For those who have bravely served our country and have returned with service-connected disabilities, the United States government offers a few grants to help remodel or build accessible homes. The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant can provide servicemembers the money they need to make their home a safer, more comfortable place to live. As an SAH remodeling contractor in Pennsylvania, we have lots of experience working with disabled veterans to transform their current or new homes to better accommodate the loss of a limb, loss of sight, severe burns and other ailments. If you have been granted an SAH grant,...
The process of building a new home is sometimes confusing for homeowners—there are many facets like permitting, materials, building codes and more that the average person is not likely to understand. When you work with a great home builder, though, this process should be easy. One of the biggest concerns of our clients is whether they will remain involved during the construction process or if they will be kept in the dark. The answer to this question boils down to one of the most important qualities of home builders in Pennsylvania: communication. Effective communication is extremely important during all phases...
Change orders can be a headache in complex projects, but there are circumstances in which they are necessary, or can at least be managed well. The reasons for submitting a change request can vary—many times they happen due to completely unforeseen circumstances arising during the project. Here are a few examples from home builders in Pennsylvania of situations that could cause a property owner to submit a change request in a construction project. Errors or omissions in drawings Perhaps the most common reason why property owners submit change order requests is that they come across errors or omissions in the...
When you’re looking to build a new property, whether it’s a home or a commercial building, you’ll find it highly beneficial to work with a design-build firm. Having the builder involved throughout the entire process is very beneficial. Most people will not find it at all helpful if they are told by a builder that they have to pick materials or perform design work themselves. With this in mind, here are some of the benefits of working with a design-build firm in Pennsylvania: One accountable firm: Using a design-build approach allows you to have one go-to source for your entire...
Many of us dream about building the perfect kitchen for years, even decades, before we ever have the chance. When the time comes, the decisions we have to make can be daunting. There are so many options, at so many price points, it’s hard to know where to start. With that in mind, we’ve collected some of our best advice on the subject in this handy compendium. Budget When setting your budget, a good rule of thumb is to take all your material costs, your cabinetry, appliances, counters, etc. and multiply that by six or seven. This means that kitchen...
When trying to pick the right home builder for your project, most people instinctively know to only considering builders with the proper licensing and insurance and workers compensation policies. Without those things, you’re really not dealing with a professional builder at all, and you’re putting yourself and your finances at risk. And, of course, most people also know what their budget is for their project. But beyond these things, many people still remain unsure about how to pick the best builder for their needs. Here’s our best, most commonsense advice on the subject. Look at their portfolio The first thing...
The physical limitations one faces due to aging or because of a serious physical injury or disability can make it suddenly difficult for someone who has taken care of themselves all their life to be self-sufficient, making it difficult to even get around the home. Certified ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) contractors and Certified Aging in Place Specialists can help. Contractors with these certifications are knowledgeable about the physical challenges that are faced because of aging or disability, and have design methods that are proven to make living a self-sufficient life more manageable, allowing people to continue to live in...
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers grants to service members and veterans with injuries that inhibit their mobility or use of their limbs, or for other serious injuries such as blindness or severe burns. There are two VA housing grants that differ in their benefits and the injuries that qualify one to receive them. In this post, we will discuss who’s eligible to receive these grants, and how to go about applying for them. First, a rundown on the two grants. Specially Adapted Housing Grant Payout: The maximum payout for the Specially Adapted Housing grant (SAH) is established...
