The Time to Remodel Your Home is Now

Before the winter season hits, it's a good idea to inspect your home. As you do this, ask yourself these questions:

* Does my home need to be repainted every few years?

* Do I have high heating and cooling bills?

* Do I have drafts around my windows?

* Am I spending a lot of my time keeping my old siding looking good?

* Is my current siding rotting, warping, fading or discontinued?

* Can I hear outside noise when the windows are closed?

* Do I have excessive heat gain in my home from the sun?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be in the market for a home-remodeling job. This year alone, homeowners will spend nearly $130 billion on home remodeling.

Knowing where to start can be very important. You might be wondering: Can I do a project like this myself or should I leave it up to the professionals? How much is this going to cost?

Here are some tips on how to choose a contractor:

* Ask for references and visit some of the homes they have remodeled. Ask questions while you are there, too.

* Check credentials. Are they a member of the National Association of Home Builders? Are they up to date with their licensing and insurance?

* Find out how long they have been in business. Assure yourself they aren’t a “here today and gone tomorrow” kind of company.

* When it comes time to sign the contract, go over it thoroughly with the contractor and discuss any final questions with them before signing it.

Remember, quality is never cheap and the lowest bid isn’t always the best. It may seem like a headache at first to do research, but it will save time and money in the long run.

Once you’ve chosen a contractor, prioritize your projects.

With rising costs at the gas pump and for home heating, the best place to start might be making your home more energy efficient. The U.S. Department of Energy says one-third of a home's air leakage comes from the walls, floors and ceilings.

One of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient is to install seamless steel siding. ABC Seamless, for example, can install its seamless steel siding year-round. Since it has the strength of steel, it is not vulnerable to extreme cold or heat. Vinyl siding expands and contracts greatly with changes in temperature, which limits its installation to certain times of the year.

Each home sided by ABC Seamless is wrapped with a blanket of Energy Star approved insulation before the siding is installed. With the increase in heating and cooling costs, this added insulation can save you money year round. The seamless steel also eliminates ugly seams and is virtually maintenance free.