Carl Brahe
Knowledge is essential for making good decisions about real estate. A good property may be passed over for fear of repairs that may not be as bad as they sound. A bad property might be bought from ignorance or underestimation of defects. Ignorance can allow deferred maintenance that can cause extreme problems.
There are so many aspects of any property that no single person can understand them all, but quick guidance is available anywhere you have internet access. There are websites that explain almost anything you can think of in a way that most people can understand easily.
The best known and probably most used is Wikipedia. This site is a mind boggling information source written by anyone who wants to contribute. If you have a special interest in something, you can write an article and post it. If readers disagree with you or want to add to what you’ve written, they are able to make changes. The amount of information is already incredible and grows daily. So many people have contributed so much that there is probably nothing related to your real estate that you can think of that hasn’t been written about here.
More specific sites are available related to real property. The old standards BobVila.com and ThisOldHouse.com offer detailed information about how different repair, remodel and renovation projects are done. Plans are offered for various projects and how-to-do guides are also provided. The projects are presented for the serious handyperson. This information is as valuable for dealing with contractors as it is for the do-it-yourselfer. Knowing how a project is done can save you money and stress.
Some sites are aimed at the average person who is interested in just about anything. How Stuff Works and About.com , have various websites for individual interests like, How Stuff Works – Home and Garden. Other sites that are geared to the average person are sponsored by television stations. Home and Garden TV and DIY Network have extensive websites with resources for decorating, organizing, gardening and remodeling. Home Depot offers extensive resources for homeowners and professionals, plus classes to teach skills and sales associates who will provide information about materials and how to tips for most projects. They also offer contractors for most projects and are a source for projecting costs.
Disaster remediation is the specialty of cleaning up after problems like fire and flood. Foreclosed properties are abundant these days. Neglect, vandalism and ignorance leave these homes in need of disaster remediation for things like water and smoke damage and mold. Puro Clean , Blu Sky Services.
Colorado Inspection Services provides a wide range of specialized information for property owners, buyers and sellers, and real estate professionals. Subjects that affect the safety, comfort or usability of a property are covered. This is a constantly growing data base.
These sites provide referrals for Denver area handymen/women to do your actual repairs and remodel projects. Some of these contractors will rescue when you find yourself over your head, or have just outright blown a project. Always get more than one bid on a project and ask for and check references. These sites provide referrals but in most cases provide no guarantee of satisfaction.
Handyman.com (800) 466-5530
HandymanMatters.com 303-984-0177
HouseDoctors.com 888-468-7336
MrHandyman.com. 877-674-2639
*The above websites are presented for information only. Inspection Perfection Inc does not endorse these website, nor the companies, and the products and services they provide.