Selecting the Contractor 1. Use your resources. Seek referrals from your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers, but DON’T STOP THERE. One good reference is not enough. Search for contractors on the Better Business Bureau website. Search for reputable contractors with the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Never forget…
When the nation’s home builders report growing confidence and increasing sales of new homes, does that make it a good time to buy a new home? The New York Times recently reported that the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index surged six points this month to 35, the highest reading since March…
Often homeowners rely on their contractor to include all items necessary in the scope of work to ensure the work is done properly and up to code. But, what if the contractor fails to include the necessary items? For example, a homeowner hires a contractor to install a driveway for $6,000. The contract simply states…
If you’ve explored buying a new home recently, you are undoubtedly familiar with the many articles and press accounts that have appeared over the past few years regarding the battered state of the residential real estate market. There is a glut of inventory of new homes that stretches across the country, and Washington is no…
As a result of two new cases – one from the Washington Supreme Court and another from our Division I Court of Appeals – homeowners may now have additional legal avenues to pursue if they experience personal injury or damage to property, regardless of whether they have a contract with the wrongdoer. In Eastwood v. Horse…
In a recent, unreported decision, Division III of the Washington Court of Appeals upheld a trial court’s award of damages to a homeowner that included a $26,000 “contingency” to address unforeseen problems that might be uncovered during the repair work. Although not a reported case, the decision is very instructive and interesting for homeowners who…
As you know, buying a home, whether it’s your first or your tenth, can be a very stressful experience. The buying process will arouse emotions that you didn’t even know you had. Are you looking for a new home because you are relocating to a new city, or are you moving to get into a new neighborhood? Do you view a home purchase as a form of investment, or just a home? Do you think bigger homes are better investments?
It’s odd — if not suspicious — that a bill offering Washington homeowners the same protections as the state’s condo owners is dying for the second year in a row. Senate Bill 6385 boils down the builder’s responsibility to a warranty, and allows builders the chance to repair damage before anyone goes to court. So…
Choosing the Wrong Home Inspector Could Cost You SEATTLE — For Sale: Recently remodeled home on a quiet street in Magnolia. Attractive concrete siding leaks water. Extensive dry rot around the windows. Want to spend thousands of dollars on repairs? Then look no further. Unfortunately for David and Susan Hayes, they got stuck with that…