Renovating Tips

Renovating?

Here are some ideas to keep your budget in line with your dream remodel…

Set aside EXTRA money. It’s almost impossible to prepare for every surprise. Once a wall is opened, an old sink is removed, etc. you often find that there are unexpected extras. Try either choosing finish items below your budget and choose up if you have the extra OR set aside about 20% extra funds in preparation.

Its TRUE! Measure Twice – Cut Once

Make sure EVERYTHING fits before you install…Refrigerators, cabinets, islands, tables, chairs, appliances, etc.

Be Open to a Change in Layout

You might find that a small change will make your kitchen or bathroom easier to navigate with better appeal. The cost might surprise you.

Classic Lasts

How long would you like to enjoy your remodel? Remember that the budget you create will need to increase in years to come, so, keep that in mind when adding the cool new gadget or trendy design. If you are planning to re-sell or don’t have the funds to remodel when the trend has passed, you might be disappointed.

Ask for the ‘little things’

Ask your contractor about any safety add-ons that will make your renovation last longer.

Order Extras of Items that May be Discontinued

Consider ordering extra flooring, backsplashes, fabric, etc. to be prepared for any repairs down the road.

Lastly, HIRE INSURED AND LICENSED CONTRACTORS! Protect yourself and your project.

Don’t be afraid to ask “what is your license number?” (you can look it up to confirm if its current.

Ask “may I have a certificate of insurance naming me as additional insured?”

hmma@hmmainc.com 201-943-3331 13VH01459100

Getting Ready for Spiced Everything

Autumn is the time of year that everything turns spice colored and flavored as well. We love a nice hot pumpkin spice latte…doesn’t everyone?

Well, grab your latte and check out these easy autumn tips for keeping your home pleasant and comfy for the season

This list will be an easy set of tasks that won’t take any heavy duty tools or time. Let’s face it, in 2020 we could use a break with some easy home and office improvement accomplishments.

So, number one: You may be one of the many people with a newly designed work from home (WFH) section of your home. Often it turns out to be the dining room table.

While you can call on your favorite contractor to help you build a whole new office, we promised this was an easy challenge. So, find a closet you can give up and add a nice ‘skinny desk’ that has a cabinet for files and a shelf for your printer. That’s all you need and when work is done-just close the door! Bonus…you can put all the closet items on shelves above the desk.

This still gives you the use of your closet AND a way to ‘leave’ the office behind at the end of the day.

Number two: Speaking of lattes-your kitchen top may be getting a little crowded with all the fancy coffee and tea gadgets you are enjoying this season.

Well, we’re reminding you to think ‘UP’ and keeping the ‘office’ theme in mind-try a desktop drawer organizer to lift all the goodies off the counter.

You can separate coffee, tea, hot chocolate in their own drawer, filters, stirrers, sugar packets, etc. All you need for that awesome well-deserved break or ‘recess’ during your workday.

These desktop organizers are great for keys, mail and other counter-top space stealers.

Number three: Your final tip for today (remember, these are supposed to be easy and tool-free) is to check out your home or office like a visitor would. Bring a pencil and paper – or tablet to write down every thought that hits you as you make your way around. This is not to create large remodeling projects, but, easy-do-in-between tasks like:

label and secure dangling wires,
check backs of bookcases and entertainment centers for loose nails (if you catch it in time a ‘no-tool’dab of glue to the rescue!)
test shades and blinds for needed adjustments
look for dark corners that will benefit from a stick up (no tools!) motion detector light
where can you add an easy makeover for electrical faceplates and light switches-ok it does require a screwdriver, but we did say no ‘heavy duty’ tools.

Now, wasn’t that easy? You probably didn’t even finish your latte yet.

Happy Autumn and remember to call a professional before you begin a home or office remodeling project. Get price estimates and proof of insurance from every contractor you plan to hire. Be sure to call your town to find out if you need permits for the work you are about to do.

And as always…“Measure twice; cut once.”― Alistair MacLeod

Summer…the time for vacations and longer days. For homeowners, the work never seems to end. For smart homeowners, the right maintenance prevents a larger repair down the road.

Here are some tips to keep your home in tip-top shape this season.

Help your gutters do their job. Remove any winter debris by giving the gutters a quick purge with your leaf blower or garden hose extension. Check for loose or disconnected elbows and tighten when needed.
Service your A/C. Most homeowners can change air filters and vacuum out floor registers. Call your contractor if you need additional service.
How’s your siding? Warm and sunny days give an excuse for playing with the hose. Give your siding the once over with soap and water, a brush & the garden hose.
Check the Play and Sitting Areas of your home. Children will be planning to enjoy the outdoors…so be sure to give your swing sets and lawn furniture the once over with some bleach and soapy water. Always test an area first. Also, tighten any loose connections.
Window of Opportunity. GET A SQUEEGEE! No one likes this job, but, a squeegee makes it a little easier.

Do a walk-thru and make a list of items that need repair or service. This way, you can work to get a contractor to price a full day of work at a value rate rather than several short trips that will typically cost more.

Contact HMMA at: hmma@hmmainc.com for a Free Summer Maintenance Walk Thru Checklist.

Having Some Fun Installing a New Whirlpool Tub for Our Client

See our ideabook: We’re planning a new whirlpool for our client!

We’ll add new photos as we continue. Follow us on Houzz!

Keep Warm this Winter

Keep warm this year!

Of course, the best solution is to have your home professionally insulated.

Until then:

Be sure to close doors to unused rooms and keep the heat where you are.
Cover your floors! Area rugs add a nice color accent and warmth to your rooms.
Use decorative door warmers to keep the cold out. If you don’t have one handy…head out to your local hardware store and buy some pipe foam. You can cut it in half and slide it under the door OR use two and cover with a pretty fabric wide enough to slide one on each side of the door.
Remember to ALWAYS shut off space heaters when you leave the room. Never leave them unattended.

Call HMMA, Inc. at: 201-943-3331 for more tips on keeping your home warm, remodeling, insulation, whole home generators and more.

Change of Season

Some thoughts for change of season:
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries.
Check your clean gutters and downspouts. Make sure all drainage areas are unblocked by leaves and debris. Consider installing gutter guards to make the job a lot easier.
Check the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Use caulk to fill the holes or completely replace the wood.
Now is a good time to check your roof for wear and tear. If the shingles are curling, buckling or crackling, replace them. If you have any leaks or gaps, heavy snow and ice will find its way in. Call in a professional before the weather goes cold.
Bring in hoses indoors…drain and store for spring.
Clean and replace filters in your furnace or heating system. Don’t forget to oil the furnace. Contact your local utility company who will often check out your system for free.
Check out your snow blower, shovels, scrapers, etc. Making sure these items are in tip top shape before the first snow will save you time, energy and lot’s of time on line at your local hardware or repair shop.
For more home maintenance tips or for a quote on your upcoming projects. Call HMMA, Inc., at: 201-943-3331.

Improve Your Property Management Success

So, you want to be a landlord?

Well, running a successful and profitable property, whether it is a rental home, apartment, condo or commercial building requires dedication, hard work, perseverance and the right tools.

Some folks enter the property management business by accident: They have a home that hasn’t sold, so they decide to rent until it does.

Other folks are looking for an income opportunity.

Well, there are many important aspects to consider and here are some of them:

Remember that there will be vacancy periods. Keep this in mind when pricing your rent. Once you know what you want to receive monthly you can choose to add an additional cushion for the times that the property will be between renters.
Just because you CAN fix something, it isn’t ALWAYS the best choice. Whether it is a timing issue, a cost issue or other reason, you may find that hiring a reliable outside professional provides the quickest and least troublesome repair.
Hiring a professional for a small job today is somewhat like an ‘interview’ for future; larger projects. Note this message from DALE CARNEGIE:

4. Once you have a successful experience with the work of a local professional on a small project, you will have someone to turn to when the larger repairs arise.

5. Another useful tool is a Move In/Move Out Checklist. There are several available online like this one from HUD.gov: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=90106.pdf

Have the new/outgoing tenant sign off on the property. Adding photos can help you both agree on the condition of the property as well.

As always, check with your professional advisors when entering any new project and let us know if these ideas have helped you or if you have questions regarding any property repairs for your current properties.

HMMA, Inc: 201-943-3331

Why Do You Need a General Contractor?-Remodeling and Construction in NJ

The reasons that most folks hire a General Contractor are many:

The job is too large or time-consuming to manage alone.
The job requires the management of a professional.
The job requires several trades whose work needs to be checked prior to hiring.
The job requires a dedicated perfectionist….what?!

Yes, your job-no matter how large or small requires a detail oriented, eagle-eyed, ruthless perfectionist. Why? Remember the saying ‘measure twice; cut once’?

The last thing you need is to ‘learn’ about what not to do on a remodeling or new construction project that you have been dreaming about for years.

Ask these questions of your GC to help you decide if he/she is worth hiring. It just may save you time and money in the long run.

How long have you been in the industry?
How many _______ have you done?
Are you insured?
How long before you start the job?
How long do you estimate the job will take?
Do you have a standard set of sub-contractors or employees that you work with?
What will you do to protect our timeline and budget?
How are you paid?
How will hiring you save me time and money?
How can I trust you will handle my job with care?

Now, armed with these answers, you can make a clear decision regarding the work you are planning.

For more information about your upcoming project-send us your request below:

HMMA – General Contracting

We Handle Your Project with Care

Tag: home improvement