How to Find a Reputable Contractor

Every week I get calls from homeowners who have been left unsatisfied after a contractor failed to show up, left a job undone, or didn’t properly communicate costs. The process of finding a good remodeler and getting the result you want can be daunting, especially with so many options. So where do you start? Here are my top tips for finding the best professional for your renovation plans.

Ask for referrals.

When it comes to hiring an expert for remodeling or home repair work, you should look at it the same way you would for a doctor or an accountant. Start by asking friends, family, or co-workers for a referral, or you can also try your local building inspector or the owner of the lumberyard in your area. Additionally, every tradesperson has a network of other home professionals they deal with regularly; so if you have a plumber but need an electrician, don’t be afraid to reach out. Local Facebook groups are also a fantastic way to search for recommendations. 

Trust your gut.

When meeting with professionals, your gut feeling is as important as anything else. Home improvement is a personal process so go at it in the same way you would a first date. Do you like the solutions and options the expert provides? Does he communicate with you in a way that’s clear and concise?  Do you feel comfortable that she will do the job the way you want it done? Don’t get caught up in special deals or flashy talk, trust your instincts and go with a professional that feels more like a partner than a salesperson. A true expert will show his or her knowledge and educate you along the way.  

Don’t ask for a rough estimate. 

There is no use in asking for a “ballpark figure”. Chances are that an estimate will change once the contractor has a chance to understand what is specifically required. Certain things such as the condition of the property, the materials used for the job, and the personalization that you require will make up the price. Save yourself some time and confusion by making a list of what you really want before the contractors show up for the first appointment. Most professionals will give you an estimate for free so make the most of that opportunity by getting specific. Getting a good deal is important, but not if it means scrimping on quality workmanship. 

Do ask for a plan.

Understanding your costs is key, but it’s also a good idea to ask for a plan of action to ensure you are fully aware of both the process and the timeline for the job. A simple step-by-step explanation will give you the clarity you need to ensure that you and your contractor are on the same page and it will also help you plan around activities you might have going on. As a professional, I like to make sure the steps involved in a job are clearly articulated for two reasons; it gives my customers confidence in the project and helps them understand all of the work being undertaken, especially the parts that might not be as obvious.  In my opinion, an educated customer is the best kind of customer.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Avoid These Outdoor Projects in the Winter

Lots of folks think winter is a great time for outdoor upgrades. It feels like a good plan after the holiday hustle and before the contractors get super busy with the warmer weather. But, truth be told, it's not the safest time for big exterior projects like roofing and siding. Here's why:

• When the weather is below 40 degrees, the composition of building materials really changes. As it gets colder, products such as shingles can get brittle and crack or split easily. Materials such as vinyl siding shrink, which can lead to misalignment or potential for leaks when they later expand as the weather warms.

• Another big issue is shingle adherence. Shingle sealant is activated by sun and heat. If there is not enough of either, the hold won’t be as strong as it should be, which could cause problems down the road. If the weather is too cold, we are often forced to hand seal, which can add time and cost to a generally simple process.

• Most contractors use an air nail gun for external remodeling, which works by pressure. If humidity turns to ice in the airline, it can under or overdrive the nails instead of putting them in flush. Compressors face the same potential problem. 

• Being on a roof or ladder in winter is dangerous. Even the most seasoned professionals must take care as black ice can cause serious injury. While we take every precaution, there is a lot that can go wrong during cold conditions. It’s often not worth the risk. 

• Winter weather is unpredictable. When it rains in the warmer months, we tarp a job thoroughly to ensure there aren’t any leaks. Snow is more difficult as it adds both moisture and weight to a job. Imagine having a roof open in February and a foot of snow falls from the sky?

• A cold weather installation could void your warranty. Many products specify a proper installation environment, which is usually above 40 degrees. 

• Winter jobs almost always take longer as roofers need to take extra precautions and more frequent breaks while working in cold conditions. The last thing you want is someone on a roof who can’t feel their toes. There is also less daylight, which will add time to an installation.

Sometimes, a winter repair or replacement is inevitable and leaving the job until spring might make things worse. If this is the case for you, be sure that you’re working with an experienced contractor who has a solid track record in winter conditions and discuss all the precautions and extra steps that will be taken to ensure the job is done correctly. The last thing you want is someone getting injured or a situation where corners have to be cut to accommodate less-than-fair conditions. In the end, is it really worth it? 

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

How To Treat Mold on Siding

Here in Connecticut and most of New England, vinyl siding is a popular cladding option for many homeowners. Starting in the 1950s, it became a favorite aluminum replacement due to its low maintenance and high durability. With a wide variety of colors and textures, it continues to be a fantastic option, offering personalized style without having to worry about sanding, painting, or major maintenance. 

While vinyl siding is beneficial in so many ways, one complaint is the potential for mold growth, often on the north side of a home. To be clear, mold can grow anywhere, but the north side is the area that’s most susceptible because it gets the least amount of sun exposure. Constant shade, high vegetation, or anything that stops a house from getting regular sunlight is an invitation for mold to grow in that area, whether it’s clad in vinyl or not.

In addition to lack of sunlight, excess moisture is another mold inhibitor. The cause could be as simple as trapped rainwater that’s unable to drain properly. Another possible issue could be a faulty drain pipe or a gutter that’s dripping on the siding, causing constant dampness. Either way, a moisture problem is something you’ll want to deal with as the water will continue to feed the mold, which will then spread. 

Another reason for mold growth on siding is a build-up of dirt, which is a food source for all different types of fungus. Something as simple as a dryer vent can cause dirt and dander to stick to the siding. Tree sap is also common and can be tough to remove. Homes on high-traffic roads tend to get dirty more easily as well. Any of this debris will quite literally make a meal for spores to feast on. 

So what can you do to keep mold at bay and ensure your vinyl siding looks great for years to come? Assessing your sunlight and moisture exposure is key, but what if you don’t want to cut down a tree or you happen to live in an area where moisture is a problem? A professional will be able to inspect your siding and treat the mold using a cleaner and blocker that removes spores and keeps them from coming back. It’s important to use a specially designed cleaner that is strong enough to tackle mold but not too harsh that it will damage the house. You also want to be careful not to use any bleach-containing materials so as not to harm the vegetation surrounding your home. 

Once your house is cleaned, be sure to maintain your vinyl siding by assessing your home for moisture, treating leaks promptly, and keeping your gutters clear and free of debris. An annual inspection will help to ensure that any problems are dealt with promptly so they don’t get out of control. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.