Tag: home improvement

Top Shelf Cabinets, Cost U Less Cabinets, and Utah Flooring and Design

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
FURNITURE

Transforming Homes with Style: Top Shelf Cabinets, Cost U Less Cabinets, and Utah Flooring and Design

In the ever-changing world of home improvement, three companies stand out for their exceptional craftsmanship, affordable solutions, and innovative designs. Top Shelf Cabinets, Cost U Less Cabinets, and Utah Flooring and Design have revolutionized the industry by offering a wide range of options to homeowners in need of kitchen and bathroom cabinets and flooring.  

Top Shelf Cabinets has crafted a stellar reputation for its exquisite custom cabinetry – and for good reason. The company promises quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, and they follow design trends with an eagle eye. From kitchen remodels to bathroom renovations, Top Shelf Cabinets offers a wide range of designs and finishes to suit every style and preference. 

A family-owned business, Top Shelf Cabinets focuses on customer relationships, not transactions. Though their team showcases years of professional experience in the field, they make a point to offer each customer individualized attention and choose cabinets to fit specific needs and aesthetics. From the timeless appeal of white shaker cabinets to the allure of a more natural wood look, from the charismatic two-toned aesthetic to the sleek elegance of European-style cabinets, Top Shelf Cabinets has set new standards for excellence in the realm of cabinetry. 

Nate Bennet, Top Shelf Cabinets Kitchen Design

Another standout in the field, Cost U Less Cabinets, understands that many homeowners desire a high-end look that won’t break the bank. Recognizing the need for high-quality cabinetry at affordable prices, Cost U Less Cabinets has become a go-to choice for budget-conscious homeowners.  

The company employs innovative manufacturing and distribution strategies to offer ready-to-assemble cabinets that meet both style and budget requirements. Despite their competitive pricing, Cost U Less Cabinets never compromises on quality. They source durable materials and utilize efficient production processes to deliver cabinets

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Don’t Fall for These 10 Home Improvement Scams

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
HOME IMPROVEMENT
elderly woman in orange shirt talking on a cell phone while a contractor works on a white wall behind her

Photo: istockphoto.com

You’re ready to tackle your next home improvement project, and all you need is a contractor to take on the job. While it may be convenient to use the contractor who left a flyer at your door, homeowners should use caution when choosing a contractor to avoid getting caught in a scam.

Home improvement scams are on the rise—in 2021, the median loss from home improvement scams was $1,700. Scams also tend to increase following a weather event or during the warmer months. Before you sign any contracts or checks, keep these 10 common cons in mind to avoid becoming a victim of a home improvement scam.

RELATED: How to Pick the Best Contractor After Searching ‘Contractors Near Me’

1. Deposit Scam

man in grey sweatshirt holding cash in hands

Photo: istockphoto.com

In this situation, the contractor will ask for payment upfront (usually cash) before beginning work. Then, the contractor disappears and never completes the project. Many legitimate contractors may ask for a 10 percent to 30 percent deposit at the start of a project, but never the full amount. Some states even limit the amount of money a contractor can ask for as a down payment.

Asking for cash can be another red flag of a scam. Be extra careful depositing cash, since it is less protected than a credit card or check payment.

RELATED: I Hired ServPro to Repair Water Damage After a Flood—Did It Sink or Swim?

2. Insurance Scam

home with white siding surrounded by trees and flooded lawn

Photo: istockphoto.com

This trick is common after a big storm or natural disaster that damages homes in the area. Scammers will visit homes affected by the weather and offer their services to fix the damage. The scammers say they will handle the insurance claim and payment for the homeowner, which is a common situation for legitimate contractors.

Then, the scammers pocket the insurance

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Wilcon Provides Game-Changing Customer Service with the Launch of 88-WILCON Hotline

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
HOME IMPROVEMENT

Wilcon Depot, the Philippines’ leading home improvement and construction retailer, is thrilled to announce the launch of 88-Wilcon Hotline, a customer support hotline catering to all Wilcon customers nationwide.

Wilcon rolled out its 88-WILCON (88-945266) Hotline on June 30, 2023, bringing unparalleled convenience and access to a wide range of high-quality products, shopping assistance, and exceptional customer service. The hotline is a direct line for customers to connect with Wilcon’s knowledgeable team of professionals, who are ready to assist with inquiries, provide product recommendations, and guide customers throughout their purchasing journey.

Wilcon Depot SEVP-COO Rosemarie Bosch-Ong expressed the heart of this new project, stating, “At Wilcon Depot, it is our commitment to provide unparalleled excellence in the construction and home improvement retail industry. Therefore, we consistently strive to meet the evolving needs of our valued customers by setting higher standards in customer service, all while offering an extensive range of high-quality products and services.”

The 88-WILCON Hotline uses AI technology to streamline customer inquiries and improve call handling efficiency. Customers can expect a streamlined phone transaction when reaching out to the 88-WILCON Hotline, as their calls will be routed to the store closest to their location.

Aside from the hotline, customers can also rely on Wilcon’s existing customer service channels, including the live chat support agent via Wilcon Online Shop and social media platforms, and in-person assistance at any Wilcon branch nationwide.

Wilcon’s commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience extends beyond its physical stores. With the launch of the 88-WILCON Hotline, customers can now experience the same level of excellence and personalized service from the comfort of their own homes, offices, or project sites as part of the company’s mission which is to help Filipino homeowners and builders to build, improve and refine their homes for a sustainable and comfortable

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Where homeowners are most impacted by the skilled labor shortage

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
HOME IMPROVEMENT

Guide to Homeownership | Presented by Wells Fargo

With recent news of Home Depot and Lowe’s earnings losses, we’re starting to see a downward trend in home improvement spending. But there’s no doubt the home services industry saw a strong 2022. According to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies data, Americans spent close to $500 billion on home improvements in 2022, marking a decade of continuous growth within the industry.

However, with pent-up demand from the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing labor shortages across all sectors, many homeowners struggled to find professional help for their construction needs. This has left homeowners to face remodels or even critical repairs themselves. In places where demand and supply are mismatched, homeowners may need to turn to DIY projects more often, brace for remodeling wait times, or even pay a premium on home contractor services. 

To find out where skilled labor shortages are affecting homeowners the most, Today’s Homeowner used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau to create a proprietary ranking of where home service labor shortages are most and least prevalent. Additionally, researchers dug into home improvement trends, analyzing national labor and contractor business changes over the past several years.

Main Findings

  • Rust Belt areas are more likely to feel the squeeze. Metro areas in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio all rank in the 10 places where labor shortages may most impact homeowners.
  • Homeowners in Florida are feeling skilled labor shortages the least. Five of the top 10 places with the fewest skilled labor shortages are in the Sunshine State. 
  • Since 2019, there has been a 7% decline in the number of home service workers relative to homeowners and BLS data suggests labor shortages may worsen over the coming decade. 
  • Out of the eight skilled trade jobs
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Which Home Services Website Should You Use?

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HomeAdvisor vs. Angi

HomeAdvisor vs. Angi

With the raft of home services digital marketplaces flooding the internet, it can be difficult for homeowners to choose which platform to use when searching for contractors and professionals to complete necessary tasks. Most shoppers seek a reputable platform that can provide strong references for qualified professionals with as little hassle for the customer as possible. HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angie’s List) are two of the most recognizable names in the business, but their association with each other can further complicate the decision-making process for customers: Angi and HomeAdvisor are now both under the umbrella of the same parent corporation, called Angi, Inc. (formerly ANGI Homeservices). This relationship may make it seem as if these two companies are providing the same offerings under two different names, but that’s not actually the case. Each marketplace has strengths in different areas that may make it more or less appealing to customers in different circumstances. Comparing the two on the basis of selected criteria will help make choosing the best marketplace for a project (or general home improvement and maintenance management) a little easier for homeowners.

How We Compared Home Services Websites

HomeAdvisor vs. Angi

HomeAdvisor vs. Angi

Photo: istockphoto.com

  • Available services: All online home improvement marketplaces promise connections with an abundance of service providers, but the types of services provided often differ. We compared the options available at HomeAdvisor vs. Angi.

  • Signup and quote process: This is one of the most important interfaces in an online marketplace: Most customers are looking to divulge as little personal information as possible to gain access to recommendations and pricing, while the marketplaces want to gather as much information as possible for marketing campaigns. We examined the sign up, sign in, and price estimate processes for both HomeAdvisor and Angi.

  • Membership and cost: Few things are

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How to avoid home improvement scams | Entertainment News

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
HOME IMPROVEMENT

Do you have some home projects in mind? If you’re considering paying someone else to take them on, it’s important to be cautious about scams by untrustworthy contractors. Home improvement scams that leave homeowners with incomplete or shoddy work occur more often than people realize. Knowing how to protect yourself from contractor scams can save you from the heartache and frustration of losing money to unscrupulous service providers. In this article, Today’s Homeowner looks at advice to avoid becoming a victim of a home improvement scam.

How Common Are Home Improvement Scams?

Unfortunately, home improvement scams continue to happen year after year. One of the darker sides of this issue is that America’s elderly population is a significant target for scammers. However, no class of consumers is entirely safe.

The surge in home improvements and remodels that occurred during the pandemic also led to a spike in these types of scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the number of home improvement scams reported during the pandemic years of 2020 to 2021 was 44,000. Shockingly, over $82 million was lost to these scams during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. This phenomenon has come to be known as the “pandemic peak” due to the fact that home improvement scams reported to the FTC for the years 2015 to 2017 barely exceeded 3,000 annually.

Keep in mind that scam data published by the FTC only takes into account scams that are reported by consumers. Many scams go unreported.

As we mentioned earlier, elderly Americans are more vulnerable to scammers — and this applies across all industries. Many scammers see the 55 million Americans over the age of 65 as perfect targets. A 2021 Department of Justice report shows that 92,371 scam victims over the age of 60

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HomeAdvisor vs. Angi: Which Home Services Website Should You Use in 2023?

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HomeAdvisor vs. Angi

Photo: bobvila.com

With the raft of home services digital marketplaces flooding the internet, it can be difficult for homeowners to choose which platform to use when searching for contractors and professionals to complete necessary tasks. Most shoppers seek a reputable platform that can provide strong references for qualified professionals with as little hassle for the customer as possible. HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angie’s List) are two of the most recognizable names in the business, but their association with each other can further complicate the decision-making process for customers: Angi and HomeAdvisor are now both under the umbrella of the same parent corporation, called Angi, Inc. (formerly ANGI Homeservices). This relationship may make it seem as if these two companies are providing the same offerings under two different names, but that’s not actually the case. Each marketplace has strengths in different areas that may make it more or less appealing to customers in different circumstances. Comparing the two on the basis of selected criteria will help make choosing the best marketplace for a project (or general home improvement and maintenance management) a little easier for homeowners.

Find trusted local pros for any home project

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How We Compared Home Services Websites

HomeAdvisor vs. Angi

Photo: istockphoto.com

  • Available services: All online home improvement marketplaces promise connections with an abundance of service providers, but the types of services provided often differ. We compared the options available at HomeAdvisor vs. Angi.
  • Signup and quote process: This is one of the most important interfaces in an online marketplace: Most customers are looking to divulge as little personal information as possible to gain access to recommendations and pricing, while the marketplaces want to gather as much information as possible for marketing campaigns. We examined the sign up, sign in, and price estimate processes for both HomeAdvisor and Angi.
  • Membership
… Read the rest

5 DIY Home Improvement E-Commerce Trends To Watch

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
HOME IMPROVEMENT

I head up the e-commerce department at Liquid Rubber, a leading provider of home improvement and DIY water ingress prevention products.

The vibrant DIY (Do-It-Yourself) community is an ever-evolving ecosystem, continually adapting to changing technologies, market dynamics and consumer preferences. And when it comes to home improvements, DIYers are increasingly leveraging digital platforms to meet their needs—some out of sheer convenience of front-door delivery and others due to improved selection and lower prices.

As we chug ahead into the second half of 2023, we’re witnessing a seismic shift in the DIY home improvement sector, with several e-commerce trends emerging and gaining traction. Today, I will delve into the top DIY e-commerce home improvement trends that will shape the industry in 2023 and beyond. I’ve analyzed a wealth of data, market reports and expert insights, curating an authoritative guide for DIY enthusiasts, industry players and leaders alike.

1. Social commerce is revolutionizing the DIY market.

Social media channels have come a long way from their infancy of image and status updates, evolving to more robust marketplaces that range from private sellers to big box stores. This merging of e-commerce and social media forms a handshake transactional process between today’s leading social websites and direct consumers.

The appeal of social commerce—which had an estimated 90 million shoppers in 2021—lies in its capacity to connect brands with a vast, engaged audience. For example, platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest have become hotspots for DIY inspiration, with users sharing unique project ideas, hacks and even useful home decor tips. The innate and interactive nature of these platforms allows brands to foster a sense of community around their products, giving them a unique ability to engage with their audience, gather feedback and insights and provide superior customer service that otherwise wouldn’t be attainable

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Lowe’s Vs. Home Depot Stock: Which Is The Better Buy?

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Home Depot location with American flag. Home Depot is the largest home improvement retailer in the US.

jetcityimage

Overview:

Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) and Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) are the two largest home improvement retailers in the US with over 2,000 stores each. And these stores are enormous, averaging over 100,000 SF each. The total market for home

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Georgia DIY home-building project yields five great product recommendations

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
HOME IMPROVEMENT

DIY expert Chip Wade shared some of the lessons learned — and some key product ideas — in the process of building a house in Chatsworth, Georgia.

Appearing on “Fox & Friends Weekend” on Saturday, Jan. 21, Wade highlighted five of his favorite do-it-yourself products.

“Check out this cellular PVC tongue-in-groove board from VERSATEX called ‘canvas,’” he said, holding up a piece of the material.

‘FOX AND FRIENDS WEEKEND’ SHARES HOME IMPROVEMENT SECRETS AS SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES CONTINUE

Cellular PVC, Wade explained, does not need maintenance or painting, and has “no bugs, ever.”

“Super easy to install, it has this wood-grain veneer on top,” he said, adding that he installed the product throughout the inside and outside of his home.

DIY Expert

DIY expert Chip Wade revealed his new Georgia home — and highlighted some of the great products and tools he discovered in the process.

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“It’s even great on porch ceilings,” he said, noting that it comes in a variety of colors and profiles.

Next, Wade introduced the “EZ Level” cabinet levelers, which he said work much better than the traditional technique of using shims to ensure a level countertop.

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The levelers can be installed on the bottom of cabinets in about 10 minutes, said Wade.

They can be adjusted “super, super easily” via screws in the front of the cabinet.

“Look at this. These come up and down after the cabinet’s installed,” he said. “It revolutionizes the precision of pro-level results.”

DIY EXPERT CHIP WADE REVEALS TIPS FOR FUN BACKYARD SETUPS

Wade then turned to large-format tiles, something he said are “notoriously difficult and expensive” to install.

DIY Expert

DIY expert Chip Wade, on “Fox and Friends

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