| CyberYard__Online_Builder_Calculator Collection of calculator tools for estimating quantities of concrete, board footage, drywall, rise and rafter length, insulation, paint coverage, siding, flooring, and roofing. |
| DIY_Doctor Collection of articles and photographs covering a range of home projects. |
| Diy_Fix_It Collection of tips and advice covering building and repairs, plumbing, tiling, electrical, wallpapering, painting, and decorating. |
| DIY_Repair_and_Home_Improvement_Forums A community of homeowners and contractors sharing knowledge on painting, construction, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, flooring, and landscaping. |
| DIYData_com Collection of short articles on topics including plumbing, painting, tool usage, and other repair projects around the home. |
| DIYnot_com Forums and a large collection of tips and articles covering many aspects of home improvement. Sections include decorating, electricity, floors and stairs, home security, insulation, plumbing, roofing, |
| DIYonline_com Articles and step-by-step tutorials with photographs for a wide variety of home improvement projects, glossary, cost calculators (United States-based), and design tools. |
| Do_It_Yourself_Network__Home_Improvement Full range of projects explained and illustrated. |
| DoItYourself_com Tips on a wide variety of topics, including home construction, gardens and yards, and home repair. |
| The_Fix_Chicks Geared toward the woman of the house. Includes articles on several home improvement topics and discussion forums. |
| Freddy_Fix_It Advice on projects including bricklaying, painting, plastering, and glazing. Includes tools and materials needed for each task. |
| HammerZone_com Photographs and step-by-step instructions for electrical, plumbing, kitchen, bath, windows and doors, exterior, flooring, and carpentry projects. |
| Handyman_Club_of_America Handyman club features membership fees and benefits, along with weekly newsletter. |
| Handymanwire Collection of articles, tips, FAQs, and forums for a variety of home improvement projects. |
| Helpwithdiy_com Illustrated tutorials on topics including plumbing, painting, tiling, and decorating. |
| Home_Improvement Do-it-yourself articles cover interior and exterior, decks and patios, and decorating. |
| Home_Maintenance_and_Repair Advice and tips on hundreds of home maintenance and repair topics from the Michigan State University Extension Service. |
| Home_Modification_Action_Project Free resource for the elderly or disabled to find out the latest in home modifications to create more accessibility in their homes. |
| 411_Home_Repair Collection of short articles offering tips for home repair, gardens, tools, and appliances. |
| Home_Repair Information on do-it-yourself projects or major renovations. Offers time and money saving techniques, diagrams, and links to other home repair sites. |
| Home_Repair_Stuff Frequently asked questions from the alt.home.repair newsgroup, with plumbing, carpentry, and tool tips. |
| Home_Repairs Home repair tips, discussion forum and contractor search utility. |
| Home_Tips Home repair and improvement advice and tips including "How Your House Works", a manual by Don Vandervort, buying guides, ideas for home and shop. |
| HomeDoctor_net Short articles covering appliance repair, pest control, electrical repairs, energy savings, and heating and cooling in the home. Also includes discussion forums. |
| HomeImprove_com Collection of short articles on dozens of home improvement and repair topics. |
| Homestore_com__Home_Improvement Project ideas and plans, with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and photographs on a wide variety of topics. |
| Hometime An assortment of how-to guides, with manufacturer and safety information. |
| How_Not_to_Build_an_Addition All aspects of home improvement from getting a loan to finish carpentry. Humor and practical advice. |
| Jackie_Craven__The_Fix Article archive with answers on a variety of subjects including kitchen and bath, paint and wallpaper, home design, and pests. |
| Jerry_Built Woodworking and home-improvement site offering the opportunity to participate in the construction of an actual online project, by joining the "team" and submitting ideas, plans, and criticisms. |
| Kenovations A homeowner's step-by-step guide to renovating a 1968 Cape Cod home. |
| Mobile_Home_Doctor Short articles offering tips for repair and improvement specific to mobile homes. Includes a tutorial on construction of mobile homes. |
| Mobile_Home_Repair Advice; hardboard siding lawsuit update. |
| National_Association_of_the_Remodeling_Industry Tips on planning, what to look for when hiring a pro. |
| National_Kitchen_and_Bath_Association Information for consumers and trade professionals. Consumers can locate design professionals, research design strategies, and request a free remodeling planning kit. |
| The_Natural_Handyman Home repair help, humor, and encouragement through a collection of articles and a newsletter. |
| Our_Beautiful_Home Collection of stories and photos submitted by homeowners. |
| Polsteins_Project_Center Articles on a variety of projects and tips. |
| Renovators_Place Guides for many facets of home renovation and design; from hiring a contractor and getting financing to budgeting and selecting cabinets, floors and tile. Emphasis on kitchen and bath. |
| This_to_That Advice about how to glue things to other things. They are given with humor and good details. |
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BBB Video Series
Better Business Bureau Can Help Consumers Avoid Home Improvement Headaches
For Immediate Release
May 4, 1999 - It's spring, a time when many homeowners contemplate sprucing up their homes. The Council
of Better Business Bureaus has produced a new consumer publication to provide
tips on what to consider when planning a home improvement project. Titled "Home
Improvement," the Better Business Bureau (BBB) publication received national
attention in a recent issue of U.S. News & World Report that profiled the home
remodeling and contracting industry.
Our new educational brochure is a
must-have for consumers who are thinking about starting or contracting for a home
improvement project. Because most states do not heavily regulate home remodeling
or contracting, almost anyone with a hammer and business cards can set themselves
up as a home remodeler," said James L. Bast, president of the Council of
Better Business Bureaus. "An informed consumer is more likely to select one
of the reputable, ethical contractors that are committed to customer satisfaction."
Created with input from top government, association and industry leaders,
the BBB's home improvement brochure has easy-to-use checklists and user-friendly
text that show consumers how their selectivity in contractor hiring, familiarity
with area building codes and standards, and constancy in working with a contractor
throughout the entire home improvement process can help them avoid high bills
and big headaches.
The following are just a few of the helpful tips contained
in the BBB publication:
Plan your project from start to finish;
Be specific in explaining exactly what you want;
Be sure to
approve any architectural plans that are involved before the contract work begins;
Compare costs before making a financial commitment;
Discuss bids in detail with each contractor;
Ask the contractor for local references and find out if he or she is a member of a professional remodelers association;
Contact your Better Business Bureau to learn about the contractor's length of time in business and his or her responsiveness to complaints;
Find out if a contractor has insurance covering worker's compensation, property damage, and personal liability; and
Check with state, county, or city housing authorities to ensure that a contractor meets all area licensing/bonding requirements. To order a copy of this BBB publication, contact your local Better Business Bureau or visit the Resource Library of Publications on the BBB central web site at www.bbb.org.
# # #
Reporters and journalists may contact Steve Cox, CBBB's Vice President, Communications, or call 703.276.0100 to request an interview or additional information.
If you are a consumer who is seeking additional information, or need assistance with a complaint against a business, please contact your local BBB, visit the BBB web site (www.bbb.org) or call 703.276.0100.
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