Q&A / 

Not every home inspector has the qualifications to perform a thorough home inspection. When inviting home inspectors into your house, make sure they are a seasoned professional. A certified home inspector is a member of a reputable organization, like the following three listed certification associations.

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Cabin kits and cabin plans are available to make your cabin dream come true. Small cabin plans should make room for ample storage, wet clothes, recreational gear and furniture to start. Sources for cabin kits and plans are listed here.

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Books about cabins and cottages will provide you a wealth of ideas for your special cabin retreat. Cabin plans and cottage plans and resources are offered, along with ideas and photos that are sure to inspire.

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Construction contracts can be very complex or they can be simple. The best ones I have seen contain easy to understand language and are written as a person talks. The sentences are short, concise and clear. You know exactly what is going to happen. You can get into trouble with contracts if they become long, complicated and wordy. In fact, some contracts are so goofed up that they actually contain conflicting statements!

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One of my editors asked me to write this particular column. We were together with several other people in the press lounge at the National Association of Home Builders Show in Dallas, Texas. One of the people in the group needed to hire a contractor and asked me exactly how to spot a pro. Once I finished answering the question, the editor said that she wanted me to write a column about the same subject.

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There are many, many different trade magazines. Virtually each aspect of building and remodeling has its own. For example, there are ones that cover just concrete, brick, heating and cooling, roofing, tile, etc. There simply are not enough hours in the day to read all of them!

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The following contractor questions may make a few of you uncomfortable. You may gulp at trying to ask them. Well, before you give up, I want you to close your eyes and imagine $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 of your money just vanishing in thin air. If you hire the wrong contractor for your job, this is a distinct possibility. I know, because I get numerous e-mails each week from people who have been cheated by bad contractors.

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