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It’s Getting Cold

It's getting cold!Prepare your pipes for the winter months.

It’s getting cold!
Prepare your pipes for the winter month

It feels like the Winter weather has arrived, it’s time to prepare your home for the cold if you haven’t done so already. Frozen pipes can leave you without water in the worst of weather and cost a lot to repair. But with a few simple steps, you can easily preserve both your budget and your peace of mind.

BEFORE THE COLD SETS IN

Know how to shut off your water: Locate your main water shut-off valve. In many homes, it is located near the water meter or close to where the water pipe enters the home.

Check sprinkler or irrigation systems: Make sure everything is turned off and fully drained.

Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines: Check for pipes in areas that might be prone to freezing, such as crawl spaces, unheated rooms, basements, garages, and exterior walls. Fix drafty windows, insulate walls around pipes and plug drafts around doors.

Protect your pipes: Where pipes are exposed to cold, wrap them with insulation or heat tape (even fabric or newspaper can help).

WHEN TEMPERATURES STAY BELOW FREEZING

Give pipes a helping hand: If pipes run through cabinets or vanities, open the doors to let warmer room temperatures flow in.

Keep water moving through the pipes: Allow a small trickle of water to run. The cost of the extra water is typically lower than the cost to repair a broken pipe.

IF YOUR PIPES FREEZE

Shut off the water immediately: Don’t attempt to thaw pipes without turning off the main shut-off valve.

Thaw a frozen pipe by warming the air around it: Do not leave space heaters unattended and avoid using kerosene heaters or open flames.

Carefully turn the water back on: Once pipes are thawed, slowly turn the water back on and check pipes and joints for any cracks or leaks.

 

Need more information on freezing pipes this winter, visit American Water

 

 

 

 

 

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What Does a General Contractor do in Bergen County, NJ?

Despite what you may have heard, not every home project requires the service of a general contractor in Bergen County, NJ. In fact, there are projects perfect for DIYing or hiring a handyman who can you can supervise yourself.

Read on to know what a contractor does in Bergen County, NJ, and when it’s best to hire one.

Duties of a general contractor

When you hire a general contractor, you can expect them to perform the following functions and more within the scope of your project in Bergen County, NJ;

  • Oversee the day-to-day operation of the home project
  • Obtaining building permits needed
  • Hire and supervise all the subcontractors needed on the site. These can include electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and more.
  • Communicate clearly with the property owner to ensure your needs and desires are being met.
  • Distribute payment
  • Set schedules, budget, and more around the project

When it’s best to hire a general contractor?

It’s important to first note that a general contractor in Bergen County, NJ, and a handyman is not the same thing. A handyman can comfortably fulfill small home remodeling projects like cabinet installations or repair. A general contractor is who you call when you want an entire kitchen remodel. You see the difference, here?

More complicated projects like full remodel often require different specialists and building inspections. When you find your construction project needs such work and organizing, that’s how you know you it’s best to hire a general contractor. It’s just like hiring an event planner for your wedding rather than going through all the stress of planning and execution yourself.

General contractors also do more than specialize in-home or building construction. You can find a licensed contractor that performs a wide range of work such as building skyscrapers, bridges, dams, and stadiums or fireproofing, asbestos removal, HVAC, concrete, and elevators. This is why when hiring an individual or large firm contractor, be sure of their experience with your construction project.

 

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What is a General Contractor in Bergen County, NJ?

 

As a homeowner in Bergen County, NJ, you are easily faced with various projects. Some projects are simple enough, requiring nothing more than your willingness to DIY and easily available tools. Other projects may present a higher level of difficulty and it’s times like these you hire a pro to bring your plans to life.

A general contractor is almost hardly the first thing to cross your mind as a homeowner. But we will explain what a general contractor in Bergen County, NJ is, and when you might need one.

A good definition for a general contractor is someone who takes your plans for a project and turns them into reality by organizing everything from start to finish. The general contractor will be in charge of hiring sub-contractors, ordering equipment, permits, inspecting finished work, handling the paperwork, coordinating schedules, overseeing payment and budget, and much more.

The general contractor is who the homeowner enters into an agreement with.

You can see that a general contractor typically saves you a lot of trouble on your home projects.

In Bergen County, NJ general contractors can be either an individual or a large construction firm. An individual general contractor will probably be someone with some experience in construction and with a sort of limited capacity as individual GCs can only take on a few projects at a time. A large construction firm is fully staffed and equipped to take on as many projects and can be more dependable for your project.

Does a general contractor in Bergen County, NJ need any qualifications?

Yes. Like any other profession, being a general contractor has a special set of requirements. The bulk of these requirements differ from state to state but can include a degree in construction management, civil engineering, or building science, practical experience working as a subcontractor, and a general contractor’s license.

If you are looking for a qualified general contractor in Bergen County, NJ you can contact us here.

 

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Requirements to be a General Contractor in Bergen County, NJ

 

If you are looking to become a general contractor here are the Requirements to be a General Contractor in Bergen County, NJ you need:

  1. First buy insurance for your business. Your registration for the contractor’s license will demand a copy of your insurance policy. This policy must hold no less than $500, 000 in liability per accident.
  2. Almost everything you do is tied to registering with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. This will in turn require multiple approved documents. The items include-
  • A consistent business name
  • Business contact details such as telephone number, mailing address, and email
  • Federal employer identification number (EIN)
  • Proof of liability insurance of over $500, 000
  • Your social security number
  • A disclosure certification signed and stating that all information provided is true to the best of your knowledge.

To submit your application for the New Jersey general contractor’s license, you will pay a fee of $110.

With your registration in, you will now have to wait for your acceptance or rejection. It takes over 6 weeks of waiting time to know where you stand with your New Jersey general contractor’s license. If your license is granted, you will be sent the certificate via your mail. The license comes with a registration number vital for your business and is valid for one year.

You are further required to place your license in a visible part of your office and use the registration number on all your business-related contracts, ads, and vehicles. You must also renew your license before it expires.

Without a license to certify your authenticity as a general contractor you will be unable to pull construction permits or even acquire good clients. Working as a general contractor without a license in Bergen County, NJ will attract legal implications.

A general contractor’s job is worth desiring. There’s no better time than now to join the industry and get your slice of endless projects. However, it will hardly be a walk in the park with various requirements that differ across states.

Call us for more information about General Contractor Requirements NJ at 201-505-1555.

 

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How to Find a Good General Contractor in Bergen County, NJ.

 

For many homeowners deciding you need a general contractor in Bergen County, NJ is one thing. Then, finding a good contractor is another much harder part of the entire project.

You have likely heard the horror stories. Or if you’ve had reason to hire general contractors a few times in the past, you might just have one of your own.

How can you ensure you don’t fall into the wrong hands for your residential or commercial construction needs? Well, look no further and worry no more because here are some tips on how to find a good general contractor in Bergen County, NJ.

  1. Know what you want

This means defining your project. It’s the most important part of finding a good general contractor because getting confused about your needs can attract bad contractors and scare the good ones off. You also wouldn’t know how to direct your search.

  1. Develop a list

Next is to develop a list of general contractors whose services match your needs. Creating this list is easier than you think because all you have to do is ask family, friends, colleagues, and Google.

  1. Use the signs

With your recommendations or referrals handy, what’s next is to know the signs of a good/bad contractor and use this to narrow down your list. Signs of a bad general contractor;

  • Abnormalities with licensing
  • Speaks poorly of past associates
  • Doesn’t keep to time and other agreements
  • Avoids permits or has legal troubles
  • Extremely cheap

Signs of a good general contractor;

  • Reasonably priced
  • Communicates clearly
  • Punctual
  • Keeps to agreement
  • Provides proper estimates
  • Intact license

 

  1. Talk to potential contractors

Your list will be down to a few names by this step. Reach out to the general contractors to discuss your project and get information on their references, experience, and estimates.

With your choice made, read and sign the builder’s contract and get started on your project with a general contractor in Bergen County, NJ.

Contact Us: HERE

 

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What Do General Contractors Do?

 

 

What Do General Contractors Do? Are you planning a bedroom remodel? Or perhaps it’s the kitchen? Or are you building a home? Regardless of which of these or something similar you are planning to undertake construction is both complicated and time-consuming. Ideally, you would need a general contractor with the professional knowledge needed to complete your project smoothly and efficiently. It sounds easy, and it sounds obvious but still, many homeowners think they can skip hiring a general contractor and save a few bucks.

Unfortunately, this plan never goes as expected and homeowners end up spending, even more, when they finally have to hire a general contractor to correct their mistakes and carry on with the project. If you are not well-informed on what exactly general contractors do, read on to learn all about it. 

 

·      They bring knowledge to the table

Just because you can change a few light bulbs does not mean your knowledge or expertise on electricity can compare with a qualified electrician. The same goes for construction. A general contractor is a specialist with the knowledge needed for construction projects and as such they bring this unparalleled knowledge to the table.

A general contractor knows the work process. They know what needs to be done and when. This saves time, keeps the project going smoothly, and also saves money. Missing things can heap up unexpected expenses in the long run. 

General contractors are also well-informed on trades and they supervise the entire jobs done by subcontractors. They know the schedules and they keep your project on track. This particular point is so vital because there are several subcontractors on a project at one time. Depending on the scope of what you are doing, they could be up to 40. Imagine having to ensure each one of these 40 subs are on time and delivering what is needed? Imagine the risk of one or more subs missing their deadlines or scheduled time? This can impact everything negatively and slow things down. But of course, when a qualified general contractor is on the job, that won’t happen. 

A general contractor also has knowledge of building codes and employ this to ensure your work is up to standard. They are your way out of troublesome re-inspection fees. 

·      They are experienced with contracting details

You can surely agree that there is so much detail involved with the contracting process of subs. As a homeowner or property owner without the needed knowledge, how would you know the scope of this contract? What happens when changes come into the picture from your end or the subcontractor’s end? A general contractor saves you the trouble because they are experienced with contracting details. This just becomes something you never have to worry about when you hire a general contractor.

·      They keep valuable relationships

All professional general contractors have a thriving business relationship with builders and other subcontractors. This relationship makes it easier for you to get the best subcontractors on your project. And it also contributes to the efficiency of their work. 

Looking to ask questions or hire a professional general contractor? Reach out to us here. 

 

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What to Ask a General Contractor

 

What to Ask a General Contractor

Asking the right questions cuts your work in half when searching for the right contractor for your project. It helps you make a better choice of who to work with as well as understand the scope of your project. It also ensures a smooth working relationship with the contractor you finally choose.

We have put together these vital questions you need to help you enjoy these benefits. Read on to find them.

  1. Are you licensed?

The right answer – YES

The question on the license is vital for many reasons. First, it gives you the guarantee that if the contractor does not perform a complete job you can hold them accountable with a licensing body. Some states also require contractors to have a license while some don’t. If your state requires a license, be sure to check a licensing agency in your state to confirm that the contractor’s license number is authentic.

  1. How long have you been working in this industry?

The right answer – A few years that present enough time to have over ten references that you can contact.

Experience can never be underestimated. While you do not need the contractor to have decades of experience to assure you of his expertise, a few years in the business comes with proof of a good or bad record. You can see reviews and reach out to the references to inquire about their experience.

  1. Do you have insurance for damages if they occur?

The right answer – YES

Quite simply you really do not what an uninsured contractor working in your home. The insurance is there to protect you from costs or responsibility should accidents occur or anything gets damaged during the construction process. Luckily such accidents or damages are rare but you cannot skip having an insured general contractor.

  1. Do you have a workman’s compensation insurance for your employees?

The right answer – YES

You do not want to be held responsible for the treatment of an employee who got injured while working on your project. This is not because you are unkind, but because you can’t shoulder such unexpected expenses like surgery for example. All professional general contractors carry this insurance.

  1. What is a realistic or estimated timeline for this project?

The right answer – A specific timeline that you would expect the contractor to work by.

Knowing how long the project takes is important to help you prepare for the project and find housing alternatives if necessary. It also helps you agree on milestones with the contractor so you know if your project is on track. You can hold the contractor to this estimate and avoid any surprises like the contractor taking off while the project is incomplete.

Transparency is important and a good general contractor can answer your questions easily and clearly. If the contractor seems to have a hard time doing this, then it is a red flag you might not want to ignore.

Check out other vital questions to ask your general contractor here.

 

 

 

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Dealing with a Bad Contractor

 

Dealing with a bad contractor, remodeling your home or building a new one can be hectic. It’s hardly something you can handle on your own which leads many homeowners to hire a contractor. But what happens when the contractor takes your money and runs for it. Or does a sloppy job, delays your project, and much more horrible things? The good news is, there is something you can do about these situations and the bad news is you hardly come away without a form of loss.

Red flags to look out for when hiring a contractor

It is possible to avoid running into a bad contractor in the first place. It is much cheaper and easier than having to deal with a bad one later. Here are some red flags to look out for when hiring.

  • A contractor that solicits door to door

A good contractor is usually too busy to go from door to door soliciting jobs. A bad one, however, has the time. Some homeowners fall victim to hiring a contractor that showed up at their door and shaking hands on an agreement that was never signed. The result of this is that the contractor can do as they please and there’s no legal agreement to hold them by.

  • They bid lower than normal

As a rule of thumb, you should not go with the first contractor you see or the one with the lowest price. Be sure to compare up to three or even more contractor bids before deciding and be wary of those with a bid lower than normal. Another angle to this is contractors that claim they want to use your work for advertising purposes. Refuse such offers that seem to include cutting corners.

  • They don’t get the permits themselves

A professional contractor gets the necessary permits themselves. They do not put that responsibility on the homeowner. A contractor that requests you to do this is probably unlicensed or has a bad reputation.

  • The contractor wants to be paid the whole fee upfront

This is clearly a scam. You should only pay a small percentage of the total fee upfront.

How to deal with a bad contractor

  • Fire the contractor

This is the first and quickest way out. As soon as you notice the signs don’t allow your loss go any further. Fire the contractor immediately and end the contract. Use your documentation of the work agreement and their actions as your defense.

  • Hire an attorney

In case the contractor has escaped with your money or doesn’t finish the job, you can hire an attorney to pursue them. This will cost you the attorney’s fees and time but weigh your other options and decide.

  • File complaints and post public review

If you are unable to take solid legal action, you can always file complaints on review websites and leave a public negative review stating your experience.

  • Go to a small claims court

In a small claims court, you can do without an attorney. But there’s a limit that the plaintiff can sue for. Check for the limit before you proceed.

Let us know your experiences with dealing with a bad contractor

Read more from us HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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6 Ways to Increase Your Home Value This Year

 

If you are like most homeowners, then you know and believe that your home is your biggest asset. Therefore, you can’t go wrong with increasing your home’s value. You can do it to build equity now or value to sell the home later. Despite what you might believe increasing your home’s value is actually not so financially demanding. Here are 6 sure ways to boost value for equity or selling your home in the future.

  1. Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is easily one of the biggest influencers of a home’s value. When you or a potential buyer takes a turn into your street, how does your home look? Is it welcoming and attractive? Does it appeal to a buyer or make you believe this home might be worth some good cash? Work on the curb appeal of your home by doing little things here and there. Enhance the appearance of your walkway with flowers. Engage in proper lawn maintenance. Paint your front door red or something bold and pretty. If possible, get your neighbors to do the same thing too because curb appeal doesn’t involve just your home. It gets better if other houses close to you have a great outward appearance too.

6 Ways to Increase Your Home Value This Year

  1. Paint and Flooring

Ever walked into a freshly painted home with equally fresh and clean flooring? Painting your home is one of the most cost-effective means of adding value to your home. It can bring a fresh look to worn out interiors. Choose colors that flatter your home to do this. Some new floorboards, carpets, and other flooring options will compliment your freshly painted walls making the home look brand new.

  1. Increase Home Efficiency

Smart homes are more than a trend. They enhance your comfort and convenience as a homeowner. Then, of course, they skyrocket value. Who wouldn’t love a home with a smart thermostat, alarm system, smart lighting, smart lock and open, and so on? An efficient home helps you save on the utility bill too.

  1. Add More Space

Adding more usable space to the home can never be wrong. Experienced realtors would tell you that homes are priced and valued based on how much livable space they contain. You can add anything from an extra bathroom to a bedroom, or even a living room.

6 Ways to Increase Your Home Value This Year

  1. Clean and Declutter

Clutter occupies so much space and sucks the brightness out of your home. A thorough clean helps you organize your home, find more space, breathable air, and increase value.

  1. Clean Windows, Check Doors

A dirty window is very distracting and does nothing for your home. Those windows are a magnet for dust and dirt. Clean them often and make them shine. Doors should not be left out either. Install new doors or clean up old ones. In a study carried out by Remodeling magazine’s 2019 Cost vs Value Study, replacing a garage door usually recoups 97.5% of its cost.

 

Read more from Four Star Construction: HERE.

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Why Is It Important To Hire A Licensed General Contractor?

general contractor - 4 Star Construction

Understanding the importance of hiring a licensed contractor

Regardless of where a contractor is from, it’s imperative for every General Contractor to apply for and get a permit.

What is the reason for these laws? The design is to secure property owners against untrustworthy or dubious contractors. The most important thing is that the permitting procedure is proof of the fundamental competency and get rid of deceptive contractors.

When you see that a General Contractor has a qualifying permit, it’s an indication that the expert is met all requirements to take care of business agreeable to you.

In the event that you need to know the significance of permitting, we recommend that you read through this article. Read on to know more.

Dispute resolution

One of the principal advantages of procuring the administrations of an authorized contractor is that the question determination program of the state will enable you to determine the debate.

The remuneration will be allowed from the assets of the state. In the event that you need to get the most out of this program, you might need to watch that the expert has a substantial permit for the administrations they are putting forth.

Without a legitimate permit, it’s unrealistic to profit by a debate determination.

State Requirements

In each state, there is a permitting board that has particular necessities for expert contractors. The prerequisites in a single state might be not quite the same as the necessities in another state. Additionally, the sort of permit is likewise unique in light of the state.

Licenses for General Contractors

The necessity for permit relies on the part of a specific development venture. A general contractor is an individual who is mindful to manage you i.e. the proprietor of the property.

The expert will work with you, regulate the whole venture, purchases the required material and contracts a few subcontractors.

The subcontractors will answer to the general contractors and not you. Since the permit doesn’t approve any expert to do every single activity in the undertaking, you ought to do your exploration and discover what somebody can do in your state.

Different Licenses

In the larger part of states, uncommon licenses are conceded keeping in mind the end goal to enable the experts to carry out specific occupations.

For this, every competitor needs to demonstrate that he or she is sufficiently able to do work in a zone like pipes, material, and electrical.

In addition, if a GC doesn’t have an exceptional permit to complete a venture, they may go for a subcontractor who is sufficiently qualified to do the work.

Finally, it’s critical that you become acquainted with every part of your venture. At the beginning times, it’s a considerable measure simpler to settle botches.

In any case, on the off chance that they are not settled in time, it might turn into a considerable measure harder and more costly to settle them.

Besides this present, it’s a smart thought to watch out for every specialist with the goal that the task could be finished as quickly as time permits.

Long story short, on the off chance that you have been considering beginning a building venture, we recommend that you enlist a building contractor who is authorized and experienced. Expectations will help.

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