to these specific trades – it shows he wants the work done right.

Also, it’s fair to say that you can expect your contractor to make money off the trades, or other sub-contractors, by marking up those quotes for the project. That is a standard practice to help the general contractor recover costs in the time it takes to manage the schedule. If you don’t want to spend the extra money on your contractor marking up the trade quotes, then you should prepare to project manage the remodel yourself, but know this may limit your options on contractors willing to work with you.

Tip #9: Quoting & Billing Procedure?
Ask the contractor about his quoting procedure. Will it contain general information, or will it be specific? For example – most contractors will charge you for a fuel surcharge, material up-charges, waste removal, labor, etc. Some will show you these exact costs in a line item invoice, but others roll it up into one big bill. How much detail do you want? You should clarify that with your contractor upfront.

Also – what is the payment or billing policy? Is money required upfront? If so, go back to #1 and #2 above to make sure you have the contractor’s references checked and have a copy of his contractor’s insurance.

Tip #10: Did Your Contractor Get the Permits?
Ask your contractor to take care of the permits. Although permits cost you money, the inspection process is meant to protect you from poor workmanship and to make sure that everything is being built to code.

By following these 10 tips for hiring a home contractor, you’ll feel more confident that you’ve found the right contractor for your remodeling job.

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Built 8 years ago for an architect with an eye for sunshine and space, this large home features four bedrooms upstairs and three full baths, a fantastic kitchen and family room combination, a first floor home office, separate living room and separate dining room.

The Owner’s Top 10 Reasons why we love this home/neighborhood  (in no particular order):

1. Our 8 year old quotes “Lots of kids” and “We can walk to Baskin Robbins!”

2. Our 6 year old quotes “Lots of room to play in the basement”

3. Community feel if /and when you want to participate.  For example: Back-to-School, End-of-School, and July 4th “Block Parties.”  When it snows, all the kids in the neighborhood go sledding together. Many people decorate their homes for the holidays and kids never have to leave the neighborhood on Halloween to get all the candy they can possibly eat.  Santa visits the neighborhood every year on a Fire Truck!

4.  No going upstairs and downstairs to do laundry. Fold and put away!

5.  Bright and Sunny ALL year round.

6.  Open floor plan lets me keep an eye on the kids from anywhere on the first floor.

7.  Having an office on the first floor helps us manage daily mail/organizing paperwork etc. Lots of storage and organization space.

8.  The house is so versatile – We loved having formal dinners/informal get-togethers/BBQ’s.

9.  I love the cabinet and counter space in the kitchen.  I have even hosted some tasty cooking classes!

10. The his and hers walk-in closets and sinks helps ensure domestic peace.

You will feel pampered with perfection by upgrades like the gourmet kitchen with granite counter, computer station, adjoining breakfast room and family room, master suite with his and her closets and spa bath that make you feel like you are on a perpetual vacation!

The rest of the family is treated well too, with a private office on the first level, recreation room and media room with a projection system on the lower level.

The current owners love this home because of its sense of space inside and out, lots of light, large deck and ease of access to all points of the metro area. Welcome home!

A new Trex deck, a media room, exercise room, and fifth bedroom and bath are extra benefits to make this the perfect home to come home to Weston Hills is known for its friendly neighbors and sense of community.

Please give Lise Howe a call to arrange your private showing. 240-401-5577

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Spacious one bedroom plus den in the Highly Desired, First Class, Lafayette Building with all the extras!

The open floor plan boasts: sun filled rooms, granite countertops, brand new hardwood floors throughout, Juliette balconies, in-unit washer/dryer & incredible walk-in closet with lots of storage.

In the heart of Penn Quarter you’re just blocks from Chinatown and the Verizon Center, walk to SEI, Oyamel, Rusika, The National Mall/Smithsonian Museums & Federal Triangle; located at the heart of all the bustling action.

Click to see the amenities of this  pet friendly condo building; including 2 gyms, movie theater, conference room, roof pool with a double grill, prep kitchen and tons of seating, Amazing Views of the Capitol and Washington Monument.

Contact us today to schedule to view this Unit and explore the amenities of the building  with The Lise Howe of Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase at 240-401-5577 or Lise@LiseHowe.com

Howe Real Estate Should Be!

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Chateau Morrisette, One of Many Fine Virginia Vineyards

Nearly 50 of the best Virginia wineries are pouring wine at the Vintage Virginia Wine Festival from 11 am to 6 pm at the Bull Run Regional Park at 7700 Bull Run Drive. At the 29th annual Vintage Virginia you can visit, in one place, these many fine wineries. Participating wineries include Chateau Morrisette, Chrysalis, and Tarara, among others.  Click here for a map of the participating vineyards and their locations at the festival.   

In its 29th year this event is a cornerstone of the East Coast wine festival season, featuring a one-stop shopping environment for wine collectors and enthusiasts, as well as a unique opportunity to interact with winemakers, movers and shakers, cultivating your own understanding of what makes a quality vintage.

Did you know that Virginia is a modern wine country on the rise? In the 30 years since the cultivation of European wine grapes was introduced to Virginia, the state has become home to over 140 wineries and nearly 3000 acres of vineyards. Virginia is now the 7th largest wine producing region in the US. As any Virginian will tell you, it is a unique wine region whose unparalled beauty, history, and access to the wine making process make it unlike any other in the world. The state’s 5 distinct wine growing regions produce numerous varieties of wine that are distinctively Virginia.

There even are performers to help you work your way through the wine vendors!  For example, on Saturday you can listen to Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe

From a pressure cooker of rhythm, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe brings forth the most delicious variety of grooves ever sampled by a listener’s feet. Led by Karl Denson, who over the past 15 years  has collaborated with such luminaries as Lenny Kravitz, Fred Wesley and The Greyboy Allstars, the Tiny Universe creates a dynamic sound that defies categorization. The band members, Denson on vocals, tenor and alto sax and flute, guitarist Brian Jordan, bassist Chris Stillwell, keyboard player David Veith, trumpet player Chris Littlefield and drummer John Staten, have earned a reputation as kings of the unstoppable all-night show. www.karldenson.com.

Centreville is a pleasant drive through the Virginia country side, easily accessible from places like Kenwood Forest in Bethesda/Chevy Chase or American University Park, fondly known as AU Park, in DC.  Just another example of why DC is such a great place to live!

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List Price: $499,555
Bedrooms: 4
Full Baths: 2
Half Baths: 1

Check us out – a beautiful home perfectly remodeled for a the lifestyle you want – Granite and stainless in the kitchen, upgraded cabinets, even an island! a big country kitchen opening into a sunny family room! 4 big bedrooms and don’t miss the master bath – soaking tub, sep shower, beautiful tile! a walk in closet in the master bedr. Huge deck in large level fenced yard! quiet street too!

SCHOOLS
Elementary: HIGHLAND
Middle: NEWPORT MILL
High: ALBERT EINSTEIN HIGH SCHOOL

FEATURES
Rooms: Living Room, Dining Room, Bedroom-Master, Bedroom-Second, Bedroom-Third, Bedroom-Fourth, Kitchen, Recreation Rm, Family Rm, Storage Room, Utility Room
Main Entrance: Foyer
Interior Style: Floor Plan-Traditional
Dining/Kitchen: Fam Rm Off Kit, Gourmet, Kit-Family Combo, Kit-Island, Kit-Table Space, Sep Dining Rm, Eat-In Kitchen
Appliances: Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Icemaker, Microwave, Oven-SCC, Oven/Range-Gas, Refrigerator, Washer
Amenities: Attach Mstr Bath, Attic-Partially Finished, Attic-Storage Only, Attic-Strs Pull Dwn, Auto Gar Dr Opn, Built-in Bookcases, Crown Molding, FP Mantels, Granite Counters, Home Warranty, MBA/Sep Shwr, MBA/Sep Tub, MBR-BA Full, Master Walk-in Closet, W/W Carpeting, Walk-in Closet(s), Washer/Dryer Hookup, Wood Floors

Basement: Yes
Basement Type: Full, Fully Finished, Heated, Improved
Basement Entrance: Connect Stair
House Dimensions: x
SQFT-Tot Fin: 2234
Above Grade Finished: 2234
Tax Living Area: 2,234

Directions:
N. University, L. Viers Mill, R. Newport Mill, R. Parker, go 2 blocks to home on Left or South on Georgia Avenue toward Silver Spring, right on Parker before Arcola.

PARKING
Parking: Drvwy/Off Str, Garage
Garage Type: Attached
# Gar/Carpt/Assgn Sp: 2//
Parking Incl in List Price: Yes
Parking Incl in Sale Price: No

UTILITIES
Heat System: Forced Air, Zoned
Heat Fuel: Natural Gas
Cool System: Ceiling Fan(s), Central A/C, Zoned
Cool Fuel: Electric
Water: Public
Hot Water: Natural Gas
Sewer Septic: Public Sewer

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Earnest Money: $5
TOT EST CHRGS: $5,511
County Tax: $3,934
Tax Year: 2009
Refuse Fee: $379
Special Tax Assess: $1,198
Yr Assessed: 2010
Land: $274,810
Improvements: $219,980
Phase-in Value: $494,790
Possession: Settlement

HOA/CONDO
HOA: No

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List Price: $664,923
Bedrooms: 4
Full Baths: 3
Half Baths: 1

Open Sunday 2-5! Perfect Kettler home in Old Farm! From the cherry tree lined cul de sac to the juliet balcony in the master bedroom, this is the one your buyers have been looking for! The sun filled breakfast nook in the kitchen, family room with French doors to the patio, and wood panelled home office provide cozy spaces but there is a big formal living room and separate DR OpenSun 5/2 2-5.

SCHOOL
Elementary: FARMLAND
Middle: TILDEN
High: WALTER JOHNSON

Rooms: Living Room, Dining Room, Bedroom-Master, Bedroom-Second, Bedroom-Third, Kitchen, Recreation Rm, Family Rm, Den, Foyer, Bedroom-First, Den/Stdy/Lib, Lndry-Sep Rm, Mud Room, Utility Room, Workshop
Main Entrance: Center Hall, Foyer
Interior Style: Floor Plan-Traditional
Dining/Kitchen: Fam Rm Off Kit, Kit-Country, Kit-Table Space, Sep Dining Rm, Eat-In Kitchen
Appliances: Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Icemaker, Oven-Single, Oven/Range-Electric, Refrigerator, Stove, Washer
Amenities: Attach Mstr Bath, Attic-Partially Finished, Bath Ceramic Tile, Built-in Bookcases, Fireplace Equip., Home Warranty, MBR-BA Full, Wood Floors

Basement: Yes

Basement Type: Daylight, Partial, Full, Fully Finished, Heated, Improved, Windows, Workshop
Basement Entrance: Outside Entrance
House Dimensions: x
SQFT-Tot Fin: 2466
Above Grade Finished: 2466
Tax Living Area: 2,466

Directions:
N on 270, exit on Montrose toward Rockville Pike, R. on Tildenwood Drive, R. on Old Stage, L. on Magruder, R. on Race Horse. Home in 2nd block on Left. OR N. Old Georgetown, Left on Tilden, R.on Farmland, L. Race Horse.

PARKING
Parking: Drvwy/Off Str
Parking Incl in List Price: No
Parking Incl in Sale Price: No

UTILITIES
Heat System: Forced Air
Heat Fuel: Natural Gas
Cool System: Central A/C
Cool Fuel: Electric
Water: Public
Hot Water: Natural Gas
Sewer Septic: Public Sewer

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Earnest Money: $5
TOT EST CHRGS: $7,725
County Tax: $5,719
Tax Year: 2009
Refuse Fee: $285
Special Tax Assess: $1,722
Yr Assessed: 2010
Land: $353,600
Improvements: $245,900
Phase-in Value: $599,500
Possession: Settlement

HOA/CONDO
HOA: No

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List Price: $500,000
Bedrooms: 1
Full Baths: 1

1140 sq ft flooded with sunshine from 15 windows. This condo is HUGE! Big 1 bedr, totally updated with marble spa bath and exquisite chef kitchen w/ gas stove & lots of cabinets! Sep. dining rm now used as den but could seat 12 easily- or use intimate solarium as DR- Don’t miss WASHER/DRYER in kitchen! Pet friendly too! parking available at 3000 Cathedral for rent. Elegant and updated!

SCHOOL
Elementary:
Middle:
High:

FEATURES
Rooms: Living Room, Dining Room, Bedroom-Master, Kitchen, Den, Other Room 1, Foyer, Solarium
Main Entrance: Foyer
Interior Style: Floor Plan-Traditional
Dining/Kitchen: Kit-Table Space, Eat-In Kitchen
Appliances: Cooktop, Dishwasher, Disposal, Microwave, Oven/Range-Gas, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer Stacked
Amenities: Built-in Bookcases, Corian Counters, Elevator, Granite Counters, MBA/Sep Shwr, MBA/Sep Tub, MBR-BA Full, Master Walk-in Closet, Tub-Soaking, Walk-in Closet(s), Washer/Dryer Hookup, Wood Floors

Handicap: None
House Dimensions: x
SQFT-Tot Fin: 1140
Above Grade Finished: 1140
Tax Living Area: 1,140

Directions:
North Connecticut Ave, Left on Devonshire to building on right at 2737

PARKING
Parking: Off Site Parking
Parking Incl in List Price: No
Parking Incl in Sale Price: No

UTILITIES
Heat System: Radiator
Heat Fuel: Natural Gas
Cool System: Window Unit(s)
Cool Fuel: Electric
Water: Public
Hot Water: Natural Gas
Sewer Septic: Public Sewer

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Total Taxes: $4,113
City/Town Tax: $4,113
Tax Year: 2009
Yr Assessed: 2009
Land: $145,180
Improvements: $338,740
Total Tax Assessment: $483,920
Total Units: 60
Possession: Settlement

HOA/CONDO
HOA: No
Condo/Coop Fee: $750.00/ Monthly
HOA/Condo/Coop Amenities: Beauty Salon, Comm Lndry Rm, Elevator, Exercise Room, Extra Storage, Library, Meeting Room, Party Room, Security, Laundry Facilities
HOA/Condo/Coop Rules: Altr/Arch Chgs, Elevator Use, Moving In Times, Pets-Size restrict
HOA/Condo/Coop Fee Includes: Ext Bldg Maint, Gas, Heat, Lawn Maintenance, Management, Master Ins Policy, Security, Sewer, Snow Removal, Water, Exercise Room

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List Price: $239,000
Bedrooms: 3
Full Baths: 1

This is a deal for you! This estate sale property is ready for a new owner and the sellers are motivated. A real charmer with loads of possibilities. The home needs work but will pay huge dividends to your buyer. Near commuter routes and public transportation, as well as shopping and entertainment.

SCHOOL
Elementary:
Middle:
High:

FEATURES
Interior Style: Floor Plan-Traditional
Dining/Kitchen: Kit-Table Space

Basement: Yes
Basement Type: Full, Heated, Unfinished
Basement Entrance: Connect Stair
House Dimensions: x
SQFT-Tot Fin: 0
Tax Living Area: 1,322

Directions:
East-West Highway to Queens Chapel Road towards DC. Turn Right on Nicholson Street and then Left on 31st Place to the property on the right.

PARKING
Parking: Street
Parking Incl in List Price: No
Parking Incl in Sale Price: No

UTILITIES
Heat System: Forced Air
Heat Fuel: Natural Gas
Cool System: Central A/C
Cool Fuel: Electric
Water: Public
Hot Water: Natural Gas
Sewer Septic: Public Sewer

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Total Taxes: $7,580
City/Town Tax: $2,502
County Tax: $3,574
Tax Year: 2009
Special Tax Assess: $1,504
Yr Assessed: 2010
Land: $75,100 Improvements: $115,000
Total Tax Assessment: $190,100
Possession: Settlement

HOA/CONDO
HOA: No

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Lise Howe Sold Your House!

Congratulations! You have a contract on your home! Your agent has done a wonderful job for you, found the buyer of your dreams, gotten you top dollar, and the buyer will even let you stay in the house after settlement for a few days or even a few months! Wow – how much better can it be? STOP!!!! This is not a dream – it is the beginning of a nightmare.

When you go to settlement, the buyer is going to ask for an escrow deposit to guarantee that if there are any problems with the house when you move out, that there will be money for the buyer to make the repairs.  Imagine if the moving company knocks a hole in the wall as it is moving your concert grand piano out of your old house.  You have the contract with the moving company – not the buyer.  The buyer can’t easily argue with the movers to repair the wall, and you are out of the picture now.  Escrows can be as low as a couple of hundred dollars and as high as five or ten thousand dollars. 

If the house is empty before settlement, the buyer comes in for his or her walk through, typically an hour before settlement and on the way to the bank to get the certified check for the remaining funds.  The buyer is psyched and dazed at the prospect that this glorious house is about to become his house and not yours.  The walk through is brief. Does the stove turn on? Does the toilet leak? Are the walls still standing – great – check, check, check! Lets get to settlement and buy a house!  

Buyer after settlement

If the seller stays in the house after settlement for a few days, then the real walk through is entirely another matter.   The buyer has lots of time to do the walk through – now he is calm and focused on whether the seller has hurt the buyer’s new house.  Is there any paint chipped? Are the curtain rods there? What about that spot on the floor? That wasn’t there at contract ratification!!!!  Oh dear – the buyer needs $1000 for a new floor!  Does the washing machine rattle with heavy wet towels? Definately that isn’t working condition!

How is this resolved? First the buyer directs his agent to ask for a portion of the escrow.   The seller is outraged.  That spot on the floor was definately there since Lyndon Johnson was in the White House.  The contract provided that only the blinds conveyed and not the curtain rods!  The washing machine works even if it does shake a little.  No payments!  This goes back and forth for a few days, and finally the title attorney is called in to arbitrate.  Eventually everyone makes nice and life goes back to normal.

As the seller, maybe a rent back or post settlement occupancy is really necessary, but make sure that it truly is necessary – that it is your only option.  Every post settlement occupancy that I have been involved with this year in Kenwood Forest has been contentious.  Buyers feel like they are paying alot of money for their new homes and they want to make sure that those homes are in good condition.  The post settlement occupancy gives some buyers a last bite at that apple, a last chance to save a little more money – at the seller’s expense.  If you are a seller, just be careful.  Make sure you really need that post settlement occupancy – and be prepared to really pay for it.

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List Price: $299,999
Bedrooms: 1
Full Baths: 1

Doesn’t get much better than this one – with beautiful hardwood floors, great balc. w/ view north of Ballston and beyond. Updated kitchen and bath, freshly painted, new stove & dishwasher – perfect in every way – pool for summer, convenience store for ice cream!, easy walk to metro and Harris Teeter, Parking fee $100 per year – condo fee includes utilities

SCHOOLS
Elementary:
Middle:
High:

FEATURES
Rooms: Living Room, Bedroom-Master, Kitchen
Main Entrance: Living Room
Interior Style: Floor Plan-Open
Dining/Kitchen: Galley Kitchen, Liv-Din Combo
Appliances: Dishwasher, Disposal, Range hood, Stove
Amenities: Bath Ceramic Tile, Drapery Rods, Elevator, Entry Lvl BR, Master Walk-in Closet, Walk-in Closet(s), Wood Floors
Security: Desk in Lobby, Main Entrance Lock, Resident Manager

House Dimensions: x
SQFT-Tot Fin: 916
Above Grade Finished: 916
Tax Living Area: 916

Directions:
South on N.Glebe Road, Right on Henderson to Building on the Right. This is so close to Harris Teeter and Ballston metro

PARKING
Parking: Garage
Garage Type: Attached
# Gar/Carpt/Assgn Sp: 1//
Parking Incl in List Price: Yes

UTILITIES
Heat System: Forced Air
Heat Fuel: Natural Gas
Cool System: Central A/C
Cool Fuel: Electric
Water: Public
Hot Water: Natural Gas
Sewer Septic: Public Sewer

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Total Taxes: $2,717
County Tax: $2,686
Special Tax Assess: $31
Yr Assessed: 2009
Land: $36,600
Improvements: $273,900
Total Tax Assessment: $310,500
Possession: Settlement

HOA/CONDO
HOA: No
Condo/Coop Fee: $550.00/ Monthly
HOA/Condo/Coop Amenities: Elevator, Jog/walk Path, Pool-Outdoor, Security
HOA/Condo/Coop Rules: Elevator Use, Moving Fees Reqd, Moving In Times, Restrictions
HOA/Condo/Coop Fee Includes: Air Conditioning, CAM, Electricity, Ext Bldg Maint, Gas, Heat, Lawn Maintenance, Management, Master Ins Policy, Pool(s), Reserve Funds, Security, Sewer, Snow Removal, Trash Removal, Water

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