|
June 16, 2008
Well, our blog has finally been deployed and it is ready for prime time!! This blog allows you to interactive with us on various home remodeling topics that we will post on a regular basis. Feel free to speak your mind on any topics, and suggest anything you want us to also discuss on this blog. If you have issues with the functionality of this blog, let us know so we can address them ASAP. I have also transferred all ‘Consumer Tip’ articles over to this blog, as well as all of the press releases. We are looking forward in hearing from you!
Hammer ‘N’ Nails
 Print This Post
Building Permits are a very imprortant part of the remodeling process. They allow for adding onto pre-existing structures, major remodeling, or for new construction. Permits are pulled to follow city and county building codes. Provided below are links to various permit information from cities in Merced County, from Merced County itself, and ICC.
International Code Council (ICC)
City of Merced
City of Atwater
County of Merced
Print This Post
TIP 1: DO NOT GO WITH THE LOWEST BID
Ever heard the saying: “You get what you paid for”? Selecting a contractor based on the lowest bid mostly results in the contractor not being licensed, insured, cutting corners in quality, etc. Not only that, but the contractor may not bid properly because they want to aggressively win the bid, or just plain do not know how to bid. To select the right contractor, you have to look beyond the bid price and see what the contractor can offer you such as great customer service, client references, insurance protection, years of experience, trade or member affiliations, etc.
TIP 2: DO NOT CALL NUMEROUS CONTRACTORS AT ONE TIME TO GET AN ESTIMATE ON A PROJECT
This happens a lot because many contractors provide ‘free estimates.’ As a result, you may have the tendency to call as many contractors at one time to see which one provides the lowest price. The best approach is to work with one contractor at a time and see what they can offer you beside the bid price.
TIP 3: DO NOT HIRE AN UNLICENSED CONTRACTOR
Most unlicensed contractors pose themselves as ‘handyman’ and do not have insurance, may cut corners in quality, or worse, take a down payment from you and not complete the work. With license contractors, if there is a serious issue, you can contact the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and file a complaint against their license. With unlicensed contractors, there is no recourse so be careful!
TIP 4: PROVIDE A BUDGET
Let your contractor know the maximum amount of money you are willing to spend on your project the first time you make contact with them. With this valuable information, the contractor can determine the best way to design your project to fit your budget, if the budget is realistic. Without informing the contractor of a budget, you will blame them for being ‘too expensive,’ and you may have the tendency to call as many contractors you can to see who can fit your budget. This approach is a waste of time for the contractors you interface with and yourself. Keep an open mind to other design alternatives for your project if the main selections you want are out of your price range.
TIP 5: DO NOT ASK A CONTRACTOR FOR A BALLPARK PRICE BEFORE THE INITIAL VISIT
Give the contractor the opportunity to first visit you at your home to see the project firsthand. From there, they can determine what they are dealing with. Even though you may know what needs to be done for your project, do not assume what you see is interpreted the same way a contractor would interpret it.
TIP 6: MAKE SURE YOU PROVIDE THE CONTRACTOR THE START OR COMPLETION DATE OF YOUR PROJECT
Let the contractor know when you plan to have your project started or completed. From there, they can determine where to fit you in their schedule. DO NOT attempt to ask a contractor for a price on your project without a committed start or completion date from you. This attempt wastes the contractor’s time and yours.
TIP 7: MAKE A RESPONSE TO A CONTRACTOR’S BID WITHIN THREE DAYS
If a contractor prepares a written estimate with the actual cost of the project, respond promptly to the contractor within three days to let them know how you would like to proceed with the project. If the contractor gave the time to prepare an estimate for you, then you should at least spend the time to follow up on the bid with them.
TIP 8: DO NOT ACT AS YOUR OWN GENERAL CONTRACTOR
If you have years of experience in the construction trade, then you can safely act as owner/builder of your project. This means that you can act as your own general contractor. However, you will be fully responsible for all phases of the job, including the responsibility of pulling permits yourself. If any mistakes happen as a result of your work on the job or your subcontractor’s work, you are on the hook, especially if they do not have liability insurance. Also, if an unlicensed contractor you hire does not have worker’s compensation and one of their workers get injured, then you are liable for their injuries and will have to pay for the damages. Bottom line, if you do not know what you are doing and want to sleep at night, hire a general contractor.
Print This Post
Preparing for a home improvement project can be a daunting and complicated task. The big question is where to begin to plan for one. The biggest fear is “Will my project turn out the way I want under the budget I currently have”? Here are steps to take in order for the design, planning, and remolding process to flow smoothly.
STEP 1: BRAINSTORMING - Write down every single item you want done for your remodeling project. For instance, if you are planning for a kitchen remodel, do you want new cabinets? Will those new cabinets be constructed in red oak? Do you want porcelain tile on your kitchen floor? Should your new countertop be in granite? Once everything is written down, evaluate your list once more to make sure you did not miss anything.
STEP 2: RESEARCH YOUR PROJECT - Research every item you want done for your project by searching the Internet, reading home remodeling and design magazines, even going to different material vendors in your city such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc. Weigh in the advantages and disadvantages of each selection based on durability, appearance, and price. For example, what are the advantages and disadvantages of a granite vs. porcelain tile countertop? You can also visit homes of friends and neighbors to see if they underwent any major remodeling projects to get a feel for design. Research as much as you can until you get a feel for the materials you have selected and the proper design for your project. You can also click here to research more topics based on the selections you have chosen.
STEP 3: PRICING YOUR PROJECT - This is the step that every customer wants to know first. They skip steps 1 and 2 and make an appointment with a contractor to give them a price for a project they are not 100% sure about. Not only that, the customer may not have the money in their bank account to fund this project, but just looking for an estimate without a commitment towards the project. I highly recommend that you do not take this approach. Make sure you have done much research in your project and have proper funds in your bank account to pay for the project. Contractors are under the assumption that you are going to accept their bid, so make sure you are a potential client to them. If not, you will waste their time and yours.
So, how do you find accurate pricing information for your project? This question is hard to answer because each contractor’s price varies due to several factors:
- The cost of the materials they select.
- The labor cost for their employees.
- Variations in markup that is based on a contractor’s overhead costs.
- If a general contractor is used, then there will be cost differences between the contractor using their own employees vs. using subcontractors.
A good starting point to look for pricing information for your project is Remodeling Magazine online that provides average prices each year based on your area. Various projects range from mid-scale kitchen remodels to room additions. To access their page, please click here.
If you want to get more advanced with pricing, then you can order cost estimate books such as the National Home Improvement Estimator Guide, or the National Repair and Remodeling Estimator Guide. These books are published every year by Craftsman Book and they contain very detailed pricing for numerous remodeling projects. For instance, if you want to know the cost to install a skylight, then they will break the cost down for framing of the roof, installation, and the cost of the skylight window itself. Please note that the prices given are for contractors that are planning to do the work themselves. If you plan to use a general contractor for your project, then add their markup price to the prices that are listed in the book if the general contractor plans to use subcontractors. To find more information about these books, please click here.
STEP 4: MAKING AN APPOINTMENT WITH A CONTRACTOR - Now that you have researched everything there is to know about your project and have allocated money it, it is time to call a contractor. Make sure you provide the contractor with all information that you have researched for your project, as well as your budget.
Print This Post
April 18, 2008
MERCED, CA – April 18, 2008 – Today, Hammer ‘N’ Nails announces that it has become a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, or NKBA. The NKBA is a non-profit trade organization, and since 1963, it has helped guide the kitchen and bathroom industry worldwide, with over 40,000+ members and growing. Every year, the NKBA hosts the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference or (K/BIS), the largest international trade event in the world, which showcases the latest trends in product and design ideas in the kitchen and bath industry.
The NKBA helps consumers by providing resources such as industry trends, products and services, and helping to locate a design professional within their area. NKBA also aids its consumers by monitoring legislation throughout the nation to protect the industry and its members. The NKBA assists its members by development courses and NKBA University, which raises the bar for kitchen and bath professionals.
By joining the NKBA, Hammer ‘N’ Nails will continue to uphold the highest standards of business conduct and professionalism within the kitchen and bath industry.
To access the NKBA’s website, go to http://www.nkba.com.
###
Copyright© 2008 Hammer ‘N’ Nails Corporation. All rights reserved. All other names and brands may be trademarks of their respective owners with which they are associated.
Print This Post
November 3, 2007
MERCED, CA – November 3, 2007 – Hammer ‘N’ Nails is pleased to announce a change in its services that will allow to better address its customer’s remodeling needs. Hammer ‘N’ Nails have expanded into a design/build company to help insure the highest quality customer continuity and simplify the process of establishing a good working relationship from the beginning with its potential customers.
Hammer ‘N’ Nails design/build process allows combining design AND construction services under one roof and can now offer ‘the whole package,’ saving time and trouble of having the customer to deal with complicated, and often confusing, city and county guidelines and other requirements prior to the beginning of a remodeling project. Should a customer qualify for the design/build process and sign a design/estimate agreement form, Hammer ‘N’ Nails is then able to provide its customers with a comprehensive, streamlined estimation process.
The design/build process benefits customers in the following ways:
- Blueprints and/or layout drawings of a remodeling project are offered to get the customer started.
- Hammer ‘N’ Nails will obtain permits that are required for a remodeling project.
- Hammer ‘N’ Nails will obtain permits that are required for a remodeling project.
- A price budget will be established early in the design/build process. From there, Hammer ‘N’ Nails can then prepare a realistic budget range to assess whether it is possible to accomplish its customer’s remodeling goals.
- Selection of materials is done during the design phase to help minimize construction costs.
- Trust and rapport are created early by addressing customer needs timely and professionally.
- Guarantees the quality of service and cost-effective price a customer deserves. There are no surprises with Design/Build!
These are just a few of the benefits for a customer when they select the new Hammer ‘N’ Nails. Please click here to find more about Design/Build!
###
Copyright© 2007 Hammer ‘N’ Nails Corporation. All rights reserved. All other names and brands may be trademarks of their respective owners with which they are associated.
Print This Post
March 18, 2007
MERCED, CA – March 18, 2007 – Hammer ‘N’ Nails Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of a new payment option effective today.
Hammer ‘N’ Nails Corporation has sought many convenient payment plans to get its customers to pay with convenience. As a result, the company recently implemented the tools needed to accept all major credit cards as one alternative for home improvement financing for its customers.
If a customer holds a major credit card, it can be used for their initial down payment, as well as for their remaining balance on a project. By using a credit card, it allows Hammer ‘N’ Nails Corporation to prioritize the project more effectively and enables the company to begin services right away. Since credit card transactions are fully secured using PayPal’s online merchant system, customers can relax, knowing their data is safe.
Please click here or the ‘Make a Payment’ link at the bottom of the website to access Hammer ‘N’ Nails Corporation’s payment options.
###
Copyright© 2007 Hammer ‘N’ Nails Corporation. All rights reserved. All other names and brands may be trademarks of their respective owners with which they are associated.
Print This Post
August 22, 2006
MERCED, CA – August 22, 2006 – Hammer ‘N’ Nails announces that it has been accepted into the Central Valley Better Business Bureau (BBB) of California, as well as the Better Business Bureau Online Reliability Program.
This membership brings with it numerous privileges that benefit the company. In addition, Hammer ‘N’ Nails’s affiliation with the Better Business Bureau also guarantees additional benefits for its valued customers.
The BBBOnLine Seal, displayed the bottom on this website, distinguishes Hammer ‘N’ Nails from the thousands of other online companies in a way that is easily recognizable by online consumers. The seal denotes that Hammer ‘N’ Nails has the confidence of a large credible organization � the BBB. Further, it signifies that you can trust Hammer ‘N’ Nails to provide high-quality services.
Hammer ‘N’ Nails customers can also have confidence that as a member in good standing of this renowned national organization such as the BBB, Hammer ‘N’ Nails offer services in a highly professional manner.
Hammer ‘N’ Nails’s membership let’s its consumers know it is reliable and can be depended upon to consistently deliver services in a timely manner. In keeping with the BBBOnLine Seal of approval, Hammer ‘N’ Nails demonstrates its attention to promoting honest advertising, fair treatment of customers, and self-regulation as an alternative to government regulation of its business practices.
Further advantages to customers include increase consumer confidence in the Web as a safe place to shop. Because Hammer ‘N’ Nails’s BBB membership entitles its customers to be supplied with the company’s satisfactory record of doing business, the company feels it promotes confidence to its consumers by extension confidence in the latest technologies of the Internet.
Although Hammer ‘N’ Nails does not anticipate problems to arise regarding the relationship it has with its customers, Hammer ‘N’ Nails pledges to work with its customers and the Better Business Bureau to resolve disputes. Hammer ‘N’ Nails’s BBB membership is their attempt to reassure customers they have an independent avenue for appeal of their concerns at no cost to them.
Click on the BBBOnline Reliability Program logo at the bottom of the website as a reference to Hammer ‘N’ Nails’s standing within the Better Business Bureau.
###
Copyright© 2006 Hammer ‘N’ Nails Corporation. All rights reserved. All other names and brands may be trademarks of their respective owners with which they are associated.
Print This Post
May 2, 2006
MERCED, CA – May 2, 2006 – Hammer ‘N’ Nails today has announced that Ashley Smith-Jenkins has been elected as president and chief executive officer. Smith-Jenkins is an enthusiastic and highly-qualified administrator to manage the company’s plans for growth and expansion.
Smith-Jenkins, a graduate of California State University at Fresno, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an entrepreneurship concentration. To insure a well-rounded arsenal of qualifications, Smith-Jenkins pursued his own interests in the psychosocial aspects of managing human resources and techniques for developing an individual’s full potential, which are essential in working in the construction trades.
Hammer ‘N’ Nails feels the unique combination of skill sets Smith-Jenkins brings to the table will help immeasurably to strengthen Hammer ‘N’ Nails’ ability to provide consistent, stable, and top-notch services to the company’s clientele.
Henry Jenkins will continue to serve as the chairman of the board and will be promoted to vice president and chief operating officer.
Smith-Jenkins will also serve on the board of directors.
###
Copyright© 2006 Hammer ‘N’ Nails Corporation. All rights reserved. All other names and brands may be trademarks of their respective owners with which they are associated.
Print This Post
May 1, 2006
MERCED, CA – May 1, 2006 – Modern American Money, Inc., which acquired Hammer ‘N’ Nails as a division in January 2005, has now become Hammer ‘N’ Nails Corporation. Hammer ‘N’ Nails Corporation will continue to provide home improvement and remodeling services for its clientele.
This corporate restructure will help accelerate Hammer ‘N’ Nails’ strategic initiative to provide better service while still maintaining the company’s mission and its values.
###
Copyright© 2006 Hammer ‘N’ Nails Corporation. All rights reserved. All other names and brands may be trademarks of their respective owners with which they are associated.
Print This Post
Newer Posts »
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
